Oct 5, 2015, 8:35 am
Last edit by: chrisdeaner
Expert Review (posted in Luxury Forum) from Jan 2018 from Villa stay:
https://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revi...encounter-2352
Restrictions on the Acceptance of US Currency
Due to recent local regulations, the acceptance of US Dollars in cash is now restricted across Mexico. Payments with credit/debit cards remain unaffected. Please provide arrangements to settle your accounts and other expenses with a credit card or in Mexican Pesos. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause our guests.
FYI - the hotel also can't exchange USD<>MXN but they do have an ATM near the lobby (downstairs by the meeting rooms) that dispenses Pesos.
https://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revi...encounter-2352
Restrictions on the Acceptance of US Currency
Due to recent local regulations, the acceptance of US Dollars in cash is now restricted across Mexico. Payments with credit/debit cards remain unaffected. Please provide arrangements to settle your accounts and other expenses with a credit card or in Mexican Pesos. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause our guests.
FYI - the hotel also can't exchange USD<>MXN but they do have an ATM near the lobby (downstairs by the meeting rooms) that dispenses Pesos.
St Regis Punta Mita Resort, Mexico [Master Thread]
Sep 28, 2018, 1:26 pm
#541
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 496
Try this: [email protected]
Oct 15, 2018, 11:08 am
#542
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
Just back from our third stay at the St. Regis Punta Mita. We also spent two nights at the W Punta Mita, so glad to share a few comments:
W Vs. St. Regis
After staying at both, my conclusion is that both properties represent the best of their brands and are also very much on brand. What this means is that, in my opinion, the St. Regis is "better" in several ways in that it is more luxurious, has higher service standards, nicer finishings & details in the rooms, etc. However, I don't think this means that the W has done anything wrong. The W is not supposed to be another St. Regis. The W lacks the personalized service and great attention to detail. For example, we once had to call three times for extra towels before they came, and there were a couple minor issues with the bathroom design (the shower leaked into the bathroom, and it was too dark IMO). But overall the W was a fabulous property and worth spending time at, just don't expect a St. Regis experience. Expect a W experience, and they will deliver. The rooms area beautiful and the modern design meets jungle is pretty great.
Our Stay at the St. Regis
This trip really confirmed for us that this hotel is one of our very favorite places in the world. It's just special. The way they make you feel so welcome and pampered is, in our experience, incomparable. This was also our first time staying when neither of us had platinum status (very glad to be traveling less!) and so our gold status & use of FHR booking just got us upgraded to a an ocean view standard room--we had been in suites the previous two stays. While it was nice to have a little extra space, I am also glad to share that the standard room was perfectly lovely. We requested a 2nd floor room on the adult side and they delivered--we were on the far side near the golf course and spa, with a nice ocean & golf course view. It was beautifully quiet. The pictures below are shots of the sunset when a storm was coming in--gorgeous.
This was also our first time in the region during the fall low season. It is very hot, and rains more. With that being said, we still loved it. The rates were very attractive (we did FH&R for $350/night) and while we had less interest in doing daytime activities like Sayulita, the pools and beach were still perfect, and it was nice having the resort be very quiet (someone said that they were booked at 45% capacity). We also had massages and they were fantastic. After a couples massage, they walked out to the spa outdoor lounge area near the fountain, and surprised us with Moet as one of us was celebrating a birthday. Nice touch.
Food
Always an important question in Punta Mita since dinner is basically the primary evening activity aside from sleeping (and we love that this is an early to bed place, it's truly a place for rest). The breakfast buffet continues to impress. It was moved back to Sea Breeze for this visit and it was nice to sit in the a/c rather than outside at Marietas. During this stay we ate dinner at: Spice (W), which was great. Mita Mary for a sunset dinner, always fantastic. Si Senior, which we felt was not as good as we remembered but still decent. We had dessert and tequila digestifs at Sufi, which was lovely, and we also ate a Carolina. I want to comment on Carolina:
Carolina: I am sorry to say that I am going to join the crowd that feels that this place has passed it's prime. We really enjoyed it in the past, but on this visit felt that the food and ambiance was overly precious, overly formal for the resort setting, and the environment was cold and stiff. I think this was partly influenced by the fact that we were seated indoors for the first time as it was raining during dinner, and we had always sat on the lovely terrace before, but it was not only that. The dinning room is cold in both temperature and mood, and unwelcoming. The lights are also very bright--we asked about dimming them and were told it was not possible. It did not make us feel like we were able to get comfortable for a long multi-course meal. The food was mostly good, but not great, and certainly not memorable. One of the fish dishes was essentially the same that was served at Mita Mary for catch of the day. One dish was not good--a beet salad. I usually love beets, but this salad just tasted like raw beets. The waiter explained how they went through some elaborate process with sea water and stones to avoid using salt, and I just kept thinking about how much better those beets would taste if they had just been roasted and salted. I think that the St. Regis should have a high end dining option, but that they need a totally new concept that is warmer, a bit more relaxed while still being refined, and a more approachable and classic menu. They have yet another new chef that just started, and I don't see it as a good sign that chefs keep leaving. I feel like they keep trying to be a version of Pujol in that they are trying to offer this french approach to Mexican foods, but I'm not sure it is working for them.
