Nancy G.
Yelp
stayed at Copamarina Beach Resort in Guánica, Puerto Rico from July 20 to July 24 with my two children, and unfortunately, our experience was disappointing, overpriced, and at times demeaning.
Let me start with transportation, which was a nightmare from the beginning. I flew into San Juan Airport and had a rental car booked--until I found out that San Juan rental agencies require extremely high deposits, ranging from $500 to $2,500, which are held on your credit card. I couldn't proceed with that, so Plan B was to use Uber or taxi. It took me two to three hours just to find an Uber willing to drive out to Guánica. Once we arrived, I quickly realized: no Uber operates near the resort. None. Even getting 10 minutes into town is difficult--Copamarina offers no shuttle, no car service, and no warning about how isolated the resort really is. I tried to arrange transportation just to grab some snacks for the kids since there's no 24/7 food available, and was told a taxi would be at least $50 roundtrip for a 10-minute errand. There is absolutely no way to leave the property unless you've rented a car.
Then came the issues inside the resort:
* Check-out took nearly 2 hours due to repeated billing mistakes. Despite advertising a 20% discount for guests staying 4+ nights on food, spa, and services, the charges were inaccurate and inflated. Just when I thought the bill was fixed, they added another $50, with no clear explanation.
* Food is average at best, yet I spent nearly $900 on food alone in 4 days for myself and my kids--almost as much as I paid for the room.
* Service is frustratingly slow and the resort appears severely understaffed. One bartender runs an entire bar per shift, and restaurant wait times were long.
* The main restaurant is outdoors, so there's no AC unless you're inside your room. Dining is hot and uncomfortable.
* Pools are warm, not refreshing, and felt more like a bathtub than a break from the heat.
* Our first room was basic but noisy--7 a.m. lawn crews with leaf blowers made sleeping impossible, and the AC had a loud motor that disrupted rest.
When I brought these concerns to management, I encountered the most disappointing part of the stay: Jamey Restrepo, the reservation manager. Her attitude was rude, condescending, and passive-aggressive. She made me feel as though I was trying to steal or manipulate my bill, which was offensive and completely inappropriate. I couldn't help but feel that being a woman traveling alone with two children affected how I was treated. I was dismissed, disrespected, and unheard.
When I asked for a simple courtesy--like a drink or meal for the AC and noise issues--Jamey refused, and instead insisted on moving us to a "better" room. I told her I didn't care about having an ocean view, but she insisted. We were forced to pack up everything and move, only to find the "upgrade" was a smaller room, not better in any way. The whole thing felt like a PR move, not a solution.
Some staff deserve recognition:
* Sonya, a supervisor, was kind and helpful in working to correct my final bill.
* Yajaira at the front desk was also lovely--friendly, respectful, and patient.
* Most bartenders were professional and warm, doing their best despite clear staffing shortages.
The resort grounds are beautiful, but that alone does not make up for being overcharged, mistreated, and trapped without transportation or support.
Final Thoughts:
I cannot recommend Copamarina--especially not for solo parents, families, or anyone without a rental car. Between the logistical isolation, poor service, inflated prices, and dismissive management, I left feeling exhausted, disrespected, and completely let down. Spend your money somewhere that values their guests and backs up their advertising with real hospitality.