Just got back from 5 days at the Sheraton in Puerto Vallarta and loved it! The resort is large and very well kept. Stayed in a room with two friends, which was a bit cramped, but we were hardly in the room. The room had a balcony facing the pool which we used a lot at night. Room didn't have a fridge. Plenty of TV channels, and even found a handful of English language channels.

Spent all day at the pool where there were plenty of chairs, even during spring break time. There are two large pools, both with walk up and swim up bars and reasonably priced drinks.

We ate at the hotel a few times and while the food was good, the service was incredibly slow. Poolside service was great though, and you can't beat 2-for-1 happy hour from 6-8 every night.

The hotel was a 40 peso/4 dollar cab ride from the downtown area, very reasonable. Be sure to agree to that much or less for the ride, or they might try to charge as much as 50 pesos per person! Hotel about 2 blocks from an ATM and 4 blocks from a supermarket.

Overall, great hotel!

Five of my buddies from college and I went down and stayed in the time share part of the resort for spring break this year. After reading this site, I kind of had an idea of what to expect, but didn't set my standards too high. I knew that the ocean and beach wouldnt match that of Cancun, but knew that it would be equally as stunning. After getting there, I was more than pleased with the beautiful property and how helpful and courteous the staff was. We were a group of guys from 21-23 years old, and were looking for a more laid back and diverse atmosphere, and that is exactly what the Buganvilias had to offer. It was extremely relaxing to lay on the beach or chill by the large pool. The place had a little of everything to offer. Other than the amazing view from the balconies and being able to look out at the ocean and watch the stunning sunset, possibly our second favorite feature of the resort was how close it was to the Malecon, or downtown, where most of the clubs and restaurants are located ($4 cab ride, 15 min walk). We also really enjoyed the tennis courts, despite them costing 80 peso per hour after your first trial session. We typically made a trip to the grocery store/mexican Walmart that was just a few blocks up the street every couple of days and stock up on beverages, water, and food for the day, and then we went out for dinner at night, avoiding eating at the hotel. Having said this, some of the guys ordered food from the hotel and were very pleased, despite prices that were a bit high, but hey.....you're on vacation. Overall, an amazing spring break or vacation for people of all ages.

I had a pleasant stay at the Sheraton. Here is the real deal about this hotel.

Accommodations

The rooms in the Sheraton are a nice size and clean (except under the bed, which was a little dusty). I had an ocean view on the 17th floor, and the view was absolutely spectacular. Garden view rooms are located on lower hotel floors and likely have a view of the pool area and the hotel's outdoor restaurant. The Sheraton offered a wireless connection in the room, which you could purchase a prepaid card to access or bill the amount of time to your room. The room did not feature modern amenities, and in fact looked as if it were furnished from the eighties, but it was comfortable. Unfortunately, on my last night, I realized how thin the walls were when noisy, drunken neighbors were placed next door.

Location

The location is the BEST part of the Sheraton. It is on the main hwy right outside of "Centro" Puerto Vallarta and walking distance to the El Malecon. I enjoy walking everywhere, so this was a key benefit for me. Also, the Sheraton was about a 5-10 minute cab ride to the marina (at a cost of 60 pesos). I found this to be very convenient during the day and late at night when I went out to various places. The hotel is about 30 minutes from the airport (18.00 USD cab ride from the airport - 60 pesos to the airport) I would highly recommend the Sheraton if distance to attractions and amenities is important to you.

Staff

I cannot complain about the service at the Sheraton, but I also cannot rave about it. The staff at the concierge desk were always helpful when I approached them with questions, and I initially thought the check-in process went smoothly. When I went to the restaurant for a quick bite after dropping off my luggage, however, I discovered that I hadn't been checked in at all. I had intended to charge the meal to my room, and it took several servers, a manager, and a cashier person 15 minutes to reach the conclusion that I could not do that. I had to go back to the front desk, after paying for my meal with cash, to sort everything out. Even after this, I ran into problems whenever I tried to charge a meal to my room because my roommate, who had reserved the room, was ultimately unable to take the trip. This was an annoyance. Overall, the staff performed okay just not up to the level of great service I've experienced at other establishments. Also, individuals who work for the "time share" companies are employed at the hotel. They will contact you and identify themselves as "guest services" to try to sign you up for a time share presentation. My advice, no matter what is offered, do NOT attend a time share presentation. I will post more about this later.

Food

I was not impressed with the food at the Sheraton. Breakfast was fine and affordable, but I was disappointed for the most part in their entrees. The food did not taste very good, and other dining options that are much much better and at about the same rate are available.

Beach

If you haven't heard, I should forewarn you that the beaches in PV are nothing to write home about. The beach at the Sheraton, and most other hotels, is not great. Its rocky, its small, and you probably would not want to go into the water (the locals say that Banderas Bay is extremely dirty because of all the rivers that feed into the bay). Don't let this turn you away, however. PV Is a great vacation spot despite its lack of beach appeal.

Pool

There are two pools at the Sheraton. One for the time share owners and one for the hotel guests. Both pools are equal in size and offer the same amenities. Finding a poolside lounge chair is easy and the pool setting is peaceful and serene with the sound of the ocean in the background. The grounds surrounding the pool are also well-tended and lovely.

All in all, I would recommend this Hotel for singles, couples, and families. Because it isn't an all inclusive resort, the hotel was not overrun with children. There were a few spring breakers, but mostly, couples and families (with teenagers). I do not think I would stay there for my honeymoon (I would want something a little more updated, secluded, and romantic).

This hotel is just an average hotel and lower than the usual Sheraton Standards (outside the US).

I arrived late and there was only one person to check-in... it took more than 30 min for 3 people...

The room are properly kept but not that clean (they don't hoover every day).

All additional charges are high (minibar, restaurant...).

No bath in my room (for unknown reason). The shower is working but the water spray is not that strong...

A more positive comment, the breakfast is very good with a large choice of cold and warm dishes but the coffee is awful (OK, I am French :P).

The location is good, with several convenience store around and 15 min walk from downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Sure, the view on the sea is wonderful and both sunset and sunrise are great !