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Dec 29, 2013-Jan 5, 2014
Villa Del Palmar PV
Check in to resort went fine, slightly on the slow side, but not a big issue. We were staying via an RCI exchange and assigned room 1306, which is Bldg 1, third floor. They gave us our (Timeshare) Welcome Packet, which if we attended presentation we would receive 20% off everything we purchased on site, including AI if we opted to do that. AI is $89./p/pd.
We chose not to do the presentation which would be held at Flamingos in NV and included a free day pass.
There was secure parking but limited. We always got a spot though. The grounds and resort in general are well maintained. Open air lobby, elevators, and nice walkways. The bellboys were a tad aloof but we made due.
Upon arrival to our room, which was a one bedroom, we found it to be a bit on the small side but doable. You walked in and to the left was the bathroom, which was a good size, and well stocked with towels and amenities like soap, shampoo, conditioner, tissues, Tp, and the like. Plenty of draw and closet space between bathroom and bedroom. We always had sufficient hot water. Safe was in closet in bathroom, but older and on small side, though I was able to fit my Ipad. Only thing was the lighting which was on the dim side for a bathroom. A bit further down the hall on left was the bedroom. King size bed, quite comfortable with nice pillows. Side tables on both sides with lamps, a desk and drawer configuration and a shuttered opening that opened into living/kitchen area.
Beyond the bedroom was the living room to the left and kitchen straight ahead. Sliders in the LR opened onto a large balcony with a table and two chairs. The balcony had a few bumps such as being able to directly see others on their balconies and most of our view was of the roof of one of the restaurants. We did have a little ocean view to the side and to other side small area of one of pools. Was fine for us.
The living room had a flat screen tv, coffee table , one side table, small loveseat ( opened to pull out bed) which seemed to lunge forward when sitting. Decor very modern, not my style, sort of old modern, but it worked. Kitchen had a mid size refrigerator, 2 burners, blender, coffeemaker, toaster, microwave, knife block, table for 4, and all the necessary flatware and dishes and pans you might need, even had salt and pepper shakers. Well equipped. The only issue we really had with the room was the A/C, there was only one unit so it was difficult to cool bedroom if it got warm. We had seasonably chilly weather so was fine but I can imagine might be an issue in warmer weather.
The pools always had activities, were clean and welcoming. There is also a quiet pool over at sister resort, Villa Del Mar, which we used a lot. A hot tub/jacuzzi also over there. Loungers, umbrellas and the like were fine. The beach area was on the small side and very crowded, but it was holiday time.
Our room was called after we were there maybe a half hour. It was concierge checking if all was okay with room. We agreed it was fine. Then a knock on door and a Welcome Fruit Platter arrived from concierge. Nice touch.
We did not use gym or spa this trip. Weather was less than expected, wet and chilly half week. We made the best of it. We only had drinks once on site at El Patron one of the restaurants. They were fine but quite pricey for what they were. They do have 3 restaurants on site though. We did not have as much involvement with staff as when we do AI, but for the most part all seemed fine. Waiters came around pool asking if you wanted anything etc. Guard at gate was friendly, as I stated bellboys sort of aloof. Maid was very good. Second day she wrote on bed with petals "Bienvenido Sra. Pamela" , it was so pretty. She kept the unit stocked and clean. The only thing I did not like was she did not put the deco pillows on bed everyday left them in pile I had put them night before so as not to damage them. Would have been prettier on bed in daytime. The concierge Claudia Gonzales was great, from emails to her, prior to arrival to time spent there.
The location of the resort is great. A short walk across and up street is the Plaza Carocal. Many shops, stores, restaurants etc. We stocked up on groceries over there and walked or rode back. Check out was easy and quick. They do charge an "optional fee" for gratuity to those who do not get tipped of 43.63 plus pesos per day. Internet is pricey on site but can go to Starbucks or many places in PV for free wifi.
We enjoyed our stay here and would go back, am trying actually to get a 2 bedroom exchange for end of year thru RCI. No real issues, no major complaints. Older resort but rooms clean and neat, obviously upgraded, well stocked, nice grounds and pool, on beach, and in good location. Has a Mexican feel to it except the newer room decor. We felt it was a solid 3.5 to 4 star stay on our part not fancy but just pleasant and comfortable.
