Aug 25, 2019, 7:33 am
The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico [Master Thread]
Feb 28, 2016, 12:04 pm
#331
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Boulder, CO
Programs: SPG Plat, AA Plat, UA Silver, kettle everywhere else
Posts: 363
Mar 3, 2016, 11:14 am
#332
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
Stayed here with some of my family during Presidents' Week. For the purpose of brevity, I'll use most of the same categories as JBauer.
Getting there
Skip the hotel's $22,- airport transfer. It should cost you 60 MXN to take a taxi to the hotel. 15 minute drive w/ light traffic. Cabs around the marina or to the mall should set you back 50 MXN. Local bus, which goes to the city centre will set you back 27 MXN.
Exchange rate
Exchange rate was 19 MXN per 1 USD, so we were doing "pretty pretty pretty" well. The rate dropped quite a bit by time we left. It hovers around 18 MXN now, but still better than a decade ago.
Staff
Generally aloof.
Room
We had booked two rooms. "Deluxe ocean, partial view." One was BRG. One was Nights and Flights. No upgrade on either, which we were fine with, because one room needed to be a double. One room clean. My room dirty and malfunctioning in various ways. Had to chase for housekeeping and maintenance to clean/fix everything.
Lounge
I had free access for myself and one guest, but had to pay for the other room. The upcharge is $40,-/day but I was able to negotiate it down to $20,-/day. Breakfast was largely bleh. The scrambled eggs were made from previously boiled and refrigerated eggs. The rest was varying degrees of meh. Occasionally, you got very decent Mexican items, which I usually opted to have. The servers were great. Very personable, and tolerated my "Sportuguese;" however, they seem beleaguered by the demand. The lounge is a 2 (rarely 3) person operation. Evening cocktails were a total zoo. Many of the patrons were showing up in wet beach wear or without shirts on. Could've sworn there was some sort of dress code. They were picking fruit off the desserts and getting tanked off the beer and wine offerings. It made for a less than pleasant environment to say the least.
Pool
The only redeeming part about this stay. The pools are still as good as my last visit, which was over five years ago. HOWEVER, the Regina (timeshare property) had changed hands, so you could only order drinks and snacks at pools closer to the hotel (denoted by light blue floors) in order to bill to your room. Otherwise, you were walking around with a wad of pesos. Also, watch out for your personal belongings. Some creep stole mine. Apparently, used goggles are like gold at the resort (according to the security director at the Regina).
Beach
This was meh. I think it is supposed to be a private beach, but there were hawkers for tours on the sand. Also, the water was meh. They had nets up to keep out jellyfish, but I got to swim with used condoms. Fun times.
Food and Beverage
We mostly ate out of the hotel. There are plenty of great options at the marina or downtown. Our favourite Mexican place was La Federal in the marina. So good. Anyway, in re: on-property restaurants, they have a seafood restaurant called Arricefe. It was surprisingly packed all nights of our stay, so get a rezzie. There's another restaurant at the base of the hotel called El Palamar. They have a la carte lunch and buffet dinners. Buffets are gross, but that's my own opinion. My family and I had a couple of lunches there during our stay. The food is reasonably priced (in terms of USD), but you are better off getting meals outside the hotel as they will be 1/3 - 1/2 cheaper and generally better quality. I had their Mexican offerings, but as others have said, the food was kinda on the bland side.
One night, my family and I came back to the hotel after a long day of shopping and sightseeing. We decided we didn't want to go out, so we had dinner at the hotel. We tried for Arricefe, but it was at cap, so we ended up at the lobby bar, which is a huge bar overlooking the pools. My family and I put in food and drink orders. Received our drinks within a few minutes of ordering. Then, we waited, and waited, and waited some more. After an hour of waiting, we had a gigantic crash; the sound of dishes and metal crashing to the marble floor. I looked to my brother and said: "that's probably our meal." A few minutes after, two out of three of us got our meals. The bartender said that my brother's meal would take a few more minutes. I looked at my sandwich and it was all over the place. Fries were mushed. My mum only had half her salad in the bowl. I decided to go upstairs to take a look, and learned that we were served our meals from the floor (see attached picture). It was an epic service faux pas. We totally would've understood it if they had been forthcoming, but they chose to lie to us instead, so we left. The hotel would eventually go on to make it up to us, but I was extremely disappointed by this experience.
