A group of 6 traveled to Garza Blanca for a stay from Wednesday to Sunday. Overall, we were very pleased with the resort; it's well-maintained with a nice balance of being approachable and luxurious. Like any all-inclusive, you can pay more for a certain level of services.
The pools were clean, and chairs were easy to come by, although it seemed as though the resort wasn't at full capacity. However, "premium" spots were reserved for Elite members. The rooftop pool, which is adults only, was a nice break from the larger pools.
The music throughout the day, from the early morning spa-like sounds to the afternoon upbeat music, was a nice touch. It was never at an overwhelming volume, outside of when water aerobics was going on, which only lasted 30 minutes.
The beach was clean, and the water was easy to access, but there were warnings of sting rays, jellyfish fish etc., which we saw. This is obviously not something they control (or should), but something to be mindful of if you're looking to spend a lot of time in the ocean.
Overall, the food was really good, but of course, the quality and experience varied by restaurant.
The breakfast buffet was solid with great options.
Room service was not great, the pizza was lackluster with heavy cheese and soggy crust, and the hummus resembled soup with little flavor. The Caesar salad with grilled shrimp was the only decent item.
Hiroshi was our favorite, while Bocados Steak House was underwhelming with lukewarm food and a staff that pushed ordering all the sides (which ended up being way too much) and premium wines that were not included in our all-inclusive without any consideration for pairing with our meals. Also, it was disappointing that the option to try these wines, which started at $125/bottle, could not be tried ahead of sampling. When we declined, they tried to bargain the price with us, which felt like we were being scammed.
We were also there for a birthday celebration, and they did this thing where they dipped a rose in nitrous oxide, which froze the rose. They then put it in front of the birthday girl and clapped it to cause it to shatter all over her. It left remnants on her skin and clothing. I'm not sure what the thinking was behind this party trick, but I would recommend it be evaluated. A rose alone would have been nice; they didn't need all the theatrics.
The food truck on the beach was great, as was the food at the main pools and the rooftop bar/pool.
We didn't have a chance to try the other restaurants.
One warning to all. I've been to a handful of all-inclusive (Secrets, Dreams, Vidanta) and this was the first where tips were requested at each meal. Instead of finishing and getting up, you had the option to tip on a phone (while the server stood there) and have your bracelet scanned. I'm happy to tip, but there were instances where we felt we were pushed to order more to raise the price, which in turn would increase their tip. This felt deceptive, and I highly recommend you check your bill at each meal, even if you have the all-inclusive plan.
At the steak house, they included 7 Grey Goose martinis on our bill, when we had 2, plus other items, including shots, which they brought over for our celebration. After a day of drinking, we didn't want them and were made to feel bad that we didn't consume them. Once removed, our bill was reduced by $150, which in turn reduced the tip amount. I don't think a 20% tip is standard there. We started there because we're used to it in the States, but landed at 10% for more of the week.
And when breakfast is $50/person, a group of 6 can have a tip of $30/day, which adds up, and for a buffet, seems high given the server's role is basically drinks and clearing.
My point is that, when they bring over complementary things, since it's all inclusive, it felt like they were doing so to get a higher tip, which made the gesture feel inauthentic. We talked to a few other groups that felt the same way.
Again, I'm more than happy to tip, and the majority of the staff that we interacted with were so lovely, friendly, warm, accommodating, and well-deserving of a tip. I hope the resort listens to feedback and maybe considers adjusting the approach here. We were not aware of this ahead of arriving, although it could have been buried in the terms and conditions.
Lastly, I would recommend checking your bill with the front desk throughout the week. We had a few duplicate charges that we caught. And I did find it odd that they don't email this breakdown, only print it for you. I commented, in jest, 'Do you do this so people can't question it when they leave?' I was met with a side eye.
I would return to Garza Blanca and would recommend it; I just would like more transparency on the tipping policy.
US