AC Hotel by Marriott Punta Cana

Don't trust the photos. I stayed one night to try some nearby restaurants, but the room smelled odd and was dark. The pool was cold, and beyond the lobby the place felt like a factory. The grass was overgrown everywhere. Wouldn't recommend it.

We came back here after taking an Uber to a nearby beach and using a resort day pass, because we liked the hotel's modern facilities. It's a very new, modern place right in downtown Punta Cana. The front desk service was great, though they seemed short on local recommendations when we asked. We had a great stay and would recommend it.

We've stayed here twice in six months, and the staff always makes us feel looked after. The rooms are spotless, the showers are hot and lovely, and we keep getting our favorite view of the pool. Breakfast is a huge part of why we love it. There's so much choice, with fresh fruit and juices every day, plus an oatmeal bar I'm obsessed with. The breakfasts are better than any I've had in the States. After the first day, they even had my hot water ready before I asked. They remember you. Coffee comes as soon as we sit down, and the staff is constantly checking on tables, from omelettes to refills. Ruth in dining is a favorite of mine. She's warm and attentive, and remembered us from months earlier. Seeing familiar faces like hers really brightens our day and makes us feel at home. Thank you, Ruth, we love you! We came for dental work, and the place we went to hadn't fully confirmed our reservation. A woman at the front desk, whose name starts with N, worked hard to find us a room on a fully booked weekend and coordinated with the dental company to get everything sorted. She saved us. Sorry for the long line we caused, and thank you for being so kind, compassionate and graceful. The pool is our favorite, holy crapoli! Get a drink before you get out and they'll check on you for refills. It's easy. The pool feels safe and relaxing, with people enjoying the sunshine and the beautifully kept grounds around it. The lounge and dining area is always a comfortable temperature and has a lively buzz, with people eating, working, relaxing or waiting to leave for their next destination. We spent our last three hours there comfortably and had a fabulous lunch. There's a great shopping plaza a one-minute walk away, with restaurants, clothing stores, spas and a big food store for water, fruit, snacks, skincare and whatever else you need. Past the IKEA in the plaza and around to the left is a gorgeous jungle park with sculptures, shade, wildlife and spots to relax or play. It was so cool! This is where we want to stay when we think of Punta Cana. The prices, location and experience are all great. Thank you so much!

At check-in, the sheets were clearly from the previous guest, covered in hair and stains. Disgusting, and the front desk person couldn't believe it either. They offered us another room, but in the rush to move, my $400 perfume bottle broke and left glass all over the room. The perfume isn't what matters. Giving us a used bed is unforgivable. This was the worst experience I've had, and I'll never stay here again. Avoid this hotel.