Our family of five was all set to travel to the Kona Coast in HI for our children's spring break from school when ATA went out of business 4 days before our departure. We spent a lot of time picking a new vacation and decided to give an "all inclusive" resort a try for the first time.

Upon arrival at Dreams, our family of 5 had no problem getting from the airport to the resort in a van/taxi. ($40 US) Once we were at the resort, we did not leave again until our departure 4 days later. Everything we needed or wanted to do was right there. At check-in, we did have to endure some frustrating time spent trying to get 2 rooms side by side (as we had booked) for our family. We spent the first night in 2 rooms down the hall slightly from each other and both rooms with 2 double beds. The next day, we moved to a more desirable set-up with 2 rooms next door to each other ---- one with a king bed, the other with 2 double beds and a cot for our three teens. The rooms themselves at Dreams are nothing special. We were placed in the "older" tower so we never saw the "newer" tower rooms, but ours were clean, bright and ample in size. The furniture and rooms looked a little worn, but the day we were checking out, they were placing new furniture and mattresses in some of the rooms. My biggest complaint about the rooms is the tiny bathrooms. Two people couldn't be in there at the same time and the tub was small and not very inviting for someone who loves to take a soak in a tub. However, we spent so little time in our rooms, we hardly noticed the small inadequacies. From morning to late at night, we enjoyed all the resort had to offer from dining in all the restaurants to partaking in the evening entertainment each night.

Every morning, we'd put out our towels on some beach chairs under the thatched roof umbrellas and go up to enjoy the wonderful and expansive breakfast buffet. After a light bite, we'd go to the gym and work out or rock climb a little ways down the beach. When our teens woke, we'd meet them at the breakfast buffet and enjoy our second course of breakfast. Our days were spent reading and napping on the beach. The waves got really big by our last day, so we enjoyed boogie boarding and playing in the waves. (all equipment is provided by the resort) We never wanted for anything while at Dreams. There are waiters who come by your beach chair asking for your drink order and our kids enjoyed the 24 hour room service. The food at Dreams is FANTASTIC! We never had a bad meal and the service is very good and attentive. The food is definitely "fine dining" versus greasy fast food or casual restaurant fare. We had heard the good reviews on the restaurants before going to Dreams, and we can concur, the food is delicious.

Our family had a super time at Dreams and only would voice a few disappointments. We found the swimming pools could have been kept a little cleaner and the staff is too eager to serve teens and under-aged drinkers alcohol. While the drinking age is 18 in Mexico, our 16 year old was asked how old he was, and even though he answered honestly, he was promptly offered a beer at dinner. Perhaps it was due to his being with his parents that this waiter decided to offer our son a beer, but it would have been nicer if he had asked the parents first. Our 18 year old definitely did some experimenting with alcohol, with our permission, but tended to not quit at an appropriate time. It is our feeling that the bar staff isn't too diligent about over drinking or over serving. We were careful with our kids, with "check in" times at various hours throughout the vacation, and everything turned out fine. One of the great things about Dreams is that it is located on a private stretch of beach with huge rocks jutting out into the sea on either side, so there is no way to wander off from the resort. We were able to let our teens have a lot of freedom from their parents with a good feeling that they couldn't leave the resort without getting into a taxi. There is plenty to do on the Dreams resort property, so our kids never asked to go anywhere and we all had plenty of space.

We took 2 taxis back to the airport on our departure day ($12 each US) and found road construction delaying us about 20-30 mins. You might want to ask at the front desk if construction is taking place when you leave for the airport and allow extra time.

All in all, we 5 had a super time at Dreams. We would go back for sure and found that our week of vacation spent in April was perfect weather-wise. Every day was sunny and around 80 degrees with a gentle breeze. Nights were cooler and a sweater or light jacket was needed. The staff is very courteous and eager to please. We did minimal tipping and never felt any pressure for tipping. We also had the resort photographer meet us (free of charge) down on the beach our last day at Dreams for a family photo session. Afterwards, we purchased a CD of photos from our stay at $7/each. (We used all US money while in Puerto Vallarta and there was no problem with not having pesos.)

Have a super time during your stay at Dreams and enjoy the "Dirty Monkey" frozen drinks under the palm frond cabanas watching the sun set into the Pacific Ocean after a perfect day relaxing on the beach! Ole'

This review is a little late in being posted. My husband and I have stayed at Dreams Puerto Vallarta two times--in July 2006, when we were married at the resort and travelled with a group of 8 family members from age 14-58, and in July 2007 when we returned by ourselves to celebrate our 1yr anniversary. Both, times, we had fantastic experiences (though the wedding itself was not quite without its negatives).

