Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort

The hotel is set amidst a championship golf course and expansive, beautifully maintained grounds, offering a picturesque and serene escape. While many guests appreciate the tranquil atmosphere, the hotel itself is frequently described as dated and in need of significant refurbishment, with some areas showing clear signs of wear. A standout feature is the consistently praised staff, whose exceptional friendliness, professionalism, and attentiveness significantly enhance the guest experience, often going above and beyond to assist. This destination is particularly well-suited for golfers seeking a high-quality course, couples looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway, and families who can enjoy the spacious property, despite some facilities needing updates. Guests should be prepared for the pervasive smell of seaweed due to the hotel's Atlantic coast location and consider booking external tours for off-site exploration to fully experience the island, as the hotel's own entertainment is minimal.

Facilities & Amenities
Most guests find the pools to be clean and well-maintained, with multiple options including satellite and 24-hour pools. However, the main pool has frequently been closed for renovations, and many note a shortage of functional sunbeds and umbrellas around the pool areas. The golf course receives consistent high praise for its immaculate condition and championship standard, making it a significant draw. The fitness center is available, though some guests report issues with non-working equipment like treadmills and a lack of proper air conditioning. Wi-Fi connectivity is a common complaint, often described as patchy, slow, or unreliable throughout the property. While bicycles are available for guest use, some reviews indicate they are old and in need of maintenance.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be spacious and comfortable, often featuring an ocean view and a private balcony. However, a significant number of reviews highlight that the rooms appear dated, with worn furnishings and a general need for refurbishment, including repainting. Many guests report issues with the air conditioning being ineffective or uncontrollable, leading to uncomfortable temperatures. A recurring concern is the lack of consistent hot water in the showers, with many experiencing only lukewarm or cold water, and some even brown water from bath taps. Bathrooms are frequently described as old, with stained or rusty fixtures. While some praise daily cleanliness, others note inconsistencies in housekeeping, including missed towel replacements or dirty floors.

Dining & Food Quality
Breakfast generally receives positive feedback, with guests appreciating the good selection, including a popular omelette station, and the overall quality of the food. However, some note the presence of birds in the dining area. Feedback on the main buffet restaurant is mixed; while some find the variety good, others describe it as repetitive or report that food is often served cold, and it is frequently closed due to low occupancy. The specialty restaurants and pub offer varied experiences; some praise the quality and presentation, particularly of fish dishes, while others report slow service, limited menus, and occasional unavailability of items. Drink selection and availability can also be inconsistent, with reports of warm beverages or items running out.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location on the Atlantic coast is a prominent feature, offering scenic views but also resulting in rough seas and a significant seaweed problem that renders the on-site beach unusable and often creates a strong, unpleasant odor. The hotel is somewhat remote, requiring transportation for off-site activities, though it is conveniently located about 20 minutes from the airport. To compensate for the lack of a usable beach, the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to Pigeon Point beach, a popular Caribbean-side destination, though guests typically incur fees for entry, sunbeds, and umbrellas there. The expansive property means that golf carts are available for guest transport around the grounds.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives overwhelming praise, with guests highlighting their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and professional demeanor. Many describe the service as attentive and accommodating, making guests feel welcomed and valued, often going above and beyond to assist with requests. The check-in process is generally reported as smooth and efficient, setting a positive tone for the stay. While most interactions are positive, some guests note inconsistencies in service, with a few staff members appearing disengaged or slow to respond to requests, particularly in dining areas. Despite these isolated instances, the dedication of the housekeeping team and the overall positive attitude of the staff are frequently commended, contributing significantly to the guest experience and often compensating for other areas needing improvement.

Additional Information
The hotel is visibly undergoing renovations and maintenance, though the process is slow and can be disruptive, with many areas still appearing tired or neglected. A significant point of feedback is the almost complete lack of entertainment options, beyond occasional karaoke or a single singer, leading many guests to describe evenings as quiet or boring. Safety concerns are occasionally raised regarding slippery surfaces on floors and stairwells, especially after rain. Guests on the all-inclusive policy should note the requirement to sign for every drink and meal, which is explained as an internal stock control measure. The property is also home to various wildlife, including birds in dining areas and cats, which some guests interact with.