Iberostar Grand Paraiso

Arrived on 15 June from the Uk We flew from Manchester with TUI and booked the hotel via the Iberostar website that way we could choose our actual room. We arrived at Cancun airport it took us one hour from landing to get our bags and out to the driver. We did get our cases searched at the airport but it was quick. Iberostar provided the transfer which took 20 mins. We had a good welcome from the bell boys and check in was quick and smooth in the bar area. We were given drinks and sweets to try. Fresh cool face clothes were given to us from the bell boys. This is our 6 th visit to this resort last visit was April 2024. We were taken to our room in a golf cart as we had ocean front walk out room. The driver stopped near the Spa as he noticed the monkey in the tree which was good to see. Our butler came to see us to discuss any requests we asked for a bottle of gin in our room which we got the next day, and I requested a kettle which arrived the next day. My husband asked for a bottle of Jim Bean but never got this. We used the app sometimes to request items in the room and it always worked. Rooms are all the same but we had the new walk out area. Bathrooms are looking tired now and need replacing and the water pressure was really low. House keeping was excellent and prompt each day with turn down service each evening including chocolates on your pillow. The hotel guests from the other hotels did photo shoots every evening right outside our room, I understand the beach is public but it did affect our privacy. Beach bag and slippers are in each room, with a small bottle of tequila. Snacks were replenished daily, crisps, nuts and small biscuits. We had 2 small blocks of chocolate on arrival in the room. The buffet was closed when we arrived as it was Sunday so we went to the Ember restaurant and got a table no problem. My husband ordered a steak which was served as black steak. Black on the outside it did spoil the steak. The next day we noted how bad the sea weed was on the beach and this affected all guests as no one was going into the sea. No fault of the hotel but we have never seen it so bad and have been to Mexico many times. This unfortunately would put me off returning as I do like to go into the sea. The smell from the seaweed was evident, but much worse near the De mar and beach hotel. The new star cafe was great but the lady who works there is just amazing so friendly, happy and just a lovely person. The cafe is open from 5am daily until 11 pm. Monserrat is the lady to look out for and an upcoming star for Iberostar. Tuesday night was Gala night and wow the food was amazing this is in the buffet. The staff go to a lot of effort so do attend if you can. Steaks, sea food with lobster it was amazing. The Buffet is also closed on Wednesday evening. Visited the mecican restaurant I had lamb it was ok but more like lamb stew we were offered coffee at the end of our meal so my husband asked for a Mexican coffee he was told they didn’t have any Mexican coffee and to go to the bar which I thought was odd in a Mexican restaurant. Overall I was disappointed and we didn’t return. The 70/80 show in the theatre was good it was a repeat of the old boggie nights show with a live band. The lady playing cello in the bar was really good and a duo played one night singer and saxophone man they were excellent. We were told the hotel occupancy was around 50-60 percent during our stay and it did feel quiet most of the time. Breakfast , lots of choice but sadly the food that should be hot was Luke warm or cold for sample the pre cooked eggs, omelettes all cold. There was a lot of wastage of food because of this. The hotel needs to work on how to fix this. The freshly made omelettes were hot and tasted really good. Champagne on offer at breakfast and we always had good service. When I asked for a pot of tea at breakfast I never got a Tea pot lid which I found very odd, surely a 5 star resort should have tea pot lids. Punta Sal beach front restaurant is open at lunch times and the food was really nice there freshly made and hot. However on several days we were told we could not eat outside but the club members area directly next door were able to have food outside this seemed odd and unfair. We had really good service when we went inside to eat would have preferred to eat outside with the view of the beach. Ember restaurant really good service and good food I had lobster tail which was a little over cooked for me but still nice. The updated restaurant is very well presented. Venecia restaurant I ordered fried squid with tartar sauce when it arrived it was not fried and no tartar sauce. I also ordered seafood risotto but it was too salty and the rice tasted hard. But my husband had the steak and it was amazing. I had the dessert made at your table which was delicious. Service was really good. 2 nd visit I had the tornado steak and it was amazing the best steak I had however I’m not sure why they bring your main course when you are still eating your starter. Atelier restaurant excellent service and great food we visited. twice no wait g for a table at either visit. We visited this restaurant twice no wait approximate time of our visit was 8.30 pm each evening. L’Etoile restaurant at the Maya- worse service ever in the whole resort. We were sat at a table when we asked for a menu having sat down for 10 mins we were asked to look on our phones we said no we want a menu. The service went from bad to worse and the food was just ok. This French restaurant at the Maya we always make a point of going to this restaurant