Villa Del Palmar PV
Check in to resort went fine, slightly on the slow side, but not a big issue. We were staying via an RCI exchange and assigned room 1306, which is Bldg 1, third floor. They gave us our (Timeshare) Welcome Packet, which if we attended presentation we would receive 20% off everything we purchased on site, including AI if we opted to do that. AI is $89./p/pd.
We chose not to do the presentation which would be held at Flamingos in NV and included a free day pass.
There was secure parking but limited. We always got a spot though. The grounds and resort in general are well maintained. Open air lobby, elevators, and nice walkways. The bellboys were a tad aloof but we made due.
Upon arrival to our room, which was a one bedroom, we found it to be a bit on the small side but doable. You walked in and to the left was the bathroom, which was a good size, and well stocked with towels and amenities like soap, shampoo, conditioner, tissues, Tp, and the like. Plenty of draw and closet space between bathroom and bedroom. We always had sufficient hot water. Safe was in closet in bathroom, but older and on small side, though I was able to fit my Ipad. Only thing was the lighting which was on the dim side for a bathroom. A bit further down the hall on left was the bedroom. King size bed, quite comfortable with nice pillows. Side tables on both sides with lamps, a desk and drawer configuration and a shuttered opening that opened into living/kitchen area.
Beyond the bedroom was the living room to the left and kitchen straight ahead. Sliders in the LR opened onto a large balcony with a table and two chairs. The balcony had a few bumps such as being able to directly see others on their balconies and most of our view was of the roof of one of the restaurants. We did have a little ocean view to the side and to other side small area of one of pools. Was fine for us.
The living room had a flat screen tv, coffee table , one side table, small loveseat ( opened to pull out bed) which seemed to lunge forward when sitting. Decor very modern, not my style, sort of old modern, but it worked. Kitchen had a mid size refrigerator, 2 burners, blender, coffeemaker, toaster, microwave, knife block, table for 4, and all the necessary flatware and dishes and pans you might need, even had salt and pepper shakers. Well equipped. The only issue we really had with the room was the A/C, there was only one unit so it was difficult to cool bedroom if it got warm. We had seasonably chilly weather so was fine but I can imagine might be an issue in warmer weather.
The pools always had activities, were clean and welcoming. There is also a quiet pool over at sister resort, Villa Del Mar, which we used a lot. A hot tub/jacuzzi also over there. Loungers, umbrellas and the like were fine. The beach area was on the small side and very crowded, but it was holiday time.
Our room was called after we were there maybe a half hour. It was concierge checking if all was okay with room. We agreed it was fine. Then a knock on door and a Welcome Fruit Platter arrived from concierge. Nice touch.
We did not use gym or spa this trip. Weather was less than expected, wet and chilly half week. We made the best of it. We only had drinks once on site at El Patron one of the restaurants. They were fine but quite pricey for what they were. They do have 3 restaurants on site though. We did not have as much involvement with staff as when we do AI, but for the most part all seemed fine. Waiters came around pool asking if you wanted anything etc. Guard at gate was friendly, as I stated bellboys sort of aloof. Maid was very good. Second day she wrote on bed with petals "Bienvenido Sra. Pamela" , it was so pretty. She kept the unit stocked and clean. The only thing I did not like was she did not put the deco pillows on bed everyday left them in pile I had put them night before so as not to damage them. Would have been prettier on bed in daytime. The concierge Claudia Gonzales was great, from emails to her, prior to arrival to time spent there.
The location of the resort is great. A short walk across and up street is the Plaza Carocal. Many shops, stores, restaurants etc. We stocked up on groceries over there and walked or rode back. Check out was easy and quick. They do charge an "optional fee" for gratuity to those who do not get tipped of 43.63 plus pesos per day. Internet is pricey on site but can go to Starbucks or many places in PV for free wifi.
We enjoyed our stay here and would go back, am trying actually to get a 2 bedroom exchange for end of year thru RCI. No real issues, no major complaints. Older resort but rooms clean and neat, obviously upgraded, well stocked, nice grounds and pool, on beach, and in good location. Has a Mexican feel to it except the newer room decor. We felt it was a solid 3.5 to 4 star stay on our part not fancy but just pleasant and comfortable.
My cousin goes to Mexico at least once a year but, although I enjoyed my non-TS trip to Puerto Vallarta, it's been off my radar for a while. This winter's been cold enough heading south sounds a lot more appealing than usual! 
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