Would not go back to this hotel. I think there is is some review confusion between this hotel and the sister hotel the Pelicanos GRAND.
To start: The cleaning staff did a reasonable job cleaning our room with
a 20 peso tip, however the common areas were a different story. Hallways and stairs had chewing gum deposits that have been there for a very long time based on the colour.(Black). Coffee stains on the floor that were recently deposited upon our arrival were still there a week later when[... read more] we left.
One thing not in the reviews or hotel information is the disco club which is very close to the hotel and they start blasting out noise mostly BASE from midnight to 4.30 am. The majority of the hotel can hear this based on other people we talked with. Make sure you have very good ear plugs.(Not Every Night)
Have no complaints with the staff, friendly and helpful. Worth every peso you tip.
This hotel is a party hotel, there is a lot of Mexicans and the Canadians that are there, seem to all smoke. If you want to sit around the pools then you will find it hard to find a non smoking area. This is classified as a non smoking hotel but it is not enforced, so even in the hall ways you smell this crap.
If you want roast beef,steak, or butter you are not going to get it here. Most meat is in a sauces. There is always chicken, in a sauce, grilled, barbecued, fried.Best meal of the day is breakfast and sometimes lunch. There is always fruit, desert, but no ice cream.Food is very repetitive and mostly spicey catering to the Mexicans.
There are 2 pools. One where you check in and the other is across the road where all the activities take place.
The pool across the road has food through out the day, hot dogs ,ham burgers, and pizza.
The bars close around 500 PM except the margarita bar which is open until I think 11.00 pm. ( I never went there because they only serve margarita and mojitos.) If you want beer or wine you have to get from the dinning room.
When entertainment starts at 9.00 pm across the road the bar opens, there however it only served beer.
There is a small coffee shop which is open all day and serves espresso, coffee, cold water, sandwiches at noon and snacks.
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Fabio -
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Grand Palladium Kantenah: 5th trip to Grand Palladium Kantenah and still loving it!
Very clean resort. Staff are friendly and helpful. Activities are fun, and overall the food and drinks are excellent.
Been here 5 times and still loving it! Here are some key differences from last year:
First the BAD.
1. The resort complex is made up of 5 hotels. One of which is TRS - The Royal Suites. It appears that TRS is the big focus now as they have taken one of the 4 other hotels and merged it into TRS. What this means is that unless you stay at TRS (Adults only) you no l[... read more]onger have access to the Saltwater pool. This was a disappointment to my kids as we usually snorkel in that pool as there are lots of fish to see and it's a safe environment.
2. Steak House - El Dorado
Overall the food was decent, but our waiter messed up about half the orders and some of the steaks weren't cooked as per the order.
3. Service at Grand Azul - They seem to be under-staffed at the Grand Azul, as the service can be quite slow. It's an outdoor buffet, so the only service required is drink orders and table clearing. Prompt table clearing is important as the animals will come into the seating area to pick food from the plates if they are not cleared away. Need more staff here at lunch time!
4. Umbrellas in the room! - It rained a few times while we were there and it would have been nice if there was a courtesy umbrella in the room.
5. Beach Bar table service was a bit slow.
6. Breakfast Buffet - Always seemed to be a shortage of ketchup for some reason.
Now the GOOD
1. They expanded the beach bar which now has more seating.
2. Breakfast buffets are still absolutely amazing...everything you could want.
3. Hector from La Hacienda provided wonderful service at dinner.
4. New ping pong tables are top notch and the central location is also better than under the trees.
5. Big Chess is back!!! Thank you!! My kids and I LOVE the big chess board and pieces, and given that it was always being used, I guess lots of other people do as well!
6. Daniel (bartender) at the beach bar was excellent.
7. Alberto who delivered drinks by the pool near the Grand Azul was excellent and always stopped to ask if we wanted drinks and never messed up a single order!
8. The Animacion team are fantastic, specifically Axel, Alexia, Alejandro and Brandon
9. They implemented TV screens in the lobby that shows the GPS location of the inter-lobby trains....very cool as you can now see how long you need to wait, and can make an informed decision to walk if you prefer!
