We stayed at CBR from 12/16-12/22. We requested Aruba 51 or Jamaica 45 and didn't get either. We ended up in Barbados 16 (1627 and 1628), which is pretty far away from OPR. We consequently only went there a couple times, and we usually drove. We had also requested connecting first floor rooms that were not facing a parking lot. All those requests were met, though I think the interior facing request was a fluke, since I faxed that request in and I am under the impression they no longer accept faxes. It was conveniently located in relation to the parking lots, and there was a courtyard right outside our door, but we had very little down time to enjoy it. We were also near the ice machine. Overall I was happy with our room, but I wish it had been closer to the location I requested when I made the reservations. I didn't ask about moving at check in, so I don't know if that would have helped.
Mousekeeping was great during our stay. We left our connecting doors open all the time, so they treated it as one big room and we tipped them for both rooms and left the tips together on one table. On the second to last day they didn't take the tip, we hadn't placed the little housekeeping card with it so maybe thats why? We lmade sure to leave both days of tips with the card on the last day. I also left a note with some of our decorations and thigns we couldn't fit in luggage (glow sticks etc) saying if they wanted it to please take it, but I am not sure about the rules on that. We also got multiple towel animals.
We only had one experience with the bus system, my son and I took the bus from DHS to CBR one afternoon, and it was empty except 1 other family and we didn't have to wait at all, so it was great.
I liked CBR. However when comparing the cost with Pop with the amenities... I just am not sure the cost difference is justified. Back in 1990, CBR was the low end resort, since the value resorts didn't exist yet. I felt like the $200+ a night we were spending on the room was a little much for what was there. The rooms just feel a little dated, like with the heating/cooling. Instead of a thermostat on the wall like at a newer property like Pop, its one of those big units under the window with the knob. The pool area and foodcourt/shop were nicer than at Pop but since it was too chilly to swim most days that didn't do much for us. If you have a more flexible budget and can afford to stay at a moderate, I think CBR is a lovely resort. If you are unsure as to whether you can swing the cost or if you are having to sacrifice any other portion of your vacation, I'd go with Pop. I can't speak about any other values since I haven't stayed in them but the newly renovated Pop rooms were just as comfortable in my opinion. Oh, except CBR gives you more pillows, which was great because I like having a lot of pillows.
I know some people love CBR more than any other resort, even the deluxes, and it really is a matter of personal opinion. And part of my opinion does come from the fact that I work in a hotel, and I know if we tried to charge $265 a night for that room... we wouldn't sell a lot of rooms. Just my 2 cents!