January 20, 2005

Iberostar Message Board

We got back last night. stayed from 1/12-1/19/05. I can not begin to say enough POSITIVE things about this resort. We were originally booked at the adjoining IBEROSTAR BEACH, but when we checked in we simply asked for an upgrade and we were given the IBEROSTAR LINDO. At the LINDO you have access to all 4 of the adjoining IBEROSTAR properties.

. Every employee was always gracious and wanted to ensure your comfort. The concierge called us 3 times during our stay to see if everything was to our liking. They all work long hours but ALWAYS had smiles on their faces.

EVERYTHING was immaculate and spotless from the grounds, to the pool, to our room, restrooms, etc. Absolutely GORGEOUS.

We had read reviews before we left so we booked each night in a SIT DOWN speciality restaurant immediately upon our arrival. Like others before us, I suggest: the japanese steakhouse (fabulous), Le Musee (gourmet restaurant) - incredible food and service - like a 5 star restaurant back home. WE also ate at the Steak House, Mexican Restaurant and the Brazillian restaurant. We had excellent meals EVERY night.

The hotel offers 24 hour room service, so we ordered lunch once. THe buffets offer the typical varied fare. Some writers on this posting complain because it's repetitive. It's a buffet and there is PLENTY to choose from. How can you complain when for lunch you can either have made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, fresh pancakes, waffles, donutes, varied breads and/or coffee cakes... bacon, sausage, cheeses, many cereals, several juices and of course a variety of foods that are typical and common to other cultures. I ate like a queen! ANd, the staff was always there to fill your coffee cup.

The rooms are beutiful and VERY clean. As previous posts show they do a good job of keeping them spotless, filling the mini=fridge. Amusing us w/ the various towel "animals". sometimes there were flower petals and water in our bath. What a lovely touch. While this is an all-inclusive = including tips, we would leave the housekeeping staff about $2 or so every day. We got the same service as those that didn't tip. We heard that they only make about $20/day. So, a couple of dollars for someone who works so hard is nothing.

The beds were very comfortable. I slept like a baby. Maybe it was because i was away from work and all the fresh sea air, but both my husband and I had the best sleep we have had in a long time.

The resort is very family friendly. We did not take our 4 and 3 year old children. But, plan on returning and taking them. It was a nice setting to see so many people with children of all ages. The resort has planned activities for children if you wish to leave them and go to the beach. THey also have early evening shows specifically for the children.

The later shows were very good. I've been to other resorts around the caribbean and didn't care too much for some but these people work really hard to ensure you are having fun. And, they are family friendly so you don't need to worry about taking the children to them.

While the resort is HUGE with tons of people staying here. What we found that we were surprised by - was the fact that there are times you would be walking and be all alone. That was such a nice surprise. We found times where it was so quiet and peaceful and we felt like we had the whole resort to ourselves as we were walking back to our room. And, our room was quiet.

We stayed on the 3rd floor of building 52. We liked that location becuase it was 1/2 way from the beach to the lobby.

It is true that you will walk a lot here. But, we didn't mind. We were eating enough that we enjoyed the walk around the beautifully landscaped grounds. If you don't want to walk -there are carts that come around to help you.

We found the staff attentive and willing to help you with any need you have. We had absolutlly NO complaints of any kind w/ the resort.

The weather was beautiful - 80-85 everyday. When a very cold mass of air pushed through the U.S. - it made the nights cooler here - and it was around 62 or so at night - but I found that refreshing (mind you, it was -10 back home).

We took two excursions. Our favorite was a combo tour: ATV/ SPEEDBOAT and the snorkeling. We LOVED it. We got to ride a 2 person speedboat on the ocean for just under an hour, then a two person 4-wheeler through the jungle for just under an hour. We had lunch then had an afternoon of snorkeling. We enjoyed that!

We also took the day long trip to Chichen-Itza. It was great learning about the mayan culture and exploring the ruins. This is a long day and you will need comfortable walking shoes and cool/cotton clothing the day you go here.

Also, we took the free shuttle into Playa Del Carmen on two occasions. It is a unique seaside town. THe bus drops you outside the city area (as the buses are not allowed down the main part of town). You then have about a 5 minute walk to the beginning of "5th AVENUE". There you will find shops, peddlers, etc... Further down 5th avenue are many restaurants and bars - the further down you get, the more it reminds you of New Orleans. We enjoyed shopping and meandering through here. We watched NFL football playoffs at a local bar.

The LINDO is fabulous. I hear that all IBERSOSTAR complexes pay the same attention to detail and that you can't go wrong. We will definitely choose ibersostar again and plan on returning with our children next winter.

Go, relax and ENJOY.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Iberostar-Reviews.com user and not of Iberostar-Reviews.com.