Ziva Puerto Vallarta REVIEW MASTER THREAD
Apr 17, 2016, 5:50 pm
#256
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,961
Just booked our stay for June and have a couple of questions:
1. We are using a DSU for Ocean Front Hot Tub Room. Is it worth staying at these rooms over the newer-renovated rooms on the other tower? The Plunge rooms sound amazing, so I may ask about upgrade cost.
Ask about an upgrade before arrival. Plunge pool suites are amazing.
This is just my opinion....but I don't think the hot tub rooms are worth the space you have to give up on your balcony. It cuts it nearly in half. And frankly...they are kind of dated and a bit seedy....I never went in mine. The problem with the renovated North tower is that not all the rooms have balconies....some only " french" balconies. So asking for a room in the renovated tower could be a crap-shoot unless you specify a balcony room.
2. For those that have stayed at both, how does this compare to Ziva Los Cabos? Our brief review of Los Cabos would be: Grounds - excellent, Room - good, Food - Average, Service - Excellent.
3. What's the best transportation to and from the airport for a family of 4 (2 small children)?
1. We are using a DSU for Ocean Front Hot Tub Room. Is it worth staying at these rooms over the newer-renovated rooms on the other tower? The Plunge rooms sound amazing, so I may ask about upgrade cost.
Ask about an upgrade before arrival. Plunge pool suites are amazing.
This is just my opinion....but I don't think the hot tub rooms are worth the space you have to give up on your balcony. It cuts it nearly in half. And frankly...they are kind of dated and a bit seedy....I never went in mine. The problem with the renovated North tower is that not all the rooms have balconies....some only " french" balconies. So asking for a room in the renovated tower could be a crap-shoot unless you specify a balcony room.
2. For those that have stayed at both, how does this compare to Ziva Los Cabos? Our brief review of Los Cabos would be: Grounds - excellent, Room - good, Food - Average, Service - Excellent.
3. What's the best transportation to and from the airport for a family of 4 (2 small children)?
The food here is the weakest part....when we were there last November the food was pretty bad....and I probably won't go back because of that. It is a common complaint, so it may have gotten better since our visit.
Apr 18, 2016, 11:08 pm
#257
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: Starwood Gold, Hilton Gold, Mariott Gold, AMEX Plat, US CP
Posts: 273
Recent diamond treatment?
How has the recent treatment of diamonds been? Has anyone gotten a good upgrade without using a DSU?
Also, do all diamonds get access to the club lounge regardless of which room / tower they are staying in?
Thanks
How has the recent treatment of diamonds been? Has anyone gotten a good upgrade without using a DSU?
Also, do all diamonds get access to the club lounge regardless of which room / tower they are staying in?
Thanks
Apr 25, 2016, 8:10 am
#258
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 40
Are there any other benefits that I am missing by booking direct?
May 7, 2016, 1:21 pm
#260
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,961
Try to go for one in the North Tower. Renovated and huge. The plunge pool suites in the South tower have not been renovated and are still the same layout and furnishings from when it was a Dreams. The publicity pictures are all from the North Tower.
May 12, 2016, 7:15 pm
#261
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: United 1k, American Executive Platinum, Hyatt - Diamond Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum
Posts: 197
Hyatt Ziva
As a Hyatt Diamond member, I frequently stay at Hyatt hotels often. I was looking forward to a getaway with my family. After reading the numerous positive reviews, we decided on the Hyatt Ziva for a 5 night stay along with another family. I used two DSU’s for our stay. I was a little hesitant as I dislike being confined to an all inclusive hotel. However, that all changed when we arrived at the hotel.
We were promptly greeted and served complimentary drinks. We were ushered to the VIP check in area. We were given an Ocean Front Hot Tub Suite. This was amazing as we spent our first night in the hot tub looking out at the water. After 3 nights, we were upgraded to one of the 2 story suites and all I can say is WOW. This was probably the best hotel suite I’ve ever been upgraded too. We had our own private pool and living rooms. Our toddler had more than enough space to run around. Gorgeous!
