Riu Vallarta: Great Trip, Awesome Staff!

Just got home from a week at the Riu Vallarta and had a wonderful time! The Grounds and public area are very clean and well kept, the rooms were very comfortable. We really enjoyed the buffet, they had a wide variety of foods to choose from, the cooks and service staff were incredible they remembered my daughter by name after the first day and always took time to say hello to her and give her a nice complement. We enjoyed the buffet so much we didn't bother booking reservations at any of the ot [... read more]her restaurants. The Entertainment and activities team was also fantastic. I was starting to wonder if they ever had a break, you would see them by the pools getting games together in the morning and afternoon, then up on stage dancing with the kids until 10pm. They always had a smile on their faces and made my 3 year old feel comfortable enough to go and dance on stage even though she is super shy normally! We went only went on one excursion which was the city tour, I really enjoyed it although bug repellant is advised as the mosquitos were our in full force. We also had access to the other two Riu hotels nearby, the Riu Jalisco was less than a 5 min walk down the beach and was very nice as well, pool area was totally different that the Vallarta so it was a nice change of scenery. Overall wonderful vacation, cannot wait until my next visit!

Grand Oasis Sens: Awesome resort!

The resort staff were absolutely awesome! Rafael was supper! The food was really good. There wasn't a meal that I didn't enjoy. The rooms were really good, we had a great view out of our window. Again the staff was fantastic.

Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya: Fantastic Trip!!! Few minor things to note however

This site is a must for me when planning any vacations. So I have started making more of an effort to review resorts whether my resort experience was good or bad. While this resort was first class all the way there were a few minor things that kept me from giving it a 5* rating. Check-In: We arrived a little bit later than expected to the resort due to waiting for people to make their way from the terminal to the bus (not the resort’s problem). The bus to our resort only held the four of us ( [... read more]my husband, myself and his parents) and another couple. We were given cool towels upon our arrival (very nice touch and much needed). They gave us a ticket for our luggage and escorted us to the lobby to get checked in. We ended up waiting a half an hour to get checked in when there were six of us total four of which checked in together. We did get a welcome drink while we waited but I really think they need to speed up the check-in process. Grounds: They work so hard on the landscaping and it really shows. I was so impressed with all the water streams, fountains and lushness of the greenery. Even in the rain they worked on landscaping! Rooms: Pros: WOW! We stayed in the Emerald Suites in Building 10 rooms 10-103 & 10-106. They were incredible. The bed was really comfortable, room was super clean and nice and roomy. They give you really nice bath products, slippers and bathrobes for use during your stay there. Also in the closet there was a golf sized umbrella which my husband and I thought was a really nice touch. Both my husband and I and my in-laws were celebrating our anniversary and when we got to our rooms they had a Happy Anniversary cake and a bottle of Tequila with two shot glasses. There was nightly turndown service and they delivered a journal with the following days events, pool times and restaurant information. Also we had champagne delivered to our room as a surprise which was really nice. Cons: There were some rust spots on the mirros (to be expected in such humid climates), our A/C wouldn’t turn off and couldn’t be changed from the coldest setting (which most of the time wasn’t a problem), and the vents in our rooms did have some mould/rust around them and the dust inside was quite abundant. (Not a big deal to us but some people may have an issue with it). We did find a small roach in our room on day 2 but that was the only one we saw. My in-laws had several roaches and a few spiders as well. I am going to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume the critters came from outside since the Jacuzzi door leading to the patio had a significant gap. Food: Pros: The food was fantastic. 5* for sure. The breakfast and lunch buffets had something for everyone and if you couldn’t find something to eat you had a problem. Really good variety and they even did themes on some days which was nice. The a la cartes were really amazing. I don’t think we had a bad meal at any of them. The food and service was excellent. So remember to tip your servers well since they work so hard and do it with a smile on their faces. All the restaurants took special care to label items suitable for lactose and gluten intolerant individuals. Everything was clearly marked and at the buffets they had dessert displays specifically for gluten intolerant people. I thought they really took care to make sure that people who had allergies knew what was okay and what was not. First time I have seen that at a resort. L’Alsace was by far my favorite. La Hacienda was a very close second. Cons: The only thing about the a la cartes that I would say was negative was the fact that your meals take a long time. We averaged at minimum an hour and a half to two hours per dinner. So if you want to catch the shows that start at 9:00 I suggest going to dinner around 6:30 to make sure you are out in time. Bars/Entertainment: The Sports Bar was a favorite place for the four of us. They have pool tables, card tables and lots of board games to keep you entertained. After 11pm they serve snacks and have a DJ type thing. All the bars were great actually. Really nice atmosphere and the drinks were all really good. I recommend the Mudslide, Electric Lemonade, Blue Hawaiian and my favorite… Miami Vice. The shows were fantastic!! I really don’t have a bad thing to say about the ones we saw. They put a lot of effort into them and it shows. The performers do a really great job. Make sure you check out The Valentin Imperial Band. They were SO AWESOME! I could listen to them every night. If they had a CD I would buy it in a heartbeat! Pools: Pros: They were very clean and not overly loud. They provide floats which are non-reservable although people still hoarded them away. The nice thing was the staff were really on top of it and if they saw floaties out of the water they would toss them back in. The swim-up pool is where we went to swim in the evening. I like that they keep the pools open until 8pm. This is the first resort I have been to where the pools are open past 6pm. The waterfall was a favorite hang out of ours. It really added to the atmosphere. Cons: The pools are in need of some repair. A lot of missing tiles and the waterfall could use some attention as well. Didn’t bother me at all to see it but it makes you wonder what this resort will be like if they don’t tackle things like this now. Beach: It was really nice. They have red flags everywhere except for the roped off swimming area. They also have lifeguards on duty which is comforting as the water could be very rough at times. We loved swimming in the ocean and the area that they give you to swim in is quite large. Lots of shade and beach chairs. Nice sand and blue water. Rain: We experienced a Tropical depression for a little over 24 hours. The staff were great and they kept the shuttles running to take people to and from their rooms during the pouring rain. It was really neat to see that much rain. Activities still happened and the staff made sure people knew where the “rain” locations would take place. Playing pool volleyball was so cool in the rain. Lots of fun had by all. Overall: We had a fantastic trip! The people were all so friendly and always had smiles and a pleasant attitude when they work so hard and really long days! Even though most packages purchased are all inclusive make sure to tip the staff anyways. They deserve it! I would come back to this resort again in a heartbeat but I will be keeping an eye on the reviews to see if things structurally get fixed. It’s an amazing spot but if the little things don’t get fixed they will turn into big problems.

Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya: secrets capri

excellent food, warm friendly staff, clean and beautiful overall. The staff were very attentive especially around the pool and on the beach bringing you drinks and food. The rooms were very clean and quite luxurious. Lots to do day and night the 7 days went by way to fast

Selection Riviera Cancun: Really great resort

We went in September it was super clean with really great service the resorts is compact and more hotel like than azul fives where we stayed a few times. Fives is better place in our opinion better food resteraunts. By still excellent value here. tip if you want ocean view you need the top floor level 4 Rooms nice tv and shower with a Jacuzzi tub in bedroom for us we will be going back to azul fives just liked it better but go here its very nice as well we are in our 60s and it suited us very we [... read more]ll

Iberostar Waves Paraiso Beach: Very nice resort

Grounds are beautiful, although spread out, lots of walking. Food was very good, service was fine. Rooms were kept meticulously! Not my favourite but if the price was right I'd go again. We had a great vacation!

Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya: Excellent Resort

Just arrived after 10 days vacation. 2nd time in this hotel. Excellent resort: food, beach, service. Awesome snorkeling! The only issue I can see - too much smokers around. No place for non smoking people.

Temptation Resort & Spa: Fun, Fun, Fun Resort!!

Spring Break for Adults! Service, food is great...everyone so friendly. Not the best beach in Cancun, however, most time was spent at the Sexy pool. Either a live band or a DJ every night to dance until 2am. Will definitely be going back...loved it!

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: It was the perfect vacation!

The grounds were clean, the staff was exceptionally helpful! Paula at the guest service had great recommendations which helped make out trip better. The food was much better than expected and all the staff was positive. The rooms were very spacious and comfortable. Me and my boyfriend never had any problems on our trip, it couldn't have been more perfect even though there was a major storm that came upon is all the staff were helpful in making all the guests feel comfortable in an otherwise scar [... read more]y situation.

