We are booked for a group of about 50 people for the Riu Vallarta in late January 2008 so I can't recommend either resort on a personal basis. Maybe one thing to keep in mind. Riu Vallarta guests have privileges at the Jalisco except for the ala-carte but not vice-versa.

I've read that the Vallarta is noisier at night and echos througout the square. I've also read that the service at the Vallarta isn't up the the speed of the Jalisco.

Vallarta is new. Never stayed at either, Royal Decameron is much better for us. However our neighbor stayed at Vallarta last month and said they were very disappointed. I tried to warn them, a new resort has new plants and trees as well as new staff.

They went over to Jalisco and prefered it. The did di also said there were no palapas at Vallarta but a hotel up the beach had hundreds.

Not hundreds but many, that is Royal Decameron.

Don't let the star rating fool you.

Whatever you decide it has to be better than being at home.

We go June 9.

Just got back last night from a one week stay at the Riu Vallarta.(May 11-18) I chose the Vallarta becuase it was new and from all the pictures it looks very grand. The hotel is nice but has alot of issues that hopefully will be resolved as the hotel gets older.(food, service, entertainment, housekeeping) I am sure you have read the mixed reviews, I think if you want to party late into the night and dont mind mediocre food and service than this is a good place to go not a bad hotel but not a 5-star experience. And what do expect I think if you go online to Riu.com you can get a rate of 88$ a night for all inclusive what do you expect I cant even stay at a Holiday Inn for that. I did visit the Jalisco for lunch one day and it appeared to have alot more going on in a good way and if I were to ever go back to Nuevo I would stay at the Jalisco. If you have any question I will be more than happy to answer them.

My husband and I will be at the Riu Vallarta in July (14-22) I chose the Vallarta because it is new. Now I read about all of the problems they are having. I hope the problems are resolved by the time we get there. This will be our third stay at a Riu property and we have never had any problems. All I want is sun, food and some liquor. The rest will take care of it self :~) My question is can we hangout at the sister hotel if we don"t like the Vallatra? Is security looking at the wristbands? Does anyone know how HOT will it be in July? Because of work and the kids we could not get away until July. I'm praying it will not be 105 everyday. Thanks!!!!!

Yes, you can hang out at the Jalisco. Vallarta has guests privileges at the Jalisco (except for the ala-carte restaurants) but not vice-versa.