Grand Ocean Bay Resort Phu Quoc

The staff made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Everyone was warm and attentive, and Due deserves a special thanks for being especially kind. We loved the resort's thoughtful design and beautiful setting, and the beach was a great place to unwind. We'd happily return and recommend it.

Getting our luggage sorted after a problem at the airport was so easy. The resort had it delivered straight to our room, and we didn't have to lift a finger. The staff were thoughtful throughout and clearly put a lot of effort into making our island stay a good one. The scooters had been renewed too, so riding around the island was pleasant. Breakfast had plenty of Western and Vietnamese choices. I could start the day with Hu Tieu, Pho, or Bun Bo Hue, just as Vietnamese people do. I was a little worried about bugs in the open-air bathroom, but it was spotless and tidy, and I didn't see a spider or any other insects. Ocean Bay made our time on Phu Quoc island a blast. The bungalows are beautiful and tucked into nature, with a lovely beach right there. It's a great fit if you want some luxury while still enjoying that tropical island feel.

The room design was pleasant, though the rooms felt small and not especially distinctive. I also hadn't been told in advance that the bathrooms were outdoors, a setup you have to be comfortable with. Mosquitoes seemed quite likely to get into the room, which made the stay less comfortable. At the restaurant by the water, the setting was nice, but the food was mediocre at best and fairly expensive. Outside food and drinks weren't allowed. Vegetarian and vegan choices were very limited, both on the menu and at breakfast. Breakfast was acceptable overall, but crowded and offered little variety for vegetarians. There was no espresso, cappuccino, or other specialty coffee, which was disappointing at these prices. The resort is nicely designed and sits in an attractive spot by the water, but I don't think it earns its five-star pricing. The pool itself looks good, yet the hotel's music mixed with loud music from a neighboring restaurant, making it hard to relax. There also weren't enough sun loungers. The beach is only semi-public, so it doesn't feel exclusive, which didn't match what I expected from a high-end resort at this price. My first impression was poor too. The parking attendant spoke to me rudely and kept telling me which way to park my scooter. It was needlessly confrontational and stressful as soon as I arrived, which felt unacceptable for this price category. I had a pleasant time in some ways, but there are better value hotels on Phu Quoc. I can't recommend Ocean Bay Resort as a true five-star hotel.

I felt humiliated by how staff dealt with us. We were only sitting on a bench to get some fresh air, but they wouldn't allow it and said they were “protecting the properties of the hotel.” They chased people away from the grounds with odd claims like “you are using hotel property,” even though we weren't doing anything wrong. The manager, Huy, and other employees came across as disrespectful and aggressive. They accused and expelled people instead of speaking politely, and were rude not just to guests but even to people who had simply come onto the property. I also spoke with one of the hotel's guests, who had very negative things to say about his stay. He said the rooms were dirty, the food was terrible, and some staff acted in a racist way toward guests. This left me with a deeply bad impression. I'd strongly advise people to think twice before choosing this hotel.