During our stay (11 days, all-inclusive, Riverside Passage Junior Suite) we had a mixed experience that included both positive aspects and significant areas for improvement. Here’s a breakdown of our experience: Positive Points: Friendly and Responsive Staff: The hotel staff were one of the highlights of our stay. They were incredibly friendly, responsive, and quick to attend to any needs or concerns we had. This level of attentiveness made us feel welcome and valued. Beautiful Beach: The hotel is situated near a lovely beach, which was a delight. The clear waters provided a relaxing environment to unwind and soak up the sun. Watersport Activities Nearby: For those looking for adventure, the hotel is conveniently located near a range of watersport activities (Sabinas Watersport), adding excitement to the beach experience. Charming Village Feel: The surrounding area has a charming village-like feel, which adds to the overall ambiance. Convenient Souvenir Shop: There is a small but well-stocked souvenir shop on-site, which is convenient for picking up gifts or essentials without having to venture far. Modern Amenities: Our room featured two large TVs, which was a nice touch for those who enjoy downtime with entertainment options. Free Upgrade: We were pleasantly surprised to receive a complimentary room upgrade, which added a nice touch to our stay. Negative Points: Lack of Clarity in the All-Inclusive Package: Unfortunately, we found that the all-inclusive package lacked clarity. It was not clear what exactly was included, which led to some confusion and frustration. Poor Quality of Soft Drinks and Coffee: The soft drinks available in the all-inclusive package had a strange taste, likely due to the use of desalinated water, which detracted from the overall experience. Lack of Variety and Quality in Buffet: The buffet was disappointing, with minimal variety and food quality that did not meet the expectations of a 5-star hotel. It felt repetitive, and the dishes were not as fresh or flavorful as one would hope. Cleanliness Issues: There were notable cleanliness issues throughout the hotel. The dishes in the buffet area were not always properly cleaned, and the rooms themselves seemed to have only been superficially cleaned. The toilet and shower in our room were particularly concerning, as they were not clean upon arrival. Understaffed Bars: Both the hotel bar and the beach bar were significantly understaffed, resulting in long wait times for drinks and snacks. This was a major inconvenience, especially given the hot weather and the desire for quick refreshment. Poor Room Renovations: The rooms appear to have undergone some renovations, but these were poorly executed. The overall appearance of the room was underwhelming, with signs of wear and tear still visible. Mini Fridge Not Refilled Daily: Another inconvenience was that the mini fridge in our room was not refilled daily. This was especially disappointing given the hot weather and the expectation for basic amenities to be restocked regularly in a 5-star establishment. Pool Issues: From the beginning of our stay, we experienced problems with the pool. The water level was too high, causing floods when entering the pool. Additionally, there were leaves in the water, and no tools were provided to clean them out. The pool itself was not well-maintained. Expensive À la Carte Restaurants and Food Trucks: The à la carte restaurants and food truck options were far too expensive, especially considering the small portion sizes. These options only made sense for those on the all-inclusive package, as they didn’t offer good value for money otherwise. Overall Impression: While there are some positive aspects, such as the friendly staff and lovely beach setting, the hotel falls short in several key areas that prevent it from meeting 5-star standards. From unclear all-inclusive options to cleanliness and maintenance issues, the experience was not up to par with the expectations of a luxury stay. Given the numerous shortcomings, this hotel would be more accurately rated as a 4-star establishment. With improvements in food quality, staffing, cleanliness, and room maintenance, the hotel could better align with its 5-star rating. However, as it stands, it does not quite meet those criteria.