Occidental Tucancun: 4

Beautiful place, clean rooms, personel it was very impressed, food it was ok, to salty no to much choice. Beach ok!!very very cleen looby and restaurants, not cheerful hostess, people and charge of swimming pool towels very rude!!

Grand Palladium Riviera Resort And Spa: Amazing hotel

This is one of the best resorts I have ever visited it's beautiful it's clean the food is delicious the staff is good I am really impressed would come again anytime The pool with the swim up bar impressive

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Good value

We visited September 19-26 through Air Transat with access to the Royal Golden Club. This was our second visit. The first time was in the first year it had opened without kids and we had a great time. The hotel seems to have become more family friendly so we decided to come here again with our kids (5 & 1) rather than try out another place. We booked last minute and got an excellent deal. It was excellent value for what we paid. The transfer to the hotel was direct- no stops other than the hote [... read more]ls connected with the resort. We got to the hotel around 11 and rooms were not ready until 3pm. We expected this and packed our swim suits in our carry ons. We checked in, had some lunch got some towels and headed to the water park for a few hours. We did email ahead of time and ask for a third floor room with two beds. We got a second floor room in villa 28B which was fine. I didn't realize the sofa turned into a bed and they had brought a play pen for the baby to sleep in which meant we no longer needed the two beds. They're a little smaller than a double and not comfortable for two adults IMO. It took two days for them to come and switch it back to a king because a mattress topper wasn't available. Not a big deal, except every time I called about it (about 4 times) they would say someone was coming soon but they really weren't. The room was fine. Lots of space for a family of four. Concrete solid balconies on the second and third levels so the kids can play out there without working about loosing any toys. The way the shower was set up, water ended up on the floor sometimes. The spot where the make up mirror was placed was a bit dim. We booked this trip last minute and did not get to make our restaurant reservations in advanced and getting into our choice of restaurants was tough- especially since we only wanted earlier seatings. We ended up getting into the Frutos Del Mar, the japanese, the gourmet in tulum and the Mediterranean. The first time we went the Japanese was not available at all while we were there, on the third day a spot opened up. The Brazilian was not available at all while we were there. The gourmet restaurant in Tulum was our favourite. I think think the variety of food available could use some work in the Coba buffet. Yes, you can visit other restaurants which do have other options. Some of the theme nights didn't quite work- canadian night- there were beaver tails made and american night had doughnuts for dessert. Mexican night and the gala nights were good. I was getting tired of it by the last day. We had a few lunches and Akumal and Tulum depending on where we were that day. Akumal had coconut shrimp a few times which I never saw at Coba. The service could have been a bit more attentive in the buffet. Sometimes there was a wait for coffee/drinks. Not a deal breaker- especially for the price. By the end of the week they were doing surveys each night at things picked up. The drinks were strong. Didn't feel like I was drinking anything watered down. The bartenders in the golden club were our favourite. We usually had a spanish coffee in the lobby each evening. We were close to the Golden Lobby which was convenient for one of us to head to for drinks once the kids were in bed. We watched the dolphin show. It's 15 minutes. I was happy it was free. My 5 year old had a great time at the kids club. When we compared our days he always did more than us- olympic games on the beach, visiting the water park or beach planting trees on the beach, decorated t-shirts, making bracelets, watched movies etc. They also took them to lunch. We ran into the group a few times and the caregivers were definitely doing a good job. They also had evening activities at 8 for the kids- a parade, show, disco, face painting and balloons. Occasionally there were people dressed up in the buffet. One day when it rained they had a DJ and people dressed up in the lobby to keep kids entertained. They loved the waterpark. We spent more time there that I thought we would. There is always someone supervising it. They shut it down one day when a baby #2'd in the park. There are also a couple of kids swimming pools. There are free yoga classes at Tao at 8 am each day on the resort property in addition the gym and offerings at the hotels. We like big resorts with villas and walking for a bit to get to things. It's a good way to work off the food. The grounds and garden were lovely. We knew it's not right on the beach. We had no issues walking the 10 minutes with the stroller or taking the trolley if needed. The beach is huge. The coba area was the nicest but had some rocks. The Akumal area had more stuff from the sea but was shallow for a longer stretch. The beach is very kid/non swimmer friendly. Overall it was a very relaxing trip. We will try another part of the mayan riveria if we go here again but would recommend this hotel- especially if you get a good deal!