In conclusion, Punta Mita is such a fabulous and special place to really relax and unwind. It's not cheap, but in return you get unparalleled service and a true escape from the stresses of life. I will continue to highly recommend this hotel (though I will steer friends away from Carolina for now).
W Vs. St. Regis
After staying at both, my conclusion is that both properties represent the best of their brands and are also very much on brand. What this means is that, in my opinion, the St. Regis is "better" in several ways in that it is more luxurious, has higher service standards, nicer finishings & details in the rooms, etc. However, I don't think this means that the W has done anything wrong. The W is not supposed to be another St. Regis. The W lacks the personalized service and great attention to detail. For example, we once had to call three times for extra towels before they came, and there were a couple minor issues with the bathroom design (the shower leaked into the bathroom, and it was too dark IMO). But overall the W was a fabulous property and worth spending time at, just don't expect a St. Regis experience. Expect a W experience, and they will deliver. The rooms area beautiful and the modern design meets jungle is pretty great.
Our Stay at the St. Regis
This trip really confirmed for us that this hotel is one of our very favorite places in the world. It's just special. The way they make you feel so welcome and pampered is, in our experience, incomparable. This was also our first time staying when neither of us had platinum status (very glad to be traveling less!) and so our gold status & use of FHR booking just got us upgraded to a an ocean view standard room--we had been in suites the previous two stays. While it was nice to have a little extra space, I am also glad to share that the standard room was perfectly lovely. We requested a 2nd floor room on the adult side and they delivered--we were on the far side near the golf course and spa, with a nice ocean & golf course view. It was beautifully quiet. The pictures below are shots of the sunset when a storm was coming in--gorgeous.
This was also our first time in the region during the fall low season. It is very hot, and rains more. With that being said, we still loved it. The rates were very attractive (we did FH&R for $350/night) and while we had less interest in doing daytime activities like Sayulita, the pools and beach were still perfect, and it was nice having the resort be very quiet (someone said that they were booked at 45% capacity). We also had massages and they were fantastic. After a couples massage, they walked out to the spa outdoor lounge area near the fountain, and surprised us with Moet as one of us was celebrating a birthday. Nice touch.
Food
Always an important question in Punta Mita since dinner is basically the primary evening activity aside from sleeping (and we love that this is an early to bed place, it's truly a place for rest). The breakfast buffet continues to impress. It was moved back to Sea Breeze for this visit and it was nice to sit in the a/c rather than outside at Marietas. During this stay we ate dinner at: Spice (W), which was great. Mita Mary for a sunset dinner, always fantastic. Si Senior, which we felt was not as good as we remembered but still decent. We had dessert and tequila digestifs at Sufi, which was lovely, and we also ate a Carolina. I want to comment on Carolina:
Carolina: I am sorry to say that I am going to join the crowd that feels that this place has passed it's prime. We really enjoyed it in the past, but on this visit felt that the food and ambiance was overly precious, overly formal for the resort setting, and the environment was cold and stiff. I think this was partly influenced by the fact that we were seated indoors for the first time as it was raining during dinner, and we had always sat on the lovely terrace before, but it was not only that. The dinning room is cold in both temperature and mood, and unwelcoming. The lights are also very bright--we asked about dimming them and were told it was not possible. It did not make us feel like we were able to get comfortable for a long multi-course meal. The food was mostly good, but not great, and certainly not memorable. One of the fish dishes was essentially the same that was served at Mita Mary for catch of the day. One dish was not good--a beet salad. I usually love beets, but this salad just tasted like raw beets. The waiter explained how they went through some elaborate process with sea water and stones to avoid using salt, and I just kept thinking about how much better those beets would taste if they had just been roasted and salted. I think that the St. Regis should have a high end dining option, but that they need a totally new concept that is warmer, a bit more relaxed while still being refined, and a more approachable and classic menu. They have yet another new chef that just started, and I don't see it as a good sign that chefs keep leaving. I feel like they keep trying to be a version of Pujol in that they are trying to offer this french approach to Mexican foods, but I'm not sure it is working for them.
