Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort and Spa: Resort review

This was our 4 th trip to Mexico but first time in Puerto Vallarta. We spent the week at the Dreams resort and honestly was somewhat disappointed. The staff were amazing but the resort itself lacked in quality. The food was very disappointing- we ate off resort twice and had amazing meals. The resort is for families and we were surprised at the noise level every night ! Multiple weddings occurring and very loud music until 11pm . All in all we won’t be booking here again.

Grand Decameron Complex Bucerias Trademark: So disappointed

The Grand Decameron in Bucerias was always a 3 star resort and we referred to it as the working man's resort. It has sunk to barely a 1 star resort in the last 2 years. We have been going there for 10 years and I doubt we will ever go back. This year the food was the worst I have ever seen it. Not being a picky eater I pride myself on being able to find food anywhere, this year there was more eating off site than I have ever done. The food is bland and repetitive. The rooms are falling apart a [... read more]nd I actually had the shower head fall off on my head. This was 4 days days into them "fixing" my shower.paint peeling and flaking from walls. There also seems to be a towel shortage for the rooms. Even the adult pool closes at 6. They used to have brand name alcohol now they have generic white rum, gin, vodka, tequila, and rye. The tomato juice looks like pink lemonade and all the other juices are watered down to the point of being almost tasteless. The only plus for this resort is the location and the majority of the staff are fantastic. Othe than that it has quite literally nothing else to recommend. It is with heavy hearts we bid adieu to what was once an amazing resort.

Paradise Village Puerto Vallarta: Good resort overall

Someone with kids would do really well at this resort. It does have a heated quiet pool too for adults that had very few children and a lap pool. The grounds were very well maintained and although our room was in a block quite a distance from the main building it was a nice room with a kitchenette and we were lucky to have two large balconies. The bed was comfortable and the maid service was really good. I know others have raved about the food, but I wasn't that wild about it, and I thought th [... read more]e sushi restaurant was sub-par and not like what we get in Canada. The fish was sliced so paper thin you could barely taste it. The Mexican night was great, and the Cowboy night was good too. The main buffet gets a bit boring after a few days, but you can still find something to eat. They do have men driving golf carts that will help you get around if your room is too far from the main building and you have mobility issues and there are elevators. They try hard to make things comfortable for you. The hotel is located between Bucerious and PV it's 400 pesos to PV, 350 to the airport and 300 to Bucerious to give you a perspective.

Crown Paradise Golden: Not great

We were disappointed. It needed so many repairs. The air conditioner never worked, the tap in the bathtub was ready to fall off and our fridge door fell off. The food was ok and it was clean.The staff was friendly and helpful.

Tropicana Hotel: we had a wondertul time

Our room was very nice spacious and very clean, only thing we would have liked was a mini fridge!! staff very friendly and helpful and grounds were beautiful, we also enjoyed our breakfasts by the pool

Riu Palace Pacifico: My fav resort

Resort is always clean, everywhere. Food is better than most similar priced resorts. Staff are awesome, always friendly and helpful. Rooms are nice, with liquor dispenser. Its a nice quiet relaxed resort, not a loud noisy party resort.

Riu Vallarta: Great holiday

Nice place. Good rooms, great food. Beach and pools were nice. We went during low season and prices were great even though it was a tad hot we didnt mind. Sunwing, nexus and tripcentral did a fantastic job!

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta: Tired and poorly maintained

I was expecting to have a high end experience given the elevated price for the property. The pool areas, including the washroom facilities were tired and not in good repair. At this price point I will pass on this resort and brand in future. Service was great however, no complaints there.

Riu Flamingos: Excelent Hotel

This hotel has everything you would want, even a water park for your children. The food is very good with lots of choices at the buffet and a- la- cart restaurants. The staff is very friendly and always ready to help. The rooms are fresh and clear with nice washrooms. Three pools and a very warm ocean. Please do visit with your family.

Riu Flamingos: Excelent Hotel

This hotel has everything you would want, even a water park for your children. The food is very good with lots of choices at the buffet and a- la- cart restaurants. The staff is very friendly and always ready to help. The rooms are fresh and clear with nice washrooms. Three pools and a very warm ocean. Please do visit with your family.

Riu Palace Pacifico: My fav resort

The single one thing that truly stand out since we started coming to this resort is it's staff. They are all super cheery, friendly and helpful. Every time we visited, it feels like coming to visit friends. The food here to me, is better than other resorts around the same price point. We love the buffet and we had our meals at the buffet 90% of the time. what can I say, this is our 4th visit this year, and we're already booked twice in September. Oh, and one draw that keeps me going back t [... read more]o this resort, the nightly performance of Jon Apont in the lobby. He is such a talented singer/pianist! I never miss his performance while I'm there!

