Description: Best Things Nearby:
Downtown Puerto Vallarta, the
Marina area with shops and restaurants
Best Things About the Resort:
Spacious units,
meandering pools,
lush, manicured lanscaping
Resort Experience:
This was an RCI exchange to a two-bedroom at the Westin – WOW. The resort sits on the point at the edge of the marina and the Bay of Banderas. The grounds are lovely -- lush landscaping, four free-form pools, and the beach is typical for this area of Puerto Vallarta -- a small cove, calm water, and brown sand.
Upon check-in, we tipped the reservationist and requested a high floor close to the bay. It was worth the two-hour delay in checking in. We had units 1089/1090/1091. The middle unit (a studio) was the common area -- living room, dining room, and kitchen – with no balcony. Both lock-off hotel units had a large foyer, bathroom with double sinks and shower/tub combo, a large bedroom with king bed, and a jacuzzi tub on the balcony, along with a table and two chairs -- very private feeling, very romantic. This particular floor, in the building closest to the ocean, was special in that there were plantings on the balcony and a palapas-type overhang for the roof, providing shade. It gave the room a very tropical feeling. The rooms seem due for renovations -- pine cabinets, fuschia ceilings and headboards -- a little dated, and the heavenly beds (remember, this is a Westin) are not here yet. The marble floors feel great when barefoot, the units are spacious, and there is complimentary daily maid service.
The four beautiful shallow pools meander along the property. There is a swim-up bar, poolside waiter service, use of hotel facilities, and vendors on the beach, but it’s too much of an American feeling for me. Beware: you are charged for floaties in the pool ($10/day) and umbrellas on the beach ($10/day). There are no palapas, but you can find shady spots around the pools under palm trees.
This is a full-service hotel with restaurants, bars, health club, and a spa. There were a few conventions booked at the hotel; therefore, many of the areas around the pools were often set up for luncheons and outdoor dining in the evening. We did not eat at the restaurants, but reports were good.
Transportation from here is convenient -- cabs to town cost $4, the bus across the street is 40 cents, and you can walk to the marina shops, bars, and restaurants. Evenings are quiet; the only live music we heard was during Sunday brunch. The marina is quiet, and to me, it is a better option than spending the evening at the hotel; it's less expensive and more stimulating. Please don't miss venturing into town. Lots of activity there -- restaurants, bars, shops, mariachis, discos, and very pleasant people.
Definitely one of the better exchanges in Puerto Vallarta, but venture into town for the flavor of Mexico.
- Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
- Activities: Good
- Amenities: Very Good
- Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
- Family Friendliness: Very Good
- Service: Very Good
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