We have taken our puppy to Ocotillo for everything. He's been seen there since he was 15 weeks old and ADORES the entire staff ( he's now a year and a half). He gets puppy excitement whines the minute we pull into the entrance. He is day boarded and we've utilized just about every service that they have.
The staff is friendly and it always helps to learn their names. The boarding crew is amazing. Even during peak boarding at max capacity or weekends they take the time to make sure they get the attention they need. They'll even bathe the dogs if requested (for a fee) so you don't have to after a trip!
It is important to remember they are a medical staff and getting your (and others) pet healthy and safe is always a priority. No vets are cheap, if they are you probably should be skeptical. That's why companies sell pet insurance. The care for your animal like it's your family member. Knowing that they are getting the best care is worth it.
As to previous complaints about the front staff. You do need to remember you are walking into an office where they schedule, accept payments, deal with emergencies, hear the unfortunate news, and get yelled at for vets being late (rarely btw - but it happens, if you per needed emergency assistance you'd want to be taken first and not be rushed in a time limit). They aren't just receptionists. That's their office.