We just got back yesterday and wow...where to begin!?!

THE RESORT IS A TROPICAL PARADISE! Just beautiful.

We stayed at the Del Mar May 30 to June 6th, with a total of 9 people - 4 rooms. Six adults ranging from mid 40's - mid 50's, and three older teens.

After reading the numerous negative reviews lately, we were somewhat hesitant..especially since we had researched multiple resorts prior to making our decision in booking! Well....we were surprised and taken back that so many people had bad experiences or that the food was horrible. WE LUCKED OUT! Every aspect of this 1st time AI visit was outstanding, except for the weather at the beginning (not the resorts fault)!

We boolked through Apple Vacations...(kudos to Katie our agent) and requested certain features. We wanted to be in the middle of the resort since we knew a lot of walking would take place.
- We requested building 14 or 15, ...got 14, rooms 1450, 51, 52 & 1408.
- Poolside, 3 on 3rd floor and 1 on first floor. Great view!
- The rooms are well kept, immaculately cleaned and for a small tip the maid gave us extra water and beer upon request.
- Our mini fridge was cold, but our friends were so-so.

Everyone knows that June 1st starts hurricane season. Who'd of thought that we'd hit tropical depression Alma (pacific) & Albert (atlantic) all in the same week of our stay. It rained on & off for about 3.5 days. Gray skies galore! The front desk actually ran out of umbrellas. I felt badly for the bride who needed them for her bridal party and was only given two. Those of you who mentioned NOT to bring them down with you, wrongo! We really could have used them as you had to walk to & from everywhere. The tram couldn't keep up. Many people had to cancel excursions. The winds and the waves were so bad that they closed the beach. So needless to say when Tuesday morning sunshine came, the beach was swamped. Then it was beautiful for the remainder of our stay. Hot, hot, hot and VERY humid! Being from Chicago, were used to humid!

For those of you who have previously posted negative feedback regarding the food....you must have been there on an off week. There is something for everyone. My husband is relatively health conscious and he managed to find something at each buffet. Trays sometimes need to be replenished, but hey...they are serving tons of people...they were refilled in a timely matter. We went to the Brazilian ala cart, it was Ok...but the Mediterranean was scrumptious. We love seafood, so this hit the spot. We managed to miss our Japanese reservation due to a late return from our excursion.

Speaking of excursions....Edventure Tours is the way to go. Book ahead of time. They provide a private A/C van and customized our day to our schedule & are worth every penny! Visited Tulum, ziplined, cenote snorkeled, swam with giant turtles and stingrays, had a fantastic lunch on the beach...and then more tropical fish snorkeling. Ask for Ricardo!!!!! He's AWESOME!!!

We went to the evening entertainment 2 nights and I'd have to say...they were very good. The star friends and entertainers really work hard to please everyone.

Every employee greeted us with a hola and a smile. These people work very hard and it pains me to see guests disrespect them by not tipping. Yes you are on vacation, but please be conscientious of them and there culture. They don't make very much and rely on tips.

Overall, despite the rain, we had a marvelous time. We would definately go back and recommend this resort only to people who are in good shape. The walking takes it's toll, but needed when enjoying the desserts. I've yet to get on the scale, yikes! ENJOY PEOPLE...WE CERTAINLY DID!!!!

First let me start by saying I dont have anything against Iberostars' Resorts, just this experience. I had stayed at Iberostars Punta Cana and it was a blast. This time at Paraiso Del Mar in the Playa area of the Cancun area , it really was a let down. I have been all over the Carribean and Mex. several times and I believe I have good judgement on resorts.
I will start by saying, overall a good experience, 4 out of 10.
Terrible booze, incredibly bad beer, and Im a big beer drinker and couldnt stomach that stuff the last 2 out of 7 day stay.
Buffets what youd expect-average, some really tasty and some not, too many flies on the food.
The staff and cleaning crew was pleasant but my daughters girlfreind didnt use her safe as per my warning and mysteriously lost $300 worth out of her purse!!!! The staff says , Yes we will investigate, yeh right.USE YOUR SAFES, those smiles they give are real, THANKS CHUMP!
Also while I was in the pool at 6;30 the crew decided to pick up my clothes and keep them, how nice, my favorite t from ST Lucia. They seemed to really care less as to getting them back to me as per lost and found, as a matter of fact they only gave me my beat up sandals.
There is no shuttle to get you to Playa shopping as stated in our trip descriptions offer. You have to take the bus and it was not advised by the locals, not safe!!!:( $40 round trip for a 4 people taxi, we had 5 people so we say;d screw it.
The weather was what it was, It was ok ,I dont complain about mother nature, no one can predict a storm.
The grounds are beautiful, lots of neat animals , just spend time looking in the tickets.
Shuttle is great! Place is huge.
Nice beach, its ok. Beach contests were fun!
Rooms ok, no problems.
Shows were fun , some hokey some pretty fun.
Reservation dinners were good, I myself like all sorts so it was fun.
I have been to Moon Palace and think it should change its name to Playa Palace as it is way better all around than this place.
I would go back to Iberostar Punta Cana but I hate to say I have pretty much had enough of Mex for awhile and would certainly not use this chain if I do come back.
#3 main points would chang my mind;
Honesty!
Quality drinks
Better buffet foods