BookIt.com Verified Traveler Norm from Dallas, Tx

"I'll start by saying I don't write negative reviews. Additionally, I really don't like doing this.

We booked 4 nights at Paradisus La Perla in a Royal Service Jr. Suite - Ocean View. I looked for the best room the hotel had regardless of price, with the exception of swim up due to privacy and the view. When we arrived we were told that they 'upgraded' us to a one bedroom suite, but it was not in the Royal Service building of the hotel. We were told that we could still use the Royal Service facilites.

I was upset, but open-minded. They took us to the room several hundred yards away from the Royal Service section and we inspected it. Although the view was nice, the room did not have the same appearance and furnishings as the room we paid for. The furniture was not as nice, hot tub on the balcony was not working, and the pool below was not heated like in the Royal Service section.

They showed us a couple of other rooms, but they were not ocean view. Frankly, by this point I was so upset by the way that management had lied to us I had enough. I asked to have the hotel General Manager call me in the room, which he did. He was rude and continued to lie to me. He then told me he would see if we could move to the room we had paid for the next day.

He said he would check and call me back within two minutes. Twenty minutes later - no call back and I was finished wasting my valuable vacation time. I called another hotel and booked a room where I knew I would be taken care of.

I told the manager of Royal Service (not the one that didn't call me back) that we were leaving. We had been at the hotel for no more than 2 hours. I was more than fair in saying that I would pay for that night, but I just wanted to go - I was not going to let it ruin my vacation.

The hotel did look fairly nice, but the ineptitude of the management and rudeness would prevent me from reccomending this hotel to my worst enemy.

I know there is a chance that they will respond saying they tried to take care of me, but they did not. Offering alternitive rooms that were lesser accomodations than what I paid for is not taking care of a guest. A rude General Manager that lies and does not follow up as promised is not taking care of guests. Saying you will refund a certain amount and then lying to the booking company is not taking care of guests.

What a miserable experience. Never again will I stay at a Melia property."

Report as Inappropriate

BookIt.com Verified Traveler Belinda from Vancouver, B.C.

"Fabulous place, wonderful service and food. The ONLY complaint was the bad techno music around the main pool - loud & obnoxious (everyone I spoke to thought the same thing & just by looking around the amount of people with Ipods and noise cancelling headphones told me the vast majority of people did not appreciate the extremely loud mindless beat either). If you could get away from the main pool you had to contend with MUZAK elevator music (6 cd's repeated all day every day) which were offered for sale!!!!! which came out of ground speakers place every 10' or so. Again, so many people commented that they drowned it out with their own music with in-ear headsets and I saw several people take 6 towels & pile them on the in-ground speakers to muffle the mind-numbing schlock coming out of them. Other than that - great place!"

Report as Inappropriate

BookIt.com Verified Traveler Greg Morris from Cypress, CA

"Pros: The facility is great, top notch for the cost of the stay. I have stayed at one other all-inclusive in the area and Paradisus was a significantly more impressive overall facility. Very attentive and friendly staff, gorgeous large rooms, beautiful pool and grounds. The details and quality of all the decor is impressive.

Lucia at the front desk was terrific. All the staff was friendly - but one made the one bad event into a good one. Our room was not ready when we arrived and we ended up waiting over 2 and a half hours for it. BUT, the wait was nice because we were given access to all the restaurants and pools while our bags were kept safe. Then we were upgraded to a Jr. Suite as a token of appreciation for having to wait. she remembered my name and greeted me every time we saw her in the remaining days. She was always eager to be sure we were happy with everything else during our stay.

Most restaurants were very good with both food and service. Buffets were mostly expected fare but prepared well with a few surprises.

Cons: Had to wait almost 3 hours for our room (see above for how they handled it though). During one dinner at the Bana fusion restaurant we received poor service - took almost 25 minutes to receive the first drink and close to 20 minutes before they took our dinner order. The food was good, but not great.

Final Summary. I would go back in a heartbeat! Beautiful beaches, friendly people, good food and drink and a taste of excellence on my somewhat limited budget."

