Iberostar Waves Punta Cana - All Inclusive

The buffets were good, had themes and good variety. Some of the restaurants that didn't need reservations had long waits.

This was a return trip for us to this location - although first time to visit in September. We travelled as a couple from Toronto (Air Canada Vacations - ACV) primarily as a golf holiday. Keeping in mind in September the "per night" cost of this holiday for 2 including flights, transportation, hotel, food and drinks was less than the cost of our pre-flight hotel night at the Alt hotel in Toronto - we kept our expectations in check with it being a great value. Check in was quick (dodged the "concierge" - no interest in vacation club meeting). No issues with our room (recently painted, bed was comfortable, water pressure was good, no problems with hot water, air conditioner worked well for such high humidity, daily cleaning was good...). As it was a September trip - occupancy was on the lower side so access to loungers and shade at the beach or the pool was never an issue regardless of time of day which was a big plus. The beach did have Sargassum at this of year as expected (not the hotels fault) which tractors kept removing. The water was therefore not clear, but did not keep us from using the beach or the swimming in the ocean. Our mornings were at the buffet with great service. We sat in the same area daily with same server for coffee and waters. For evening meals with ate once at the buffet and the rest of the evenings at the non-reservation a-la-cartes, As non-meat eaters we ran into some issues with the Vegan or vegetarian options on the menus not being available, but generally was always able to find something. The Smokehouse even made us a nice platter as the "vegan" platter on the menu was not available, None of the meals stood out, but other than the Mexican (which was a bit frazzled) we had nice experiences at the Asian, America, Smokehouse and Latin, The app was very useful in determining which nights they were open and at what times. As were were golfing daily we did not partake in any day entertainment at the hotel. Being off-peak season, evenings were on the quieter side in the lobby. Most of the clientele at this time of year are Spanish speaking, so English speaking travellers looking to socialize and meet others at night might find it a little harder this time of year.

Good

Cons: We took our own wash clothes (different fabric) and the cleaning staff took them and never returned them to us. The rooms are dated with minor issues. There was a light fixture that was hanging off the wall when we arrived to our room. Flies was on food that wasn’t being monitored. Food quality questionable and food choices repetitive. Beach peddlers and their hasslers trying to sell something every step I took when my goal was to relax on vacation. Pros: They had working elevators. There were working water refill stations throughout the resort. The staff was friendly despite language barrier. Easy access to beach location. Special shout out to Andre outside the Disco at the bar for providing top notch service. He was our go to location nightly that was also a good cool spot due to multiple ceiling fans operational

Would not recommend this hotel at all we have stayed in far better Iberostar hotel's!!! Rude rude rude staff!!! Terrible manners! The most unfriendliest hotel I have ever ever stayed at! The staff ALL look like they hate their job! They are sooooo slow at the bars my sons loves chocolate milkshakes and the eye rolling and effort for the staff to make it was appalling ! Every cocktail you had, you had to ask for alcohol to be added or they just didn’t bother very sneaky and disgusting when you have paid 9,000 for a holiday and they still want you to tip for every drink you have or secretly don’t make the drinks with the right ingredient's!!! Beach was awful ( not the hotels fault ) but the seaweed and the smell is gut wrenching covered in flies!!!!. They do not try hard enough to keep on top of cleaning it at all! Food is bland and boring! Birds and flies everywhere in the restaurant area. Check In was very very slow after a 9hr flight was left waiting 45 minutes to be checked in at reception no apology! Entertainment was terrible very boring and the same thing every few days. No room to see it, it’s indoors so very hot and people just stand in front of you! The entertainment team lacked enthusiasm not once talking to either of my children or asking to join in activities. And to top it off no one speaks a word of ENGLISH!! And they just don’t care! As I said and I’ll say it again the most rudest staff and entertainers I have ever come across. Will not recommend nor visit this hotel again.

Very clean resort and friendly staff

Our 3rd time in this hotel and we don't have any reason to try another place

Quality customer service is lacking. In general, staff were not as polite or friendly as other Iberostars. Entertainment is seriously lacking and there are significant tech issues on the Waves side of the resort. Membership sales pitches are super aggressive and once you adamantly say, “no,” service quality diminishes drastically. Don’t believe “it’s only a 90-minute presentation,” because it was three hours and they didn’t provide shuttle service back to our lobby after we said, “no.” Food is consistently overly-salted and lacks variety, and there are minimal fresh options. Housekeeping service is prompt; however, the service is spotty with towels (even after multiple reminders of missing towels on multiple days). Management/Guest Services seems unconcerned with customer dissatisfaction. The only redeeming quality was the local setting and the few staff who went the extra mile.

I visited Waves Punta Cana with my family of 5 (kids - 19, 16, and 14) and my Mother-in-law at the end of July. The resort was beautiful! All of the employees were pleasant, happy to help, and always had a smile. The food was better than other all-inclusive resorts we have visited in the past and drinks were good as well. We enjoyed our days at the pool/beach and nights at the restaurants/entertainment. We actually never left the resort. There is plenty to do during the day or you can just relax! The rooms were very nice and the grounds were immaculate. I couldn't believe the number of people that work there and the time they all spent keeping the facility beautiful and making sure guests had everything they needed. I had read other reviews about it being hard to get drinks if you weren't a VIP or didn't speak Spanish. We are from the US and speak very little Spanish and did not even get approached about signing up for the VIP program and NEVER had a problem getting a drink (or anything we needed). People are around the resort and on the beach offering excursions, spa treatments, etc. but a simple "no thank you" was all you needed. Great resort, great people, and great vacation. I definitely recommend!

It's our second stay in the property and we loved every second of it. Stuff is always ready to help with a genuine smile on their faces.