for its excellent ambience and service but sadly not this time. App for activities needs addressing, it stated a singer around the pool twice while we were there but no one sang. Please keep it up to date to avoid disappointment for guests. Major issue on our visit was the amount of seaweed on the beach. The smell transferred to the pool area of the hotel. We could not get into the sea because of the seaweed and the beach looked so unattractive to sit on. I understand this is an environmental issue but it will reduce the number of guests to the hotel over time. The staff work hard to clean it up but the amount is restless. You cannot take a walk along the beach due to the amount and smell of the seaweed. Plus tractors are constantly going up and down the beach all day long another issue which affects the beach walk out rooms. Karolina was one of our butlers with Ruben they were both really attentive but Karolina went out of her way. Both excellent at block 70 ocean front. Always greeted us in the morning and asked if we needed anything for our room. Swim up bar is much better after it’s make over the seats are not so hard to sit on. Staff work really hard at the swim up bar and are very pleasant and welcoming. Not sure why guests think it is acceptable to have a face time conversation while sat at the bar. It can get very rowdy around lunchtime. Bell boys were all great they will take you anywhere in a golf buggy. We never had to wait for a table in the restaurants but personally I prefer the reservation system. I’m sure if the hotel was full it may be difficult to get a table. The weather was very mixed for our visit, sun , rain and wind also very humid. My clothes in the wardrobe did feel slightly damp due to the humidity and I have never experienced this in the past when visiting the resort. Dress code for restaurants was never adhered to. Men wore short pants and one evening a young man had swimming shorts on. Men wore open toe shoes I never saw anyone get stopped. We felt guests dressed down in the evening which we have never experienced in the past. Cecilia in the breakfast and lunch Buffet is so efficient and professional her experience shines through. She has worked at JOIA for many years and should be highly valued by the Iberostar management. Mirna is a guests favourite and well done to her as a butler now she will be great for all guests. She welcomed us back with open arms. The ground staff work really hard. the gardens are beautiful I feel they are the unseen staff but equal to all staff. The waitress service around the pool could be hit and miss at times, but all staff were pleasant. It was great to see the theatre back in use for all guests it’s such a lovely theatre and the shows we watched were really good. We had floating fruit in the pool one afternoon by the star friends. Also a singer and guitarist another afternoon around the pool which was really nice. We went to the weekly foam party at the Maya/Lindo pool twice which was great fun. Look on the app for the days it’s on. I found it sad that you cannot walk along the beach for miles like we use to. The seaweed has now prevented this. I know this is climate change but I feel it will affect tourism in the area in the coming years. Please note if you book directly with Iberostar they price match so book the flexible rate and keep checking their website if the same holiday appears cheaper at any time prior to your arrival take a screenshot of the reduced price and email them they will match the reduced price and you don’t pay until you arrive at the hotel. I booked approximately 6 weeks prior to our arrival and the price reduced several times in total from booking to going I saved 1000 dollars on my booking, plus free transfers included in the price . Sadly our Experience of the workout rooms on the beach was spoilt by the seaweed and constant tractor noise and fumes plus constant photo shoots right outside our door, on reflection I think a walkout room around the pool would have better and cheaper. Sunshades on the cabana were very worn lots of missing ties unable to use properly, especially when the sun was hot this needs addressing by the hotel. This remains a beautiful resort with great staff. It’s great to be able to walk around all 5 hotels plus the mall. The hotel are constantly thinking of new things to do at the hotel which is great for repeated guests.

Enjoyed the Pinata class with Fernanda and Cassandra. We are equipped with cute Piantas for our next party. We love this resort. The staff is wonderful. The food is fabulous. We have been to this particular one for 5 yrs. We are looking forward to Making AquaChili was great fun. It was so good! Cannot wait to make it at home.

Thursday pinatas were a great time. Cassandra and Fernanda taught us a new fun skill. And the pools are beautiful. All the staff are wonderfully friendly. Gabriel and Gustavo excelled at butler service. Leonardo took care of us each day at breakfast

Just finished taking the Piñata class with Fernanda and Cassandra. So much fun with these lovely ladies and fellow guests. And I learned a new skill and a little about the culture. I will be back for sure!!!! ❤️

Just came back from a quick visit. Had a wonderful time and would visit again! Food and drinks were excellent, the staff were all warm and friendly, the grounds well kept and beautiful, the room was lovely. Had dinner at the Mexican restaurant and the Italian restaurant: but mostly ate at the buffet because of all of the different options! Stayed mostly at the quiet pool to relax, and had a full drink at all times.