In conclusion, Punta Mita is such a fabulous and special place to really relax and unwind. It's not cheap, but in return you get unparalleled service and a true escape from the stresses of life. I will continue to highly recommend this hotel (though I will steer friends away from Carolina for now).
Oct 15, 2018, 11:31 am
#543
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
@jdrtravel thanks for the summary and reviews, especially the comparison of sorts between the StR and W. I absolutely agree with you after having stayed most recently in Jan 2018 at the StR and having visited and dined with our friends at the W.
I’m sorry to hear that Carolina’s latest chef has departed and that the experience left you a bit cold. I agree that our most recent dinners there in Jan 2018 were more “formal” and more “French” in the sense of tasting menus and culinary style, especially compared with our Nov 2015 stay Carolina experience of authentic but superbly gourmet Mexican cuisine. But we enjoyed both, with a definite preference to the truly Mexican approach. I concur with your hope that they find a more stable culinary team with a more authentically Mexican approach for the future of Carolina.
So glad you had such a great time! We agree that this StR property is a true gem.
I’m sorry to hear that Carolina’s latest chef has departed and that the experience left you a bit cold. I agree that our most recent dinners there in Jan 2018 were more “formal” and more “French” in the sense of tasting menus and culinary style, especially compared with our Nov 2015 stay Carolina experience of authentic but superbly gourmet Mexican cuisine. But we enjoyed both, with a definite preference to the truly Mexican approach. I concur with your hope that they find a more stable culinary team with a more authentically Mexican approach for the future of Carolina.
So glad you had such a great time! We agree that this StR property is a true gem.
Oct 22, 2018, 10:50 am
#544
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 731
Is anyone at the St. Regis now? How are the conditions? We're supposed to be going and it's looking ominous with Hurricane Willa. Do you think the hotel will let us reschedule? Our airline just contacted us to say they may cancel the flight.
Oct 22, 2018, 11:00 am
#545
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
I can say that the current Hurricane Willa warning zone starts at San Blas, a good 130 km north of Punta Mita, and goes northward from there. Punta Mita and Puerto Vallarta are in the tropical storm warning zone, so it doesn’t look like the StR or Punta Mita/Puerto Vallarta will take the biggest hit.
https://weather.com/storms/hurricane...exico-landfall
Of course, tropical storm Vicente is coming up just behind Willa, too.
Oct 23, 2018, 2:00 pm
#546
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 731
Hoping for the best for your travels and those living in the impacted areas.
I can say that the current Hurricane Willa warning zone starts at San Blas, a good 130 km north of Punta Mita, and goes northward from there. Punta Mita and Puerto Vallarta are in the tropical storm warning zone, so it doesn’t look like the StR or Punta Mita/Puerto Vallarta will take the biggest hit.
https://weather.com/storms/hurricane...exico-landfall
Of course, tropical storm Vicente is coming up just behind Willa, too.
Dec 13, 2018, 11:58 am
#548
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 731
Is William still here?
Hi everyone, is William Sanders still with the new program? I'm having a huge issue with getting a refund promised by Marriott from our canceled stay at St. Regis Punta Mita and they know they promised us a refund and we've gone through all the channels so I'm hoping he's still here and may have some ideas.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Dec 13, 2018, 12:02 pm
#549
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Hi everyone, is William Sanders still with the new program? I'm having a huge issue with getting a refund promised by Marriott from our canceled stay at St. Regis Punta Mita and they know they promised us a refund and we've gone through all the channels so I'm hoping he's still here and may have some ideas.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Feel free to send the details to the email address below and I will look into it further.Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Marriott International
[email protected]
Dec 28, 2018, 4:07 pm
#550
Join Date: Aug 2001
Programs: AA lifetime gold, Marriott Plat.
Posts: 418
First time at St. Regis, what to request?