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Soooooo Nice!

We stayed from Oct 4-11 and enjoyed everything about it. Location is excellent - so close to Tulum Ruins, X-El Ha, Akumal Beach, and Playa Del Carmen that you can take public transport! The resort is very clean and well maintained and all of the staff friendly and eager to please without appearing as though their fishing for tips. All of the guests from around the world who we met were just as impressed. Muchas Gracias. Volveremos!

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Amazing resort nothing short of AWESOME!!!

This resort was amazing for all ages from our children who loved the waterpark, shows and characters, to ourselves enjoying the pools, ocean and well-kept beach and entertainment! Grounds and hotel were very well kept and clean at all times. Food was good with a great selection. A la cartes were great as well. Staff went over and above to make you happy and this trip was definitely worth the money and this resort was one for the memory books!

Ocean Coral by H10: nice vacation

Nice clean rooms, friendly staff like Blanca the waitress who was always smiling . Long beach, great for long walks. Good variety of food. This is our second time at this resort but will not be our last .

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Beautiful resort!

We visited this resort in September, weather was hot ,beaches are beautiful, water crystal clear,you can see all the fishes swimming next to you.Food was excellent and plenty in buffet .Resort is very big,we enjoy walking in beautiful surroundings every evening after supper,we visit all 3 resorts and they all beautiful , very clean,people very friendly, services were outstanding.

Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya: LOVED IT!

We went for our 25th wedding anniversary Sept 21-28. This resort was recommended to us by a friend who stayed here last year and he could not stop talking about. So out of all the places that we looked at we decided on the Valentin because of all the good things he said about it. We were not disappointed! Service is incredible, the food was amazing, the grounds were beautiful and our standard room felt like we were in concierge. We were in building. 5 top floor with a decent view of the water an [... read more]d pool. We had a bottle of champagne, chocolate lava cake and rose petals all over the bed to welcome us for our special day! Turn down service, slippers and bathrobes, free safe, free wifi and 24hr room service was AWSOME! The pool is great and you even got served your drinks on the beach! No need to get up. The staff work really hard for you and we never felt like they worked harder for tips. The maid for our room didn't even take my tips I left daily! The beach was ok, but there was a lot of seaweed and the water was a bit rough. They have a sea turtle program on the beach where the eggs are protected. Very nice! Overall, we didn't want to leave. By the end of the week you're sick of food since there is so much and it's so good. All the ala carts were delicious and the wait staff were fantastic. All in all I have to say thanks to our friend for recommending this resort. We will be back!

Grand Decameron Complex Bucerias Trademark: Great stay

I loved the grounds and the staff were amazing!!! The room was dated and in need of a overhaul but I really wasn't there to spend time in the room. When I was in the room however, ceiling fan squeaked so badly we had to turn it off the A/C barely cooled the room, I didn't sleep with covers the whole week which worked out ok so I could pad the rock hard bed with the duvet that was supposed to be my blanket. The food was plentiful and varied, they had several different dining locations all within  [... read more]a few minutes walk each having different special stations with people preparing things as you ordered ie. Omelette station for breakfast or an oven toasted deli sandwich station at lunch etc. They have great reservation only restaurant locations for dinner only which we could only get a reservation on one night since they start taking reservations at 8 am in person and get booked out within minutes. So if you're not a keener, good luck!

Iberostar Waves Paraiso Beach: Very good resort

The entire place was clean beautiful and had lots of sites to see. The staff were always pleasant and helpful. Definitely stay there again. Beach was beautiful clean and lots of room. Liked how the pool went from one end to another and you could swim or walk it

Paradisus La Perla Adults Only Riviera Maya: Top Resort.

The Paradisus La Perla is a top resort! From the moment we arrived we knew that we were going to have a great holiday. The resort is beautifully designed with large pools, gardens, and sitting areas. We particularly enjoyed the food and the service! We were treated like Royalty and you never had to wait on a thing. The entertainment at the resort is spectacular and authentic. My wife and I really enjoyed the belly dancing performance as well as the pool party. I would recommend the Paradisus La  [... read more]Perla to anyone!