Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta: A better holiday once we paid for the upgrade

Booked a basic AI room for a last minute getaway, arriving Feb 2023. The resort looks beautiful from the front driveway, with an awe-inspiring view through the front lobby. Very impressive. The room we were initially given was a bit dingy, dark, and smelled damp. No view. We asked reception about an upgrade, which was available, for an extra charge, the next day. So we stayed in the dingy room one night, then moved to a MUCH better room on day 2. The a la carte restaurants were good - the As [... read more]ian restaurant was our favorite. Gotta get up early, though, to make a reservation at reception! The buffet was alright for breakfast, but only basic at any time of day. The pool canteen for lunch has the best fish tacos! A must have! Getting a sunbed at the pool or beach is near impossible, unless you get up at 4am and put your belongings on them. And even then, other hotel guests moved our things to other beds on two separate days. I guess they were more important people than us lol. The employees working the lobby and the beach bars and the restaurants are all very helpful and welcoming. Be sure to bring your pesos for tipping! The staff really do deserve it - they worked really hard to make sure we were comfortable. And we were!

Barcelo Maya Palace: A High Five Resort

The Barcelo Maya Palace all-inclusive resort is northernmost of a 6 resort property bordering on Puerto Aventuras just south of Playa del Carmen in the Mayan Riviera, serviced by flights to Cancun. The property is huge. It features an extensive oceanfront with sandy beach at the Beach/Carib end with rocky karst at the Palace end which is excellent for snorkeling as turtles and colourful fish abound. Abundant beach loungers are provided shaded by palm trees rather than palapas. The grounds an [... read more]d Mexican colonial style buildings are meticulously well kept. The pool with its swim up bar is very large and freeform with shallow walk ins to accommodate children at the end closest to the children's water park. It's great expanse accommodates animator led activities and a quieter nook. There is a great competition to "reserve" poolside lounge chairs in the wee hours of the morning despite an official no reserve policy. Likewise the adult only pool has a limited number of loungers. There are also Bali beds for rent costing $US15 per day. People are waiting at the pool bar to reserve those before 7:00am. Check in was accomplished quickly and efficiently. The Palace uses the wrist bracelet as the room key so misplaced or de-magnetized key cards are no longer an issue. The accommodations are in 2 groups of 3 story buildings, each with a central plaza complete with fountains. No one volunteered direction as to how to find our room. I had come prepared with a printed map and asked the clerk to mark where our room was and I still got lost. Palace rooms are large junior suites with king or 2 double beds, 2 couches which can be opened to form additional bedding, ample drawer storage, 2 hanging closets with robes, ironing board and digitally operated safe, a mini fridge with juices, soda pop, beer and water, some snack items, and a coffee maker with bottled water. The bathroom entry is via 2 sliding doors. The toilet is a separate enclosure, 2 single sinks overlooked by a large mirror, a hairdryer and a magnifying make up mirror. The separate bath enclosure features a rain head shower and a separate sloped tub with shower. Ample large absorbent towels are replaced daily if required. There are electrical outlets over each night table and a pair of them complete with 2 USB charging ports over the desk under the plasma television. Palace guests have access to 3 buffets and 3 themed a la carte restaurants at the resort as well as the buffets and la carte restaurants at 4 of the other resorts. Upon check in, guests need to go immediately to guest services to make 3 reservations. Thereafter, a guest can make a reservation one per day of stay. The a la carte dining is much in demand and there is much to do about guests being unable to make dining reservations at convenient times at preferred venues especially at the Santa Fe steakhouse and the 2 Japanese teppanyaki restaurants. We were able to seat 4 persons before 8:00pm on 12 of our 14 nights. Our favourites were the Rodizio and La Brasserie at the Palace. We felt that the Palace wait staff was better trained and more personable than those at the other resort a la cartes. At the Palace, one could shoot pool, play shuffleboard, shoot hoops, toss bocce, play table tennis and engage in some water based activity. There was an excellent and challenging mini golf course free during the day located at the Strikers Sports bar which is part of a shopping mall and Mexicana crafts plaza in the central part of the resort. They need to make a better scorecard system and do away with their "hockey stick" putters. There are several extra cost activities at Strikers including bowling and an arcade. Catholic mass is celebrated Sundays at 5:00pm in the chapel located proximate to the Mexicana mall and Colonial Resort lobby. The success of every resort depends totally on the efforts and presentation of the staff. To that end we commend particular persons who contributed to making our stay exceptional. Firstly, Alejandro Pat our room steward who was cheery, thorough and most helpful. Karen Yanez of Guest Services was another cheerful, engaging and most helpful agent of the resort. She worked her magic fingers over the keyboards to arrange our a la carte dining reservations. Despite the number of persons she saw everyday, she remembered and acknowledged persons whom she recognized while away from her desk. This makes persons feel as though they matter. Raoul our server at Rodizio was jolly, carefully and patiently explained all the dishes, answered our questions, was attentive during our meal and made a fabulous Mayan coffee. Jorge and Bryan were bartenders at the adult only pool. I tended to go there for my beverages because they were not rushed off their feet as at the main pool bar. They were always cheerful, eager to please and carefully prepared by drinks. Notes for travelers. There are no face cloths provided. If you require them, bring your own. One must ask for peanut butter at the buffets and ketchup is hard to find. Bring sufficient sunscreen as it is prohibitively expensive to buy at the resort as are snack foods. Improvements that would make the resort approach perfection include an escort to locate your room, night lighting on the beach, some other method of moving guests around other than or in addition to the 2 double decker busses now used. Other free activities such as archery and target shooting with good quality equipment such as at Iberostar. A lazy river such as at Sirenis,

Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta: Better than the reviews suggest

We were worried after reading the reviews, but pleasantly suprised. I wouldn't book this resort again, but if you've booked don't worry it's a decent place and we had a blast. It's a smaller resort than we were used to, but was family friendly and the staff were great. The buffet was just okay but definitely not bad like the reviews suggest. Our only real issue was we booked a "Tropical view" that was off a loading dock and covered in insulation. They moved us to the 6th floor and everyth [... read more]ing after that was great. But if they didn't this review would be very different.

Barcelo Maya Palace: Wonderful resort

We would rate most things in this resort, a 10….including our room, the staff, all services, the fantastic pools, the visits to the many restaurants and buffets and all bar services. We would rate the beach about a 7, as it is rocky in some places. Entertainment was maybe a 6/7 for us. We are in our 70's so maybe the younger folks might enjoy it more than us. We loved exploring and enjoying all the many amenities of this large resort, but be prepared to do lots of walking .You can visit a [... read more]ll the same via the resort two tier bus. We rode this often in the evening just to enjoy the ride. Overall….this is a fantastic resort for couples or families and we would highly recommend it.

Royal Solaris: Amazing Employees

The staff was so amazing and helpful, trying to help us with our airline problems. We were given the wrong room upon arrival, and Dr J, helped in getting us a beautiful room. The hotel was clean, both the ground and the hotel. They done everything trying to make sure that we had a good time. If I was to say anything that could be improved was the food. The first night, most of the food was cold in the buffet. The pizza from the Pizza Hut was good, but something that I ate at the outside buffet  [... read more]did not agree with me. The guys just inside the resort doors were so much fun.

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Resort was better than expected

I stayed at the Coba resort at the Bahia principe from Feb 20-27. The rooms are outdated but are very clean and maintained. The buffet food was average, no major complaints. The a La cartes (Italian, tequila and teppanyaki) were excellent. Highly recommend the tequila if you can get a reservation. The margs and tacos were delicious! The beach is small and pretty crowded. They had staff working all day to clear seaweed. Staff were very friendly and eager to help and provide service. The pools are [... read more] large and we’re fun to be at. Overall would recommend this resort if you can get a good price for it, are okay with a basic clean resort and are not looking for a spectacular beach.

Catalonia Playa Maroma: Loved our stay

This was our second time here. It’s a great place. Causal atmosphere, wonderful wide beach, great food. We loved the pool for young kids - although there is no slides or anything. There is a coffee bar, which was a highlight. Spa not worth the $.

