Just returned last night from our one week stay and have only positive things to say about this resort. We traded our Aruba timeshare for this and we were a little aprehensive because of the negative reviews. We we very happy from the speedy, courteous check-in through the express check-out , so there really isn't anything negative to report. The landscape and maintenance is meticulous, the room was very clean; linens were restocked daily. All service staff was gracious and willing to help even though we spoke limited Spanish. (Note, most all of the staff speak English.) The pools were clean and only had a tough time finding a chair on their "Labor Day" on the 5th - which was expected, so not really a disappointment. The food was good, we only had lunch at the resort and did the Mexican Fiesta one evening. We always enjoyed "Happy Hour" everyday, We do recommend purchasing your beverages at a local market (even the resort's market) for your room and take your beverage with you to the pool or beach if you are looking to save a little. The weather was perfect, no rain and in the 70's all week. We found everything we needed at the resort's market, yes, things cost a little more, but if you wish to save - take a bus to the local market. There were many activities available at the resort, you can make it as festive or laid back as you wish. As far as the timeshare overkill, we were only approached at check-in, no pressure and they were very,very nice. (The airport is a completely different story and even downtown - be wary of "free tequilla tastings...") We decided to do the timeshare tour of the sister property, Flamingo, so that we could get the infamous gold card. We did the tour in 90- minutes, absolutely NO pressure and it was nice to see the other resort - not to mention the great tours that we scheduled, one of the "bennies" of taking the tour. All in all, we met great friends, great weather, great resort. We would definitely go back!

This resort is by no stretch of the imagination a 5 star resort. The common areas - lobby, pool, and grounds were very nice. It was close to the grocery store - Soriana's is just across the street and down a block and a half and the bus stop is also very close. The maid comes everyday with nice clean towels and does a good job keeping the place clean.

We exchanged a timeshare though Interval International and asked for a two bedroom with a view. They sent us to a one bedroom that was an absolute dive - broken cabinets, cracked tile countertops and it smelled like a urinal. A two bedroom unit would be available at 5 p.m. - an hour past check-in. So we waited. The next unit had a view of the metal roof of the bar/restaurant. We were given another room the next day with a nice view of the pool and partial ocean. The towels and bedding in all of the units were clean and the chair pads, cabinets, and draperies had been replaced in recent years with average quality furnishings. I didn't care for the sloppy yellow paint job trying to look like a decorator touch. Everything else was run down or in need of cleaning. The units they show on the internet have kitchen tables. These units were never available. The ceilings and fans were rusted with ceilings tiles lifted everywhere, the old floor tile was cracked and dirty in the corners, the walls and furniture were dirty. Then to top it off there was a jackhammer working on an elevator outside our unit all day long. We were offered another unit the next day, but our party of four opted to not move all of our stuff one more time. We had groceries as the units have kitchens.

The beach here is below average with hidden rocks so you must be very careful when swimming. It is not good for boggie boarding or snorkeling. Saw many people with bloodied up shins at the pool later. The weather is too warm this time of year for my taste, but my son's college school schedule necessitated travel this time of year.

They entice you at check-in with a Gold card for looking at the Villa del Palmar Flamingos. It is a real 5 star resort. Do yourself a favor and check in there to start out with if you are trading a timeshare. It is beautiful. We all met across our lobby at 9 a.m. and left at 9:15. It takes 30 minutes to get there. Then the 90 minute timeshare presentation starts. They provide a delicious breakfast, and show you around. With five minutes remaining we arrived at the sales room. If you want to know the details be prepared for another half hour.

Their two bedroom one week units sell for 44k. The yearly fees are $796 each. Seriously you could invest the 44k at 8% interest and have $3500 plus the $1600 maintenace fees= $5100 a year for two weeks of vacation. The two bedroom units rent for 315 a night - so you would come out ahead without the commitment. I'm just not into timeshares. Weren't interested in the shopping tour. See if they will give you something else. They also gave us half off a snorkeling tour. Fine except the water was murky so you couldn't see anything. They say it varies -after the fact. The beaches were beautiful. Waterfalls not worth writing home about. Still can't get the bad smell out of my bathing suit. Overall a lot of time looking at beaches from boat. We don't drink alcohol, so the open bar wasn't enticing.