Shopping
There are a bunch of jewellery and clothing stores downtown. Also, a Liverpool (kinda like the Mexican "El Corte Ingles"), and a Walmart (if you needed to prop up the Walton family coffers) are a short cab ride away. We found a lot of awesome stuff in the farmer's market at the Marina. It happens every Thursday from 17h - 21h.
Verdict
The staff needs to be re-trained on everything.
Getting there
Skip the hotel's $22,- airport transfer. It should cost you 60 MXN to take a taxi to the hotel. 15 minute drive w/ light traffic. Cabs around the marina or to the mall should set you back 50 MXN. Local bus, which goes to the city centre will set you back 27 MXN.
Exchange rate
Exchange rate was 19 MXN per 1 USD, so we were doing "pretty pretty pretty" well. The rate dropped quite a bit by time we left. It hovers around 18 MXN now, but still better than a decade ago.
Staff
Generally aloof.
Room
We had booked two rooms. "Deluxe ocean, partial view." One was BRG. One was Nights and Flights. No upgrade on either, which we were fine with, because one room needed to be a double. One room clean. My room dirty and malfunctioning in various ways. Had to chase for housekeeping and maintenance to clean/fix everything.
Lounge
I had free access for myself and one guest, but had to pay for the other room. The upcharge is $40,-/day but I was able to negotiate it down to $20,-/day. Breakfast was largely bleh. The scrambled eggs were made from previously boiled and refrigerated eggs. The rest was varying degrees of meh. Occasionally, you got very decent Mexican items, which I usually opted to have. The servers were great. Very personable, and tolerated my "Sportuguese;" however, they seem beleaguered by the demand. The lounge is a 2 (rarely 3) person operation. Evening cocktails were a total zoo. Many of the patrons were showing up in wet beach wear or without shirts on. Could've sworn there was some sort of dress code. They were picking fruit off the desserts and getting tanked off the beer and wine offerings. It made for a less than pleasant environment to say the least.
Pool
The only redeeming part about this stay. The pools are still as good as my last visit, which was over five years ago. HOWEVER, the Regina (timeshare property) had changed hands, so you could only order drinks and snacks at pools closer to the hotel (denoted by light blue floors) in order to bill to your room. Otherwise, you were walking around with a wad of pesos. Also, watch out for your personal belongings. Some creep stole mine. Apparently, used goggles are like gold at the resort (according to the security director at the Regina).
Beach
This was meh. I think it is supposed to be a private beach, but there were hawkers for tours on the sand. Also, the water was meh. They had nets up to keep out jellyfish, but I got to swim with used condoms. Fun times.
Food and Beverage
We mostly ate out of the hotel. There are plenty of great options at the marina or downtown. Our favourite Mexican place was La Federal in the marina. So good. Anyway, in re: on-property restaurants, they have a seafood restaurant called Arricefe. It was surprisingly packed all nights of our stay, so get a rezzie. There's another restaurant at the base of the hotel called El Palamar. They have a la carte lunch and buffet dinners. Buffets are gross, but that's my own opinion. My family and I had a couple of lunches there during our stay. The food is reasonably priced (in terms of USD), but you are better off getting meals outside the hotel as they will be 1/3 - 1/2 cheaper and generally better quality. I had their Mexican offerings, but as others have said, the food was kinda on the bland side.
One night, my family and I came back to the hotel after a long day of shopping and sightseeing. We decided we didn't want to go out, so we had dinner at the hotel. We tried for Arricefe, but it was at cap, so we ended up at the lobby bar, which is a huge bar overlooking the pools. My family and I put in food and drink orders. Received our drinks within a few minutes of ordering. Then, we waited, and waited, and waited some more. After an hour of waiting, we had a gigantic crash; the sound of dishes and metal crashing to the marble floor. I looked to my brother and said: "that's probably our meal." A few minutes after, two out of three of us got our meals. The bartender said that my brother's meal would take a few more minutes. I looked at my sandwich and it was all over the place. Fries were mushed. My mum only had half her salad in the bowl. I decided to go upstairs to take a look, and learned that we were served our meals from the floor (see attached picture). It was an epic service faux pas. We totally would've understood it if they had been forthcoming, but they chose to lie to us instead, so we left. The hotel would eventually go on to make it up to us, but I was extremely disappointed by this experience.
Shopping
There are a bunch of jewellery and clothing stores downtown. Also, a Liverpool (kinda like the Mexican "El Corte Ingles"), and a Walmart (if you needed to prop up the Walton family coffers) are a short cab ride away. We found a lot of awesome stuff in the farmer's market at the Marina. It happens every Thursday from 17h - 21h.