Secrets Bahia Mita Surf and Spa: Great Resort - Very Large and Beautiful

We stayed for 2 weeks. Grounds are beautiful. We had a Preferred room which was very large with a great hot tub on the balcony. Food was wonderful and such a great variety of food in both the buffet and the varioius restaurants. The house wines offered were a a low quality, the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Merlot were poor quality reds. We had a repair issue which took 5 calls to get it fixed and the day before we left it was fixed. Other minor issues were addressed quickly and to our satisf [... read more]action.

Riu Palace Costa Mujeres: Really nice resort

Well laid out resort, we had our wedding there. The food was good, no complaints, the staff always asked about any allergies. the staff took care of our group. They gave us a room upgrade with a swim out pool, Oceanview close to one of the pools which we took advantage of. We will return one day.

Iberostar Waves Paraiso del Mar: very good resort

The resort was amazing, full of green trees, bushes and local birds/animals. Room was spacious and clean (junior suite) Food was good but not like before (we've been in the same resort 4 years ago) Very good entertainment, except theatre shows that were scheduled very late at night (10-11 pm) The worst thing we encountered was getting a sit at the table at lunch (waiting time outside the buffet approx 10-15 min) and at dinner (30 min). This waiting time happened because the resorts (del Mar an [... read more]d Beach) had opened only one Buffet Restaurant for dinner.

Barcelo Maya Riviera: Disappointed with resort since Opening

Didn’t have a double room as booked - took until next day around 5:00 pm to get double room - given accessibility room with no closet doors, large seat blocking shower, no toilet privacy door and large handicap rails in bathroom. Nowhere to hang large towels, no smaller towels supplied, had to ask housekeeping each time. Buffet area on many days did not have lettuce for salad, and many other items not available. Food stations, most food lukewarm and mostly Mexican food, not too much variation [... read more] in others. Housekeeping didn’t show up on three days, sometimes around 5:00 pm. Specialty restaurants very good except for the Toco bar, absolutely no personality and food not good. Ended up sick…We were at the Riviera Mya Adult when it first opened Dec.2019-2020 and it was much better all around. Even the Guest services and some of the front Desk personnel were miserable. We were not able to book specialty restaurants for our second week except for times for 5:00 pm or after 10:00 pm. I would not give them a 5 star rating this time, probably a 2 star. Will try to book somewhere else next time..Very Disappointing.

Barcelo Maya Riviera: We LOVED it!

We have been to the Barcelo numerous times and this was our second time at the Adult Only section. Before we even left home, we spoke with Emilio Gomez, social media manager, who took amazing care of us before we even arrived and made sure our stay was incredible and memorial. Thank you Emilio. Check in and check out with Maru Navarro at the Premium level was so smooth. She went above and beyond for us. She was so helpful booking our restaurants, and always had a big smile for us. We ate at all  [... read more]four AO restaurants, the Japanese in the Mall, and all three restaurants at the Palace. They were all amazing and the Taco bar at the AO was so much fun. A huge shout out and thanks to Jesus Lopez who made us amazing Mayan coffee at the Rodizio. He and Gilberto Gonzalez took great care of us. Jesus Gonzalez at the Caribe was amazing and attentive. At the breakfast and lunch buffet at the AO, Jose Miranda was everywhere, taking care of everyone! He never stopped moving or helping! Reyi Campos and Marcos at the Brasserie were great, too. I was absolutely THRILLED to have Jazmine serving us again in the evenings at the AO outdoor lounge at night. She looked at me and remembered me from the last time we were there. She is the BEST! So was Miriam Cordova. They were both hard workers and great servers and always had a smile. Gorgeous rooms, beaches, pools, food and amazing staff. We would go back in a heartbeat.

