We made reservations before learning about "soft opening." Had we known we would have delayed at least until 2010. That said we went with positive attitude and enjoyed our stay. But, we probably won’t go back because it takes 15 hours (in air plus airport waiting) to get there. ( SAN to PUJ) Arrival visa costs $10; also filled out Customs declaration that no one collected. We were so intent on avoiding folks wanting to help with our luggage that we walked by the Moon Palace booth. Some guy outside pointed us back to booth. We shared van with another couple and left after only 15 minute wait. Be prepared for an exciting ride: pot holes, narrow roads, numerous mopeds. Arrival. Bellhops appeared a bit disorganized…but no problems. Front desk gave us wrong wrist bracelets, which we corrected later. Room: beds were very comfortable. No Palace slippers in room and safe didn’t work. TV is not easily viewable from beds. (We watched very little TV) Wireless internet worked well. Bldg. halls and stairwells needed better cleaning. Oh, coffee was excellent, but nothing to stir with. Grounds: there are places for bldg. signs/directions…but no info yet. We figured out lay of the land after first day. One restaurant down by beach–Marina Grill–where we ate buffet breakfast and lunch plus it has order from menu at dinner. I rate Marina Grill as very good…but wine as poor. There is also a sandwich place down there and frequently a lunch BBQ was set up. Other restaurants are in main bldg. with lobby. Tao (Oriental) was good; you have to reserve your table with morning breakfast greeter. Spaggo (Italian) was very good…went for dinner 3 times. Must Sweet Coffee–my wife enjoyed their deserts and special coffees. Pizzetto was very good; beer and pizza always delicious. Cafetto. Service problems when we were there. Lucca (International) Good. We only went once…for breakfast buffet. Several pools with some away from the beach and more are being made ready. Most of the construction was at the southern end…did not bother us. Entertainment doesn’t start until 9:45, which is past our bedtime. However, we were up late first night and went to "Stars Show." It began 20 minutes late…and there were technical problems; we left. Can’t comment about other shows. Like the resort…a work in progress. Checkout went smoothly. Airport departure was mostly seamless, however, after getting boarding passes, etc. we needed to fill out disembarkation form that was in a pad on table near final check point. Other folks may have gotten forms from their airlines, but not Delta.
If one has reservations, don’t cancel, you’ll have good time. If one is thinking about going, wait a year.
Was this review helpful? Yes Thank you for giving us your opinion.