Holiday Inn Ixtapa: Beautiful Ixtapa

My family and I just got back from our vacation in Ixtapa Mexico. Here is a breakdown of our thoughts on our stay: Location: What an amazing place. Every day was sunny with blue skies with no humidity. Unlike the unpredictability of the Riviera side weather wise, there was literally little to no clouds in the sky. I expected this however, given the Pacific coast tends to be like this. In addition, the culture is very present in Ixtapa--there is very little commercial tourism there. We really  [... read more]enjoyed the fact that many of our resident hotel friends were in fact native to Mexico--lots of beautiful families who were enjoying the area as much as we were. Lots of families so if you're looking for a quiet resort to go to--this one isn't it. Also, if you are expecting to go to a resort where the majority of the staff and surrounding market area shop owners speak English, it won't happen here. This wasn't a real problem for us however but it was a bit frustrating at times. Hotel: The Holiday Inn is a quaint and clean resort. There is a lot of space around the grounds and the rooms are very spacious (some of us even had a balcony). However, the hotel is very dated and the shower was problematic (sometimes the water would be scorching hot and the other times freezing with no hot--other times the pressure wasn't there). Our air conditioner literally blew up one day. However, the most important thing in my view is that it was exceptionally clean and the beds were comfortable (with no bed bugs). The area itself is beautiful. Stunning grounds, wonderful pool area right on the beach. Seriously the best pool area I've ever been to. Let's get to the food. Unfortunately, the buffet food at this resort was disappointing at best. The choices were awful and very limited (some of the items weren't even describable). You were ok at breakfast with the fruit, yogurt, fresh omelettes and hotcakes but lunch and dinner were just terrible. It took us a few days to figure out which of the three restaurants were best for lunch and dinner. What we found odd was that there was no sign of an avocado or guacamole anywhere! If you go to this resort--I highly recommend that you stay away from the Mexican fiesta night. The food was absolutely terrible. Cold and sloppy. It turns out that during the week days, the pool side restaurant was the best for lunch and dinner, in particular the dinners which were a la carte and really quite good. Good red wine too which was surprising. So if you head to this resort, I highly recommend sticking with the poolside restaurant (which is also ocean side so fabulous view!). The staff at the resort are friendly. They work hard and it shows. The pool area was so much fun. Everyone was having a blast. With a swim up bar and planned activities (you didn't have to join if you didn't want to) we just really enjoyed our time there later in the afternoons when the beach got really hot. The great thing is that the pool is right off the ocean so you always have the view and quick access. . The market area is so wonderful. There are plenty of great restaurants and shops (especially bathing suit shops!). We particularly enjoyed going to Franks (the owner is Canadian and the staff all speak English). My conclusion is that I do recommend this resort. However, it's a simpler aging resort with no bells and whistles and while everything was great, I'd have to give it a 3.5 because of the food issue and the fact that it is an aging hotel. I will return one day but the next time I won't do the all inclusive as the restaurants in the market are so much better and as far as the unlimited margaritas go--there is a super market right across the street that sells alcohol (cheap) to make your own drinks. My conclusion is that the weather, beach/pool and location are what makes this place a good place to go as it's spectacular. If you're looking for a quiet, fancy resort with excellent food and wine choices then this is not the place for you.

Grand Oasis Cancun: Will never go back.

Overall the hotel was a complete disappointment. Service, cleanliness, food, rooms, staff ability to speak English was so bad even security wasn't 100% reliable. Being offered drugs two feet onto the beach, and in the resort was a constant. Concierge accessibility was nonexistent. More then one account of money, and other items missing from people's rooms during our stay. Tried emailing my " agent " for confirmations during my stay, responses were intermittent at best.

Krystal Ixtapa: "Standard vacation"- highs and lows

Beautiful location, the grounds were kept quite lovely. The hotel seems outdated (AND SO ARE THE BEDS AND AC!) Most of the staff were wonderful- Martin (server), we will miss you! Although there is a communication barrier, we managed to get by. If you are thinking of bringing kids, it seems friendly enough for your little ones (our kiddo stayed at home). Food was standard....I didn't care for lunch/dinner. Bogarts- yuck. Beautiful restaurant-- food, not so special. Breakfast- EXCELLENT! [... read more] I felt safe enough in Ixtapa and Krystal hotel. We used safe for our personal items we didn't want to go MIA (you do have to ask for the safe key). I would give overall hotel experience 3/5.

