Samba Vallarta: Best staff ever at any resort I’ve stayed at!
Such beautiful people who work there. From the concierge, Bernardo to Genaro at the buffet, to Martin at the pool bar to Norma, the cleaning lady, to Nicole at the front desk - just a few of the staff that went above and beyond to make us feel at home!! Thank you! The food was great, grounds well taken care of, clean. The rooms, very clean but quite musty smelling.
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Wmcummins -
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Crown Paradise Club: Do not stay here
For the money spent for a 10 day stay, rooms were terrible, 1st room at check in was a dungeon, 2nd room was better but it took 3 days to get the AC repaired. Beds were very hard and uncomfortable.
Maid service was often very late in the day even as late as 5:30pm.
The buffet was barely edible and for my wife so often could not eat anything as nothing was appealing.
the reservation process for the Ala Carte restaurant is TERRIBLE!!! On line only for the day of at 9am, so every guest would be [... read more]trying at the same time to get a reservation. for a 10 day stay i could only get 2 dinners.
the only upside for the resort was the waiters and bar staff, they we very nice and accommodating.
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Private -
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Tropicana Hotel: Nice stay
Check in was quick and easy. I was upgraded to an ocean view room. The room was large and clean. No wifi in the room, but it was easily available in the lobby so that was not a problem. The bed was a bit hard, but I was able to sleep well. I was visiting friends who live in PV so I did not take advantage of the beach or pool areas. I would stay here again.
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Kass93 -
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Crown Paradise Club: Great resort for families
The hotel was well kept and beautiful. It was evident at first that this resort is ideal for families and young children! As an adult couple it had less activities or entertainment at night. The adult pool and bar was the best part of the resort and Francisco the bartender was incredible and extremely attentive.
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Private -
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Decameron La Marina: Nice, small resort
Clean, friendly staff but not many staff, including front desk staff, were not speaking English.
Easy access to all areas - pool, beach, restaurant
Limited availability for a la carte restaurants
Variety of activities, yet hard to participate if not understanding Spanish
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Private -
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Vamar Vallarta: The Vamar Nightmare
This was our third time in Vallarta and our first time at the Vamar Resort.
And this is the first review I have ever written.
We called the Vamar to confirmed our room three times, once when we booked to insure we had the correct room, a second time before we left for the airport and again when our plan was delayed to advise them we would be late and if we could get a late supper. All three times we were assured we had a Superior Balcony Room and we were assured they would provide us with[... read more] a late supper.
When we arrived Monday we were informed the resort was fully booked and they could not give us a Superior Balcony Room but we could stay in one of their villas and then move to our promised room on Tuesday. They had received our phone call as they had a note from the person we talked to supply us with a supper. (So from 10am when we called to 9pm when we arrived they gave away our room or we were lied to that our room was confirmed).
The villa was a 3 story walk up. The room was dark, it had very little in decor, the floor, kitchen sink, bathroom was dirty. The TV did not work. The bathroom sink leaked so much they placed a towel under it which was so wet it dripped when we moved it. We had to move it to the balcony as it smelled.
The bedroom air conditioner was so loud we had to turn it off to sleep. The shower only had hot water, no cold, so we could not shower.
The bedroom did not have any side table lamps, only the ceiling light.
The safe had no lock so could not be used.
The curtains had several holes in them.
The area was large and roomy.
On Tuesday we attended the front desk and again we were told the resort was full, no one checked out, and no Superior Balcony Room was available. We told the front desk person of the problems with the room. We told her we could stay in the room if the shower cold water was repaired, the basin sink leak was repaired, the kitchen sink was cleaned, we had a safe, the TV was repaired, the bedroom air conditioner was repaired, and if they could supply side table lights in the bedroom. They gave us a lock for the safe which worked. (We talked to 2 couples who arrived Tuesday morning and received a Superior Balcony Room obviously they did not save one for us as promised, obviously others had moved out and we were lied to again)
When we returned to our room about 6pm we found nothing done, the shower was not fixed, the lamps were not supplied, the basin sink was not fixed ,the kitchen sink was still dirty, the air conditioner was not fixed, the the TV was not fixed.
My wife was stressed out so much it ruined my Valentine surprise, she was ready to return home. I notified the Sunwing rep by email of our predicament. I received a return email advising a complaint has been lodged with the resort and it should be rectified the next morning.
We had to sleep on the couches that night as the air conditioner in the bedroom was not repaired and it was hot.
On Wednesday we waited at the Concierge desk until she showed up. She indicated she had received the complaint from Sunwing and she would insure we were placed in a room, which we had paid for, that very day.
She called about 11:00am and indicated she would show us a few rooms from which we could chose. She showed us two rooms on the first floor and one on the second floor. We chose the second floor one. The room had not been made up yet, the TV was working, however, the patio doors would not close fully, the shower drain was blocked, The door to the bathroom did not fully close, the hardware on the bathroom door knob was loose to falling off, the blinds over the kitchen sink would not fully close.
