Iberostar Quetzal

I guess I'm breaking trend here with giving all around glowing praise for this resort. I will admit, we do not typically stay at huge all inclusives like this, but that is no exuse for the things we found negative. I guess I'll break this down into pros and cons. These are just our opinions, so take them as you will. Pros Beautiful grounds and amazing wildlife onsite. This was a great selling point for me. The beach is also absolutely spectacular. That is an advantage of staying on this side os Playa del Carmen. The front desk staff were very nice and helpful, although after a very long travel day to get here, the length of time sitting with them for "orientation" was a bit much, followed by finding out the only thing to eat was at the ginormous buffet (yuck). More on that later. We did really appreciate that we were able to pick a different room from the one given, which put us right on the edge of the jungle, while still being able to glimpse the beach. really nice. The first room was also on the outer edge and the noise from a club or something next door was awful. The all inclusive is also a very good deal. The steakhouse restaurant was by far the best meal. The tenderloin was amazing. Cons First off, we typically travel internationally a couple times a year, and often one is either to Mexico or other Central American destination. We have never been so sick. Both my wife and I battled with stomach ailments almost from day one until we left. And we did all eating and drinking on the grounds. That has never happened where we usually stay in Playa del Carmen. Second, and this is a biggy, the system for getting dinner reservations is terrible. The choices are very limited, and if you do not get to the front desk very early to try and reserve, you will be out of luck eating at the al a carte restaurants. Which, believe me, is where you want to eat. The food, for the most part at those were pretty good and a couple very good. If you get stuck eating at the buffet. Good luck. Its mediocre at best. In fact, the first night when that was all we could eat, none of the food was even that hot. Strange. Also, to add to the dinner frustration, which we not only experienced, but saw countless others deal with, they will tell you the restaurants are booked but then they are, at any given time, half empty and unless you were lucky to get a time slot reserved, they will turn you away. Is that a staffing thing? Or can they only handle a fraction of the tables in the rather strangely decorated restaurants? Another thing that is a real shame, unlike other places, the service is very impersonal. Pretty weird really. You luck out getting the reservation, but then you feel rather pushed through the meal, and forget building any rapport with the staff. Another meal frustration was that at certain times of the day, when it would be nice to be able to grab a bite between lunch and dinner, there is nowhere open in the resort. So have snacks or something in your room to tide you over. Finally, and this is a recurring topic on here, the situation on the beach is frustrating, to say the least. If you like having an umbrella on the beach, you must have good timing. Either be like the people that stake their claim very early, or hope you luck out at some point during the day. It is quite common to see people's belongings on and around a desired spot, but you may not actually see the people for hours, and sometimes never. The same goes for the pool area. It is packed, all day long. We also never saw any security or staff keeping an eye out. I had to stop a guy from walking off with our towels one day at the pool. We had just slipped into the pool to cool off and luckily looked back by our chairs. You must turn in your towels to get you towel cards back for fresh ones the next day. So, would I recommend this resort. No. Not for us. Too many negatives, especially what happened to both of our stomachs here, nd the crowds are way too much for us. If you are into this type of experience and all-inclusive set-up, it probably would be fine. It would probably be great for families with kids. The monkeys, agoutis, coatis, iguanas, peacocks, flamingoes, and other critters are really fantastic.

This trip was taken the end of Oct 2018. We got an incredible deal and were so completely surprised. This is a hidden gem. So much wildlife - the FOID was fantastic. The drinks need work, definitely not the best. Service was great, friendly staff. We travelled with a 10 year old.

A unique property with a rainforest full of animals down through the centre of the resort Beautiful flamingos, Tuscan, cranes, peacocks, ant eaters, monkeys. A stone walkway thru this rain Forrest from beach pool area up to lobby & restaurants. A huge beach with lots of palapas to provide shade. Water was warm first 2 week February Weather was a consistent 30C + everyday. This hotel is very eco friendly providing refillable glass water bottles and water filling stations on each level of the units Suggested not to drink tap water. 2 buffet restaurants with huge variety of delicious food 6 A la carte restaurants excellant steak house, Mexican, Italian, Chinese Hotel is within walking distance of Playa del Carmen (30 min) for the ambitious or a cab ride Evening entertainment In the theatre very good. The entertainment staff work tirelessly to keep guest happy with poolside games. Evening lobby entertainment every night at the lobby bar We enjoyed this resort very much. No outside tours as plenty to keep us Busy within the resort

Close to the beach , pool and 15 minute walk to the plaza and 45 minute walk to Playa Carmen along the street and and the beautiful beach!. Great scenery close to a small ruins. We also had a beautiful view of the beach and pool from our room and balcony!! There is also someone very special that works there and looks after us he is the Concierge! His name is Yousef Adib Saab he caters to us and has been looking after us for 5 years!!!

Great two weeks at the Iberostar Quetzal hôtel in playacar which is in playa del carmen. Good service and a nice hotel. Very nice beach and hotel. The entertainment was good with various shows every evening. We also appreciated the shows in the lobby bars especially the one with Oz Barba who is a very good musician. We spéciale appreciated the special group of chefs (Isis and Fabiola) for their help for clients like my wife who is gluten and lactose intolerant. They would guide her into selecting the appropriate foods at the buffet or the a la carte dining choices and even making a specific meal for her needs. The animation group (special Hola to Julian and Angie) for their efforts. The hôtel has kept part of the jungle where animals roam and are familiar with guests. The check in and check out process was the most civilisés of all the all inclusive hotels I have stayed at. I would recommend.