About the food, the quality of the food is good but you have to set proper expectations. The service can be hit or miss depending on which restaurant you go to. We went to Blaze a few times and had excellent service, however the service at the Asian restaurant was slow. Ordering room service takes about 45 minutes until you receive a knock on your door. For some of the restaurants, you are not able to take food to go.
The thing that sets the Hyatt Ziva apart is the service. Our group received some amazing drinks from the VIP from Julio and Juan. When we were on the search for local churros, Carlos provided awesome recommendations that took us to where the locals would go. He knew exactly what we were looking for, hole in the wall places or food stands were you could only find authentic and delicious food. Last, but not least, Alicia Alvarez from the Romance Concierge desk. She has the warmest personality and greeted us every day with her beautiful smile. She sets the standard for what other Hyatt resorts should aspire to. Our experience was that everything about the hotel and staff is above and beyond. I kept thinking to myself, when can we come back?! Can’t wait to come back!
As a Hyatt Diamond member, I frequently stay at Hyatt hotels often. I was looking forward to a getaway with my family. After reading the numerous positive reviews, we decided on the Hyatt Ziva for a 5 night stay along with another family. I used two DSU’s for our stay. I was a little hesitant as I dislike being confined to an all inclusive hotel. However, that all changed when we arrived at the hotel.
We were promptly greeted and served complimentary drinks. We were ushered to the VIP check in area. We were given an Ocean Front Hot Tub Suite. This was amazing as we spent our first night in the hot tub looking out at the water. After 3 nights, we were upgraded to one of the 2 story suites and all I can say is WOW. This was probably the best hotel suite I’ve ever been upgraded too. We had our own private pool and living rooms. Our toddler had more than enough space to run around. Gorgeous!
About the food, the quality of the food is good but you have to set proper expectations. The service can be hit or miss depending on which restaurant you go to. We went to Blaze a few times and had excellent service, however the service at the Asian restaurant was slow. Ordering room service takes about 45 minutes until you receive a knock on your door. For some of the restaurants, you are not able to take food to go.
The thing that sets the Hyatt Ziva apart is the service. Our group received some amazing drinks from the VIP from Julio and Juan. When we were on the search for local churros, Carlos provided awesome recommendations that took us to where the locals would go. He knew exactly what we were looking for, hole in the wall places or food stands were you could only find authentic and delicious food. Last, but not least, Alicia Alvarez from the Romance Concierge desk. She has the warmest personality and greeted us every day with her beautiful smile. She sets the standard for what other Hyatt resorts should aspire to. Our experience was that everything about the hotel and staff is above and beyond. I kept thinking to myself, when can we come back?! Can’t wait to come back!
May 13, 2016, 4:24 pm
#262
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: Starwood Gold, Hilton Gold, Mariott Gold, AMEX Plat, US CP
Posts: 273
Hyatt Ziva
As a Hyatt Diamond member, I frequently stay at Hyatt hotels often. I was looking forward to a getaway with my family. After reading the numerous positive reviews, we decided on the Hyatt Ziva for a 5 night stay along with another family. I used two DSU’s for our stay. I was a little hesitant as I dislike being confined to an all inclusive hotel. However, that all changed when we arrived at the hotel.
We were promptly greeted and served complimentary drinks. We were ushered to the VIP check in area. We were given an Ocean Front Hot Tub Suite. This was amazing as we spent our first night in the hot tub looking out at the water. After 3 nights, we were upgraded to one of the 2 story suites and all I can say is WOW. This was probably the best hotel suite I’ve ever been upgraded too. We had our own private pool and living rooms. Our toddler had more than enough space to run around. Gorgeous!
About the food, the quality of the food is good but you have to set proper expectations. The service can be hit or miss depending on which restaurant you go to. We went to Blaze a few times and had excellent service, however the service at the Asian restaurant was slow. Ordering room service takes about 45 minutes until you receive a knock on your door. For some of the restaurants, you are not able to take food to go.