Holiday Inn Ixtapa: Great vacation

I found the hotel very clean, the beach was beautiful, the staff was very friendly, and the food was good too. Rooms had minimalistic decor but were always well kept. Had an amazing time and would go back.

Bahia Principe Explore Tulum: Great vacation

All the facilities were kept in immaculate shape . The entire staff seemed to work constantly at keeping everything in great condition. The food at the resort was very good . Only shortfall for us was the beach, it was to shallow and rocky in most places . The break wall did a good job of keeping back the sea but it made the beach short and narrow . A good beach for people with small children but not good for swimming. The staff was excellent and very helpful.

Ocean Riviera Paradise: 3 star resort with Management issues - Stay somewhere else

The Ocean Riviera Paradise is not what is advertised in the brochure. Check-in took until 7pm because the managers did not want us to know that they placed us in a construction zone that at 8 am was a mix of buzz saws and hammering until the evening. They wanted us to pay extra to have a room away from the noise and the smells of varnish and paint. The beach and pools were good. Not as much activity as at other resorts. Seems very understaffed and there are long lines for everything (ev [... read more]en to get into an empty buffet)The showers flood the bathrooms so if you go, plug the shower with towels or you will walking in an inch of water. Don't be fooled by the "newness". This resort will age rapidly and unless they hire more staff will not improve at all. We stayed in the Daisy Section - if you are thinking of booking there - don't - especially if the construction is not complete. If you are already booked there try to switch it.

Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach: Great resort 3rd visit

Rooms are comfortable and clean grounds are beautiful staff are friendly and always greeted us. Especially enjoyed the Spanish lessons by Rigo at the steakhouse. Resort should consider a lost and found box where small item could be recovered. I left my hat and clip on sunglasses in the buffet when I returned 5 minutes later they were gone. I am sure they would be of value to no one but me.

Riu Santa Fe: Beautiful Resort

The resort grounds, buildings, structures, pools and central public square were all beautiful. The staff were fantastic. The entertainment was ok. Our room was really nice, but lacked an alarm clock and a coffee maker. Where the resort fell short was with the restaurant services. For a resort of this size (905 rooms) there were only 4 a la carte restaurants, which did not take reservations, so guests had to line up and wait or show up at a later time and hope that the wait list had been taken c [... read more]are of. The service in the a la carte in a few restaurants were slow and the food was served cold... very disappointed. The buffet was very good.

Barcelo Maya Palace: THE BEST!

The detail and thought the went into the design of this resort is world class. Second time there. Feels like home. An amazing place in every detail and aspect. Cant wait to go back again....which we will.

Grand Sunset Princess: The Grand Sunset Princess - Excellent

The place is beautiful and kept up really well. All of the staff was very good too - very pleasant, polite, happy to be working there, and very attentive to their guests' positive experience. There are pools all around the hotel so you could find a place to settle either for quiet or for fun depending on what you were in the mood for! The bartenders were good but very busy! When things get too busy in some of those bars, they should open up a 'beer only' line to get many people through f [... read more]aster, and then concentrate on the mixed drinks for everyone else. The food was also excellent - always a variety of food to choose from. Be sure to go to each of the themed restaurants during your stay, we did and were not disappointed. Even the hamburger and hot dog stands by the pool cooked up a quick lunch which was delicious mid-day. The rooms are great too - very clean and neat with plenty of room to relax. There are lots of chairs at the beach too so were enjoyed a few days in the sun. I'd highly recommend this hotel for an all-inclusive experience!

Iberostar Selection Paraiso Lindo: Great getaway

Excellent resort. Clean, great service, beach and pool areas were perfect. Not to far from the airport. Food was very good. Came home relaxed. Evening entertainment was good, but not great. Not enough for 18 to 21 year olds.

Villas Vallarta by Canto del Sol: Good value, location and great staff!

We really had a good time at the resort. The location is close to downtown PV, so we were able to walk, bus or taxi and explore. We took some small bus trips to Sayulita and Punta de Mita as well. The food was ok, with some great fish and shrimp tacos, but wasn't amazing. Lots of fresh fruit and veg and fish if you are trying to eat healthily. We liked the size of the resort, not too big, but areas to explore. The staff went above and beyond to make sure we were happy, and they were always polit [... read more]e and helpful.

Ocean Riviera Paradise: Horrible Accomodations Your question or comment Nine members of my family checked into the Ocean Riviera Paradise hotel in Playa del Carmen on February 18, 2017. We were made to wait 4 hours for our rooms. The building we were in, Daisy, is only half finished and the construction saws, tile saws , hammering and pounding started at 8:00 AM and ended at 6:00 PM or later. This isn't a case of construction in a nearby building, this is construction in the same building, separated from all our rooms by 10 feet. The noise was relentless and the smell of paint and plaster was pervasive and constant. Several evenings we had to seek refuge on balconies to escape the noxious odors. I have numerous videos and pictures . My adult children were constantly being woken up each morning as construction resumed. This isn't a matter of complaining of a little inconvenience. This resort is not ready for guests. It is a disgrace that the management was not sensitive to our problem. We pleaded with all levels of management and guest services at this hotel to move us anywhere and they refused. We tried you airtransat rep, Mauricio Jimenez, and he told us that the management is difficult and unlikely to help us. He also said he would file a report. Air Transat contacted a colleague of mine a week before they came to this resort in January and suggested to them to that they might want to change plans because of the construction. Which they did. I did not know they were booked into the same hotel. I have booked air transat hilidays for decades. Why were we not afforded the same courtesy ? I have appended 3 photos below but it is the videos which also include the construction noise which makes the case for this hotel's abuse of some guests. Please direct a browser to my video entitled Ocean Riviera Paradise 18/2/2017 , on YouTube

Your question or comment Nine members of my family checked into the Ocean Riviera Paradise hotel in Playa del Carmen on February 18, 2017. We were made to wait 4 hours for our rooms. The building we were in, Daisy, is only half finished and the construction saws, tile saws , hammering and pounding started at 8:00 AM and ended at 6:00 PM or later. This isn't a case of construction in a nearby building, this is construction in the same building, separated from all our rooms by 10 feet. The noise w [... read more]as relentless and the smell of paint and plaster was pervasive and constant. Several evenings we had to seek refuge on balconies to escape the noxious odors. I have numerous videos and pictures . My adult children were constantly being woken up each morning as construction resumed. This isn't a matter of complaining of a little inconvenience. This resort is not ready for guests. It is a disgrace that the management was not sensitive to our problem. We pleaded with all levels of management and guest services at this hotel to move us anywhere and they refused. We tried you airtransat rep, Mauricio Jimenez, and he told us that the management is difficult and unlikely to help us. He also said he would file a report. Air Transat contacted a colleague of mine a week before they came to this resort in January and suggested to them to that they might want to change plans because of the construction. Which they did. I did not know they were booked into the same hotel. I have booked air transat hilidays for decades. Why were we not afforded the same courtesy ? it is the videos which also include the construction noise which makes the case for this hotel's abuse of some guests. Please direct a browser to my video entitled Ocean Riviera Paradise 18/2/2017 , on YouTube

El Dorado Seaside Suites: Great accommodations

Accommodations - spacious, well appointed rooms. Beds were very comfortable. Swimmable balconies were a fun surprise. Dining - lots of options with good assortment. Food quality good but would not classify this as gourmet. Pool - immaculate with a well stocked swim up bar. Grounds - well kept, lush and very attractive Beaches - well kept but limited swimming due to rocks and coral. Sandy beach was quite a distance away. Would recommend that the hotel provide direct shuttle to the bea [... read more]ch. Advertising - a bit misleading as it appeared that services were all at the El Dorado. some where only available at the sister property, Sensimar. Activities - need more water sports on site, e,g. Hobie Cats, kayaks, jet skis, etc. Service - Beach Butler provided excellent service as did the beach bar maids. Rooms were cleaned well but supplies not always refilled. EACH employee, no matter what their status greeted us with a genuine smile. Great customer service training. We felt most welcome.