Report as Inappropriate

BookIt.com Verified Traveler Dimitry from Brooklyn, NY

"our overall impression of La Perla was very good. The hotel was very clean and new. The food was way above average for Mexico, dare we say good. The rooms were spectacular especially the swim up rooms. Nightly entertainment was also pretty good.
What we didnt like:
1) Passions (the paid restaurant) probably the worst restaurant of them all and the only one that requires $100 per couple.
2) daily activities such as volleball and other sports are almost non existent and the enteratinment staff does not seem to care enough to get anything going. This is a major drawback for this hotel and should be fixed right away, most likely by replacing the entertainment staff by more qualified people, preferably who speak at least some english."

Report as Inappropriate

BookIt.com Verified Traveler James from Dallas, Texas

"This trip was very relaxing, everyone that gripes about the time share, probably just did not know how to handle them. I was not bothered once. They asked me at check-in if i would like to do the tour, I simply stated, I am here for vacation, and if I am interested I will call you. They never bothered me again. The food was hands down the best 'all-inclusive' food I have ever had. Veal Chops, Lamb Chops, fresh Halibut...and you could order as much as you wanted. The beach was small, but how many people truly go to swim in the ocean? Yes there are rocks in this part of Mexico in the ocean, but it was not enough to over shadow the effort this group makes to make you feel like a king."

Report as Inappropriate

BookIt.com Verified Traveler Howard from Lansdowne, PA

"It took a while to really think about our stay, and then time to put it in writing. The promising appearance of this resort is when you actually reach the lobby area, just beautiful. The outside appearance the initial grounds entering the resort is less then desirable or welcoming, and resembles a prison like structure, but once inside the appearance is supersized in its entire splendor. The room or suite was beautiful and very comfortable, but I could not help but notice that in some of the outside hallways improvements needed to be address. I guess this is what comes with the territory of a brand new resort. The staff was polite and helpful; but stay away from the time-share folks, you get nothing for your time, meaning what they do offer, you mostly won't be able to take advantage of, and if you don't bite you'll receive a rude goodbye and I mean rude to the 10th power. The restaurants were beautiful, but all of them are not available depending on your package and time of year. Rating the food on a scale of 1 to 5 I will give a 3 for dinner only because the menus were not what I'm use too, and the portions were small very small. I really enjoyed breakfast and lunch, this I'll give a 5 rating. The entertainment was just Okay, not too exciting, and one word of advice to the entertainment staff, if you are going to showcase an evening with a Jazz ensemble Please make sure that they can play jazz music, otherwise you are offending real jazz enthusiast. My overall rating for this resort is 4. It's clean and new the beach area and pool areas are nice and comfortable and are kept in supreme shape but the food is not all that great."

Report as Inappropriate

BookIt.com Verified Traveler K from Atlanta, Ga

"We really enjoyed our stay. The grounds are beautiful and the people are so kind. They upgraded our room to a deluxe swim up suite and it was incredible. We used the spa and both the massage and facilities were great. The area around the hotel isn't great so you either have to stay in the hotel or schedule trips to safer places. The food left a little to be desired, really only complaint."

Report as Inappropriate

BookIt.com Verified Traveler William Durham from Canon City, Co

"The hotel was great!!! Service was very good, what a great time we had with the royal service !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Report as Inappropriate

BookIt.com Verified Traveler Thomas Kennedy from Hoboken, NJ

"I arrived on February 25, 2012 and departed on March 2, 2012. The ride from the airport is approximately 30 minutes. The staff in the greeting were very helpful and were very accomodating. The staff that works in the buffet area are nice but don't speak english very well. I stayed in a Junior deluxe swim up suite. The room was nice except for the bathroom. The toilet bowl and shower are all in one room with no door attatched for any privacy. I learned upon leaving that the room was for handicap person's, which I am not. The pool area is gorgeous, there are more then enough chairs, the wait staff is great and the huts are comfortable. I suggest that if you want a hut claim it by no later then 7:30, they go quick. I have a few complaints. The beach is non-existent and you take your life into your hands getting in and out of the water because of the rocks in the water. It's very dangerous !!! It's not located steps away from 5th Avenue as it states. It's approximately a 10 minute cab ride to 5th Avenue. I wouldn't recommend walking there. The area surrounding it appears to be slums. The massage was below average at best. I wouldn't recommend it. So,at the end of the day if your looking for a beach and Ocean to hang on this isnt the place for you. I love the beach so I wouldnt go back, it was that bad !!! Everything else is gorgeous !!!"

