This was our first time staying at an Iberostar property. As far as all inclusives, this was top notch. We stayed a week and couldn't have enjoyed ourselves more. The Grand was excellent. We are over 50 so late night activities were not that important to us although they did have them available. One night they put on a Rock show with Iberostar staff that was really great. All of the sit down restaurants were excellent with a nice variety. The buffets for breakfast and lunch were great. The staff was attentive and very good. The price was a little pricey but you definitely get what you pay for. Our room was ocean front which I would highly recommend. I would ask for 1st or 2nd floor, not ground floor. The beach was beautiful and not crowded. One hotel over it was very crowded. Overall, I would highly recommend.

My husband and I just got back from Iberoatar Grand in Mexico and had a fabulous trip. The staff are all amazing and each and every staff member went out of their way to make our stay perfect always saying hello, holding open doors, etc. One night we were at a show and two newer staff members asked if they could sit with us to enjoy the show and get to know the customers We chatted a bit and it was great. The next day we were at the bar and the same two staff came walking by and said hello and remembered my name. Very impressive and a nice personal touch. We really enjoyed all of the food. We made all our reservations upon arrival and had no problems. All of the servers we excellent and very attentive. We tipped a lot but not once did I feel it was expected and they truly deserve and work hard for their tips. We loved that we had access to the other resorts a short walk away. We enjoyed a show/evening at the Lindo. We found their hot tubs very nice - not too hot - just relaxing. Great drink service at pool and beach. The beach is wonderful with nice sand and clean. The whole property was spotless. Can't wait to return next year. Felt very safe on this property.

This was our third vacation at Iberostar Playa Paraiso and we have always looked forward to the Grand as the pinnacle of this experience. My husband and I spent our tenth wedding anniversary at the Grand hotel, it was the perfect place to celebrate such a special occasion. We were expecting the best of the best due to such great reviews and the Grand did not disappoint us. Here are a few observations during our stay here:

The Food: The food was excellent. Both of us are both very picky but always managed to have something delicious at every meal. The only concern I had was with how quickly dinner reservations filled up. There were a lot of conference attendees during our stay and they had all restaurants booked up even before we arrived for our holiday (with the exception of the buffet restaurant). There has to be a better solution of being able to book a restaurant so all guests have an equal chance to book a restaurant of their choice. This could be easily achieved by only allowing restaurant bookings on the same day.

Pools: All very beautiful and well maintained. We always managed a spot near the main pool and didn't find the water to be as cold as other reviewers mentioned. Also the indoor spa pool gives great flexibility on days when you want to escape too much sun or if the weather is not cooperating.

Room: Very clean, beautiful, very comfortable bed which can be under estimated but makes a big difference to your vacation when you are so well rested. Pillow menu was a nice touch. Our room (7246) was centrally situated a few meters from all the restaurants, quiet pool and spa.

Butler Service: Butlers are hard working and try to meet your needs. They are there to help make your vacation better which they do by not being intrusive. If you need them they are most helpful if you don't speak up they won't be able to help you.

Overall service: The Grand is a well oiled machine and every one working there is very organized, pleasant and hard working. Please tip these guys, they deserve it. We noticed that people at the other hotels in the resort tipped more frequently than at the Grand. Sure you paid more to stay here but these guys are working as hard if not harder than the other hotels so tip accordingly.

I would like to make two suggestions to the Iberostar Playa Paraiso hotels to help them raise their game to world class standards. Firstly they should have a loyalty program similar to the Sandals "Soon Come" back program. We have stayed at four of their five hotels here at the Iberostar Playa Paraiso and we this was never acknowledged. With all the competition out there in the Tourism industry encouraging customer loyalty helps guarantee high occupancy rates.
Secondly, also unlike Sandals, you never know who the managers are. They are anonymous and never leave their offices. They are obviously managing their hotel very well but in hospitality your guests are number 1 so get out there and mingle with them. At least have a cocktail reception on a weekly basis to introduce the management team so your guests can bring concerns and commendations to the relevant person in an open and friendly way.

This is our second time at the Grand and we came back even more happier than the first time!

If you come back unhappy from the Grand, it will be your fault, because you simply didn't explain your concerns to the right people. I have SUPER high standards (I'm in the customer experience domain since I was born), and this resort is the closest as it can be from being at the top American/Canadian premium hotels. My biggest (little) complain is food, as they would need a bit more quality/consistency from a la carte restaurants. HINT: the personel with long yellow jackets are the 'captains' and they are usually assigned to the same restaurants: If you connect with them you will have the best service possible full stop.

Again - the All Inclusive formula cannot be compared as a 1/1 experience with a stay in top end Fairmont/Hilton of America - but if you are looking for a luxury experience, excellent personalized service, food, drink, rooms, spa services, you can't find better than at the Grand.