The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences

Positves... We loved this resort for so many reasons. Me and my new wife were on our Honeymoon and decided to pice The fives and the place to be. The hospitality is awesome when it comes to housekeeping, Room Service comes in 30 minutes on the dot, riding in the golf carts around the resort was very pleasant and they were so friendly and inviting, and especially the Butler service if you decide to include that on the Bali Beds on the beach. There a bout 3 restaurants that you have to make reservations for and that is set up through your personal concierge. Our concierge was Giselle and she was amazing. Bar staff was amazing. They will make you and drink on the menu and create something refreshing on the spot. Juan and Antonio were superb. Dulce was awesome from the Entertainment staff. Negatives... Upon arrival, at check in. We asked for an upgrade to a bigger room or suite because we were on our honeymoon. They said no problem, but there is a $200 nightly fees asocial with this. We paid about $50 a night for 5 nights per person to book this resort originally and then ask for an upgrade and it costs more than we paid. It was like there is no discount on that. Then we were driven to our room and advised that the next building over was a concierge that will handle any bookings for restaurants and anything needed. The concierge (Giselle) was amazing with dealing with any issue we wanted except the room upgrades. The concierge was really there to have people take a tour on one day of your trip of what they offer as a promo to come back to any Karisma resort. They really offer a great package, but our travel club offers a slightly better one. After the tour and sales pitch, they have us a voucher for the Bali beds to book for free that came with a Butler, picnic basket filled with water, all types of beers and brands, steak/shrimp burgers, and Lobster Cerviche. That was so amazing, but the bad experience was upon check out, they charge us for the Bali Bed and we had to show them the voucher and had no way of pulling up in the system that we went on the timeshare presentation and had to show them the Voucher and when we did present the voucher, the person at the desk didnt know how to apply it. Other things that were were not offered: There no Foam Party, No Therater for shows, Very little signs showing what is happening for the day, No Beach Party, Club opened at 11pm and far from most rooms. At the was elevator music. Nothing up to date.

Came to the fives with my wife and 2 school age kids and another family. Resort had more of a jungle than a beach vibe. Monkeys hanging out on our deck etc. Suites were spacious and in good condition. Food was pretty good/typical all inclusive. This was off peak so there were fewer people. However some construction/upgrades going on. There was not much resort entertainment going on. Beach was nice. Spa services were very good. Service in general was good. They seem to cater more to families/couples/international travelers rather than high school/college/spring break types like so many larger resorts here. Not the highest end of resorts but a nicer one.

Having traveling to a few Karisma properties, we had an expectation that was not met. We didn't know the Fives was undergoing a transfer of management, and this change occurred while we were at the resort. Staff was fabulous, grounds were gorgeous--food was not gourmet all inclusive. My family of 5 was really fed up eating from such a limited menu. Beach was nice and walkable, very windy and the ocean was rough. Very little seaweed which was splendid. We have stayed off-season at resorts before, and this was the first time ever we had to deal with construction--on the beach for that matter!--and had almost every restaurant closed. We had a multitude of little bugs on a mattress, our water tank leaked, and we signed for an amount for Balli beds that was changed on the receipt at the reception. It was clear as day someone didn't like the price we were given and wrote over the cost, so we had to fight had for that. We had a double bedroom suite which was nice and spacious. LOVE the animals and nature of the grounds. Shockingly beautiful. We will cherish the memory of the families of monkeys with babies coming out to visit. Too may tourists unaware of the dangers of feeding monkeys--it harms them. PLS DON'T FEED MONKEYS. crossed paths with a coral snake! so be aware Snorkeling with Siis on site to Maroma was decent. The two guides were terrific with my family. Just the reef is not in top shape. Bring repellant. If you have food allergies, they do a fabulous job. Erindira at Flavours and Oriolo really went out of her way to make us comfortable. The chef at the Brasseries creates fabulous desserts, and the chef at the Italian restaurant is great. We will unanimously not return. But we thank the staff for their great attention.