Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya: The Valentin Imperial Resort
With our 4th return trip, but with our grown chikdren and plus ones. The resort did not let us down at all.
The Entertainment waas the reason for rebooking as the knock it out the park with connecting to their guests.
The food, the room ad servoce were 5/5 rating.
It is very hard to compare any resort in the area that competes in all areas.
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Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta: Amazing resort
This was an incredible vacation with my adult children and their spouses. My room was perfect, large, comfortable bed and I could hear the sound of the waves hitting the beach when I was in bed at night. There were five different restaurants all serving great meals and the buffet where we ate breakfast and lunch had a variety of delicious foods. Plenty of pool areas and a clean beautiful beach. The evenings entertainment was good and all the staff were friendly and helpful.
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Iberostar Selection Paraiso Maya Suites: lovely resort- beyond shitty experience booking with trip central and west jet vacations
The hotel was almost perfect. Great fitness facilities, pickleball courts, pools, rooms, grounds, coffee shops. My only complaint is very hard to get dinner resos anywhere and walk in was almost impossible. So Buffett dinners were common back ups. The beach is very seaweedy but they work all day long trying to clean it. Ocean was hit or miss to swim in .
The booking process was filled with errors and credit card charges and west jet cancelled our flight and rebooked a day later but did not com[... read more]pensate for the lost day. So our 7 day all inclusive turned into a 6 days all inclusive. No apology, no hotel vouchers, no food vouchers. West jet left us high and dry.
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Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya: Peace and tranquility
I cannot say enough good things about this resort. The grounds are beautiful and extremely well maintained, the resort has a very authentic Mexican vibe. Staff are very friendly and helpful, food is delicious no reservations required at any restaurants.
The resort is extremely clean and there are lots of walking paths but also lots of golf carts to get you around this large resort.
We travelled during March Break, but this resort ( adults only)was quiet but the largest pool had lots of acti[... read more]vities and noise if that’s your vibe.
I would definitely rebook this resort again.
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Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya: Family of 5 trip to The Grand Sirenis
We had a fabulous holiday over March break. Although there was a lot of hype about the sargassum at the beach, this did not hinder our trip. Maybe because we live on the East Coast of Canada, we know that beaches have a ‘smell’ and seaweed happens. We layed by the beach regardless and snorkeled in the protected cove near the ruin. The hotel staff worked tirelessly to remove the sargassum, and still more came in each day. Oh well.
The water is blue, the sand is white, the weather is gorgeous [... read more]and drinks are brought to you anytime/anywhere. We spent our mornings at the beaches everyday. We did at least one lazy river ride each day and often several per day, we never had to wait for inner tubes. Meandering through the jungle with a drink in hand, watching the wildlife and connecting with my teenagers was amazing!
The food … wow. The food was incredible and there was so much variety. I’m a ‘mean’ mom, and my kids were raised to eat “all the foods” … and they did. My 15 year old, made it his mission to bring some unknown food to try at every meal. Proud mom moment. I can’t imagine anyone not finding “something” they like … and if they don’t, I feel like that’s a YOU problem. The staff were incredible at all buffets and we made several friends who we had to take photos with at the end of the stay. Our concierge in the lobby of our block (1440) was fabulous and booked everything.
The Al La carte’s were delicious. We ate at the Mexican, Butcher’s and Tepanyaky show cooking and every restaurant was a hit. Again, our three kids are not fussy eaters, so even the cucumber and seaweed salad was devoured in seconds!
The drinks were excellent and always flowing. My youngest (9) loved moseying up to the swim-up bar to order his daily strawberry daiquiris, pina coladas and mango breezes. The adults enjoyed mojitos, seaside sangria, Paloma’s and Hawaiian breezes (among many others).
The wildlife and jungle scenery were highlights. We loved seeing the geckos, iguanas, white nose cotis, raccoons and of course the monkeys (outside the breakfast buffets) … but do us a favour and DON’T feed the wildlife. Several people brought fruit from the buffet and then staff had to intervene. The monkeys especially become aggressive when they are being fed and too familiar with people. If they “hurt” someone by accident - we all know what will happen to them. Yeah, it’s cute to get a photo of them eating your apple - but then you ruin it for everyone. Also - clean up your plates at the pools. The more familiar the animals are and bugging guests - they will be removed. If you love animals and want to enjoy them - PLEASE DON’T FEED THEM!
