TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Writing this review on our 4th day (of 7) at the property. While these things may seem like small issues to some, I feel they are important enough for others to know about to help make informed decisions for your next vacation. When we first arrived, after a really long day of traveling, we just wanted to drop our bags and get something to eat as it was 6:30pm and we’d been up since 5am. We tried to get into 3 restaurants and were turned away at all 3 because we didn’t have a reservation. One restaurant appeared as they were trying to see if they could accommodate us and asked a few minutes later, will you be buying anything off the wine list. When I said no, she said then no, there is no availability. Really?? So unless I’m going to spend additional money at an all inclusive, you can’t accommodate us? This is unacceptable and immediately put a bad taste in our mouth as to what we were to expect. We later found out our concierge apparently booked us a reservation for 7pm on our arrival night, which we could have made, but nobody told us when we checked in. She said she left us a letter with the details and her info to be provided to us on checkin and we never got it. We booked a Reserve swim up 1 bedroom suite. The water is so cold the swim up room is entirely unusable. This might be the most disappointing part given how much extra we paid for what we thought would be a sure way of ensuring the best experience. Very wrong. Maybe it would be different at another time of the year but don’t waste your money during Canadian winters. We also paid extra for the Reserve category expecting a better experience with service, restaurants, etc but we do not feel it made much of a difference. There was no preferential service for restaurant reservations as expected. I despise having to book reservations all at once for my vacations. I want to enjoy my day and go for dinner when I want. Not an option. Some guests we spoke to weren’t able to get any reservations, some were able to just walk up to some restaurants and get a table, even when they had a reservation at another but changed their minds. Very inconsistent service and makes me wonder if there is preferential treatment. Note all of us were “reserve” guests. The only benefit of the reserve to us was the “heated” pool. It still was not what I would consider a warm pool and was not able to use it for the first 3 days. Day 4 was hot outside, thankfully, so was finally able to get in. As a pool person, this was so disappointing. If it wasn’t for this pool though, I’d likely be in tears. Sure hope the weather is nice enough for the next few days so we can enjoy the reserve pool, since our swim up is still too cold for use. The restaurants have been ok. Service mostly good until after you ordered, then relatively inattentive. The reservation issue is really poor and the buffet as a consolation was disappointing. We arrived Christmas Eve and there was supposed to be a special menu. I’d say minimum 50% of items had no labels on what the items were. Sauces, meats, cheeses, etc, no signs. The staff also were not helpful and couldn’t tell us what a lot of things were. The seating area is also so bright it’s like a cafeteria. Zero ambience, wouldn’t go back or recommend. Rest of the restaurants are ok. Nothing memorable. Sante on the reserve side is better and the Fahrenheit pool grill was also quite good. Drinks are decent but even at the reserve restaurant and bars you need to ask for premium alcohol. Shouldn’t have to ask for a specific tequila for a margarita on the reserve side, in my option. However you do, or you will get some no name brand. I will compliment the cleanliness of most areas of the hotel. Rooms and common areas (besides the pool) were excellent. Mini bar was not stocked daily as promised. Had to ask our concierge on day 4 to get the bar stocked, we only needed water and 2 cans of pop. Fridge was rearranged but no additional drinks added and water wasn’t refilled. Aside the cleanliness, the hotel is in need of repair. Lots of missing/broken tiles in all the pools, cracked and lifting paint and marble, rings of oily dirt around the pool walls and on swim up beds, which we pointed out. Service is pretty good and many nice staff but some are indifferent. I feel like a lot of comments mentioned are either not understood or just not taken seriously. I don’t know how management takes the feedback but I’m not confident many of the staff relay guest comments. With a recent devastating death in the family, we decided to splurge and try to enjoy a nice luxurious time away for the holidays. We paid $8k for 2 people, for 1 week, which is a lot of money to me. With minimal disposable income and time off in a year, it’s disheartening to have to share this experience. Not what I would have expected for a “5 star” hotel at this price point. While it wasn’t horrible and may be acceptable to some, La Perla did not meet our expectations. We will not return or recommend to anyone else. I sure hope our last 3 days see some sort of improvement.

Everybody at Paradisus La Perla is so very welcoming, hard working, and kind. We are always greeted with a smile and friendly conversations…and lots of patience with our Spanish! At the restaurant Hadar, Ismael and Sandy were a great team and greeted us warmly at breakfast - their service was spectacular!

Very nice! Staff there are super kind as well. Food is great and room service is nice. Really nothing else to say but I have to write at least 200 characters. So here it is. It’s nice to came here from a cold place and it’s worth the price. I will recommend it to my friends and relatives.

Paradisus La Perla is the best resort we've ever been in. Our own host Hector was amazing in updating us on activities and restaurant reservations. Besides a great buffet, make sure to try all their restaurants as the food there is exceptional. Lemon Fish and Flora were my top picks. Pool activities kept the spark during our stay. We had a fun event with water balloons and also foam party. The restaurant is super clean and everyone is just so helpful and amazing there. I highly recommend it and planning on our trip there next year.

Facilities are excellent and the food and staff are just as good. Suites are very comfortable and well maintained.