10. At O'Pavao restaurant Lorenzo, Alberto and Federico provided Excellent service. Although the cuts of meat were sometimes chewy.
11. New Buffet: La Dahlia: This was going to be a negative point originally, as they removed the giant Kabah buffet and replaced it with this smaller one. But it is fantastic! Service was excellent, food was amazing, and the decor was just great. Loved this place! Froylan gave us excellent service there as well!
12. The Animacion team would walk around with large sign boards explaining what activity was happening and when. This is a great idea! Very easy to see what's going on.
13. Casino night was so much fun!! Well done whoever dreamed that up! You need more tables and chips for next year!
14. Portofino Restaurant - Being of Italian descent, I was skeptical about this place but my wife wanted to go. I thought the food overall was very good, and Basilio provided great service! One tip for the chef...the centre of my ravioli was cold....make sure you let them heat through properly!
15. Lots of live music all over the resort. Very nice touch.
16. There were "Pop up" bars making specialty drinks in the White Sands resort which was a very nice touch and allowed you to try something you might not have otherwise considered. Great idea!!
17. Don Julio Reposado - Excellent Tequila. Thank you for stocking this wonderful spirit!
Overall we were extremely happy with our choice and would likely go back again!
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Princess Mundo Imperial: Above average for mexican 4 star
We were very happy with this vacation. We have been on several 4 star Mexican resorts over the last 20 years and this one was a notch above the others. The service was excellent the beach was fabulous. The food is great. The room was clean Etc we have nothing bad to say
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Normand50 -
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Crown Paradise Golden: Great place to stay on our first Mexico trip
We really enjoyed our stay at the Crown Paradise Golden all inclusive resort. It is situated right close to the Marina where we boarded the Pirate ship for an evening cruise and got to see a big cruise ship parked there on our last day. We could easily and cheaply get to downtown using the city bus... a 10-15 minute ride costing only $7.50 MXN ($.0.50 CDN).
We were very satisfied with our room, which was facing the pool area. The room was spacious and had a large bathroom. The cleaning staff [... read more]was very good and friendly.
All the staff was friendly and helpful: bellboys, front desk, tourist information desk, waiters and bar tenders.
Being on the adults only side, we also had access to the Crown Paradise Club (for families). We walked around those premices also and tried out the different pools.
We could have gone to 5 different specialty restaurants on both premices, but we were actually very satisfied with our buffet where no reservations and special dress codes were required. There was a nice variety of foods and menus. So that is where we took most of our meals except when we went out downtown or on excursions which included a meal.
The beach was pretty nice and there were lounge chairs and even outdoor beds on the beach on which to relax.
We walked down the beach for a few kilometers going south (towards downtown) and noticed that the beach we had seemed to have nicer sand and shoreline.
The only complaint we have is that the internet access sometimes didn't work well, especially in our room.
All in all, it was a great vacation... a nice getaway from "Winterpeg". Seven days went by very quickly.
We would definitely recommend this hotel :D
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GTA vacationer -
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Camino Real Zaashila: Relaxing Vacation
Quiet, boutique hotel . Very laid back, no bracelets, no dress code. Only annoying thing was having to sign receipt for everything you ordered for meals and drink.
Facilities are a little run down, but the beauty and charm of the grounds makes up for it. Staff is friendly, but a little overworked, they struggle to keep up when things get busy.
Food selection is limited at the dinner buffet, but I always found something that I liked. Lunch a la carte was the best, all items are very tast[... read more]y. Dinner a la carte restaurants are nothing special. Breakfast buffet was decent.
Weather is always A++ in Huatulco, that's why its my favourite vacation spot, not to mention the natural surroundings and safety of the area.
I don't swim in pools, but the pool at this resort was very nice. Ocean swimming is only for confident swimmers because the incline get steep very quickly. Once you get past the breaker waves, the swimming is awesome. Warm, clean ocean with little debris.