Las Palmas by the Sea: Great resort

This resort was what I expected from a 3 star resort. Nothing to fancy but all good. We had a great time. One thing that I would recommend is having my staff that can speak English. Entertainment could have been better.

Grand Decameron Complex Bucerias Trademark: Not the same any longer

I have been here before when it was more vibrant, Although the staff are great and the food is on par with the ratings, I honestly will no longer return. Bucerias has beautiful beaches but the local authenticity of humble kindness is no longer, it has been pushed out by xpats, apartment buildings and big corporations. You can see the struggle of the locals and it saddens my heart. If I do come back to bucerias it will be to stay at a local small hotel or homestay. The Decameron is bland l [... read more]ooking, lost its sparkle and shine. But I do stress the employees are as beautiful as ever. Special shout out to Jenny and Marisol in the restaurant by building 4. I would also like to add that this place right now is under loud construction of the roofs so if you want a good sleep I suggest building 6 or somewhere else. Thats it for now, I have been to Bucerias many times, this is my last time staying here.

Grand Decameron Complex Bucerias Trademark: Decameron

We have stayed at the Decameron for many years. The upgrades they have made are greatly appreciated. The new lounge chairs were comfortable around the pool. The specialty restaurants did not disappoint. There was a huge group of seniors which completely booked the middle buffet and we were not allowed to sit and eat in there. The morning coffee was not available from the machine until 7 am. It was nice to see regular staff there. We were disappointed that they put us on the fourth floor beca [... read more]use I was unable to do the stairs due to upcoming surgery but they moved us the following day. I would highly recommend that the salad buffet be enclosed with plastic doors to prevent the birds from flying in and taking items. Based on our price package we would return again. Our trip agent was very helpful.

Secrets Vallarta Bay: Not What We Expected From a Secrets

Our first visit to Mexico umpteen years ago was to a Secrets albeit a brand new one. Since then we've been to Mexico many times and several other continents so perhaps its we who have changed. Grounds are great and rooms very comfortable but that isn't enough for this level. With so many special events the resort is very noisy at night. Food was average across the board with only Oceana and the Mexican Restaurant rising above that. There was a lengthy list of small things such a a finicky t [... read more]oilette, tricky desk chair and inconsistent refresh of food items that illustrated a lack of attention to detail. Of course Mexican staff were amazing as they are everywhere. Also the location made it easy to access old town and the romantic zone. I don't think anyone would have a bad time here but it just wasn't that step up that we expected for a Secrets.

Riu Flamingos: Ri-U, Not for Me

Ri-U?- Not for me I start with saying I am a 40 something female solo traveler that has stayed at many resorts, so that may alter the review. I had never stayed at a Riu before, and probably wouldn't again. However this was a recently renovated resort- no complaints about most of the cleanliness (often no toilet paper and sticky walk along pools), but for the most part they were doing their best to keep up. It was very busy and loud, but the staff seemed to do their best to follow the crow [... read more]d- although I didn't notice any poolside service- basically a serve yourself system, but no shortage of bars to be able to do that. Cons: -the food is mediocre at very best. I looked forward to going home for fresh food-which I have never yearned for in Mexico before. Every meal every day is a very limited buffet and the same thing ad nauseum. Very dry and overcooked meats swimming in seed oil (I prefer animal based diet so this was disappointing, but not surprising) and cold. The life is sucked out of it so there's not an ounce of moisture to even keep it warm in a ceramic dish under a lamp. -there are 5 restaurants and they rotate which ones are open - you CANNOT reserve. You must line up at 6pm and luck of the draw If they are full by the time you get your shot or you've wasted your hours. After 3 nights of standing in line BEFORE 6pm, I got a buzzer and was seated at 730pm one night, and 830pm the next time. Not worth it in my opinion, other than the cut of fat I was served was warmish-definetly not hot. (I only tried the Steakhouse as the others were either closed or the menu was not anything I would be interested in) -not much for activities unless you are a child. Quite boring if you are into being entertained or taking classes. (The Fit instructor for stretching and such is great, I recommend doing those programs when offered) -coffee machines are often down so if this is important to you (it was to me!) You'll be walking some loops to get some or find a cup -there are 4 rectangular pools separated by lounge chairs, nothing exciting- none of them over 4ft and the water is super warm and unrefreshing. (I am 6ft tall so water just above my thighs is just annoying) -smooth tiles everywhere- ridiculously slippery! Seen many falls, super hazardous -the smell of their 'natural zen' chosen air freshners and soaps will overwhelmingly waft you in the face every time you open a bathroom door- to me it's disgusting, but that's a matter of preference to natural or unscented cleaners (also, if your coochie is sensitive, the toilet paper is bathed in it) -speaking of toilets, whoever designed a square bowl gets a D- (it's very ?y) -Big Brother is watching everywhere ?  PROS: -if you have mobility issues, it would be convenient location because it's all one place, nothing to explore to find scenes or ramps (good non slip shoes are a must) -as mentioned above, the Fit classes are decent (Arranza is a gem) -it is newly renovated so still clean and in good shape -you will never have trouble finding a lounge chair, there has to be over 1000. That's the view. Chairs. Everywhere. -the sand is hot, the ocean is warm (this time of year), and conveniently located right outside the resort -you can walk to Bucerias in under half an hour by following the path, it's quite pretty when you get to the end of the strip and into the garden EXTRA INFO: I don't drink and I don't do the night life, so not sure about alcohol or White party- it was very loud a few nights with young people drunk and screaming, but the shows themselves are pretty quiet- you have to sit under the stage or you can't barely hear at the back. (I'm ok with that!). Same shows must rotate the whole strip because I haven't been to this side since 2024, and the Grand Palladium in Punta Mita had the same ones. If you enjoy lush scenery and greenery, great food, animals (who doesn't like a lizard to join you once in a while!) or hidden trails to enjoy some private zen and nature - this is not the resort for you. If you are new to traveling, have kids, mobility issues, just wanna have a "good time"- Riu Jalisco might be your fit! All in all, it was 'ok'. One of the cheaper getaways so I can see the appeal, But I wouldn't be in a rush to come back any time soon. HEADS UP:  Pink tarp massages outside the resort are a little bit cheaper than the resorts ($500 pesos and Riu is $630) It is an ok massage, I went twice and would have booked a third, except- I can't prove it of course, but I am 99% sure my change purse was stolen there because I literally went from my room to the massage, and then it was gone. I unfortunately had quite a bit of money and my room key in it because the plan was to pay for 2 massages and grab a couple souvenirs before my last day. The front desk manager said that was not uncommon occurrence. -Taxi prices are exuberant!! Get someone to call you an In-drive or download APP and get picked up outside the gate. Literally ¼ of the price.

