Sooo, Glad We Didn't Change Hotels
- March 3, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
seh07 from Overland Park , Kansas
Never being in Puerto Vallarta, we had our travel agent check out the hotels. He gave us several hotels to check out, which I wasn’t very impressed with. After seeing the Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya, it seemed to be the perfect paradise; we could hardly wait to get there. We booked this hotel with our agent. Several days before leaving for our trip, we found this site with complaints about the staff, service, food poising, we came close to changing hotels the day we left for Mexico. What a mistake that would have been. We had our travel agent contact the Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya on the problems, they assured us they had addressed all of the complaints and there were no longer any problems. The Barceló hotels chain wanted this to be a high class premium hotel, and was going to any lengths to make sure it stayed that way. There were several things we were looking for in a hotel: access to in room internet, room safe, ocean view, beach, and public transportation. My husband and I go on two to three trips each winter to get out of the cold. When we vacation we pretty much find a place that makes us feel good. The Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya in Puerto Vallarta did just that. The hotel was gorgeous, with a staff constantly cleaning the surroundings. Hearing about all the crime though out Mexico, we wanted a place we felt safe. This hotel had a gate to the entrance, with 24-7 guards, a private beach so there weren't strays or many vendors’. The staff was very attentive and happy, smiling all the time (must have been on happy pills) always working as a team. Even with the Gratuities being included, we tipped several dollars that never amounted to much for the service we got. We have never been at an all-inclusive hotel, not wanting to go outside the hotel for safety reasons we wanted to try an all-inclusive, so we could relax. There was always somewhere in the hotel to eat and drink, just about anything you could want. I couldn’t believe the amount of drinks the guests consumed. We ate at the buffet for breakfast and lunch, which I don’t really don’t care for (I would get fresh fruit, fresh bread, yogurt, YUMMY guacamole and, soft serve ice cream daily my husband had a feast every morning and lunchtime at the buffet. Dinner we ate at the Spanish restaurant once, Italian restaurant once, most of the time had Rib-eye and Beef Tenderloin Steaks at the Steak restaurant. I like to try different things, so there were several dishes I didn’t care for, but never went hungry or worried about getting sick. I know there were wonderful restaurants outside the hotel, but we chose not to go out. Several nights there would be a big screen outside (actually a large sheet) with lounge chairs, pillows and blankets popcorn hot chocolate, for an outdoor movies. What fun for the kids? If and when we go back to Puerto Vallarta, we wouldn't take a chance on any another hotels.
Wonderful hotel
- February 11, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
What a beautiful place. Our room was spectacular, great view. The staff was wonderful, from the restaurant to housekeeping, they were great. Our first morning we watched the whales jump in the bay as we ate breakfast, what a show. Every day was better than the previous one. Went out on a boat one day, walked to the zoo, botanical gardens are close, jumped on the bus and went to the city when we wanted to. The evening shows were fun to watch especially the traditional mexican dances and costumes. The food was really pretty good for a buffet. One night they had lobster, a big lobster at a buffet, nice!! WE will be back. Thanks!