PROS
**Top Notch Service**. From waitstaff that carried your buffet plate to never-empty water glasses, this is the kind of service I have received at high-end cruise lines and resorts.
The wait service all over the resort, bringing frozen drinks to your poolside or oceanfront lounge chair, was quite a plus. No one seemed to hover for tips, the gratuities included portion is fully realized.
**Dinner** I spend my time eating in Midtown in Manhattan with an high-limit expense account, so for me to be impressed with the food means something :-) I was impressed with the consistent high quality of dinner food.
**Rooms**
Very spacious, comfortable and clean, with twice-daily service and large flat-panel television. Our standard room included a large jacuzzi tub in the main room as well as a walk-in shower in the bathroom. The triangular balcony had plastic chairs and a hammock, although the latter seemed just for show and was nearly impossible to lie in (and I've never had problems with one before!)
**Spa and Locker Room**
Wear a bathing suit if you get a spa treatment - there is no nudity in this locker room, and you'll want to take advantage of the hydrotherapy treatments included with your service. If you don't opt for a spa service, head down from the covered pool/jacuzzi/juice bar area for a secret locker room that offers much of the same amenities, including staff to give you spa slippers and bring you a cool scented towel in the steam room or sauna.
CONS
**So Noisy!**
I learned on our last full day we had been put on the "noisy" end of the hotel. The noise was coming from the staff, NOT the guests! The clientele there was not at all rowdy or drunk. But the announcers for the games turned the sound system up so high it drowned out conversation on the beach in the surrounding area. He used a style I saw on Mexican television, which was to get excited about every other thing that happened, yell loudly, and Constantly demand "Applauses Applauses!!!!"
This was especially obnoxious when the "event" was basically a sales pitch for their store, allegedly a "fashion show". That was the point where I could take no more, and they did turn down the speakers when asked.
The events on the other side seemed much quieter, although they did use amplification. If you're not as desperate for shade as I am, you could wander to the far end of the resort, away from the pools, for more quiet. But this resort is HUGE, and it is a pain having to take a shuttle or long hike just to read a book.
**Events**
These were mostly very basic and cheesy. Before ever getting distracted by the noise, we tried to participate in a few; the announcer was way more into the event than any of the guests. One Mayan dance show, reenacting a ceremony, was absolutely amazing. Another fire show was too repetitive, and we left, but that might just be our taste.
We were very excited to play some cards on casino night, and were sorely disappointed. We waited an eternity for it to begin as long, overly-exited introductions of each of the dealers was made while giant applause was demanded. We finally started playing, only to have the table games stop every hand or so. The first time it was for a screaming match between the tables. The second time, no one seemed to know what was going on. We got frustrated and left.
OTHER
**Beaches**
This is not a sand beach, it is basically composed of large pebbles. You are not going to want to lie on it on a towel or blanket. There were more than enough lounge chairs, but if you are seeking one under the (very ample, permanent straw fixture) umbrella shades, you have to hunt. They don't enforce their policy barring reserving chairs with towels, and often such measures take up all poolside. The swimming and kayaking is in a small inlet, separated from the ocean by rocks; you cannot swim in the ocean itself. There was some snorkeling in the inlet - nothing terribly exotic, but quite a few colourful fish and very relaxing. The inlets did not get crowded at all (nor did the pools since they're huge!)
**Buffet Lunch and Breakfast.** I guess this is standard at many resorts, but it was decidedly standard as compared to stellar dinners. The selection was pretty much the same every day, and both buffet locations were covered, but outdoors. Room service was free of charge, but the options were limited for lunch. It was quite sufficient for breakfast. The quality of the non-dinner food was good, but not nearly as stellar as their restaurant options.
**Beware**
Be aware that if you take advantage of any sort of discount offer, you probably will not qualify for specials running on their website. We were assured on the phone that we qualified for the unlimited tour promotion, only to find out when we arrived that we were not. Considering the value of the package and what we paid, it seems a reasonable result, and we're chalking it up to one misinformed Palace operator. If you're in that position, get the name of the person, and get what you can in writing. Most of all, don't assume you qualify if you're taking advantage of any type of discount.
The "Guest Services" rep who initially greeted us was actually quite snooty about the matter, obtusely pretending to misunderstand that our weekly rate was a ridiculously high nightly rate as if to shame us for taking the discount. Fortunately, she was the exception to the rest of the staff we dealt with in every other area of the resort, who greeted us in English or Spanish) depending on our mood) were polite, gracious and friendly, and usually stopped short of officious. :-)
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Great pool scene
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, People with disabilities, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Museums / Cultural / Historical sites