Report as Inappropriate

BookIt.com Verified Traveler Pete from Acton, MA

"We went Feb 27th thru March 4th and had the Royal Service program. The room was great, even though we didn't have an ocean view. Efficient housekeeping, clean well appointed room. Our Butler was very attentive and helpful, a nice service to have even though we didn't use her very much. The restaurants were very good to excellent - the tasting menu at Passion was wonderful, Bana the Asian teppanyaki restaurant was also terrific. There are several casual spots all serving good meals. The wine and liquor selections were just fine, we never had to order top shelf, their regular choices were good bar labels. The pools/palapas/chairs/etc. were great. Pool and bar staff were great. The beach isn't real big and there had been some storms which took away some sand, but the beach staff is there to provide towels, assistance as well as food and drink. The staff, all of them, were wonderful. Cheerful, attentive, would do whatever was necessary to make you comfortable. One of the best resorts we've been to, clearly the best all-inclusive resort we've stayed at. All things considered, not inexpensive but still a good value."

Report as Inappropriate

"The Paradisus was a beautiful resort. I am so glad we chose it as our honeymoon vacation. There were enough pools to spread out the guests so you could feel alone but have all the services and amenities. They have a great staff presence so you never have to hunt down a waiter or staff member for help or place an order. Everyone was friendly and accommodating. The food was great for an all inclusive and provided more restaurant options than we could try in a week of being there. My only complaint is the description online of 'ocean view' rooms. 85% of the resort are pool view with maybe a partial view if you hang over the balcony. The mangrove trees block most of the view unless your room is on an upper floor. I understand the necessity of the trees, but don't use deceptive wording online and make guests unhappy right away. We were upgraded to a master suite with a great view but it was on the family side of the resort when we booked on the adult only side. The room was everything I could have asked for, so complaints there. Overall this trip and resort were wonderful."

Report as Inappropriate

"We had a great get away at the resort. The entertainment at the was excellent and the food was delicious!!! We truly felt at home and the service was impeccable. I also spent an afternoon at the spa and had one of the best massages ever! Will definitely return!"

Report as Inappropriate

"Great time! The entire time there is one that people of means will enjoy. Thank you!"

Report as Inappropriate

"Hotel not ready. Big, new clean...indeed, but empty restaurants, poor service, construction workers everywhere, made our stay less than enjoyable and expected.
Just on the outskirts and a short walk to Playa is factually true but unimaginable. You wouldn't walk thru that neighborhood ever to get to town. Its a old worn out dusty road entrance, and very unappealing to drive thru and to...to get to your hotel. and NOT a walk to Playa.
This is Mexico folks, and to not have Mexican foods or very little, is unacceptable. If i want to pretend Im at the Ritz restaurant...ill just go there. I expect variety of choice but their foods are intimidating, and too 'I'm trying to be gourmet' for many of the people we spoke with...and us.
Also, you are either all adult or not...everywhere. So be aware that if you want certain foods, you won't be in an all adult atmosphere. That was misleading and i resent not knowing. Ocean view is construction view. The hotel is less than half full, you should have upgraded everyone just for being there. we paid to upgrade to get away from the 'view' and noise.
We go to Mexico twice a year, and have for years so our opinions are well experienced. Pass on this place, and even when its done, if they get the people that they seem to expect...it will be very unrelaxing and crowded busy. Its like going to a big American Hotel. Minimal entertainment, no fiesta, and the one bar there was entertainment...guess what...isnt all adult. I pass, not for me."

Report as Inappropriate

"We spent Dec. 12-18 at LaPerla. With airfare, our total price was $3300 for two.

I feel like we got a great deal at a great resort. The place is decorated to the nines, very swank and original. Each room/restaurant/hallway was pretty cool. The Gabi bar was my favorite, with bamboo sticks hanging from the ceiling.

The staff's sole goal was to please you. Most of the time they did. There were a few exceptions, which I will point out. The concierge, whose job it was to let us know everything about the resort, etc., failed miserably. He was more concerned with 'the press' that was at the resort. Since it is a new property, a variety of travel mags, video crews, etc., were on premise. He failed to show us where things were and didn't even give us a map. We found out things on our own just by walking about, but again, this was poor. The other 'issue' was there was no Tecate Light beer at the pool. We asked and was told that was only for restaurants. How dumb is that? My wife, who speaks fluent Spanish, talked to our server, who gladly went to a restaurant and brought us back a 6-pack. Two days later, a different server refused. We talked to a supervisor, who initially refused, then eventually went to the restaurant to pick up Tecate Light for us. We feel like you shouldn't have to ask twice, especially considering we were asking for cheap beer at a place where all the cocktails are top shelf! Another plus.