The Concierge called Maintenance to attend the room right away, which they did, and he repaired the door hardware, the shower drain and adjusted the patio doors. We took the room as we were tired of living out of the suitcases and at least we could shower after 3 days. The Concierge said the room would be cleaned and ready for us by 3. We returned at 3, the room was made up. However we found an old pair of sneakers along with dirt and dust under the bed and the TV was not working. We advised the Concierge and she sent maintenance back to the room to fix the TV which he did. The dirt and dust under the bed was never attended to.
On Thursday the toilet was plugged. I informed the front desk. When we returned someone left an extra roll of toilet paper, the toilet was still plugged. I informed the Concierge who sent maintenance to unplug it.
On Friday the air conditioner would not blow cold air. I advised the front desk who sent someone to repair it. On Saturday we noticed the we could not control the temperature of the air conditioner. It either blew cold air or we had to shut it off.
By this time we were totally frustrated, for the first 5 days of our vacation consisted mostly of complaining about issues with our room and we were tired of complaining.
We wanted to bring a guest in for a visit. I went to the front desk and asked what a day pass would cost, they informed be a day pass would cost about 950 pesos. I agreed to buy one but was told the resort was full and she could not give me a pass. I told her the guest was only coming for a visit and not staying but using the pool and for lunch. After much discussion she sold me a lunch voucher for the beach snack bar for about 300 pesos but without a wrist band. I spoke to the snack bar attendant and gave her the voucher, no problem. About 4 in the afternoon an employee noticed she did not have an wrist band and asked her to leave. We tried to explain to him we had a voucher for the snack bar issued by the front desk. He did not understand and insisted she needed a wrist band to stay.
Embarrassed we left the resort and we went for drinks at a restaurant at the Marina before placing her on the bus.
I found the staff friendly and eager to help however they do not seem to be very well trained. The policies, if they exist, are not patron friendly, do not empower the staff and/or not well communicated.
For example alcoholic drinks are only available after 11:30am. Most other resorts we have been to either do not have closing hours or serve drinks in the early morning.
For example when I asked about bringing in a guest it was a hassle, I had to go through several staff at the front desk as no one seemed to know had to handle it or what the prices were until someone found a sheet with the meal prices. Other resorts we were able to call the desk and then go down and pay and pick up the pass.
For example you can only make a reservation for the Italian or seafood restaurant by attending the front desk from 7am to 8am of the day you want to reserve. Often there are several people lined up at the desk and it takes a long time to make the reservation. At other resorts we were able to make a reservation a day or two ahead of time.
Several times we would request something only to be told they could not help, then if we make the same request from another staff they were only to happy to oblige.
Quality control is non existent, check out the bent and mismatched cutlery in every restaurant, except the Italian restaurant, chipped and cracked cups and glasses, the poor condition of the rooms, the lack of control of assigning rooms (we meet an other couple from BC who had to spend 2 nights at the villa, they were told the resort was fully booked but they would be moved the next day, they spent two nights in the villa and were very frustrated. Apparently non of our concerns were repaired), and many other issues such as no coffee in the rooms, bottled water has to be purchased or you can refill bottles from machines on each floor, internet connectivity is non existent in the rooms and very poor even in the lobby and restaurants.
The grounds and pools are very well maintained. The location is great. The sea food restaurant and Italian restaurant are very good. The buffet food is OK and plentiful.
It is a shame the resort is so poorly run.
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Gabriella -
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Krystal Puerto Vallarta: Nice Resort
Had a great time. Staff is wonderful. Hotel is clean but only draw back is there are not enough lounge chairs around pool and beach area. Close to The Malacon we walked it took about 40 minutes but you can take a bus or cub for minimal amount. Very close to the airport
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Sher -
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Las Palmas by the Sea: The greatest view
Hotel looking pretty old - we feel the hotel is really catering to Mexican families rather than other Nationalities - loads of screaming kids. Poor entertainment & mediocre food.
It is a great location & the view from balcony is magical.
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Sonny -
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Las Palmas by the Sea: Average
The hotel is old and caters to mostly Mexicans, language and entertainment, out of 11days not one was 40% English the staff were great hard working people ,food was below average ,rooms definitely showing their age
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Sonny -
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Las Palmas by the Sea: Average
The hotel is old and caters to mostly Mexicans, language and entertainment, out of 11days not one was 40% English the staff were great hard working people ,food was below average ,rooms definitely showing their age
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Derek van -
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Occidental Nuevo Vallarta: Would recommend
First time staying in the riviera Nayarit, the beach is much nicer than puerto vallarta and buserias. the food at the buffet was amazing every day, and even on a 10 day trip I looked forward to the food every day. The drinks at the bar were very good, and the bartenders showed us some new ones. (Special shout-out to Leo at the pool bar and Irving in the buffet for their service that went above and beyond)
The grounds were very clean and well maintained.
The hotel has an old and a new section,[... read more] we were in the old section. We had a few minor issues in the room but nothing that would ruin the trip, the only real complaint I would have is the rooms are not soundproof at all. You can hear everyone walking down the hallway, and the neighbours talking in their rooms. That being said, the rooms were very clean, the water pressure was amazing, water was hot, air conditioning worked great, and of course an amazing view from the 5th floor.
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Private -
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Grand Decameron Complex Bucerias Trademark: Still a great place to enjoy!