The beaches at Flamingos are great. The free kayaks don't have back rests so your back gets sore fast. They only had two boogie boards to use. Pick up several at Soriana's before you come. I heard they were about $5 each. Then spend the day there. Get the free drinks - the blanket they offer is extremely poor quality. You can order all drinks without alcohol if you want. This resort is farther away from town so you would have to plan better as it is about 35-40 minutes to PV downtown.

Buses are cheap .55 USD, but hot in the middle of the day. No A/C. They are also very bumpy and stop quick. Taxis were cheaper than renting a car. We almost always traveled with four, so it was more economical. They say to tip them when they help with luggage. Several taxis had seltbelts in the back seat and A/C. From now on I will request that. It is not worth sweating and risking your life.

I like spending a couple days at the resort just lying around and several days exploring. If you like really nice five star rooms this is not the place for you. If you just want a clean place with daily maid service and spend all day at the pool or out shopping you may not care.

Be really careful not to get sunburnt. I was diligent everyday except the last and burnt my legs. Enjoyed the Botanical Gardens the best. Adult children liked the 4 wheeled tours. Interesting but dangerous. They follow the same rules as traffic -Honk and go. Good luck. Overall my least favorite vacation to Mexico to date.

I booked Villas del Palmar via Hotwire, 3 Star hotel in PVR for about $65 a night.. I was a little hesitant about the hotel given the stories read on this site, but since I could not cancel I went ahead with the reservation. We stayed here for two nights at the end of April. This hotel is a $50 pesos cab ride from the Malecon, or in the same route as the public bus, so it is well located walking distance from Soriana/Gigante where you can buy groceries.

All Rooms have a kitchennette with a fridge, sink, pots/pans and silverware. This is a plus, you can keep your beer, milk and juice cold at all times.

For $53 addditional dollars I had the option to make it all inclusive which I didnt. Basically for $106 a night per couple you can reserve the non-inclusive option from the hotewl directly, which I didnt think it was a bad deal.

The elevators are new, the lobby is well kept, and the pools are small but clean.

The rooms have all the standard amenities, a balcony, and a partial ocean view for an additional cost.

I really recommend the food vendors that are on the beach to the right hand side of the hotel. Alfredo's tent is the one to go. He serves shrimp quesadillas, shrimp and fish tacos, shrimp cocktails, and a number of shrimp dishes (scampi, battered, etc), at very affordable prices ($3 shrimp quesadillas with rice, $1.50 ceviche tostadas, etc) and he makes everything to order fresh from the grill. He is to the right of the Holiday inn.

For the price, I think the Villas was a good choice. It was better than the Holiday Inn where I stayed a year ago at a much steeper price.

Just avoid the timeshare people and you should be ok. The hotel has great laundry facilities a mini-market, and a deli on site. I recommend this if you have a family as you can cook your own meals and do your laundry if needed ($3 per load to wash, $3 per load to dry).

May 7, 2008

We went on a Square Deal with Apple Vacation to Villa Del Palmar in March 2008. The deal was a 5 apple All-Inclusive vacation. We ended up at the Villa Del Palmar, which is a timeshare. We paid over $2300.00 for a hotel that wasn't honoring their part of the bargin. They had one restaurant and all food wasn't included. They would not give you lobster, shrimp, or, steak without a extra charge.
The rooms were one apple as far as nice. They had kitchens in them and we faced a parking lot! We asked to be moved but they said no rooms available. We wanted a different hotel, Apple- Vacations in Puerto Vallarta said they would move us and charge us an added fee!!!!
Apple Vacations totally ripped us off and would not refund any of our money. They sent us a certificate for one hundred dollars each which had to be used with them on another vacation.
We were on our honeymoon, which we saved all year for.