Verdict
The staff needs to be re-trained on everything.
Mar 3, 2016, 2:54 pm
#333
Join Date: May 2003
Location: ICN
Programs: AA (850k miles), SPG Platinum
Posts: 511
I had a brief stay here over President's Day weekend. I was originally booked to stay here for 2 nights and then head over to another hotel but due to some flight issues, I ended up arriving 1 day late so I only stayed here for 1 night.
I had 2 rooms. 1 room was booked with points (so 14k points for 2 nights) while the other was booked on a low rate.
I called the hotel at about 9am when I was at the airport and knew that I would not make it due to airline issues (their fault) and they were nice about it on the phone. They said that they would make a note of it on my reservations so that I would not lose my room due to no-show, etc.
When I arrived the next day, there was confusion. It looks like they did make the note on the low rate room but did not for the points stay room. They said that I was charged a no-show fee for the points stay and that room got canceled and that I would need to book another room and they set me up with 2 rooms at the same low rate that I had. The low rate is a bit complex but it's a starfriend rate (I know many folks who work at SPG). That rate is sometimes cheaper but doesn't come with platinum benefits, stay credit, night credit, etc.
I told them that I had a point stay room also and they did some magic and set it up now so that I was paying for one room and the other room was on points. The guy did say that I was charged a no-show fee though. I figured I'd deal with that later.
Then I asked if I had access to RBC and he said no. I asked if they normally give access to platinum members and he said yes. However, he thought I was gold. When I corrected him, he checked and saw that I was platinum and gave me access for the points stay room only (which is ok).
The stay was pleasant overall and I knew the area and hotel since I also stayed here last year. I think the hotel is fine but at least for me, I like staying at a nicer resort (all-inclusive) but like to spend 2 nights here to eat some local food and check out the old town area, etc.
transportation from the airport was 400 MXN in a van taxi. I believe it's 200 MXN if you get a regular car taxi.
When checking out, the manager (Dany Garcia) happened to be there so I spoke to him about my points reservation not getting canceled/moved causing some confusion early on. I asked if there was anything he could do about the no-show fee but he said that I'd have to talk to SPG about that one. Oh well. He seemed efficient but didn't smile much, etc.
Pablo is still around hailing cabs for people. I hung out with him for a little bit since he's a cool dude.
We always eat in the marina. It's really touristy but I like it there.
The area is safe but at night it can get a little deserted on the streets. My wife was a little scared last year because we were the only ones walking back after dinner in the dark and she had read all of the stories about people getting kidnapped, etc. But it seemed ok to me.
I had 2 rooms. 1 room was booked with points (so 14k points for 2 nights) while the other was booked on a low rate.
I called the hotel at about 9am when I was at the airport and knew that I would not make it due to airline issues (their fault) and they were nice about it on the phone. They said that they would make a note of it on my reservations so that I would not lose my room due to no-show, etc.
When I arrived the next day, there was confusion. It looks like they did make the note on the low rate room but did not for the points stay room. They said that I was charged a no-show fee for the points stay and that room got canceled and that I would need to book another room and they set me up with 2 rooms at the same low rate that I had. The low rate is a bit complex but it's a starfriend rate (I know many folks who work at SPG). That rate is sometimes cheaper but doesn't come with platinum benefits, stay credit, night credit, etc.
I told them that I had a point stay room also and they did some magic and set it up now so that I was paying for one room and the other room was on points. The guy did say that I was charged a no-show fee though. I figured I'd deal with that later.
Then I asked if I had access to RBC and he said no. I asked if they normally give access to platinum members and he said yes. However, he thought I was gold. When I corrected him, he checked and saw that I was platinum and gave me access for the points stay room only (which is ok).
The stay was pleasant overall and I knew the area and hotel since I also stayed here last year. I think the hotel is fine but at least for me, I like staying at a nicer resort (all-inclusive) but like to spend 2 nights here to eat some local food and check out the old town area, etc.
transportation from the airport was 400 MXN in a van taxi. I believe it's 200 MXN if you get a regular car taxi.
When checking out, the manager (Dany Garcia) happened to be there so I spoke to him about my points reservation not getting canceled/moved causing some confusion early on. I asked if there was anything he could do about the no-show fee but he said that I'd have to talk to SPG about that one. Oh well. He seemed efficient but didn't smile much, etc.
Pablo is still around hailing cabs for people. I hung out with him for a little bit since he's a cool dude.
We always eat in the marina. It's really touristy but I like it there.