Royalton CHIC Cancun: Excellent Resort

Beautiful loocation, spacious room but a few anomalies: 1. In most days there were no beach towels available after 3 or so in the afternoon. 2. The food was delicious in the buffet and all restaurants, but I ordered Rigatoni Siciliani in the Vespa restaurant and it came only with sliced peppers. The menu stated that eggplant and zucchini would also be included. In fact, as an Italian I know that the main ingredient in the Sicilian dish is eggplant! 3. Often yogurt ordered in our room was not [... read more] accompanied with a spoon. In the buffet, espresso orderedwith sugar, often did not come with a spoon. Same with cereal. When we did ask for spoons it took some time to get receive them. What gives with the lack of spoons? Minor inconvenience, but bothersome nonetheless! 4. The time between ordering and receiving a dish in the specialty restaurants was unacceptably long even when there were not a lot of people dining.

Crown Paradise Club: Very kids friendly and great serivice

This was our first time at this resort. Great service, great people. Food was really good. Hotel needs some touch up after covid I guess. But other than that really happy with our stay. Kids friendly:)

Barcelo Maya Riviera: Beautiful Resort

Everything at Barcelo Maya Riviera was beautiful! The service was amazing and the food was delicious. The pools were amazing and the beach was beautiful….lots of palm trees….no bugs or birds except for pelicans and other ocean birds flying over the ocean

Sunscape Sabor Cozumel: great resort

the resort was great wish there were resturants to choose from since they only had 2 , the pool was good could have been bigger but was very quite during the day witch is nice and the staff was amazing.

Wyndham Grand Cancun: Resort is very Good. !

The hotel facilities and staff were above par. Entertain at night, coffee shop etc. were all great. Unfortunately, premium scotch and wines were NOT included in "All inclusive" package. Although, we are not big drinkers, but a couple of NICE glasses of wines make a difference.

Royal Hideaway Playacar: Nice resort

Nice resort overall. It is the perfect size and is generally quiet. Does not cater to a party type of crowd. That being said, the evening entertainment is almost non-existent. Main buildings, restaurants and grounds are kept very well - clean and inviting. Food was very good. Service was very good. All employees were helpful, warm and friendly. Beach was very good. The villas and rooms are showing their age and are in need of renovation. They are adequate at the moment but are in a st [... read more]ate of decline. Purchased the Resort view room (1 upgrade from basic level). Did not see the difference between this level and the basic level. I believe I paid extra for no value.

Hotel Irma Zihuatanejo: Quante Hotel

Hotel Irma is located on top of a hill that you must walk up everyday if you go into centre or restaurants down the street. If you happen to be on the 6tjh floor it does not have a lift. So be prepared to do lots of up hills and stairs. It has a beautiful view from of the bay. The staff is amazing. The rooms are clean but have no fridge which they should spend money on. The lounge chairs or table chairs or cushions for lounge chairs are never washed down. So that is kinda disgusting. You nev [... read more]er see them hose down the deck. I think some attention to cleaning the grounds would be beneficial. The manager walks around asking how things are. She tries to deal with the issues. Our AC did not work in room 105. So they moved us to 101 which was better. They said they were waiting for a part to fix the AC that week but it never happened. So some things won't be fixed unless it quits working completely. Yes they ordered lounge sets for the lower beach level that won't be used often because it's complete Sun and extreme heat. Lower level has less shade then top and top does not have much but at least it's close to the pool and bathrooms. The clientele is definitely 60+ we felt young. No activities for kids or games so don't bring them here. Zihautinejo is not for children. Ixtapa all inclusive would be better. The location was perfect. Nice walk into the centre along the ocean or street. Be prepared in Feb for extreme heat and humidity. Walking back from centre even at night you'll need a shower when you get back to the room. We stayed 3:weeks to long in a hotel room. 2 weeks max. We will rent a condo next time. Wifi sucks so get a plan from your Canada. Or get a Mexico Telcel plan which is cheap. Beds are good. Bedding is ok and pillows ok. I bring my own pillow on every trip. All in all we enjoyed. We would return for 1 or 2 weeks only. Oh becareful of all the little steps in the building and all over Zihautinejo. So many older people walking around with tensors and bandaids and dressings.

Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa: Fantastic stay

We had a fantastic time, hotel gave us a free upgrade to a rooftop terrace suit, the staff were friendly and helpful, they worked very hard to keep the place immaculate, the food was amazing with lots of choices The location from airport very close, the beach is fantastic, tge sargassum seaweed is beyond control of hotel but they try there best