The restaurants are phenomenal: The two breakfast buffets (Hadar/Naos) are identical except Naos allows children. For that reason alone, you should pick Hadar. Kids and buffets shouldn't mix.

The lunch options are limited. We would have loved for the sushi bar to be open at lunch. If so, there would be no complaints. There is a salad bar that is open all of the time and there are some basic staples -- burgers, etc. What was disappointing was you couldn't get a taco in the resort!

The dinners were fantastic. We dined at all but two of the restaurants and had no complaints. Picking a favorite wasn't possible. The staff was attentive and polite. When I explained I had a nut allergy, they were so detail oriented and double-checked everything we ordered. I had peace of mind the entire time because of that. The meals allow you to pick appetizers, salad/soup, main course and dessert. If you wanted multiple of anything, it wasn't a problem. The food was very good.

One thing you should be aware of: Some restaurants (Passion and Fuego) require long pants. Others require a collared shirt and shoes with enclosed toes (no sandals/flip flops). They were strict on the code, too. I got denied entry into Fuego on our last night because I wore shorts. No problem, we just moved onto a different restaurant and had a good meal there. The meals are fairly slow paced, so you have to allow 60-90 minutes for your meal.

The pool was nice but the water was very cold. None of the pools are heated, which won't be a problem after a while. But since the resort just opened last month, the water hasn't warmed up to comfortable standings. But the pool does have built-recliners and a swim-up bar.

There is no great view of the ocean from many of the rooms and you do have to walk a little bit to get to the beach. The ocean water was at least 10 degrees warmer than the pool, so we did most of our swimming there. The staff had a makeshift bar set up and there were towels available at the beach so you didn't have to bring your pool towels.

There are 13 bars (I think) around the property. We tried them all and got great service and great drinks. Our lone complaint was some bars had drink lists that only had the name of the drink. It would have been easier if they ingredients were listed so we didn't have to ask the bartender what was in all 20 of the drinks on the menu. I highly recommend the Blue Agave Bar between restaurants Mole and Vento. They bartenders used fresh-squeezed lemon there, so the drinks tasted so much better there.

As for tipping, we were told it was not necessary. Most of the people we saw didn't tip. We tipped a few of the servers (the ones who went and got us Tecate Light) and the great bartender at Blue Agave).

As for activities, there were some but not a ton. Daily water aerobics, which weren't a huge hit because the pool was so cold. There was a tequila tasting, salsa dance lessons, sushi making and wine tasting during our stay. The friendly actitvities staff also said they would be adding to the program.

I would go back to LaPerla in a second. Since it's a new resort, there still are some kinks to be ironed out. Some things, like our poor reception, came as a shock since the company has hundreds of other properties. I'm guessing in about a year, this will be the best all-inclusive resort in Mexico.


"

Report as Inappropriate

"The location of resort is excellent. Close to shopping, restaurants, and clubs in area. Approaching the resort, still some minor construction going on with the entrance way. They are finishing a brick road. After talking to manager, he assured me that all construction would be complete within a months' time. There are two sides to the resor. One side is the family side and the other is adults only side. They do have a common area situated in middle. Adults who stay at the adult only side do have access to the other side and vice a versa. Once walking into the lobby, the first thing you notice is how modern everything is, upscale and very nice. The décor alone will set the mood for entire trip, definitely a five star luxurious feeling. Employees are very welcoming and polite and you get the sense they will go out of their way to help you. All rooms are suites that offer garden and pool view rooms, as well as swim-up suites. The pool is very large and is surrounded in lounge chairs with towels on every chair for convenience. The resort is still working on building more pathways down to the beach. It is set 30 yards from ocean with trees and plantation in between. Don't really see the ocean from resort, but it's a short two minute walk if that. The Japanese restaurant was not yet opened but will be within a months' time. Overall, I was very impressed with the resort and it is a top choice for romantic getaways and having that prestige five star factor, from the lobby, the restaurants, the rooms, and the amenities of resort. It does lack in entertainment. No nightly shows or disco on site. But again, nightly entertainment is but a three minute cab ride in downtown Playa Del Carmen.



"

Report as Inappropriate