Zel Punta Cana

We have an upcoming stay and I’ve emailed the contact listed on the hotel’s website several times with no response. I have a few questions about room categories and payment details for our booking. We chose this hotel very carefully, as it seems absolutely perfect for our 25th wedding anniversary and exactly what we were hoping for to celebrate this special occasion. However, unlike our experience with other resorts, we haven’t been able to get any information about our existing reservation, which is making us a bit apprehensive. I’m still very much hoping to hear back—ideally from Alexis Lopez—so that my husband Luke and I (Jen) can clarify a few details about our stay rather than having to consider changing our booking to another resort.

Overall, this place is really great! To say anything bad, would be dishonest. The hotel atmosphere was amazing! The beach, the pool, the staff and the various options really make this place pop. However, when it comes to the food, this is where I disagree with other reviews on this particular hotel. There are a lot of options to choose from, however, it is at best satisfactory. I passed by the buffet section and would see the meat and cheeses sweating from being warm, not to mention, I had a piece of tenderloin and noticed two black bugs! Which turned me off right away. I ended up getting sick because of this! Nonetheless, besides the food, I would say everything else is amazing or at the bar minimum great.

Love Zel! With 190 rooms, it's never crowded, & employees Jose Vasquez & Javes Rodriguez made it joyful! Food was great, grounds were lovely, and people were delightful.

Having a great time. Still haven’t left the property! Near the beach. Made sangria. Can swim through the property. I might recommend adding normal yoga. Amazing spa too.

Digital check-in and check out process, although you can ask the staff members at the counter if you want an in-person processing. They provide you with a bracelet that acts as your key/pass to your room, gym, and other facilities. You will be able to use the amenities if your room is not yet ready so do not worry about coming in before check-in time. Yajaira from Cafe de Finca is fabulous! She is attentive, makes great iced cappuccino, and always has a big smile on her face. Florinda, Reily, and Marcos from the Parda Bar are the best. They make amazing cocktails and always greets you with a warm smile. It would be great if the bar also offers snacks especially once the Parda buffet is closed and you just want to snack on something while you have a drink or chill by the pool. Jesuary in Parda Cafe is great. He has our morning drinks memorised by day 2! Always greets with a big smile, a hug, or a fist bump. Food at Parda was okay. I like the fresh fruits and salad bar best. The main food was okay, it was a hit or miss. Javes in Volcan is amazing! He gave us good food suggestions, kept our glasses full and never had to ask, he also went out of his way to get us a decaf coffee after our meal. Simply great! The Duo and the steak was great. Nokyo was good. Hibachi was a fun experience. Neguri is a shuttle away or a few minutes of a walk from Zel. It is worth going for the mountain rice, grilled prawns, and ceviche. Great vibe as well. Loved the music when we were there. Pool was never crowded, there are always sun loungers and cabanas available to use, there are jacuzzi sections in the swim up pools as well as jacuzzi tubs outside each room. The activities are great, hat painting, sangria mixing class, perfume making, paddle yoga, ice bath, and so much more. Gym was accessible from 6am - 8pm, and a good loop around the resort can take up to 5kms more or less. Staff are generally friendly but some are quite shy. We enjoyed our time in Zel Punta Cana and we will be back for sure.