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Flamingo Vallarta: conveniently located
Usually we stay at large resorts located directly on the beach. This time, we decided to stay at a smaller hotel and we weren't looking for a beach vacation. This hotel fit the bill. While it is considered a budget hotel, it had most of the amenities one would expect, and more. It was located on a beautiful marina with a long boardwalk - filled with shops, restaurants and bars. It was a short 5 minute walk to the bus stop (taking one downtown and to the romantic zone). The location was als[... read more]o an ideal jumping off point to Bucerias, Sayalita and other beach towns further north up the coast.
While it has pnly one restaurant, there was a decent variety of food every day at the buffet. Staff are very friendly and helpful. The rooms are quite large. One of the best things about this hotel is that every room has a view of the pool and the marina, with nice size balconies. The common areas, lobby, grounds and hallways are kept immaculately clean. We were completely satisfied with our stay at Flamingo Vallarta!
It is not close to the beach, however it offers a shuttle to a beach club every day. You do have to either pay or order food at the beach club. The other option, if you're a beach lover, is to take a bus to one of the many gorgeous beaches in and around Puerto Vallarta.
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Melia Puerto Vallarta: Great resort!
Loved the location of this hotel. My husband and I like to explore outside of the resort and found the location of this hotel to be perfect. We were able to walk across the street to the Marina where there was a variety of restaurants and shops and about a 15 minute cab or bus ride from the city. The hotel and our room was very clean and the service was excellent. We had a beautiful ocean and mountain view and we were able to watch the cruise ships sail in and out of the Marina. I was a bit disa[... read more]ppointed with the food variety and options.
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Moon Palace Cancun: Amazing resort
We just returned from the vacation two weeks ago. This was one of the best time in the Mexico for us. Hotel is big, and comfortable. Lots of pools and lots of beds around them. You do not have to worry about the space. The staff is nice and friendly. They almost read in your mind.
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Valrose -
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Las Brisas Huatulco: Such A Wonderful Resort!!
This hotel was all that we had expected from reading all previous great reviews. Very clean resort, we had a junior suite which was awesome. All of the Al La Cartes were awesome as was the buffet. Loved Las Brisas Huatulco. I was totally impressed by the towns recycling program. Everywhere you looked there were bins for recycling and bins for garbage. People we talked to had been there 13 years in a row. Another couple 5 years in a row. And I will definitely make next year my second year in a r[... read more]ow. 5*****
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Donsdurango -
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Krystal Puerto Vallarta: Nice place
It is a very nice resort.Since I have never stayed at a 5 star this resort was a 5 star to me.The food was amazing,very authentic with a lot of variety.The staff was always friendly and polite.If you want a Mexican vacation experience try this place.I understand that the small resort on the beach.where we stayed is being torn down to make way for ANOTHER condominium tower.So sad.It is one of the only original places left.
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Meeshka -
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Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: Perfect week and wedding
We stayed here for a week and were married here. This resort is beautiful, the rooms are so clean and big and jacuzzi fit 3 comfortably(emerald jacuzzi suit)the food is delicious and fresh, the staff is amazing and so accommodating! I would definitely go back. As for our wedding, it was perfect and they went above and beyond for it. It was a dream come true wedding. Thank you BlueBay Grand Esmeralda!
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Private -
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Riu Flamingos: Great Resort!
Dining was good. The Italian was the best, along with the steakhouse. The Asian restaurant was the worst and we didn't return and it seemed to be the consensus with about 12 other people we met at the resort.
The resort itself was very nice, friendly staff- had everything you could need.
Only thing I was missing was decent sushi and hot tubs. Other than that, all good!
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The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences Playa Del Carmen: Azul Fives Resort, Riviera Maya
Just got back from a weeks stay at this hotel and had a very good week. The hotel itself is beautiful with luxurious suites and many pools and a infinity pool overlooking the sand beach and ocean.
The people who work here are very pleasant everywhere on the resort. The restaurants were excellent; having many to choose from like Mexican, Italian, French, Thai, Sushi and beautiful buffet breakfasts in a restaurant called Flavors.