The evening entertainment was awesome (some people said it was lame - maybe compared to Broadway or the Ballet… but enjoy it for what it is). We watched countless practices during the day. These dancers are trying their best. Have a drink and enjoy the show. We watched The Lion King, the cabaret/broadway one and the around the world (I forget the proper names). They were all fun and enjoyable (but yes, I’m from a big city and have seen higher quality entertainment - so what?!).
The market /artisan booths. Thursday nights only. We arrived at 8pm on Thursday and didn’t purchase anything not realizing that would be our only opportunity. The stores out front by the OXXO have lovely staff and reasonable trinkets.
The pools. We loved all three pools. I forget the names. But the one outside “salt and nut” seemed rowdy. lol. We stayed near the one out front of Butchers. (Our preference). Also the quiet pool snaking through the jungle was amazing. Reserve your loungers with towels before breakfast if you want a spot. The lazy river was enjoyed by everyone!
The kids club. … uuummm… kinda lame. It’s inside, so for our fair skinned 9 year old, a few hours outside of the sun was great. I thought/hoped it would be more activities, but it was iPads and video games :(. But the staff were lovely and take the kids for a walk for lunch each day. The kiddie pool out front needs to be parent supervised - so not the kids-club fun we had hoped for. Oh well, I’m the parent, so I parented.
The beach bar b que and lunches were fun and delicious. Try to catch paella day if you can!!! Tips: we brought many 50 peso bills and tipped every few drinks. It’s not expected but appreciated. We tipped $150 pesos at suppers. Maybe you get better service, but genuine kindness will also earn you great service.
Our rooms were fabulous. Fourth floor, at the absolute farthest villa away from anywhere - so we walked - A LOT. The rooms were clean, large and the air conditioning was excellent. We leaned some key Spanish phrases while we were there, and the staff seems delighted that we were trying.
I would certainly recommend this property. It was a third Mexican vacation and first time to Sirenis. We thought it was wonderful. Previously stayed at Bahia Prinicpe and Palladium for reference.
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BrwntfromtheHammer -
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The Sens Riviera: Loved this place!
Just the right size with great facilities, rooms, restaurants, and pools. The staff were friendly and very helpful. The timing was a little off as there was a lot of seaweed on the beach for the first few days but the pools were great and never too crowded.
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Barcelo Maya Tropical: Great resort
This was our 7th time to this resort. I think that clearly indicates we are always pleased with our time there! The beach is long and there are many places to walk in the water without coral. Seaweed was cleared every morning. (We met people at the airport who stayed at another resort and they could only go knee deep in the water as the seaweed was so bad.) The pools are also fantastic and you can sit by the pool and still see the ocean and feel the ocean breeze.
We will definitely go back for[... read more] visit number 8!
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Carla -
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Riu Latino: Amazing resort
Hotel was very clean, location was perfect not too far from airport. Staff were very friendly and Helpful. They were always on the go. Never seen any of them just standing around. Atmosphere and food was truly amazing. Will definitely be going back this resort and would recommend
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Riu Santa Fe: Amazing Experience at Riu Santa Fe
My brother and I had an amazing experience at Riu Santa Fe. From the Airport to the resort and back, everything was very well organized for us. The resort was very clean, friendly staff, great food, and very fun with lots to do. It was a great balance of fun for young college adults, as well as for families that enjoy good vibes. I would recommend this all inclusive to anyone who want a fun experience in Mexico.
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GGJack -
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Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres: Lovely Resort with Overbooking Problems
We booked for a wedding almost a year in advance. Booked adult side of resort! When we got there we were told they had overbooked and we were offered same room on the family side. No discount offered. Not sure how overbooking can happen they only have so many rooms you would think once they were booked those rooms wouldn’t be available for anyone else to book. Other than that the resort was lovely but no better than some four star resorts we’ve been to.