This resort is such a wonderful complex. Many pools including a quiet one for seniors, lots of beach chairs on the beach and at the pool and the restaurants are excellent. We have been there 5 times and never disappoints. After covid they have improved some processes such as towel return and online restaurant reservations. Only one reception desk was open but it was sufficient.
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Private -
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Grand Decameron Complex Bucerias Trademark: Excellent resort
The Royal Decameron Complex is an excellent resort. It’s not a five star but is affordable, beautiful surroundings, it’s kept clean, the rooms are clean, the food is great, if you want a change there are many surrounding restaurants available, there is volleyball, tennis and cycling and the entertainment is every evening. We’ve been going for many years and are planning to go again next year.
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Daniel -
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Grand Decameron Complex Bucerias Trademark: royal decameron bucerias
perfect example of an older 4 star Mexican hotel kept in good condition, food was great, 6 a la carte restaurants and 2 large buffet as well as other smaller restaurants serving breakfast and mid day snacks. 5 pools, an adult pool, an activity pool and the others are a mix of people, directly on a beautiful long beach ( maybe 5 miles long) but murky water with powerful waves. good nightly entertainment and a disco. Most bar open from 10 AM to 10 PM except for one open til 1 AM. Staff was exce[... read more]llent everywhere, No bar or buffet line ups and the hotel was 100% full. Never food or drink shortage, closed to grocery stores and Walmart should you need to buy things. the town of Bucerias is very lively and within walking distance. A casino is nearby, Mexican market for souvenirs. The hotel still use old fashion keys which should be replaced with electronic cards, same for the free safety deposit box.
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Cheryl780 -
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Buenaventura Grand Hotel and Great Moments: Not impressed
First of all location is great, beach area is mostly rocks now. Upon arrival entered room, had no save and no working phone, apparently they don’t have clocks in rooms, had to get a safe and phone fixed . Room was so noisy due to the open lobby with entertainment and loud drunk people in hallways all night, went next morning for a room change , told we would be second floor ocean view and balcony, waited until 4pm to find our room on third floor with a window. As far a food not the best, very [... read more]little to choose from in buffet always same stuff and mostly cold. Talked to people that have been going for years, they say it has changed so much and won’t be returning. WONT BE RETURNING TO GHIS PLACE,!!
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Prawner -
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Samba Vallarta: Hotel and location ar
The Hotel is old but well maintained and beautiful location Grest Besch
Nice pools
Most staff is very good some a little slack (probably new) but friendly and helpful. The Hotel needs better management to
Upgrade Food was always cold with
Little change And poor selection. Average to poor specialty Resturaunt Bar service was great but
Little selection of Good Quality drinks and the Daily shows were Poor to Pathetic This is DEFINATLY not 4 star Quality more like 3 or 3 1/2 at best. Also p[... read more]ickup from Airport was terrible. Waited 2 1/2 hrs for bus to take to hotrel
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Private -
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Decameron Isla Coral: Noise
This hotel is about 1 hour outside Vallarta and in a different time zone! There was no one who spoke English there when we arrived. Blasting music with full Bass from 9am to 11pm. No shuttle, No Alacarte
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Slomoe -
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Flamingo Vallarta: Great resort
The rooms,yard,lobby where clean and looked good . Staff was awesome Sherman was the awesome cook . Marina area has great entertainment, restaurants even though we where at all inclusive we ate at the restaurants a few times as they had entertainment. And wanted to support the area . I will be going back
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Chantelle -
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Flamingo Vallarta: Absolutely Amazing
This place was absolutely beautiful. The grounds, were very well maintained and staff was so polite. Even though we did not know Spanish they taught us and we taught them. The cooking/ waitress/ bar tenders were all very helpful and polite. I would definitely go back.. very clean place.
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Private -
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Grand Decameron Complex Bucerias Trademark: We love it here
2nd time visiting the Royal Decameron. Safe to say we would consider a 3 rd trip Staff are wonderful and the grounds are beautiful. Walking distance to Bucerias! Room rates are affordable. This is not a 5 star so don’t expect it to be. It’s not fancy. Very laid back. We spent the majority of our time at the adults pool. Made some wonderful new friends and talked to so many amazing people. Many great laughs too. Disco was a hoot. The Buildings are dated but beautiful. The rooms can use s[... read more]ome updating but didn’t bother us. The ala carte restaurants were great. The reservation system needs to be changed. It was a pain in the arse to get up and walk to the lobby and book by 8:00 am every single day We were pretty lucky. Some not so much :( what if you didn’t own a device? Very sad. Wifi needs to be in ALL rooms. A really nice assortment of all ages here. Smoking wasn’t too big of a problem but this resort should consider smoking sections but not at pool side! Gross. The Buffets were okay. My favourite was breakfast or lunches. This resort is large. We got lots of exercise! There is no pool side service here which we’re used to but we survived We would recommend this resort. Some staff wearing masks. Some guests too. It’s really nice to see this resort operating at almost full capacity since everything was shut down for so long. It was wonderful to be back. Tip.. Bring lots of 20 & 50 dollar pesos for tipping. It’s challenging getting larger bills broken down. The staff greatly appreciate you.