Margarita Village

The location is nice and the hotel could have a lot going for it, but after 8 pm every day they blast music and awful entertainment. It’s miserable for guests and clearly the whole neighborhood too. Some guests are families with children and babies who need to sleep, not be kept awake by mediocre shows at what felt like painfully loud levels. I can’t say for sure, but I’m worried the volume could cause lasting hearing damage. We wore earplugs, complained to management, and played white noise in the room. They carried on anyway, like it was an ACDC concert. The pool area was empty, so maybe they’re trying to drive people away. I won’t stay here again.

I stayed for seven nights, and the staff were all helpful. If you’re looking for a cheap place, the room has the basics and a comfortable bed. Food options were limited, with chicken, beef, and fish always available but not many sides. Coffee, tea, and juice were served regularly, and everything tasted great. The pool has a concrete slide. It’s cleaned in the morning, but leaves and other stuff from the many little decorative trees end up in the water as the day goes on. It’s very quiet and almost deserted until Friday, when things get livelier through Saturday. There’s a stage with entertainment each night, though I never went, so I can’t rate it. The hotel takes you to the beach club at 10:30 am and brings you back at 4:00 pm. They serve a snack, not a meal. I was told that all-inclusive guests from Trinidad and Tobago couldn’t use the beach umbrellas and chairs, but could use the hammocks and seating inside. The club was very clean, and its drinks were better than the hotel’s. Be careful with bar drinks, since I found flies in mine. The selection is limited, the bartenders don’t speak English, and top-shelf drinks cost extra even with an all-inclusive package. There’s a grocery store around the corner where you can buy your own liquor. The Wi-Fi uses Ubiquiti mesh equipment, including a rocket as the main distribution AP and a couple of mesh access points. It’s a good brand, but the setup was terrible. I could only get 2.4 GHz, and the connection kept dropping. The lobby was the only place where it worked reliably. It’s a nice place if you don’t want to spend much, with what you need for a comfortable stay. I’d stay here again.

There was plenty to do, and it felt lively and very kid-friendly. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and drinks are included. One of the best resorts I’ve been to, and really entertaining. Margarita village.

The property is showing its age and is noticeably worn, which may not be surprising if you know the island’s current situation. If you don’t, come with some flexibility and you can still have a great time. The location is handy for the biggest malls, nice beaches, and downtown. Some staff, especially at reception, didn’t seem like they wanted to be there. The restaurant, bar, and entertainment teams were cheerful and helpful.