Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort and Spa: A Bit Disappointed For a 5 Star Resort
Some positives:
Lots of variety for food and beverages
Beautiful view from all the rooms
Some great waiters on the beach such as Edgar, Puc and Omar
Some disappointments:
Time share/points people/trying to up sell from the time you enter the resort: for a cost you could upgrading your room, upgrade supper, buy points for the Spa to buying time shares...it got so we were scared to make eye contact with staff
The rooms were okay however the water shut off from time to time which was inconven[... read more]ient when you were showering
Tub didn't drain so we were unable to use
The service was very slow in some of the restaurants, on the beach as well as the breakfast buffet where it was difficult to get a refill for your coffee to having to ask for bacon as the hid it behind the counter
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TTrenJen -
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Grand Decameron Complex Bucerias Trademark: Great Trip for Price
We have been going to the Royal Decameron for 15+ years now.
ROOMS: While they have made some minor upgrades, I wouldn't go into it expecting too much. Wifi is still only available in the two lobby areas and the rooms (while clean) could use an upgrade. The beds are on the harder side but if you request they will put a foam topper on when you check in. If you want to be close to the beach but away from the noise, I recommend building 3 if you can request it. Building 5 (adults only) and 6 ar[... read more]e farther back from the beach but offer a more quiet space. Pool 1 is the party pool so if you are looking for that, building 1 or 2 is the place for you.
FOOD: Hit and miss, some you want to go back for seconds, others you don't finish. They have reservations at numerous dinner spaces if you don't want to do the buffet. I highly recommend the Japanese restaurant, our favourite. Snack bar is always stocked with fresh chips and guac.
ENTERTAINMENT: We have been to a variety of locations throughout Mexico and the entertainment crew here is by far the best. They practice every day for 5+ hours, have a large amphitheatre for performances and between the costumes and talent they are always amazing to watch. They also have a variety of shows so if you are staying more than 1 week you will likely not see the same one twice. While the shows are always family friendly, they do start a 9:30pm so keep in mind if you have young kids. They also have different activities throughout the day that you can participate in and a kids club program for the young ones.
SERVICE: All members of staff that we interacted with, from maids and groundskeepers to management at check in, they are ALL very friendly and will do their best to accommodate your requests.
In the end it is not the most luxurious place so if you are looking for that go elsewhere. If you're looking for a place that is budget friendly that still offers you a relaxing enjoyable trip, or if you are a family, this is a perfect place.
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Private -
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Riu Flamingos: Amazing resort
No complaints, I enjoy every minute I was there, we would definitely love to go back.the food ,shows, people were just amazing, the staff were constantly fulfilling their duties and responsibilities.this is one of best vacations I went on .
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Private -
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Grand Palladium Vallarta: More than you pay for!
We normally travel as a foursome, and generally try to pick a reasonably priced 3 to 4 star resort. We felt a little excited about the Grand Palladium Vallarta, because it's normally not in our price range. When we arrived at the resort we were welcomed with a nice refreshing minty drink. I was struck by how beautiful and spacious the lobby was. Check in was very quick and easy, and the concierge was very informative. The grounds are very nicely landscaped and full of wildlife. We saw iguanas, s[... read more]kunks, birds, lizards and even a bunny from our balcony. There are a lot of stairs in this resort, but there are also pathways. The pathways may take a little more of a circuitous route but would be good for anyone who has reduced mobility. I would not recommend this resort for anyone who is mobility impaired. We tried the activities pool on the first day.
On our second day at the resort I spent about 20 minutes blowing up my floating lounger, and then I was informed there were no pool floaties allowed in any of the pools. I was very disappointed that this had not been addressed in any of the reviews I read about this resort. I love my floating chair to keep cool and get a tan! We later learned they don't allow the floaties because of a space issue, which was fine, I just wish I had known before wasting that space in my suitcase. We switched to the Adult pool on the second day and just kept going back to that one. It was so nice to cool down in the pool, and have some nice conversation with other guests. It was especially nice not to have children around. I did note that the adult pool is not cleaned very well. We advised the server at the pool that the pool needed to be skimmed, but nobody ever came in the 5 hours we were at the pool that day. Both my sister and I ruined a bathing suit each from leaning against the infinity side of the pool. There was algae on the wall that stained our suits a nasty yellowish green colour. It did not end up washing out.
The rooms were very nice. The bed was OK. The counterspace and lighting in the bathroom could use improvement. The balcony only fit a chair and a small side table. It was comfortable for 1 person, but not 2. I loved that the resort had weddings every day that we were there. Our room overlooked the beach space where weddings happened. It was lovely to watch every night. We were unsure how to access the beach with weddings going on, so we never got to enjoy an evening walk on the beach.