Had a massage and facial done at the Vassar Spa which was on[... read more]e of the best massages I have ever had. The therapists name I had was Luis and I would highly recommend him.
On the down side we had to change room after two days because the unit above us was remodeling and jackhammering which was extremely noisy. Also, we had paint on our bathing suits from splatters from the above renovation. That being said; overall we would return here but would make sure the room we get the next time would not be having anything happening above it.
I would like to say that Rick from tripcentral did an excellent job for us arranging this trip.
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Selection Riviera Cancun: Reasonable value
Mixed reviews for this property: This resort itself was lovely despite having a beach that is not. The staff was extremely helpful and we were grateful for the special touches they provided for our anniversary. Sunwing did promote a warm welcome with a cool towel and a glass of sparkling wine which we did not get. Azul bills itself as a gourmet all inclusive yet the only true gourmet experience is at Le Chique which has a hefty surcharge given what has already been paid for a so called all inclu[... read more]sive. Many other things incurred a surcharge too and the wine list prices were extremely high. On several occasions we were told something was unavailable only to find out it was. (Specific example would be to be told there was no red wine at Sunday night dinner or no cappuccino early in the morning only to move one bar or restaurant over and find it available...) That being said, food was presented nicely and service was generally good. All in all, the property represents reasonable value but cannot be considered a gourmet experience or a 4-5 star hotel.
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Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: Good Resort
Service was great..everyone was so friendly and helpful, pools were nice..bar tenders were fast and very friendly , ocean wasn't the greatest..lots of rocks but the view was great! Food was average..breakfast buffet was great, rooms were nice, well kept!
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Grand Palladium Vallarta: Fantastic resort for our family
This is a very family centered resort from the kids club to the mini club to the staff at the sports shack on the beach. Even the bar tenders were great with our two little girls. We will definitely be going again in the future. Where else can you work on trying to surf for free?
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Maria 17 -
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Moon Palace The Grand Cancun: Great Vacation at Grand Moon Palace
The Grabd is a large resort with lots of pool and restaurant options. We travelled as a family 2 kids age 9 and 12. The resort is beautiful very very clean. Restaurants are excellent food was fabulous many pools to choose from somewhere heated and very warm. All staff were friendly happy and willing to help with anything. Lots to do for the kids arcade bumper cars mini golf. I was keeping it a great job cleaning the room every day fresh towels restocked snacks and beer and drinks. Great nig[... read more]htly entertainment we stayed in building 88 which was central to the lobby and the pools. Had a great vacation at the grand moon palace, hope to return again someday. It takes a couple days to get to know your way around the resort but lots of golf carts offering you a ride to the lobby or wherever you need to go thanks to Moon Palace for a great vacation
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Tamaracanada -
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Las Palmas by the Sea: Love this place
This is our second time here and we love it. The food is better than I've had at other resorts that are five star. The activity coordinators are so funny and sweet. I can't wait to see Pablo and Jose again next year. Nightly entertainment was great too... Especially the Michael Jackson site and circus. The pools were clean and heated and serving staff very efficient. The bar staff are all so friendly and provide excellent service. Rooms were well cleaned.
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KATIE -
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Riu Emerald Bay: AMAZING RESORT
TO START WITH WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME. THE RESORT WAS VERY VERY CLEAN AND WELL KEPT.4 RESTAURANTS, 3 POOLS, LARGE BEACH, AND LOTS OF ACTIVITIES. IT'S ABOUT 40 MIN RIDE FROM AIRPORT TO RESORT.THE STAFF WERE FRIENDLY AND VERY HELPFUL.I WOULD DEFINITELY GO BACK AGAIN.
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Private -
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Camino Real Zaashila: Peace and Quiet
We have just returned from a one week stay at the Camino Real Zaashila. What a beautiful resort. Small and quaint, beautiful beach and pool and gorgeous grounds. Great local food: buffet breakfasts, Ã la carte lunches and dinners. The beach room views are great - lots of stairs though! Extremely clean. No entertainment, no music at pool or beach which is what we loved the most. We would go back.