Zel Punta Cana

The rooms were incredible. The AC struggled to get below 70°F during the daytime, but it did much better at night. We like to sleep cold, so that was something we noticed. The room was cleaned regularly and was always well maintained. Service was a little odd and very inconsistent. I’m very glad I spoke at least some Spanish, because communication with the service staff would have been much more challenging otherwise. Some staff members were extremely helpful, friendly, and proactive, while others almost seemed annoyed when we needed something. The pools themselves were very nice. There were some tiles missing in certain areas, but it did not really detract from the experience. The groundskeeping team was doing a fantastic job, and the property overall was beautiful and well maintained. The pool bar, however, was underwhelming. You often had to yell up to the main bar to ask someone to come down and help you. Maybe I’m being a little entitled, but in the middle of the afternoon, it seems reasonable to have someone keeping an eye on the pool bar to see if guests want drinks. Drinks were fine. Heavy pours. Unlimited. Maybe not high end, but you get the picture. The food was extremely inconsistent. Some things were great, some were okay, and some were genuinely bad. The shrimp at the beach restaurant were excellent, but the burger I ordered was not good. The hibachi at the Asian restaurant was great and the sushi was decent, but the regular entrées left a lot to be desired. Volcan, the steakhouse, was definitely the best dinner option. For lunch, the Greek/Mexican fusion restaurant was probably our favorite, although I would not recommend going there for dinner. Overall, the food quality needs an overhaul in several places, and the menu descriptions need to be more accurate. For example, I ordered an appetizer described as goat cheese with pita chips, and what arrived was essentially lukewarm feta cheese. If it is not goat cheese, don’t describe it as goat cheese. Most of the restaurants left me disappointed in a strange way. I think part of the problem is that the atmosphere and ambience make the restaurants feel like they are going to be extremely high-end, and then the food often does not live up to that expectation. It usually wasn’t outright bad, but the setting creates expectations that the food does not consistently meet. Getting to the beach was very easy, but getting back from the beach was much less convenient. There did not seem to be a good way to request a return shuttle. We also ended up stranded at Fun Republic and had to walk back to the resort. It was not a particularly long walk, but it was annoying and should not have happened. The transportation and shuttle system definitely needs improvement. Overall, the resort itself is beautiful, the rooms and grounds are excellent, and there were several genuinely great experiences. However, the inconsistent service, uneven food quality, and transportation issues kept the experience from matching the level of the property itself. I fully expect to get the same flowery, generic response underneath this review that seems to appear under all the others. Zel management, that is your prerogative. However, I do want to say this: I genuinely want to come back here, and I want to bring my friends. The grounds are beautiful, and the property has a lot going for it. Fix the food and improve the consistency of the service, and I would happily become a frequent customer without hesitation. The problem is that I am not particularly confident those issues will actually be fixed. When the same complaints show up repeatedly in review after review, it starts to look less like management is unaware of the problems and more like the problems are simply being tolerated. A polished response to criticism is not the same thing as addressing it. I sincerely hope that changes, because this resort has the potential to be truly excellent, and it doesn't necessarily cost a lot of money to fix! Right now, though, I would hesitate to return until there is evidence that the food and service have actually improved.

No reception when arrived, Sit on a couch for 15 to 20 mins waiting for someone to come with iPad ask you questions then check you in. We had an early flight so room wasn’t ready till 3:30. They send you an Room is stunning master suite. I would say for all inclusive it’s the nicest we been in 5/5 for room. Making reservations was easy we did the next day on the computer by the buffet. Restaurants are a hit and miss. Food at buffet Luke warm unless you’re getting something made. Beach restaurant cold fries lukewarm burger. There’s plenty to eat but not always hot. 2/5. I had a-lot better for what we paid. The restaurant that gets a 4/5 is the steakhouse and Mexican at lunch. Beach disappointed the water is a pretty blue but going in its not clear water, seaweed floating everywhere. I like to see the bottom. If you want a chair with umbrella be at the beach by NINE AM or there’s none. 3/5 Pools are nice, they have lots but not much going on just some back ground music. Main pool is deep. They have a swim up bar but no one there. You have to wave them down to be served. Same thing as beach no chairs only have 16 lounge chairs and umbrellas around main pool. Want a chair at main pool be there by 9:30 or there’s none. Rate 3/5. The staff are friendly but no tip not great service. Very slow at all restaurants. Bring lots of money. One more thing I don’t know why this isn’t a adults only resort. Nothing against kids but really. Bringing kids to a peaceful resort nothing to do really.. NO water activities. Unless you pay. No kids club. So be prepared for lots of screaming or throwing football in pool. So over all I’m not going to a resort for the room. Would I return here no. Painting activities were fun but packed because there’s nothing else to do. No night entertainment, had to take ride to fun republic.

We were at Zel hotel for my birthday and every one was amazing specially Raphy and willlanda great , we enjoyed a lot we will back for my next birthday next year and i want Raphy as my butler or concierge

Zel is such a beautiful property, and it has exactly the kind of warm, relaxed atmosphere I love. The natural textures and understated elegance feel effortlessly stylish without ever becoming too polished or impersonal. The grounds are expansive and beautifully surrounded by greenery, with lots of quiet little corners where you can escape and find your own private spot to unwind. The pool area is especially lovely and makes it easy to settle into a slower pace. The spa is another highlight, with a spacious, beautifully designed water-ritual area that feels incredibly peaceful and restorative. It’s available at an additional cost, but it’s a lovely way to make the stay feel even more special.

I absolutely love the resort I had a fun time and enjoyed the food especially the chef. AndreinaVK Cuello she made the trip special!!!!