Gran Festivall: Seen better days... suggest a 2 star rating

I was at this resort several years ago when it was under the Club Maeva name. I was hoping that what had been a great resort had been preserved and even built upon. What we encountered was a facility in decline, with many cosmetic and functional problems (no air conditioning, dirty rooms, taps that did not work, burned out lights, rust and general shabbiness. We were required to change rooms towards the end of our trip as they claimed they were doing some maintenance. We ended up quite far from  [... read more]all amenities in a very small room with equally shabby features. Although this may sound a bit petty, two of the things that made this trip particularly difficult for us were biting insects in the room ( we were covered with bites) and perhaps the worst bed I have ever encountered, anywhere, ever. It was one notch above concrete. We had to purchase an egg crate foam from a local Walmart to make the bed remotely comfortable. On the plus side,, the pools are excellent, the grounds are well maintained and the food was fairly good. The demographics of the clientele has changed considerably: On weekends, the place is packed (1600 people) but when we were there, only 16 of us were non Mexican. This is of course not a big issue, however English is not as commonly used in organized activities, or on the part of activity announcers. Mid-week when numbers decline considerably, , dining and bar facilities are confined to only one outlet, so lines could get long. For those not familiar with the resort, the beach is a bit of a walk, and lies across the highway. There is a great path and bridge to get there, but it is not a "beachfront" resort. We Canadians tended to hang together and there was a most disturbing incident where there was an attempted sexual assault on one of the Canadian women on the beach in broad daylight. This is a terrible occurrence and I do believe it to be non-typical, but it did occur and this thoroughly tainted the trip for us. This occurred just adjacent to the resort beach area (within 100 feet) and did NOT involve Gran Festival staff, but a waiter at an adjacent restaurant. If you are a young family on a budget in need of a resort with lots of family-oriented facilities, then this place is fine, but if you are looking for a comfortable get-away, I would look a star or two higher.

Barcelo Karmina: great hotel, wonderful staff.

Room was very large and clean, resort was amazing, except the pools were chilly. The staff were great. We had heard about the desk being slow, but having occasion to go to the desk numerous times, we had no waits and very good service.

Las Hadas by Brisas: Beautiful Resort

We absolutely loved the resort and especially our room with the ocean/marina view. We only had 3 negatives which would not deter us from referring this resort to friends or family but should be aware. The food was a hit or miss but overall the experience was good, the service was not always there but we were advised the hotel was short staffed (just meant we got our own drinks at the beach and lounge) and the main buffet is open air which allows for the birds to poop all over the chairs/floor [... read more]. The resort is quite large with a "plantation" feel which we loved and quite a few stairs that we didn't mind but you could call for a golf cart to get you where you needed. The beach area was nice with clear water where you could see the fish but no lounge chairs on the beach, just beach style chairs but you could ask for loungers to be brought down. You have limited access as you are in a bay but there is a nice walking path to the Barcello and a nice short walk along the marina. There was a new Manager just starting when we arrived and could already see improvement in the food and selections. I would expect the new Manager to continue improving the service but overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Barcelo Karmina: Good

One minus no beach!!! and please make sure you advise people who come to visit that resort that leaving towel in the morning (meaning that is your chair and you coming back) do not touch, many people do not know this.

Cabo Blanco Hotel: Fantastic Staff

The staff at the hotel Cabo Blanco were very helpful and friendly, I saw them go out of their way for several guests, answering questions giving directions and handing out maps. They were also very accommodating in the restaurant, bringing things which were not on the eg: yoghurt ,bacon. the rooms were clean and the beds comfortable

Grand Isla Navidad Resort: Mexico's Best Kept Secret!

If you are 40+ you can not beat this place....everything about this place is fabulous. Location, location, location. Staff and the food are amazing. Beautiful golf course, 27 holes. Very safe, and the value here is unbelievable. If you are looking for something that is relaxing and laid back this is a can't miss....This was our 7th time back to this resort...we can't get enough of everything about it

Barcelo Karmina: Absolutely Amazing!

We stayed at the Barcelò Karmina from January 13th to the 20th. My parents had previously stayed there and highly recommended it. We will forever be grateful that they did. The property is absolutely STUNNING, and it is kept in pristine condition. Our room was so spacious, well-appointed, and comfortable. Kudos to the housekeeping staff who meticulously kept our living space so lovely. We LOVED the food at the buffet restaurant. The only problem we experienced was overeating at each meal [... read more] ;) Our dining experience at the Mexican à la carte restaurant (Agave) was one of the many highlights of our trip. If you go, DO NOT MISS this incredible experience! We also really enjoyed the beach bar every day, which was consistently overflowing with delicious treats. The pool area was our favourite of any resort we have visited. Again, it is so beautifully maintained and designed. The beach at Karmina is very small, which might be a deterrent for those who love an expansive stretch of sand and surf. We really loved it, however, as the water was warm and perfect for snorkelling. We really enjoyed the nightly entertainment, and the performers were so charismatic and engaging. The dancers were superb, and the male singer featured on most nights was SUPERB - what a talent! Our 16-year-old son loved playing beach soccer and volleyball each day, and we all enjoyed kayaking around the bay. Our very favourite thing about the Barcelò Karmina was the staff. Every single employee was friendly, hardworking, kind, generous, patient, and professional. I think we fell in love with every single one of them. They worked tirelessly and genuinely appeared to love and value their jobs. We will forever treasure them for making our holiday so perfect. Thank you, Barcelò Karmina! WE LOVE YOU AND CANNOT WAIT TO RETURN!!! P.S. There is no free wifi, which seemed to upset some people. I work exclusively online and was beyond grateful to disconnect for a week, so it didn't bother me.

