I wan to first say that the rooms were exquisite and the views unbeatable. We stayed in a 2 room suite which was really magnificent. However, it is unfortunate that a hotel, which has the potential to be a high class destination has such poorly trained, weak staff/.
When we arrived, they couldn't find our right reservation, the manager was supposed to call us when she sorted out our room, but never did...she was in an interview...I guess that was more important. The staff is sloppy and not amenable to go out of their way for their guests. The servers by the pool looked unhappy, and acted as if they were doing you a favor by getting a drink.
We had dinner in the Oriente that night. We walked in and were led to a table by the kitchen, as the nine tables further from the kitchen were empty we asked to sit at another table, the hostess said no. We asked again which led to a furious waitress and uncomfortable scene. We were not happy at all. We ate the paella, which was good...the diver scallops were amazing, but however good they were the mussels were bad. Honestly if you are going to make a paella in a fine restaurant, don't put mussels in that I could buy at Publix, or worse, 6 of the clams were not open...shouldn't they notice this before serving the dish?

Having said all of this, I would stay there again, because I loved the rooms. I hope that the give the staff some serious training. I did not meet one person that was professional. Maybe they should go to the Ritz Carlton for training?????

We checked in on Friday afternoon around 4:30pm and were greated by very friendly staff including the Manager Monica Smiley. We were immediately lulled into a state of serenity by the subtle scent of incense and the rushing water sound of the waterfall entrance. Gustavo parked our car, carried our bags and led us to our fifth floor ocean view room. He was very knowledgable and proud of the hotel's architecture and green atributes, pointing out the soy stained wood and details like the bull horn lighting fixtures, which helped us to be not too concerned with the odd industrial hallways between the main lobby and room accesses. He opened the balcony for our view, brought in ice and even gave us a tour of the well appointed bathroom, complete with green flushing instructions! (we loved his enthusiasm)We then went to the pool bar and were warmly greeted by Anna and felt so comfortable that we almost missed our dinner reservation. We dined at Oriente, the hotel's signature restaurant and had arguably the best food in Vero Beach. (See dinner review in tripadvisor)We could tell that we were one of a few parties actually staying at the hotel, given our warm reception and the complete quiet of the hallways. We had a very early reservation and were greated by David, the manager. Our service was wonderful, but again we picked a good time to be seated, by 7:30 the house was full. BEWARE of the locals because on this particular Friday night everyone was posing and displaying huge amounts of attitude. Being local ourselves, we understand the interest but not the attitudes.We suggest that you eat very early or late to avoid the demanding self important people and enjoy the pool in early morning or afternoon. After dinner, we retreated to our quiet room and enjoyed the crisp linens and comfortable bed which compares to our own Kingsdown. Robes and slippers are also provided. At 1am, we ventured downstairs to find the place completely empty and the soothing beach sounds restored.Breakfast service and food needs improvement but Monica Smiley earnstly listened and documented issues and we believe that all concerns will be attended to. Given the length of time opened, operating issues are understandable.Family and pet friendly, enjoyable and quiet, dinner not to be missed. Local place to be seen on Friday and Saturday nights. Summer rates are resonable, will double in the fall and into season. Staff will probably be jaded by locals by then, but we hope not.Also-we were told that Mr. and Mrs. Estefan had dinner there on Monday night. As wonderful as they are, we hope that everyone leaves them be and focuses on the beautful hotel and restaurant they have graciously offered Vero Beach.