The buffet was the best we've ever had at a resort. We love Mexican food, and they had it every meal. My partner is especially fond of tamales, which he had for breakfast, lunch and dinner when we didn't go to the a la cartes (even sometimes when we did go to the a la carte). The A la Carte restaurants were mostly fine. At the steakhouse the meat was not prepared correctly. I ordered medium and got rare, my partner ordered "Very" well done and got medium, so it worked out for me! We tried the Steakhouse, the Asian, and the Mexican. I did not like the Mexican other than the guacamole. You're better off with the buffet for good Mexican dishes.
All in all we had a wonderful time at the resort and would definitely consider going back again.
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Lidiadan92 -
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Canto Del Sol: Good resort.
Hotel room was a little under our expectations but other facilities were good.
The entertainment group was excellent.
All the Time they we’re looking to make you happy and feel good.
This group it’s doing very good job.
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Margie -
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Samba Vallarta: My favourite Mexican resort
This was my 4th visit to Samba Vallarta and after 7 days/nights I left knowing I would return next year. The grounds/public areas/rooms are always spotless and tidy. The dining area is also always clean. The presentation and options of the food is very good. Both Ala Carte restaurants are superb. The serving staff are amazing, very friendly and extremely efficient. All staff throughout the resort offer amazing service.
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Kaite -
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Grand Palladium Vallarta: Been twice and will be back!
Absolutely love this resort and will be back! The staff are so friendly and attentive, everything is spotless and the kids had a great time!
The buffet has a great selection that changes each meal, and never a very long wait at anything.
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Gosia -
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Grand Palladium Vallarta: Very friendly place
This was my very first vacation. I enjoyed the time and appreciate the friendliness of all staff.
My husband passed away three months ago and I needed time to heal. The staff was very professional. Kind, friendly but In the same time leave you private space when someone need quiet time. I appreciate that.
I will for sure return.
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RayH -
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Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort and Spa: Excellent value.
Dining areas good with high quality small portions ( as it should be ) of food, with exception poor ambiance Buffet area.
Great viewing lobby over beach/sea with bar service. In evening music sometimes far too loud.
Good quality bedroom/suites all with sea views and balconies.
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Private -
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Iberostar Selection Playa Mita: Amazing resort!
This hotel wants to please you. Honestly the Iberostar staff want you to have the trip of your lifetime. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Nice pool area with tons of lounge chairs. Beach with great drink service, umbrellas and loungers. Can't say enough good things. It is also very kid friendly.
You are one hour out of Puerto Vallarta but just make sure your trip includes transfers, as it can get pricey to get there.
The rooms are very clean, and have great showers with comfortable[... read more] beds.
The have the star kids club if your kids enjoy that kind of thing. Our son was shy, so we would just drop by to check out the activities with him.
The food at the resort was amazing. They have a great snack bar by the pool with fries, hot dogs, burgers, salads, quesadillas and icecream.
Special shout out to Valeria our concierge, and Gloria who does quilling by the ping pong tables.
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Bohunk797 -
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Grand Decameron Complex Bucerias Trademark: Gone down since 2yrs ago
As usual the staff were exceptional. We found that food quality has gone down abit since our last stay in 2017.
We like block 5 building as there were no children in this block 2 yrs ago. Not now. Children and partying going on till early mornings. Not all nights, but last 4 nights put a damper on previous 10 days.
Still can't beat location to Bucerias and all it's amenities.
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LCB1234 -
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Crown Paradise Golden: Great Resort
The hotel is in good condition, rooms are largish. We had a King bed. Bathroom is very roomy as well. Clothes storage is somewhat limited, but doable. Comes with a safe, iron & ironing board. Free beverages are refilled daily in the mini fridge. Sadly no wine in the fridge! Service is really good - they even have drink service (with premium drinks) around the pool and on the beach. The grounds are beautifully kept. There are 6 specialty restaurants - most of them very good. We didn't find the fo[... read more]od at the Mediterranean very good.
Things we didn't like: there is not enough shade around the pool. Our room was located in the block over the Lobby & Bar. It was very noisy on the weekends sometimes until 2pm. We heard from others that they were able to switch their room to a quieter section, but we didn't do that.
We would go back here if another special came up.
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Private -
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Riu Vallarta: Great Resort
Hotel was newly renovated. Grounds were freshly manicured and kept prestige at all times. Rooms were very clean [Not all rooms had new furniture - Junior suite - new bathroom but old furniture, and the standard room - new bathroom and new furniture]. Food was standard buffet but pretty good.
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Shelley -
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Riu Flamingos: RIU JALISCO
Overall the hotel lived up to its 4plus rating. Food was very good and the beach was perfect. Loved that we could walk for miles along the beach. The room was clean however needed a little TLC. Service and staff were pleasant and helpful.
We had an amazing time and we’re very pleased with our choice.
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Private -
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Canto Del Sol: Great little resort
The service at this resort is second to none. Staff is friendly and go out of thier way to make your stay as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Food in al la carte restaurants is amazing especially the surf and turf outside by the ocean. The buffet is ok. Drinks are good and plentiful. The wine was good but the champagne was horrible. I loved the late afternoon tea and cookies. Great after a day at the pool or excursion. We were there the first week in December and watched the unveiling and [... read more]lighting of the Christmas tree and the manger. Quite a celebration. Hot chocolate mulled wine and tons of shortbread and other treats. Children from the orphanage sang carols along with other seasonal entertainment. The rooms were nice, clean and comfortable although the balconies were very tiny. I loved that were we so close to shopping and conveniences. I would totally recommend this hotel to couples, singles or families.