The thing that sets the Hyatt Ziva apart is the service. Our group received some amazing drinks from the VIP from Julio and Juan. When we were on the search for local churros, Carlos provided awesome recommendations that took us to where the locals would go. He knew exactly what we were looking for, hole in the wall places or food stands were you could only find authentic and delicious food. Last, but not least, Alicia Alvarez from the Romance Concierge desk. She has the warmest personality and greeted us every day with her beautiful smile. She sets the standard for what other Hyatt resorts should aspire to. Our experience was that everything about the hotel and staff is above and beyond. I kept thinking to myself, when can we come back?! Can’t wait to come back!
As a Hyatt Diamond member, I frequently stay at Hyatt hotels often. I was looking forward to a getaway with my family. After reading the numerous positive reviews, we decided on the Hyatt Ziva for a 5 night stay along with another family. I used two DSU’s for our stay. I was a little hesitant as I dislike being confined to an all inclusive hotel. However, that all changed when we arrived at the hotel.
We were promptly greeted and served complimentary drinks. We were ushered to the VIP check in area. We were given an Ocean Front Hot Tub Suite. This was amazing as we spent our first night in the hot tub looking out at the water. After 3 nights, we were upgraded to one of the 2 story suites and all I can say is WOW. This was probably the best hotel suite I’ve ever been upgraded too. We had our own private pool and living rooms. Our toddler had more than enough space to run around. Gorgeous!
About the food, the quality of the food is good but you have to set proper expectations. The service can be hit or miss depending on which restaurant you go to. We went to Blaze a few times and had excellent service, however the service at the Asian restaurant was slow. Ordering room service takes about 45 minutes until you receive a knock on your door. For some of the restaurants, you are not able to take food to go.
The thing that sets the Hyatt Ziva apart is the service. Our group received some amazing drinks from the VIP from Julio and Juan. When we were on the search for local churros, Carlos provided awesome recommendations that took us to where the locals would go. He knew exactly what we were looking for, hole in the wall places or food stands were you could only find authentic and delicious food. Last, but not least, Alicia Alvarez from the Romance Concierge desk. She has the warmest personality and greeted us every day with her beautiful smile. She sets the standard for what other Hyatt resorts should aspire to. Our experience was that everything about the hotel and staff is above and beyond. I kept thinking to myself, when can we come back?! Can’t wait to come back!
May 13, 2016, 4:26 pm
#263
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,961
Although I am not the OP, when we had a plunge pool suite in the renovated North Tower...the room(s) had space for 10 rollaways beds!
May 16, 2016, 5:25 pm
#264
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: SFO or OAK
Programs: AA 1MM GLD, Hertz #1 Gold, bunch of other programs w/no status
Posts: 1,452
Comparing plunge pool suites
We just completed a stay here. We booked using Citi Prestige 4th night free at about $275 per night for a ocean view king. Applied a DSU and was confirmed into club ocean front hot tub room. A few days prior to arrival I emailed about a plunge pool suite and after a bit we were told we'd get the suite ^, albeit I wasn't told which tower. Below are some pics (sorry but only upstairs shot is the balcony view). It was a very nice room and was happy to have it. It was in the South (Club) Tower.
Then our friends checked in, and jealousy reared its ugly head
. They had reserved a club ocean front hot tub room because that's all that was left showing available on the Hyatt website. Rate was ~$80 more than we paid. They have no status, and had in fact only just signed up for the GP program. They received a plunge pool suite in the North Tower, and it is a significantly nicer room than in the Club Tower. The deck was much bigger (although upstairs had no deck) and the plunge pool was bigger and much deeper (ours was like a cold hot tub). The living area featured a nice big table and the bath had a huge jacuzzi tub (ours had neither). Get the North (a.k.a. remodeled) tower if you get a plunge pool suite. Sorry, but no pics of the North Tower suite.