The area is safe but at night it can get a little deserted on the streets. My wife was a little scared last year because we were the only ones walking back after dinner in the dark and she had read all of the stories about people getting kidnapped, etc. But it seemed ok to me.
Mar 3, 2016, 5:02 pm
#334
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,507
.........I forgot one important thing on my previous review that I can't believe I didn't mention - we found the MOSQUITOS this year were crazy by the pool, especially along those small shrubs. They really need to spray this area and the grass. I usually don't attract these little buggers but this year I must have had 10 bites - My wife was way worse as she had welts forming!!! They seemed worse in the late morning hours before the hot sun really started to come out. They were terrible.
........on another note about safety. This place is incredibly safe and I believe the whole area is very safe in comparison to other areas. I wouldn't be afraid or for the most part my wife wouldn't be afraid walking down the street at night say towards the Marina or the Marriott at all.
........on another note about safety. This place is incredibly safe and I believe the whole area is very safe in comparison to other areas. I wouldn't be afraid or for the most part my wife wouldn't be afraid walking down the street at night say towards the Marina or the Marriott at all.
Mar 3, 2016, 5:58 pm
#335
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
.........I forgot one important thing on my previous review that I can't believe I didn't mention - we found the MOSQUITOS this year were crazy by the pool, especially along those small shrubs. They really need to spray this area and the grass. I usually don't attract these little buggers but this year I must have had 10 bites - My wife was way worse as she had welts forming!!! They seemed worse in the late morning hours before the hot sun really started to come out. They were terrible.
........on another note about safety. This place is incredibly safe and I believe the whole area is very safe in comparison to other areas. I wouldn't be afraid or for the most part my wife wouldn't be afraid walking down the street at night say towards the Marina or the Marriott at all.
........on another note about safety. This place is incredibly safe and I believe the whole area is very safe in comparison to other areas. I wouldn't be afraid or for the most part my wife wouldn't be afraid walking down the street at night say towards the Marina or the Marriott at all.
Mar 13, 2016, 1:12 pm
#336
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Silver SPG Lifetime Gold
Posts: 530
I'm heading down to the Westin in May for a wedding. Are there any beach/ocean side restaurant recommendations that can accommodate about 40 people? Either close to the hotel, or in town would work.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Mar 20, 2016, 12:18 pm
#337
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,507
Well it finally looks like there is planned guest room renovations that might take about a year and a half for completion!!! Yeah.......about time. Hopefully the great value for this place does not end because of that?
Jul 10, 2016, 12:43 am
#338
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: AL
Programs: All of the Above
Posts: 1,374
Just finished up a stay at this property and was going to update a few things.
Communicated beforehand with Dany, the front desk manager to arrange so things before we arrived and everything was taken care of perfectly. Kudos to Dany. Received an UG to Grand Deluxe with nice jacuzzi on patio. Was hoping for Junior or Grand Suite but they weren't available for the whole duration of our stay, so no problem there. This property is an older property, but the rooms are still in pretty good shape. While we were there one of the pools (for the kids) was being redone but it was completed and opened before we left. The lounge has standard breakfast items (a couple warm and more cold), but a pretty lackluster evening appetizers compared to other Caribbean properties. Angel is the server and he does a great job. As for the restaurants, the Beach Club food and drinks are good with a Happy Hour from 2-3. However, Accifeas on the other hand is a total waste of money. Slow service, forgot our entrees, bar drinks took forever, and took 20 minutes just to get our bill after asking for it. Biggest waste of 2+ hours and $100+. Save your time and money. The marina is a short walk from the hotel and we found Victors restaurant. Dynamite. Much less expensive, more food, better food, and free tequila shots that Victor's uncle produced. It was well worth the 5 minute walk to eat there every day or night. There are also many different spas in the marina with pricing much more affordable. Also, if you want to go to Malecon, you can take a taxi for 60ish pesos, or just take the bus for 7.50 pesos per person. It's a fun ride to be more immersed in the culture. Odds are you'll be the only non-natives on there. Take the blue and white bus downtown and enjoy the boardwalk and restaurants. Tip for eating, go up a couple blocks away from the shore and across the street from the big church is a dynamite tiny restaurant called El Campanario. I think it was about 200 pesos for 2 people for food, drinks, and nice tip. And it was yummy. Some of the best pozole.
As for the hotel, it was slow season so not that crowded. Overall nice hotel, nice rooms, and semi-friendly staff. Some were enthusiastic and obviously loved their job, others not so much. We'd stay here again considering the rates offered during slow season.