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Private -
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Grand Decameron Complex Bucerias Trademark: 3 star
Great beach,staff,location,grounds.
Basic rooms.
Food so so.
In 15 years of going to this resort I can say very little has changed. Same cushions on the chairs, same furniture in the rooms which are becoming very dated. Food quality has dropped dramatically.
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Private -
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Riu Palace Pacifico: We really had a wonderful time.
The food was very good. The beach was beautiful and the ocean was the warmest we have ever experienced. The room and grounds were very clean and the staff was very friendly and helpful. All was perfect. If I was looking for a flaw, the only thing I can think of is that there were too many smokers who were smoking around the pool and hotel, they limited where we could sit at the pool and beach but that did not let us bother our great experience
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Patti -
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Grand Decameron Complex Bucerias Trademark: Comfortable and safe resort
We have been to this resort a total of 18 times. My only complaint is with wifi. Should have in all rooms. Rooms are very clean and service is good. This resort appeals to all ethnic groups. When you are there. You feel very safe . Some staff remember you from previous visit and also is amazing that they remember your names. Very friendly.
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Private -
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Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta: Awesome Beach!
Good resort overall. While much of the resort is a bit run down and needs some repair the beach makes up for it - the best beach I've been to in Puerto Vallarta. The restaurants also are located on the beach with great views of the bay. Food quality was very good. Entertainment was just ok and entertainment staff were not as outgoing or inviting as I have found at other resorts. All other staff and service was excellent. Rooms were very spacious but beds not the most comfortable.
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Cordenw -
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Riu Flamingos: How do you spell fantastic?
I've been to a few resorts and hotels down in Mexico... Cabo, Mazatlan, Huatulco and (a long time ago) Puerto Vallarta.
Last time we went to PV, some twenty years past, we stayed at Royal De Cameron and it was a lovely experience, so we decided to visit the town again for our 20th anniversary.
This time though, we stayed at the Riu Jalisco and it turned out to be the best place I have stayed at, bar none.
I should point out though, that it takes nothing away from our memories of the De Ca[... read more]meron. We visited again on this trip and it's still a warm and welcoming place.
Everything at the Riu oozes happiness and comfort, the staff are all super well trained in customer service and smiles are as natural as the unending sunshine.
The food is just top notch, really anything you want,cooked any way you want it and always delicious... you can't get any better than what these guys serve up no matter what the claims of the fancy restaurants are.
The buffets are so good that you don't really have to bother with the specialty restaurants, we tried two of them but to be honest it wasn't worth the palaver of waiting for the dish to be brought to your table... I prefer to dig in myself!
Waiter service was friendly and helpful, they were all well groomed and immaculately uniformed.They made sure your plates were taken away so you could carry on scoffing uninterrupted and believe me ... I did!
Drinks came promptly and they had PR men patrolling to make sure you were happy with the way things were being done at the hotel. They also had a team of unobtrusive security men doing patrols and this, combined with the fact that the entire hotel area is gated access, left us with absolutely no concerns about safety.
Rooms are spacious and clean and far enough from the entertainment area to stop you from being bothered by any late night noise. Amazingly there is hardly a murmur of noise after midnight in the residential area of the hotel.Slept like a baby every single night!
The gym is modern and has everything you need . we didn't use the spa but there is a free (and very quiet) whirlpool tucked inside the building where you can ease away any aches and pains.
The climate is very warm and humid ( about 30 degrees every day we were there) and you can get very sticky. The air conditioning in the rooms just about manages to keep things comfortable but your clothes can get really damp and it's hard to dry them out. Maybe it's best just to stay wet all the time!
In my mind the best quality of the entire property is the beach, you can walk right in to the ocean across smooth sand and it's like diving into a warm bath, wonderful curative effects on your skin and your mind... heaven. Don't worry about grabbing a beach chair, there's more than enough for everybody
They had evening shows which were excellent ... Abba, Michael Jackson, Mexican Indigenous dance show, Riu Party (which is a blast), and a talented couple who sang opera.
You don't really need the shows to enjoy your evenings because just being there and absorbing the energy is enough
We took in three tours, the daylong tour of Vallarta and tequila tasting wasn't for me but the second tour to the Mexican Village was enjoyable. The best of all though was swimming with the dolphins, the experience of a lifetime to be able to swim with them and rub your hand across their skin , something that will stay with me forever.
I spoke with the hotel's PR man Carlos , a charming , polite and personable young feller who epitomised the professionalism of the whole operation.I told him I would write a very positive review and this is it.
you can't get no better than this place, thank you for two wonderful weeks, I would recommend the place to anyone!