Also, Club bar was great and had better liquor. It was convenient to grab a top-shelf drink on the way from the elevator to the pools/beach. Not sure they enforced access rules, as it seemed anyone could walk up and order something.
Then our friends checked in, and jealousy reared its ugly head
. They had reserved a club ocean front hot tub room because that's all that was left showing available on the Hyatt website. Rate was ~$80 more than we paid. They have no status, and had in fact only just signed up for the GP program. They received a plunge pool suite in the North Tower, and it is a significantly nicer room than in the Club Tower. The deck was much bigger (although upstairs had no deck) and the plunge pool was bigger and much deeper (ours was like a cold hot tub). The living area featured a nice big table and the bath had a huge jacuzzi tub (ours had neither). Get the North (a.k.a. remodeled) tower if you get a plunge pool suite. Sorry, but no pics of the North Tower suite.Also, Club bar was great and had better liquor. It was convenient to grab a top-shelf drink on the way from the elevator to the pools/beach. Not sure they enforced access rules, as it seemed anyone could walk up and order something.
May 16, 2016, 7:08 pm
#265
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,961
Our plunge pool suite in the North Tower had a huge outdoor terrace off the living room/ dining room with loungers, couch and table and chairs and a decent size rectangular pool. Upstairs, you ascended the stairway into a hall...to the right the bedroom had floor to ceiling windows, unobstructed view out to the ocean. On the other side, going left off the hall, a bathroom suite which also had an outdoor Jacuzzi and more lounge chairs. This patio was so private we were able to sunbath w/o clothing.
May 30, 2016, 6:38 pm
#266
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 35
Suite upgrade, 6000 points?
Could someone please clarify for me...
If I book a terrace room through Citi's 4th night free at a rate of $234/night can I apply 6,000 points for a suite upgrade? If yes, which type of room will this be upgraded to?
Thank you so much!
If I book a terrace room through Citi's 4th night free at a rate of $234/night can I apply 6,000 points for a suite upgrade? If yes, which type of room will this be upgraded to?
Thank you so much!
Jun 22, 2016, 2:12 pm
#268
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 352
I will be traveling in early August with my wife and 4 children. I booked 2 rooms one on points the other I paid cash for. 2 questions is [email protected] still the right person to email about room preferences? My rep from Hyatt couldn't figure out how to book 2 connecting/adjoining rooms so I booked it and she put in the preferences my request.
Also, with 4 children I don't think a standard taxi would work well for us or would it? Can anyone recommend who to book travel to and/or from the resort? Something like an SUV or van? Do they have van's that are taxis?
Thanks in advance!
Also, with 4 children I don't think a standard taxi would work well for us or would it? Can anyone recommend who to book travel to and/or from the resort? Something like an SUV or van? Do they have van's that are taxis?
Thanks in advance!
Jun 22, 2016, 5:43 pm
#269
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,961
Jun 23, 2016, 12:38 pm
#270
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Seattle
Programs: NW/DL Platinum 15 Years, Diamond 6 Years, DL Million Miler, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold
Posts: 51
Looking over the space poolside and at the restaurants, unless everyone was staying in Club Tower I call fooey on that - they have been much busier in the past and we have been upgraded with higher occupancy.
I feel F&B has gone downhill considerably - we waited 45 minutes for our lunch at Blaze - plates came out hot, the food wasn't. No drink refills either. Shrimp cocktails came out with shrimp swimming in sauce - getting shells off required getting sauce all over fingers. Only one person on the F&B team recognized us so lots of new staff. The food quality and service isn't what it once was. I have always felt you get what you pay for at All-inclusives and Ziva PV is beginning to prove me right. This stay was at a lower rate than we had paid in the past - could be why there were no upgrades available.
As a GP Diamond I expect certain things to continue as they have in the past. I don't think we will return to Ziva PV as our primary resort - maybe for a day to see if things have improved but I'm not going down there just to be disappointed for several days by not getting the same treatment.
Yes, we could use the Club in the tower. Liquor quality is much better than pool side but the hours it is accessible are severely restricted at the club.