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Melissa -
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Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: Not what i was expecting
This hotel was listed with 4 star reviews. I do not agree. The rooms were dated, buildings falling apart, areas of the resort smelt like sewer, every few hours the bathroom toilets were plugged, toilet paper floating in the pool, very little night entertainment, they didn't rake the seaweed like other resorts, and not enough seating for the amount of guests.
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Barcelo Maya Beach Resort: Spectacular Resort
Barcello resorts are special…several hotels together give many options for eating and relaxing with friends and family!
Pools are amazing! They are huge, so there is a place for everyone to enjoy.
The beach is beautiful with palm trees providing shade. Great place to snorkel and see turtles.
Food was great! Staff were attentive and helpful.
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Sandos Caracol Nature Resort and Water Park: Amazing resort!
We had the Eco Family superior room which was spacious and clean. Towels were changed everyday in our room. The resort is absolutely stunning, everyday had something different to do. Between the waterpark, pools, beach, and numerous natire trails we were never bored. The food was great, the entertainment was always fun, the nightly shows were entertaining. The staff were all amazing, friendly and helpful, very quick to respond to questions or help. I would completely recommend this resort [... read more]to families, or anyone who loves nature mixed in with the resort. Such a unique experience!
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Robert Spiteri -
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Barcelo Maya Colonial: Beautiful resort 15 th visit for us we enjoy the Mexican people and enjoy spending time in the Mayan Riviera
Beautiful grounds lots of area to walk along the beach swimming with turtles and marine life, the staff are all very kind staff all very friendly have made some good friends over the years at Barcelo Milly Gonzales adults only , Lupita in Colonial and tropical ,Ceaser in Brazilian restaurant up at the palace is always very helpful a good friend, beautiful beach’s lovely grounds lots of good fresh fruits and very good food lots of things to do on the resort and also lots of tours available
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Edward -
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Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay: A Fading but Great Resort
Oh, this place is one of our very favourites in Mexico. It is beautiful and distinct. Been going there for over 15 years, and it is definitely fading away. The rooms are really tired and a refresh just makes them
even more dated. Things certainly are smelly, and old and we even had to have the AC treated for the moldy smell. The food is a horrid thing here. Breakfast at the buffet is the exact same daily and serves the very basics. No cheese, no bagels, no cold cuts nothing a resort of 4 ish st[... read more]ars would be serving. The Bistro is about the only place to eat, but at least the shuttle takes you into the sister hotel where the food is excellent. So sad to see this place dying.
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JoBou -
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Riu Palace Costa Mujeres: Really nice Resort!!!
Rooms were very clean and loved the bathtub when you need to relax, especially for moms or kids (to calm them down). We used the dining rooms quite a lot during our 10 days, but also the common kitchen area, which was without complaints. We used the pool a lot during our stay as the beach was full of sargassum. In the morning, it was fine as they cleaned the beach, but then it's back up again. We went in anyway, soaking our feet and taking pictures. But what we liked the most was definitely the [... read more]sunrises every morning except for rain. The weather was not that hot/warm like before, we kinda have a little cold front here, but otherwise everything was perfect. The personnel was AWESOME! They were always there to help. At least, there was entertainement throughout the day. My family and I enjoyed our time there.
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Decameron Isla Coral: Great beach & excellent value
My wife and I are in our 60's and have been to the other Decameron resorts in Guayabitos. We both felt this one was the best of the 3. I have read other resort reviews and some people just can't be happy. We are very happy with this one. Will summarize our 2 week trip in point form:
Local Area
-Excellent beach with hard packed sand and wide flat expanse at low tide.
-Beach well used by both tourists & locals. Children were always playing & digging in the sand.
At times (weekends) b[... read more]each was busy but did not feel crowded.
-Blue bottle jellyfish were present this trip, never seen before – purple flag flying. 1st week water calm, 2nd week water rough red flags for 3 days
- Many beach sellers present, but they were not intrusive.
- In town, many shops with souvenirs and plenty of smaller mercados for groceries. No large grocery or department stores. There are more stores and some are slightly larger in La Peneda central district.