We will be staying next month on a reward stay for 5 nights. I do have a confirmed suite night reservation. We are two seniors who have to Mexico and PV many times. I remember when Sayulita was a little quiet fishing village about 15or 20 years ago. My husband and I are both lifetime Marriott plats. What area of the hotel would be best and not such a long walk to the pool or beach? We are considering renting a golf cart but not sure if they are available at hotel. Also should I arrange my own transfer from the airport? What restaurants in town would be good to try? At our ages we tend to be light eaters and drink only a little wine.
All suggestions appreciated!
All suggestions appreciated!
Dec 28, 2018, 4:44 pm
#551
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 496
We will be staying next month on a reward stay for 5 nights. I do have a confirmed suite night reservation. We are two seniors who have to Mexico and PV many times. I remember when Sayulita was a little quiet fishing village about 15or 20 years ago. My husband and I are both lifetime Marriott plats. What area of the hotel would be best and not such a long walk to the pool or beach? We are considering renting a golf cart but not sure if they are available at hotel. Also should I arrange my own transfer from the airport? What restaurants in town would be good to try? At our ages we tend to be light eaters and drink only a little wine.
All suggestions appreciated!
All suggestions appreciated!
Nowhere is a long walk at all, and if you ever want a golf cart one will appear within moments. We stayed in a villa by the beachclub/Mita Mary/Sea Breeze. Very convenient. They do have a DJ at the pool on Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 12-6, not overly loud, but there. If you wanted to be very quiet the other side near the adult pool will be better but then you are a little further to the restaurants. The villas are amazing. Service is wonderful. We never left the property. Food is good and reasonably priced, more so than we expected. We loved that water was never charged for anywhere. Ate at Carolinas (and would have gone back but Xmas Eve and Sunday closure got in the way). Twice at Sea Breeze. They set up a small number of tables by the pool in the evening, away from the main restaurant, quiet and lovely. Once at Mita Mary right on the sand. Once at Altamira in the lobby. Great cocktails, nice wine.We cannot wait to return in March. I would book a transfer with the hotel, The only downside of the trip is the hell that is PVR.
Dec 28, 2018, 9:51 pm
#552
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
We will be staying next month on a reward stay for 5 nights. I do have a confirmed suite night reservation. We are two seniors who have to Mexico and PV many times. I remember when Sayulita was a little quiet fishing village about 15or 20 years ago. My husband and I are both lifetime Marriott plats. What area of the hotel would be best and not such a long walk to the pool or beach? We are considering renting a golf cart but not sure if they are available at hotel. Also should I arrange my own transfer from the airport? What restaurants in town would be good to try? At our ages we tend to be light eaters and drink only a little wine.
All suggestions appreciated!
All suggestions appreciated!
You will really enjoy your stay!
I suggest that you stay on the adult side of the resort. There is an adults only pool and adults only beach and they are very quiet, tranquil and relaxing. Anytime that you want to get anywhere you just call and they will send a gold car right away.
I strongly suggest using the hotel's luxury transportation service from the airport. It is a bit over-priced (I think $100 or so each way) but you will get a really nice, safe clean luxury SUV with a very professional driver. As you may know, the taxis can be very hit or miss there. Call the hotel to book transit, or email them at [email protected] to set it up.
There are a few really wonderful restaurants right outside of the hotel, and I strongly suggest you take advantage of them, especially since you will be there for five nights.
My top two favorites are Sufi and Si Senor. Sufi is a restaurant that is at the private beach club of the gated residential community next to the St Regis. It is closed to the public during the day but in the evening you can make a reservation and eat in their beautiful open air beach side pavillion. It is a Mexican-Mediterranean fusion which is great. Si Senior is casual Mexican and fun, with great seafood. Your butler can reserve a table for you at both places. The other place that many people like is Tuna Blanca. I have not eaten there but ate at their sister restaurant Cafe Des Artistes in PV and LOVED it, so I would check it out. I've also heard that there is a good Italian place but I've not eaten there.
In any case, don't stay on property the whole time as there are some wonderful places to check out, and the St. Regis will provide their luxory transport into town for a nominal charge, and the restaurants will all be happy to call them back to pick you up when you are ready to go back. It's all quick and easy. For on property, I personally think the only place for dinner that is really interesting is Mita Mary's. Make a reservation at sunset and have a wonderful sunset beach dinner. It's truly heaven. Note that you can make a reservation on Open Table, which I suggest, because it can fill up in advance. Don't bother with Carolina, it's stuffy and not that good. Sea Breeze is completely fine but the off site places are better. I suggest breakfast and lunch on property, and leaving most evenings except for Mita Mary. BTW, the breakfast is WONDERFUL. Most days we ate it as brunch and did not really need lunch, just an afternoon snack.