Riu Flamingos: Amazing resort

Just got back from a 2 week couples vacation The resort is so beautiful and clean loved everything ,especially the staff a few people that really stood out and went over and above for customer service was Vencinca at the buffet restaurant Luz at the beach towel exchange , Coral on the entertainment team and the bartenders at the la Cantina bar best bar and drinks there are only 2 things I would change that this resort first is bring reservation system back people don’t like standing inline for  [... read more]an hour plus for dinner on their vacation and second one is having poolside waiters for getting drinks this is the first resort I’ve been too that doesn’t have it overall we had an excellent time the food here especially at the steakhouse and buffet is amazing

Riu Palace Pacifico: Return trip..loved it

So we stayed at the Riu Palace Pacifica 7 years ago and wanted to compare after the renos and changing to an adults only. The staff at this resort was exceptional, everyone seemed to be enjoying their jobs which makes for a wonderful atmosphere. The rooms were very nice, bathroom with large walk-in shower. AC was quite quiet and worked well. Nice balcony and we found the bed comfortable. Food was excellent at all restaurants, buffet and pool area. Drinks were very good..we tried many. Pools an [... read more]d grounds were well kept. Something to note was this resort was truly accessible, we watched many people with limited mobility enjoying the pool, restaurants and grounds, good on you RIU for considering this. Only small negative would be the large pillars blocking the stage for night shows from the sides, you need to come early and sit directly in front of stage to see. Very swimmable and walkable beach. 20 min walk to Buceries. All in all would definitely recommend and return.

Riu Flamingos: RIU Jalisco Puerto Vallarta April 2026

Fantastic vacation, great room, food, pools, staff and ocean was so warm I practically lived there. Highly recommend for couples, and kids (separate climbing structure and pool, buffet had lots of choices for them)

Iberostar Selection Playa Mita: Easily among our top 3 resorts

Loved everything about this place. The food was incredible, the staff were friendly and hard working, and we were happy with our room (we upgraded to an ocean view). Several pools to choose from, and we enjoyed the numerous activities for adults and kids. Loved the policy of "anything on the lounge chairs before 9 am will be removed", which prevented people from reserving chairs. There was never a shortage of chairs, and lots of locations to choose from. The coffee bar was a nice bonus, and the [... read more]re were several places along the edge of the property that you could sit quietly in the shade and enjoy it. The entertainment was great, all through the day and night ... and I don't say that very often !! It was easy-listening, and not outrageously loud by the pool. The peaceful live evening entertainment was moved to the lobby bar, or rooftop bar, ...or to the basement if it was going to be loud, and possibly an irritant to the guests. Perfect!