Barcelo Karmina: super resort

Grounds, food and rooms excellent, in need of hand rails at ALL steps in rooms and grounds as few accidents while there, saw only one wheel chair ramp to pools, beach very clean, staff very helpful at all locations especially buffet. Had great wèek

Barcelo Karmina: Just as good the second time!

Stayed at Barcelo Karmina in Manzanillo Jan 6-13/2017. We upgraded to oceanview and it truly lived up to it's name. We were in the Santiago tower room 5209 and we could see beautiful sun rises and the lights of the city in the evening. Room is large with a step down to the living area. The bathroom is huge with two vanities apart from each other. Fridge was stalked daily with drinks and snacks. The buffet is amazing and we really enjoyed the 3 a la carte restaurants. Small beach and many pools t [... read more]o choose from. We spent half our week at the beach and the rest of the time at the adult only pool. Do not pay for the Premium Level. It is a waste of money. The bus that took us to the airport did not having functioning AC so it made for an uncomfortable ride. Beware the airport is very poor....only 2 vending machines that only take pesos. No restaurant or TV to watch...absolutley nothing to do for 3-4 hours!

Barcelo Karmina: January 6th to January 13th 2017

Sunwing Flight 5* Manzanillo Airport 2* (long wait times) Barcelo Karmina Lobby 5* Check in 2* (long wait times) Rooms 4* (hard beds, dated, broken tiles, doors but clean and maid service wonderful) Resort Layout 5* Food 4.5* (nice assortment buy layout is unusual) Beach 3.5* (small but given the resort location in a bay, they created what they could) We both enjoyed our visit to the Barcelo and will be back.

Cabo Blanco Hotel: I don't think I will stay at this hotel again

Is not a place to rest, it was very noisy. We asked to move to other room, glad they did. The beach in Barra de Navidad is not good. Town was a very safe and people are very friendly. Rooms are clean. Breakfast was average, service was very slow. We didn't mind serving our selves, be waiters were not clear about the rules, apparently is according to your package.

Vista Club Playa De Oro: Great stay at Club Playa Del Oroville

The grounds were nice the area was well maintained . A few kinks in the beginning staff fixed up the problems immediately . All the staff were very helpful and friendly . The beach was wonderful as was the weather . Great vacation .

Barcelo Karmina: One of the Best in the Area

Two weeks at the Karmina Nov 20-Dec 4. Still off season, hotel occupancy about 50%. Weather beautiful, a couple of night showers.Our first time in Manzanillo. Lovely hotel and staff, spacious rooms, excellent food with lots of fish and seafood. A La cartes were OK, but not spectacular--not all open every night. We got 7 a la carte cards for 2 weeks. Kudos to Mierela of Westjet tours and to Jessica, the Hotel Concierge.

Barcelo Karmina: Great Resort

Very close to the ocean, the ocean cove was a great amenity to have to actually swim in the ocean while it blocked high tides. The hotel was private, spacious and clean. The swimming pools were clean, and there were quite a few of them. The staff overall were very friendly, the evening entertainment shows were great, food was great and the tours available were good too.

Gran Festivall: Very Average

It was an interesting surprise to see all the other guests were from Mexico with the exception of a handful of Canadians. Almost none of the staff spoke any English at all so just be prepared with some basic Spanish.

Las Hadas by Brisas: Excellent Value

The hotel is extremely well kept, they are constantly cleaning and painting the public areas. Pool and beach are great, food was good, but food service was a little spotty. It is important, especially if you have kids or mobility issues to get a room on the lower levels (200s to 400s). If you are on the higher levels you could climb a 150 stairs to your room or wait for the golf cart service which can be slow. I would go back to this resort any time.

Barcelo Karmina: Very Average

The pool areas were lovely. The food and drinks were very average. Wait staff was not very attentive with the exception of a few. Excellent meal at the Agave restaurant! The beach area was small. Not being able to walk along a long stretch of beach was disappointing. Rooms were very spacious and clean.

Grand Isla Navidad Resort: Beautiful resort,

Well kept, great food. Selection of food is somewhat limited. Bars close early. Not the place to go if you are hoping for any kind of evening fun. I gave a low score for service because evenings are total dead zone here. Nothing stays open other than an indoor lobby bar. Service from the wait staff when they are open is excellent.

Blue Bay Club Los Angeles Locos: Fantastic staff!!!

This is the third time we have stayed at this resort and we were treated like kings!! They were there for our every need, they have even improved it since the hurricane and replaced all the mattresses!

Tesoro Manzanillo: No kids club... More for couples

Tesoro had good food, great Mexican a la carte. Good drinks and service. Most of the guests are local Spanish speaking families, and some staff didn't speak English. So brush up on your Spanish! Good beach and snorkeling. Rooms were nice, beautiful marble and always clean. Very disappointed in kids club. Advertised as 10-6 daily with lots of activities. Not the case. Kids under 9 had to have a parent present at all times, so it was basically a kids water slides that we had to stay at. We could [... read more]n't go snorkeling together or get alone time. Paid $80 Cad for an on call babysitter so we could have dinner alone. Also, kids club staff spoke zero English and all the kids dvd's were only in Spanish. I understand the hotel is geared towards locals, but Sunwing/Tesoro itself advertised kids club and it definitely wasn't. We would have gone elsewhere if we'd known. Still, solid pick for couples wanting a unique experience with good food and beach.