- Have notice prices have increased on many items, Market items seemed too expensive
HOTEL
Pros:
-Price extremely good for this trip! Nice feature to stay at one & play at three hotels.
-Room had large soft pillows 3 per bed
- Plug by night table – easy for a powerbar for CPAP & chargers
- Elevators worked well, except one was down for 3 days. Fixed just before a busy holiday weekend.
- Restaurant/ Buffet had plenty of food, Bars had good stock of decent products. lineups reasonable
- Beach & pool chairs are comfortable.
-English was spoken or understood by much of the staff.
Improved - No towel cards
Improved - Electronic door locks
Improved – Heated pools They used to be soooo cold!
- Recognized many workers working there from previous years. Good retention
Cons:
-Pretty hard bed – lots of tossing & turning.
-No dresser in rooms for clothes, asked for extra suitcase rack. Nothing to hang stuff in room or bath.
-Air con worked very well, but always seemed to direct onto a bed
-Good hot water but fluctuating water pressure (on 6th floor anyway)
-Had to ask for washcloths
-TV only 3 English channels all of them news
-Noises & music from pool area echoed up through up the whole hotel –but it did quieten down when the pool closed and after the bar activities around 10pm
-No quiet area with normal height tables available at night to play games.
-Restaurant/ Buffet lacked syrup for pancakes or French toast, Bananas infrequent but brought some when asked. No oatmeal (even though it was in drink form)
-A la carte’s were troublesome to book and unable to cancel or change booking
Would have like to see the A la carte’s more often also. 4 a la carte’s each open only 1 or 2 nights each
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Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Would not return.
Would not return & definitely not worth the long drive from the airport. After a full day of travelling the shuttle driver said “no sleeping in here. I’ve been working 24hrs” and proceeded to splash water in his eyes during the transfer.
Be prepared to be whistled in the pool all day long just for simple water activities with the family. And the pool closes so you’re whistled out by 5:45/5:50.
No staff going around the pool areas offering drinks. Pools were a good temperature though wh[... read more]ich was nice. No welcome drink upon arrival. Long check in process even with no lines.
Terrible room cleaning. Some days they would come and give fresh towels other days they’d leave you with no toilet paper and no water.
Called the desk for water refill and they said “sorry we have no water until morning”
Buffet was terrible. Same stuff for breakfast lunch and dinner aside from the odd change up of bigger items like omelettes and chicken. Omelettes and Pizza was by far the best. The burgers were mystery meat. No poolside snack trucks only two buffets for day time snacks. Mimosas are premade for breakfast and taste like juice.
If you want in an a la carte you have to book before you even arrive at the resort as people book days to months in advance. Their response “check each day after 4pm for cancellations.” The app rarely worked to let you book even if there was a cancellation.
Forget having the staff do anything remotely customer service focused. Anytime you asked for anything “extra” it was met with a no mam or like you were asking for a huge favor. The requests? Clean towels for the pool (some days they had none first thing in the morning even), cherries for your drinks? Non existent!
Couldn’t access the ocean staying at coba unless you ventured to one of the other resorts which was no quick venture.
Minimal family activities. Kicked the youngest out of the teen club as soon as he stepped in and could not play with his brother because he was “too little” but other kids younger then him would be seen going in and out. So rather than enjoying the free activities there If you want to do any kind of family games you’re paying an arm and a leg to enjoy the arcade in the sports bar. Pool, air hockey, fooseball all costs money. Basketball outside the teens club was the highlight but be prepared for them to take the ball away when they close the club.
Minimal entertainment. Fire show? They want you to pay to go see sunset fire show. A few shows in the theater or Karioke and music at night were the only things.
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Krystal Grand Los Cabos: Great resort!
It was good. Not a big resort.
Keep in mind that this resort is a few steps from the main road so you do
hear the traffic in your room depending which room you are in. All in all,
friendly service and had a great time.
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Barcelo Maya Colonial: very good resort
the service is excellent rooms very clean personnel super nice and pleasant. the beach without sargsssium is one of the best in riviera maya. been there four times and never disappointed! also very good resort for families with kids.