TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

We have just returned form Ocean El Faro resort in Punta Cana, and just got a few comments which are good and bad Firstly this resort is massive so good walking footwear is needed If you can book a swim up room, having not to find a sun lounger and sit around screaming kids and drunk fools by main pool is perfection. We were in the furthest block from the lobby so expect a far walk up the main areas like the bowling alley and sports bar Food is good, with plenty of choice, pizza was stunning and only down side and frustrating was trying to get a drink from the staff, not a chance they'll just stand around chatting and ignore you - unless you spoke Spanish Rooms are lovely and our cleaner was fab - GOT TO TIP THEM our fridge was stocked everyday with cold drink, beer and water and if you wanted extra just tip the boys and they'd give you want you want, really polite and helpful. We stayed at our swim up pool and the annoying thing is they spent most of the day cleaning them - so if management reads this get them to clean them early in the morning and not at peak times and also ourselves and our Canadian neighbours were harassed for money off who we called the creepy pool boy, he would walk along checking the rooms and then ask for cash The beach is stunning and got plenty of sun loungers but they aren't the best so if you got back issues then getting on and off is a pain Adjacent to the main beach is a small lagoon and we snorkelled there and had Turtles most mornings, but the waters can be very choppy and pull you out very quick - this lagoon is not part of the resort so don't leave anything whilst in water, but we did have security guard watching our stuff The lazy river is great and they say to take your own inflatable but there was always a few spare, but the pool is exited into had the swim up bar and was impossible to a seat as the same people would sit there all day so the waiting staff would bring lovely cocktails and beer straight to our pool - but always tip a dollar each time. OK the biggest issue and needs addressing is the way they operate the snack bar, if you expecting to just catch a quick snack -forget it some people were waiting an hour, you cant have a pool side snack bar run like a restaurant and take orders and then wait for it to be brought to you, Also by having a self service soft drinks machine there save so much time This was first time we haven't been bitten to death by Mozzies, we didn't even see one or get one bite

So I've been home 5 days and really miss this place and the people. So from the moment we arrived it was special. Our butler Jose Miguel Jimenez stayed behind after his shift finished to welcome us to the hotel. Check in was fast and he took us straight to our rooms. Due to mobility issues Jose put us in block 12 right between everything. The beach right infront of us and privilege restaurant to the right with adult pool to the left of our room. Our room was amazing it was huge with a sofa dining table and huge patio. Air con was great and worked perfectly ?? . Food was plentiful in both restaurants and buffet. In the morning freshly cooked omlettes waffles pancakes all piping hot. The donut stand was a must.plus all the usual fruit cakes yoghurts cerial etc. Afternoon again all freshly cooked pasta pizzas huge meat joints etc. Restaurants were all really nice. Wasn't to keen on the Italian as food was not hot. 24 hr room service plus fridges filled daily. As a tea drinker I asked Jose if he could get me some English tea and milk which he immediately had delivered to our room and continued to do so throughout the 2 weeks. From the waitersgardeners cleaners pool staff etc all are very Friendly and always greet you as they pass. Mike's coffee shop ??. An absolute must with all coffees smoothies and cakes sandwiches. The girls in there were lovely always smiling and happy. The rumours on the stealing in this hotel made me worried BUT I left out my jewellery watches passports money etc all over the room and nothing was ever touched. If your worried use the safe but just with the feel of this hotel I didn't feel I needed to. We will definitely be returning next year with family. To me it ticked every box. If you book you won't go wrong by requesting Jose to be your butler I promise he will look after you. Lastly the beach had a few rocks here and there but mostly sand. It's wavy so was great fun ??. The lagoon on the left side was amazing. A little seaweed due to sargasm but it's calm warm and all sand. If you snorkel you will be sure to see the turtles. Look in the grassy areas as that's where they feed. So book and ignore the bad reviews and enjoy your holiday ??.

Best hotel of the H10 all inclusive. Excellent room, beautiful beach, good food, nice environment and marvelous service. Employees were professional but our butler Jose M. Jiménez was the best butler ever; best butler we have had in 17 years visiting many other H10 hotels. He was profesional, polite, very friendly, smart and extremely supportive. His service was brilliant !!! to the extent that this led us to extend and expand our Premium membership.

I want to write an honest review about our holiday at this resort. Jose Miguel Jimenez is by far the best employee this hotel has. We are returning customers and he waited 3 hours after his shift had finished to greet us. He went out of his way to secure us great rooms us both of our rooms needed to be ground floor due to health reasons. He messaged me every day even when he took his break from work to make sure we was ok. He truly deserves to be recognised for all of his efforts. He really made us feel like family and for this reason alone we will be back here again this year and next year with our extended family. Thank you jose you've made our holiday an amazing time yet again. I hope the management from this hotel read this and take note of what an amazing employee they have xx

New management has canceled many long year workers here and this property has become very strict. To the point of annoyance, where everyone who currently works there is scared to lose their jobs. And basic nonsense of what you "can't do" is enforced. For example, the after party here does not exist anymore. People use to gather after the club in route 66 and have a good time. Now you get yelled at by "Ruddy" the manager at night there. Travelers like myself were attracted to this property, due to the fact that other resorts that use to be like El Faro was. Enforced strict rules, this property has done just that. Before you had a lot of freedom here, reason why so many repeat customers like myself cameback. It's basically for "Old" people now, caters for the "complainers" that complain of disturbances. Like those stereotypes that complain about people playing music at the beach. Really sad what has happened to this property in such a short period of time. I think I'm done booking here and looking elsewhere to spend money. Fun times here but, the good times come to an end. Other than that, for the price quality is top notch. Come here if you're a Karen, will have a peaceful vacation.