Samba Vallarta: Lovely

At first, when we arrived in the middle of the night and the room was a bit "rustic" and the safe didn't work, I was nervous about how our week would go. But the light of day brought a lovely, smaller resort with nice people, gardens, pool, food, drinks and most of all, beach--right on the "swimmable" ocean! Not a 5 star resort, but very relaxing.

Grand Marival Emotions Resort and Suites: Trouble in Paradise

Trip central was very helpful We missed our flight arrived at the airport 40 minutes before the flight took off due to a 7 car accident on a bridge we had to cross but Transat would not take us. We purchased a one way ticket from another airline for the next morning as we would have to wait three days for Transat and we were going to attend a 65th Birthday had to spend a night in hotel close to airport as we live to far from town to take a chance. As soon as we arrived we were pressured re [... read more]garding time share presentation and finally agreed when they guaranteed it wood only take a hour 3 hours later and we were still saying NO the third person we had to talk to said that we were wasting everyone's time The resort was quite nice but it was very prominent that you received better everything if you were a member. Housekeeping was sub-standard for us but the other people we met there (members) said theirs was good. Staff was very friendly no matter what wrist band you wore

El Cid Resort Castilla: Amazing Staff, Amazing Resort, Amazing Rooms, Amazing beach.

The Hotel was very clean, the pools were clean and amazing,3 pool areas. The beach was clean and nice white sand, the water was clean and warm and nice to play in. The staff was very polite and friendly. The a la carte restaurants were very good. Great location. Rooms were clean, showers were very powerful and nice. Overall a A++

Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach: Great resort!!

Pools were great! Lazy river fun. Lots of places to eat and food was good. You could always find something you like. Isaac the consierge in our building was amazing!! Very helpful. All staff was great!! Would go back.

Occidental Cozumel: Excellent

Great resort Great staff We found the staff to be very friendly and accommodating. I would definitely recommend this resort to anyone traveling to Cozemel . The pool and beach area were very good with lots of events every day.

El Cid Resort Castilla: Good Quality AI Resort in Mazatlan

Labelled as a 5-star resort, I can only conclude they come to this rating when compared to OTHER resorts in the area. When put up against high end resorts in other Mexican destinations, my opinion is that this resort is, at most, 3 to 4 stars. Regardless, The El Cid Castilla is a very comfortable stay, and the amenities are quality and the employees are top-notch! I was visiting on a standard all-inclusive package. This resort offers several levels of all-inclusive, some higher and some lower.  [... read more]My package was in the mid-range. Lots of restaurant options. I preferred the Mexican and Italian restaurants best. During the day, there are lots of beverage facilities. But by 6pm, the only bar left open is in the lobby. It's large and has a dance floor, lots of TVs and nightly music. I spent most days on the beach, under a palapa. The beach was combed nightly and the sand was clean. The downside of lounging on the beach is that I had to get up at 6am each morning to "reserve" a sunbed, using a t-shirt and a towel clip. If I didn't, then I would not find a seat anywhere outside until close to sundown. Even though there are signs everywhere stating that reserving seats is prohibited, everyone does it. The bar staff were very attentive to the beach crowd and readily available to keep the guests "watered". The guest room was standard, with popcorn walls and very solid mattresses. But the A/C worked REALLY well, as did the very spacious shower. Good water pressure and no lack of hot water, when needed. Housekeeping forgot hand towels and face cloths a couple of times (no big deal). The bottled water and coffee packets supplied in the room had to be paid for if used. I always brought up the complimentary bottled water from the bar each day. And coffee is available in the breakfast rooms, so I didn't need it in the room anyway. Room service was an extra charge as well. The concierge staff in the lobby were very friendly, assisting me in making dinner reservations and giving me tips for my week long visit. Francisco and Polina were especially helpful. They had answers for all my questions. I had issues with a taxi driver one night when I decided to go into town, so be absolutely sure what the price is before getting in - and if you think about making any changes to the originally planned route, be sure to check the price again first. Don't let the driver bully you. If you're at a restaurant or hotel, go get a manager to help. Everyone seems to know what the taxi drivers are about. The El Cid resort is close to outside restaurants, bars, and shops, if you feel like getting out. And the neighbourhood is very friendly and comfortable to walk around. I had an excellent time in Mazatlan and would love to come back again!