First, let me say that anyone planning a trip to either of these resorts should print the original posts by Taking Chances from this thread and take it with them. We just returned from a week down there and this thread actually served as our guide. We had originally planned to stay 2 nights at Westin PVR on cash and points followed by a 5 night redemption stay at El Tamarindo. After reading several lackluster reviews of the Westin (including one on TripAdvisor that included a pic of a used condom on the balcony), we decided to splurge and do 2 nights at El Careyes instead. It was more than we usually pay ($209/night), but included breakfast. Changing our plans to stay at Careyes was the best decision we could have made. Worth every penny.
A few words on each place…
El Careyes
We arrived around 8:30pm after the 2.5 hour drive from PVR. It’s a relatively easy drive—roads are almost entirely repaved and in better shape than most of ours here at home. We were welcomed like family with damp cloths and welcome drinks. We had booked the lowest room category at the resort, but ended up with an ocean view with a spa on our spacious balcony. I had just qualified for Gold, but I don’t think the property was aware of this—just being nice to us. Our bathroom was insanely BIG, with a shower that could have fit 6 people. The bathroom had a large balcony too. Staff at this property are amazing. From the guy at the security gate to the hotel management intern working in the restaurant, they treated us well. Our first night at dinner, I received a phone call from the front desk. The agent noticed that on my reservation I had noted that we were celebrating my wife’s birthday so he had a chocolate cake personalized for her and sent to our room. They seemed to genuinely take pleasure in serving the guests. We ate breakfasts and dinners at La Lantana and enjoyed it all. Very generous portions and reasonable for a resort like this (large appetizers $10-$15; entrees $15-$25, if I remember right). Decent sized menu with American fare on one side and Mexican on the other. It didn’t change while we there—not a big deal, but could get old if you stay a while. Had lunch at the deli ($10-$12 for a sandwich big enough for us to share). Hotel was at 40% capacity—a mix of American and Mexican visitors.
El Tamarindo
We got there around 2:00 in the afternoon and our room was not ready, but they seemed afraid to tell us. We got the same welcoming (towels, drinks) and were taken to the restaurant to wait for our room. Our villa wasn’t available until after 4. We noticed several others doing the same drill, which led us to believe they might be trying to drum up business for the restaurant (not that there’s anywhere else you would go to eat or drink). We were in a Forest Villa on a redemption stay. 12,000pts/nt—we attempted to upgrade but none were available. Villa was very spacious with bedroom area, living area with 2 couches and chair, large bathroom, and the animal resistant food room. Our yard had a small grass area with two loungers, a patio with table and chairs and plunge pool (like a large spa with no jets). Not heated, but not needed. Very comfortable. This resort is impossible to conceptualize until you go there. I looked at tons of pics, read numerous reviews and it still seemed completely different than what I imagined. It’s amazing—you just have to go. Villas are pretty private, though not prance around naked private. Restaurant atmosphere is great. Food was usually very good, though it sometimes missed. Menu changed nightly. Appetizers averaged $10 and entrees $25. Lobster was $31 and the best meal we had there (and a steal—we each got 2 tails). The staff were engaging and willing endure my broken Spanish. The spa director came around each night and talked with all the guests at their tables. At first, he seemed social and helpful, but we started to notice he kept working plugs for the spa into the conversation, which got annoying and seemed tacky. My wife did have a massage on the beach, but he seemed upset that I didn’t get one too.
They had a decent number of activities available—snorkeling, biking, kayaks, sailing, etc. All non-motorized were free—motors will cost you. They have a new jet ski that runs $100 an hour. Boat tour runs $250/4hours. There is a 15% charge to charge activities to a credit card or to your room so plan on that or bring cash if you want to play. We played tennis a couple of times. Clay courts in the middle of the jungle—pretty wild. The golf course is beautiful. We didn’t play, but went to Hole 9 for lunch and had a nice meal, great personalized service, with the best view at the resort. The course is empty—the waiter said they average 6-8 golfers a day (I think he might have meant groups). You can rent a golf cart for $55 if you just want to drive around the course.
We had many animal encounters. Lemurs (mini-raccoon looking things) stalk the restaurant guests every night. They’re not dangerous—just funny to watch. Tejons (look like mini-ant eaters with long tails) are also around, but less forward. One did break into our villa when we were out (he crawled in under the palapa roof. We also saw a variety of lizards and birds and bugs. It is the jungle. Both resorts would benefit from mosquito nets over the beds though. I had 6 bites on my elbow on morning when I woke up.
The resort was close to capacity—about a third American, a third Mexican, a third European. Surprisingly, at least a third were families with children ranging from 3 yrs to teens.
I highly recommend both places. There’s enough to keep busy if you want to or you can be lazy like we were. When we return, we will likely try to fly to Manzanillo so as to reduce the length of the drive.