Sandos Finisterra

The hotel offers a memorable experience, distinguished by its stunning panoramic views of both the ocean and the marina, and its exceptionally attentive staff who consistently go above and beyond. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's prime location, which provides easy access to the vibrant downtown area and marina. The property is well-suited for a diverse range of travelers, including families seeking engaging activities and dedicated pools, couples looking for a romantic getaway with beautiful vistas and relaxing spa services, and sightseers eager to explore local attractions. Many wedding guests also find the resort an ideal venue for celebrations. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for the best views, and be prepared for the hotel's hilly terrain, which involves numerous stairs. Leveraging its proximity to the marina for tours and local dining is also a highly recommended tip.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests consistently praise the hotel's diverse facilities, which cater to various preferences. The property features multiple pools, including a lively adult-only pool with a swim-up bar and a more exclusive VIP pool offering stunning views. While some guests noted that certain pools could be cold or had minor maintenance issues like missing tiles, the overall consensus is positive, with many appreciating the availability of heated options. The spa facilities are described as incredible, providing a relaxing experience with a pleasant jacuzzi and professional therapists. A fitness center is also available for guests. While Wi-Fi is generally accessible in public areas like the lobby and pools, some guests reported inconsistent or slow connectivity within their rooms, suggesting it might not be reliable throughout the entire property.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel receives high marks for its cleanliness, with guests frequently commending the spotless rooms, well-maintained grounds, and immaculate public washrooms. Rooms are generally described as spacious and offer impressive ocean views or marina views, contributing significantly to the guest experience. Most guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful stay. However, feedback on room condition is mixed; while many appreciate the space and views, some note that certain rooms appear dated and could benefit from updates. Specific concerns included AC issues, the absence of headboards, and minor imperfections in bathroom tiling. Guests on the marina side occasionally reported noise levels from nearby nightlife, which could impact sleep quality for light sleepers.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining and food quality is varied, often described as "hit or miss" by guests. The breakfast buffet at Don Diego is consistently praised for its variety and quality, particularly the omelette station. For other meals, the hotel offers several restaurants: Emiliano's (Italian) receives mixed reviews for its food and can be noisy, while Agave (steakhouse) and Tortuga (beach restaurant) generally receive more positive comments, with Tortuga's menu noted for recent improvements and its ocean view. Popular dishes include avocado toast, Kung Pao chicken, salmon, shrimp tacos, smoked marlin tacos, chilaquiles, provolone with chimichurri, Mahi Mahi, and onion soup. Poolside options like sushi and pizza are popular but can have significant wait times. Drink quality also receives mixed reviews, with some finding them weak or watered down, while others enjoy the cocktails.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, offering guests exceptional accessibility to key areas. It is conveniently situated within easy walking distance of the marina, downtown area, and numerous shops and restaurants, allowing guests to explore the local scene without needing transportation. The property boasts stunning ocean views and marina views from various vantage points. While the hotel provides direct beach access, guests are advised that the ocean here is generally not swimmable due to strong currents and waves, though a public beach suitable for swimming is a short walk away. The hotel's design on a hilly terrain means there are many stairs, which guests with mobility limitations should consider. Some guests noted issues with Uber access, as the hotel prefers guests to use its more expensive taxi services.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise, standing out as one of the most positive aspects of the guest experience. Guests frequently describe the staff as exceptionally friendly, attentive, and helpful, often going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Specific roles highlighted for their excellent service include butlers who remember guest preferences, dedicated poolside service staff, skilled bartenders, and an energetic entertainment team. The quick check-in process is also appreciated. Many reviews commend the personalized approach, with staff remembering names and accommodating special requests. The housekeeping team is noted for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and even adding thoughtful touches like towel art. Overall, the staff's commitment to providing outstanding service creates a welcoming and memorable atmosphere for guests.

Additional Information
The hotel provides a vibrant entertainment program with continuous activities throughout the day and engaging evening shows, including professional performances and themed nights like the popular white party. Guests can participate in various interactive experiences such as cocktail classes, cooking classes, bingo, tequila tasting, music trivia, and blackjack. While the resort offers a lively atmosphere, some guests noted that the on-site nightclub's music selection could be improved for a broader appeal. The hotel also caters to Royal Elite membership holders, providing exclusive benefits, though some guests expressed discomfort with the associated timeshare presentation. The property's unique hilly terrain with numerous stairs is a recurring theme, offering great views but requiring physical effort.