The resort is beautiful with gorgeous tropical flowers and palms. All of the rooms have great beach views. You don't have to pay extra for an ocean view at this resort. We stayed in the cheaper Dreams Tower both trips and loved it. I recommend asking for a room that has an actual balcony, as it was so nice to sit in the evenings to watch sunset or to step out in the mornings and watch the resort wake-up. Our second trip, we were given a room without a balcony and changed rooms on the second day when a balcony room became available. The balcony-less rooms are slightly larger with a bigger sitting area.

The beach is amazing--long and private with soft, clean sand and a gentally sloping ocean floor. On windy days, the waves may be too challenging for young children, but we enjoyed boogie bording when the waves were rolling. On calm days, I recommend taking out one of the resorts kayak's and touring the nearby shore. My husband I never did swim in the pools during either trip. The beach was just too great. The beach waiters were always there when we were ready for drink refills.

The food was terrific. We did not eat at the buffets except for one breakfast and one lunch. The Oceana breakfast and Seaside Grill lunch was heads above the buffet, in our opinion. We also preferred those restaurants for dinner. We did not enjoy El Patio or Portofino nearly as much as Oceana or Seaside Grill (though they were not bad, just not as much to our likeing). However, both Oceana and Seaside Grill are open air, so it can be pretty muggy. The other two are inside so A/C makes them comfortable, but you lose the ambience of crashing waves. Note: the clam chowder at Oceana was unbelievable. You must try it at least once if you are a chowder fan.

The resort has lots of activities. While we didn't hang out around the pool or go to the evening shows, we did enjoy the free scuba lessons in the pool and the guided Jungle Hike (which is quite a demanding 1-2hr hike with bouldering and forging of the small river several times). We also loved taking the Kayaks out and using the boogie boards. We had no young children in our group, but the Explorer's Club seemed to be a hit with the kids.

Overall, we would recommend this resort without hesitation to anyone. We are not party people, so I can't comment on the club scene in PV, but the resort itself was a peaceful, luxurious treat and the beach cannot be beat. We have every intention of returning the resort again in the future.

Dreams Puerto Vallarta was wonderful. I would recommend staying at this resort to anyone. The all inclusive is truly all inclusive.

Resort: The resort was an older property. It is very nice and has been kept up well. The age of the property was not an issue at all and actually gave the place lots of character.

Rooms: The rooms are not fabulous. However, how much time are you going to spend in your room on vacation. If you plan to stay in your room you may want to try a different resort. The rooms are very acceptable. Many people talk about the hard beds, but we did see them bringing in new mattress while we were there. The hard beds did not seem that bad to me.

Pools: The pools were fine. They were older. The pool bar was fun. There were lots of chairs around the pool. In the 6 days we were there we only had 1 day when we could not find chairs for the four of us.

Beach: The beach was very nice. There were tons of chairs and umbrellas available. The sand was hot so make sure you wear your flip flops when walking to and fro. The waiters came and never let you go without a drink even on the beach. The vendors selling items on the beach did not hassel you like many places we have been.

Restaurants: The restaurants were really nice. The presentation of the food was amazing. The food was also wonderful.

Room Service and Mini Bar: Room service was great. It was so nice to be able to have breakfast delivered to the room and sit on the balcony and eat. The snack items on the room service menu were great in the afternoon or late night. The mini bar was always restocked with whatever you would like.

Staff: The staff was wonderful. They did everything they could to make sure everyone's trip was fabulous.

Gym: The gym was functional enough for vacation. There was a variety of equipment.

Weather: We went the second week of April. The weather was 82 everyday and sunny. Wonderful!

Town: The cab ride from the airport to Dreams is $25. The cab ride from Dreams into downtown is $5. The town is nice and we did not feel that it was unsafe. We did go to the bull fight while we were there. This was not very much fun since they killed 4 bulls that night. It was an experience but I will not repeat it.

Dreams was great and I am so ready to go back!

I figured the hotel would skimp on food and drinks. Wrong! I couldn't possibly have eaten any more and the quality was surprising. I had rack of lamb with a Chilean Rose wine the last night. The breakfast buffet was varied and tasty.

Best margaritas and pina coladas.

Very large ocean-view room that was kept very clean by our maid, Rosario. Well-stocked room bar...all free. Fruit, drinks and cookies at service desk around the corner from our room for a quick snack.

The staff was VERY friendly.

Nice beach with shade palapas and chairs.

Close to town and restaurants.

I'd go back in a heartbeat.