I had seen some negative reviews for this place on this site but it we got such a good deal from bookit.com we thought "what the hey". Also some of the complaints people had about this place seem to be of the "I didn't follow directions so now I'm annoyed" or "I didn't pay attention when booking" variety as well.
You definitely have to pay attention when you book here because it would be easy to book "club" level instead of "grand" based just on room descriptions. "Grand" is not only a room designation (semi-ocean front, a quieter complex) but is the higher of the two as far as level of services included in the all-inclusive package. For around $10 extra per person per night, "grand" gives you the specialty restaurants and better liquor (not "well" brands) although not quite the top shelf which is reserved for the time share folks. Club (cheaper) gets you in the phase 1 hotel surrounding a pool and a short walk from the ocean as well as a more limited palette of services, food, etc.
All that being said I thought the service was solid to very good. The staff was friendly and attentive although the promised wait service at poolside was for the most part non-existent, if you wanted a drink, 9 times out of 10, you went to the bar and ordered it, no big deal. The food at the specialty restaurants was surprisingly good and the breakfast buffet had made to order omelettes which made up for some of the buffet's shortcomings. Decent burgers, dogs and other quickie lunch fare was available pool side. This resort is a little on the older side and is not a high rise modern hotel by any means. It more quaint and "older" Mexico. For the price, my wife and I were very satisfied and wouldn't hesitate to return someday if we get another good deal.
One very important point; I hate getting constantly pitched to join the time share. The hard sell drives me up the wall as I didn't pay to come to hear a sales pitch. I was asked to come to the time share presentation exactly twice here; once when checking in and once when they called me to ask if everything was ok the first morning there and each time it was a polite and non-pressured request. It was very nice not to be hounded on an all inclusive vacation for a change!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
A romantic getaway, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Pet owners
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun