Written Review
"First trip to mexico"
So never been on a plane or been out of canada before, we booked a trip with no idea what to expect. From take of to landing was an adventure on its own, ( I was in my early 30s if that matters) we landed in puerto Vallarta and in loaded on the Tarmac which was a little weird. Palm trees everywhere, Humid air and the start to a great vacation. Once we got to the hotel and met Antonio who was the door man, he was extremely helpful and nice. The hotel was in need of a little repair here and there but still a nice place, everyone there was helpful with learning Spanish. Walked around town met tons of locals seen lots of great places and things. I loved every minute and have gone bad three time since. Plan on a few more trips there in the future
"What a great vacation!"
I went to this resort in August, from 2-9. Went with my family, and met some great people at the resort.
The highlight of our stay was definitely the staff! I will start with the "entertainers": Oscar, Luis and Alex. Every day, from 10AM till 4 PM and then back for the night shows, they're sure to come up with creative contests, great music by the all age pool and lots of crafts, beach volleyball, aquaerobics and many other activities (guess you will have to go check them all out for yourselves!) hehe
Wish they lasted longer than 4 PM as I was hoping for some more music and activities in the afternoon as well. The nightly shows are great, loved the Mexican Night and the International night the most as the dancers were incredible. After the shows the staff takes people out from the resort to various downtown clubs.
All the other staff was also amazing, I would like to single out David from the bar, Pedro and Edgar from the buffet! Great people with extremely energetic and lovely personalities, always went out of their ways to make sure we have the best service there. All of the other staff was also very friendly and spoke pretty good English, all hard workers!
The place is clean, rooms are being taken care of every day (as they should), drinking water is not provided (only one bottle the first day you arrive), there's an amazing pool and jacuzzi right by the beach with spectacular views of the ocean (didn't see other resorts around there set up that way), Palm trees always cleaned to ensure people's safety, the three resident parrots are beautiful and they sometimes come out of the cage and close to you if you care to spend time by the lobby. Wifi free in the lobby or around the whole resort and in the rooms for additional fees. Food was perfect, there was variety and freshness. No restaurant on site other than the snack bar which switches into a restaurant in the evenings.
We booked the Las Marietas excursion from the resort and it was an INCREDIBLE experience. You do have to be confident in swimming though the opening of the hidden beach or stay on the boat if not, as the currents are quite strong and the "cave" entrance is very low at one point, some waves completely cover the entrance at that point.
I highly recommend this resort for any relaxing or family vacations and I also think everyone should participate in their entertaining activities and treat all staff with respect, as they all work very hard for is to enjoy ourselves!
"Great ambiance and location"
Awesome place to stay at. Excellent conditions, service is great, the staff is extremely friendly. The food is very good. Great time with friends and very family oriented. Played volleyball on the beach and different contests in the pool. A lot of fun!
"Oh so wonderful!"
I honestly had the best time in Puerto Vallarta! It was my first time in Mexico, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but it was amazing!
First of all, the staff of Las Palmas is fantastic - they were always friendly, polite, and helpful. Especially the activities staff - Alex, Oscar and Luis. They were so funny and did not let us get bored. There was always something to do! We played beach volleyball, participated in a dance contest, played bingo and water basketball, made crafts and much much more! We went in August, so there weren't very many English-speaking guests at the resort at the time, but nonetheless, the staff made sure to always speak in both languages just to accommodate the handful of Canadians that were there at the time (greatly appreciated). There was a show on every night, my personal favourite was the Mexican dancers - very fun to watch. Also, there was always an option to go out and party with the staff after!
I don't know what everyone else who reviewed this ate, but I thought that the food was GOOD. I mean, there was always so much to choose from! The waiters were super quick and friendly, getting drinks for you and making sure the tables were always clean. Edgar was my favourite because he would always recognize us and take the time to ask us how we're doing. Very sweet!
"Unforgettable :)"
I had the best experience ever.the staff were great,rooms nice and clean,the food delicious,and especially the drinks.. I want to than the guys from the bar good job and very fast.. Oscar and David great job..
"Oh, so relaxing here!"
We generally go to Las Palmas by the Sea for our vacation in Mexico, probably twice a year. Yes, there are tours to go on, which we have all done in the past. They are wonderful and informative, but this time we just picked three tours, of which, one was free, because we booked the two. That's nice too. Meanwhile, the other days, we just hung around the pool, and socialized with others, and had drinks from the bar. We could shop from the venders on the beach, and some shopping done in the evening -set up on the walkway. It's not far from the WalMart store or the Marina. Go the other way, it's not far by bus, to go to the Malecon and flee market. Back at Las Palmas, one can see the Malecon all lit up, and we see the Pirate Ship lit up and its fireworks. Really nice. I sit on our balcony and watch all this - it's sooooo nice :-)
"Great activities team"
When i came there were mostly Mexican and a handful of Canadians. Perfect-sized hotel so you can get to know most people staying. Beach was kind of small. The activities team were amazing and beach volleyball and water polo was so much fun.
"We Had a Great Time!"
We are not picky travelers. We were pleasantly surprised by the clean room and though it did not have an ocean view, it had a nice view of the Sierra Madres. The food, while never stellar in the buffet area, was just fine. The over-use of hot dogs and sliced deli ham was odd, but we chose other dishes. The fresh fruit selection was awesome. We tried to sit in the same area each day and I guess we lucked out by never, ever, in the whole week were there, having to wait in any line. Yolanda and Pedro took such good care of us. We tipped them at the end of even got a hug from Yolanda. Our one "formal" dinner included in our package deal was REALLY good. The waiter started our a little crabby but was fine by the end of the meal. We did not come to PV to spend our time sitting by a pool so if there were issues w/ towels and lounger availability, we missed it...on purpose. The activities pool was full of children and their parents listening to cheesy techno music. This we avoided as well...on purpose. Our free time, when not eating and enjoying the ocean view while chatting and sipping cocktails was spent exploring the area. We learned the bus system and used it to its fullest going by bus to El Centro many times, the Malecon, Boca de Tomatlan, then a Water Taxi to Yelapa and back and to Sayulita by bus...twice!
"Great Location"
We recently stayed March 29-April 5. As other reviewers stated not as fancy and other places, but nice. We didn't get up extra early to reserve a lounger by the pool but opted for the ocean. Sometimes late afternoon there was openings around the pool. That's what we came for to enjoy the beach. We never had a problem finding a seat there, and if there was no seats we sat on our towels. It never took long for a few seats to come up. Just around the rock bluff is some beautiful beach areas that our very quiet we enjoyed many times just sitting in the sand there. The food was average on the buffet. We always looked for what they were cooking so it was warm. The pasta was actually very good as were the omelets in the morning. The Al a Carte was also good although food could have been a lot warmer. Our room was clean and beds firm, but we liked them. The entertainment was not the greatest and found the language barrier a bit of an issue. We brought our own Frisbees so had fun on our own on the beach. We definitely recommend the Pirate Ship in the evening. It was a night full of laughter and fun.
"Activities team - Oscar and Luis"
I have stayed at many places in PV and Las Palmas was not as fancy of a place compared to others the food was average and the rooms were what was expected since it is an older hotel, beds a little hard no mini bars.. Etc. More loungers by the pool is really needed. The activities staff definitely made the time there enjoyable. Oscar was fabulous at the aqua aerobics and activities in the pool his english was great, Luis was great to they both had an energy that was contagious. They were both hardworking and attentive, but very fun and free spirited, meeting them here was a pleasure and they made up for other areas that were lacking. So great friendly staff and that is whats important to me
"Second Trip Back To This Hotel 9th back to PVR"
Stayed here from March 20-27th 2014. Second trip back and still the same warm friendly staff. Upon arriving with my sister Antonio came over and gave me a big hug and recognized me from 4 years ago. Our room had an ocean view that I upgraded to and the soft sound of the ocean was all we heard before going to sleep. Rooms are still very clean and fresh linen every second day. The buffet has still many choices and breakfast with the great variety of fruit and fresh omlettes is great. When we went to the bar David recoginized me immediately and again hugs and welcome back. Edgar still has the same smiling face and so wonderful to be remembered. We love the fact that a lot of Mexican's stay here and you get to mix with them as well. If you are looking for a clean friendly hotel without a lot of fuss etc.stay here and just enjoy. A little noisy at times but usually the Canadian's having a little too much tequila that caused this. Thanks to all I have named and many more I did not for a lovley week.
"Better than expected"
We were a little leery when we booked because we knew that the university students would be there. But we enjoyed them at the bar at night and came to know some of them. We were lucky that we never heard them at night. Yes the beds were hard but the pillows were fantastic. Ester cleaned our room beautifully, the floors were spotless. Edgar kept us entertained every night, and on his night off we went to bed early. Alejandro came to know us and called us Mumma and Papa, he would see us coming and our wine glasses were filled and waiting for us. Security was not easily identified and when we needed them, could not be found and the girl in the security office did not speak English or refused too. The pool lounges were an issue but my husband was up early and got us ours. Some more umbrellas would be nice. The area around the adult pool is small but at least 20 more lounges could be placed, need to be a little creative. The food was good, not always hot, but were told to take our plates to the grill where they could be warmed. The fish soup was delicious as was the carrot soup. The drinks and wine were good, and the food was good also at the a la carte . If the lounges weren't such as issue we would return. When we arrived we knew we needed a key for the safe and a remote so there was no problem.
"A nice suprise!"
After reading all the negative reviews we had some hesitations about booking here. Yes it is an older hotel and not a 5 star, but it is clean and safe. Staff did an amazing job making sure we were comfortable. After one particularly noisy night (we were there with the Spring Breakers) the hotel management sent us a fruit plate and a letter of apology for the noise.
We were in room 422 overlooking the adult pool. We had a great ocean/sunset view. Our housekeeping staff was great! My friend found her bed too hard so we just asked the maid the next day to bring her a foam mattress pad and more pillows........... no problem! Our air conditioner worked well and was quiet.
Food is what I expected for an inclusive. The salads and fruit was fresh daily. There was always a serving of fish, chicken and pork as well as roasted potatoes, pasta or rice. Deserts were amazing. We ate at the a la carte one evening and my grilled fish was really good! Our favorite waiter was at the buffet restaurant and his name is Pedro Cervantes.......... he always responded with "Okey-dokey!!" Hats off as well to Edgar, the lobby bartender, who always managed to serve everyone with a smile!
The activities staff were very friendly as well! Oscar did a great job leading the aquasize classes at noon! The evening entertainers worked hard to put on a good show with what they had.
"Good Price"
I enjoyed this hotel for the week I was in Puerto Vallarta. It is pretty much close to everything you could want or need. The all inclusive food was really good and I had food restrictions of no meat or dairy and was still able to eat well. The fruit selection was pretty awesome. The best part was of how close the hotel was to the water.
All the servers and bar tenders were pretty awesome. From 6pm-1am, Edgar made the best drinks at the Lobby Bar. I paid the little bit extra for ocean view and it was so worth it. Hearing the waves and seeing all the amazing sunsets from that view is worth it.
If you plan on doing the A La Cart dinner, make sure to book it at the beginning of the week. We tried to book it for the last day there on the last day and it was already full.
I would definitely come back to this hotel again.
"Awesome getaway"
10 mins from the airport, check in was quick and front desk staff very friendly. Elevators very slow but stairs were great exercise. Rooms are very simple but clean, however no fridge. Buffet always had good variety, something for everyone including picky eaters. Could use extra chairs at the beach and pool. Chair wars in early a.m as people reserved chairs with towels and people would move the towels (was actually funny to watch) Internet access usually pretty good only down 1 day during 7 day stay. Easy access to downtown (Malicon) public transportation cheap at 7 pesos to get down to Malicon with only 5 min bus ride. Transat rep. Alexandro very helpful in assisting us with excursion information and booking, he is very fluent in English, Spanish and French. Excursion for ziplining booked through Alexandro is 2 min walk from hotel to catch bus. booked with Canopy, staff was very knowledgeable and we had a blast with them. Pirate ship adventure is a must if you're in the area, very entertaining, our pirate for the evening was Bones and we were very well taken care of. If in the Malicon area and looking to eat supper off the resort would highly recommend stopping at "Pipi's Restaurant" food was amazing and so were the Marguarita's! The hardest thing during the trip was deciding what kind of drink to have next. We will definitely be going back.
"Great holiday"
Had a great Holiday at Las Palmas. Great location, right on the beach and a 5 min bus ride to city central. Can't say enough about the staff, they all worked really hard to ensure our vacation was awesome. Arturo always made certain we were well taken care of. He served the best Mango tequila ever. Miss you Arturo and if you read this, wish you all the best. Our room was ocean view, so beautiful. Food was good, never tried the ala-cart. We always found something to eat, many choices. We had a great vacation!
"Great Value"
Perfect vacation. Kids loved the kids club but there was lots to do. Small but very cosy beach. Nice pools. Very clean place. Friendly stuff, Azucena was my favourite. Great food, although I was hoping for more Mexican food (fish tacos, burittos, salsa and guacamole) We asked for extra cushion on the bed and that made it comfortable. It was close to city, 7.5 pessos/person for the bus to centre. Bus leaves every 2min right by the pharmacy.
"Las Palmas By the Sea"
this will have been my 6th trip to this Hotel.Again I recomend this place if you are OK with a 3 Star Hotel. The service and staff is exellent in this place ,the Bar staff is great. It has a nice smal beach ,a adault pool and a nice kids pool. The restaurant is nice ,the food is average ,but OK for 3 star. Due to its great location it is easy to go to town and eat when you had enough from the smorgasboard.
"Nice holiday with the kids!"
We had a nice holiday. The ocean view rooms are wayyyy nicer than the others. It got really busy during the weekends, but during the week, it was quiet and not crowded, very nice! Beach is nice! No major issues, staff was nice, place was clean.
"Nice Hotel; Good buffet restaurant and a la carte restaurnat"
The hotel was very nice ... right on the ocean. You can hear the surf and watch the surf. There is a nice boardwalk that you can sit at and watch the ocean. The buffet restaurant was very good ... I didn't get tired of the food .... there was enough variety. The buffet restaurant is a hut and so you can see out to the ocean. They keep the hotel and restaurant very clean and the staff are very helpful.
Azucuna was a very pleasant and efficient server in the buffet restaurant. We asked to sit in her area for every breakfast and lunch.
The a la carte restaurant had unique items on the menu and the items were very tasty. The buns they served before dinner were lightly warmed and had what I think was goat cheese in the middle of the bun and they were very tasty. Eduardo and Alejandro were very pleasant servers.
Would definitely go back!! Hope to see Azucuna and Eduardo again!
"Best vacation EVER!!!"
We arrived about 3:30 pm. Check in was pretty fast. This was our first time to Puerto Vallarta. Actually our first time to Mexico. This is the best place to stay. The staff was OUTSTANDING in their patience, personality and most of all FRIENDLINESS. Some of our favorites there are Yolanda, Azucena, Carmen, Antonio, Andrea, David, Hector, and Paco. I know we'll be back. The rooms are very clean. Only problem is HARD beds. We found out later that we could've gotten a mattress pad. That was our only problem. The view from the room was Awesome. This was the best vacation ever.
"Las Palmas By the Sea"
this will have been my 6th trip to this Hotel.Again I recomend this place if you are OK with a 3 Star Hotel. The service and staff is exellent in this place ,the Bar staff is great. It has a nice smal beach ,a adault pool and a nice kids pool. The restaurant is nice ,the food is average ,but OK for 3 star. Due to its great location it is easy to go to town and eat when you had enough from the smorgasboard.
"Nice holiday with the kids!"
We had a nice holiday. The ocean view rooms are wayyyy nicer than the others. It got really busy during the weekends, but during the week, it was quiet and not crowded, very nice! Beach is nice! No major issues, staff was nice, place was clean.
"vacation with 2 granddaughters"
Although I was very nervous to travel by myself with my 9 and 11 year old granddaughters,once I got to the resort all my fears were gone.Las Palmas by the sea is an older resort but very well maintain,I booked an ocean view room and got want I booked,beautiful view from our second floor room,it also overlooked the kids pool which was a huge bonus.The rooms are basic rooms,not much extra,they gave us to big bottles of water for our stay but we could refill them at the bar,they supplied us with clean towels and toiletries daily,there is a breakfast,lunch and dinner buffet,no complains on the food,also there was a snack bar for burgers,fries,hotdog.All the staff from front desk,bellboys,maids,kids activity staff,bartenders and servers,waiters were super nice and very friendly,even the timeshare people were great.We made many friends,the girls will have friends and memories for a life time.Very easy to get around,not far from the boardwalk,walmart,shopping centers,there was a small store inside the resort where you can get snacks,pop,water,souviers,also very friendly people.The nightly entertainment was not that great,there is two outside bars,one at the snack bar shuts down at 5,other at 11 and there is a lobby bar that shuts down at 1.My granddaughter had a blast as did I,would go back again with the kids but not so much if it was only adults,very nice resort,thank you to all the staff for making our vacation so wonderful.Also a big thank you to Nancy,our air transit rep.