Communicated beforehand with Dany, the front desk manager to arrange so things before we arrived and everything was taken care of perfectly. Kudos to Dany. Received an UG to Grand Deluxe with nice jacuzzi on patio. Was hoping for Junior or Grand Suite but they weren't available for the whole duration of our stay, so no problem there. This property is an older property, but the rooms are still in pretty good shape. While we were there one of the pools (for the kids) was being redone but it was completed and opened before we left. The lounge has standard breakfast items (a couple warm and more cold), but a pretty lackluster evening appetizers compared to other Caribbean properties. Angel is the server and he does a great job. As for the restaurants, the Beach Club food and drinks are good with a Happy Hour from 2-3. However, Accifeas on the other hand is a total waste of money. Slow service, forgot our entrees, bar drinks took forever, and took 20 minutes just to get our bill after asking for it. Biggest waste of 2+ hours and $100+. Save your time and money. The marina is a short walk from the hotel and we found Victors restaurant. Dynamite. Much less expensive, more food, better food, and free tequila shots that Victor's uncle produced. It was well worth the 5 minute walk to eat there every day or night. There are also many different spas in the marina with pricing much more affordable. Also, if you want to go to Malecon, you can take a taxi for 60ish pesos, or just take the bus for 7.50 pesos per person. It's a fun ride to be more immersed in the culture. Odds are you'll be the only non-natives on there. Take the blue and white bus downtown and enjoy the boardwalk and restaurants. Tip for eating, go up a couple blocks away from the shore and across the street from the big church is a dynamite tiny restaurant called El Campanario. I think it was about 200 pesos for 2 people for food, drinks, and nice tip. And it was yummy. Some of the best pozole.
As for the hotel, it was slow season so not that crowded. Overall nice hotel, nice rooms, and semi-friendly staff. Some were enthusiastic and obviously loved their job, others not so much. We'd stay here again considering the rates offered during slow season.
Oct 2, 2016, 7:35 pm
#339
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Whistler, BC
Programs: SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, WS Gold, Hertz PC, NationalEE, Hyatt Explorist, IHGGold, BW Diamond
Posts: 199
Westin Puerto Vallarta Royal Beach Club or Grand Deluxe
At the Westin Puerto Vallarta, which of these two rooms is better?
Royal Beach Club or Grand Deluxe
We are a couple, no kids and I am Platinum.
C
Royal Beach Club or Grand Deluxe
We are a couple, no kids and I am Platinum.
C
Oct 18, 2016, 8:48 pm
#340
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
Property to be converted to timeshares "over time"
FYI
For Vistana Signature Experiences owners this is probably not news since it was part of the spinoff of Starwood Vacation Ownership and ultimate transfer of ownership to Interval Leisure Group. Last week, ILG owners were notified that "We are excited to announce that we will be converting these Vistana™ Signature Experiences properties, currently hotels, into stylish vacation villas over time." One of those properties is The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta.
For Vistana Signature Experiences owners this is probably not news since it was part of the spinoff of Starwood Vacation Ownership and ultimate transfer of ownership to Interval Leisure Group. Last week, ILG owners were notified that "We are excited to announce that we will be converting these Vistana™ Signature Experiences properties, currently hotels, into stylish vacation villas over time." One of those properties is The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta.
Oct 19, 2016, 8:01 am
#342
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
That is correct. Also, the Sheraton Kauai will be converting into timeshares. When Starwood spun off Starwood Vacation Ownership, they included those three properties to sweeten the pot.
Oct 19, 2016, 9:07 am
#343
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: stl
Programs: AA LT Plat/8.1mm now with 1350 miles left in my account and proud of it.. SPG LT Titanium.
Posts: 3,079
I did also, but now we can stay next door at the Marriott although as i understand it without full benefits as that is most likely a "resort".
Feb 23, 2017, 5:03 pm
#344
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 49
Does anyone know if it is possible to book a Royal Beach Club room with points? I've done it several times at the Cancun Westin, but when I called SPG directly they said it was not possible. I'm willing to keep trying different reps if someone has had success because we love the free breakfasts & happy hour. Thank you!
Feb 23, 2017, 5:53 pm
#345
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Does anyone know if it is possible to book a Royal Beach Club room with points? I've done it several times at the Cancun Westin, but when I called SPG directly they said it was not possible. I'm willing to keep trying different reps if someone has had success because we love the free breakfasts & happy hour. Thank you!
Wishing you the best of luck!
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, LLC
[email protected]
