We stayed at theLocal Dec 28 to Jan 4 2020 and we really loved the hotel! It is a fairly new hotel, maybe 2 years old, and the rooms are very nice & modern & very clean with updated spacious bathrooms and a nice balcony with incredible views from the 17th floor. We did end up on street side as that was part of the package with Swoop and did try to change to ocean view, but because of it being New Year's week the hotel was full. Read the reviews before you go and expect the noise from the disco next door until 4 am. Bring ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones if you are disturbed by that. We did fine with ear plugs. Or switch to ocean view if at all possible where it is less. we were told by a travel agent once back home that any hotel along that strip has the same "problem" with the disco's. It is not the hotel's fault. So go prepared! Staff were awesome right from desk to hotel greeters outside who would get you a cab or pulmonia if needed. we did have a little issue with the front desk staff, but I believe that was mostly because of language barrier and it was quickly resolved. The pools are amazing & beautiful with lots of lounge chairs and towels you did not have to sign for and well kept, bar staff friendly, but the last 2 days we were there the pool bar was closed on the 2nd level close to the ocean so we did have to wait longer for drinks. But they did do beach service as well so there's that! Lovely beach, lots of chairs and they'd bring down more if needed. We did the breakfast buffet option only (part of Swoop pkg again) and the food was great! I don't know what else you would want for breakfast! every option, fresh juices, eggs any way you want, waffles, French toast, pancakes, and bacon every day! also baked goods, oatmeal etc. We also ate at the restaurant a couple of times in the evening, very reasonable prices and the food was great with good service. I believe they do offer an all inclusive option if that's what you desire. I must mention Iran Espino the pool concierge who is an amazing man we met at this hotel. He works so hard at his job to try and make everyone happy and is on top of everything. Not only that he is a wonderful person and gave us info on where to go and what to do, and our last night was spent at the Plaza Machado on his recommendation, which was simply amazing! The restaurant he recommended was delicious! He came the next morning before we left to see how we made out and to say goodbye and give us a hug. Very outstanding customer service from this fellow. I would return to this hotel, and although it is not right in the Golden Zone it is only a 15 minute walk or 5 minute pulmonia ride so very close. All in all we enjoyed our stay at this hotel very much!