Iberostar Paraiso Beach

LikedA satisfactory quality-price ratio, diversified food, a good cleaning service. A gorgeous beach, huge pools and lots of wildlife, the location is gorgeous.

DislikedMost of the staff react very well only if they receive tips. I don't think it's normal to give tips at the breakfast or lunch buffet, as such I had a rather bad experience where although the table next to us had been served many times with wine, we weren't even they didn't ask us if we wanted water, and that's because we thought it wasn't necessary to tip. I tipped at the bars and restaurants where you had to make a reservation, I didn't consider it necessary or normal to tip at the buffet restaurants in a 5-star all-inclusive hotel. Another rather serious problem is that absolutely nowhere in the booking is it specified that the hotel is for non-smokers. Absolutely nowhere, there is no bar or terrace provided for smokers so we had to go outside the hotel to smoke.

LikedThe resort is huge and beautiful. One can easily find quiet areas on the pool or beach to read a book, or action filled spots with music and activities. The rooms are spacious and clean. There is a great variety of food and drinks, and many restaurants throughout the resort. We especially like that the resort shares the grounds with 3 other iberostar resorts, and some of the restaurants and facilities are shared with all the hotels, which increases your options even more. Kids can be totally independent (depending on age), and have plenty of activities.

DislikedThe size of the resort and the way it is laid out means you walk A LOT. This can be challenging for young kids or older adults. They have a club car shuttle, but you need to wait 10-15 minutes for it sometimes. On the plus side, we walked ~15K steps everyday, to make up for all the food we ate. Our least favorite part of the resort were the a la carte restaurants. The food there was mediocre at best, and the service was not what we expected. We thought these would be a step up from the buffet restaurant, but the buffet was much better in all aspects. We tried 2 different restaurants and felt the same about both. That being said, the buffet restaurant was really great, and sticking to dinners there is more than enough.

LikedThe food options were good, and the staff friendly and welcoming. A great fitness centre!

DislikedIt was a larger resort than I usually stay at. I didn’t like that you could only book at a la carte restaurants 3 times over an 8 night stay. Don’t like going to a buffet for supper. Although the fitness centre is new, modern and large, with a nice variety of classes to attend, the music level in classes was deafening…couldn’t take advantage of the classes without risking hearing damage…seriously!

LikedBeautiful grounds, great location on the beach, huge pools, friendly staff.

DislikedNothing