Also, the spa is great if you want a massage!
Enjoy your stay!
Last edited by jdrtravel; Dec 28, 2018 at 9:59 pm
Dec 30, 2018, 8:27 pm
#553
Join Date: May 2002
Location: SNA
Programs: STARS/LUMINOUS, PRIVE, FSPP, STARS, MO FAN Club, PEN Club, Bellini Club
Posts: 2,612
I just completed a 5 night stay and will say my opinion differs from a lot of previous posters; mostly because I believe I represent a non-American view. While we were there, the vast majority of the guests were American. I cannot believe how much Americans tip! I saw someone pass on a $100 bill to one of the staff by the beach. Anyway, we had 2 kids of tow, so opinions are based on that as well. There is no charge for food for kids below 5 from the kids menu. We were upgraded to a villa due to Platinum Premier status (SNAs did not go through, so a bit last minute I expect).
As the previous poster mentioned, the only worthwhile restaurant at the hotel is Punta Mary. I don't know why the Marietas focuses on dry paninis and could perhaps include some local Mexican comfort food - fajitas, tacos, tortas, etc. I agree with the previous poster's advise to get away from the hotel in the evenings.
My recommendation is to Uber from the airport; it is so easy to walk a few more feet and message the driver to come to the airport side of the road rather than across the pedestrian bridge. There is a National location in Punta de Mita and it costs only about MXN 850 inclusive of the mandatory Third Party Liability to rent a full-size car per day, which you could and return to the airport. It costs MXN 150 to/from the St. Regis to the town (quite reasonable for suburbans).
The service in the hotel is sub-standard overall. In my opinion this resort caters to Americans, especially those from Southern California who likely have not experienced the best in Asia, Africa, Americas or even parts or Europe. But then its a 3 hour flight away versus 12+, so I get it as well why people would choose this location. I had a brief exchange with two couples from Los Angeles and I cannot believe how ignorant they were of anything outside the US (including Mexico and even its currency), though not certain if they represent the entire clientele at the hotel.
Our stay in general was above average, though I do not think we will return anytime soon. There are plenty of other (better) places to visit even though this is 3 hours away from our current home.
As the previous poster mentioned, the only worthwhile restaurant at the hotel is Punta Mary. I don't know why the Marietas focuses on dry paninis and could perhaps include some local Mexican comfort food - fajitas, tacos, tortas, etc. I agree with the previous poster's advise to get away from the hotel in the evenings.
My recommendation is to Uber from the airport; it is so easy to walk a few more feet and message the driver to come to the airport side of the road rather than across the pedestrian bridge. There is a National location in Punta de Mita and it costs only about MXN 850 inclusive of the mandatory Third Party Liability to rent a full-size car per day, which you could and return to the airport. It costs MXN 150 to/from the St. Regis to the town (quite reasonable for suburbans).
The service in the hotel is sub-standard overall. In my opinion this resort caters to Americans, especially those from Southern California who likely have not experienced the best in Asia, Africa, Americas or even parts or Europe. But then its a 3 hour flight away versus 12+, so I get it as well why people would choose this location. I had a brief exchange with two couples from Los Angeles and I cannot believe how ignorant they were of anything outside the US (including Mexico and even its currency), though not certain if they represent the entire clientele at the hotel.
Our stay in general was above average, though I do not think we will return anytime soon. There are plenty of other (better) places to visit even though this is 3 hours away from our current home.
Dec 30, 2018, 8:32 pm
#554
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720
While I do have some sympathy that some reviews can be somewhat culturally myopic at times, I don’t think the slightly derogatory references above to Americans are going to go down particularly well.
As a fellow non-American, I’d love a bit more detail on the issues. The very positive reviews on this resort have come from some incredibly well travelled people (though yes, perhaps universally American?).
As a fellow non-American, I’d love a bit more detail on the issues. The very positive reviews on this resort have come from some incredibly well travelled people (though yes, perhaps universally American?).
Dec 30, 2018, 8:39 pm
#555
Join Date: May 2002
Location: SNA
Programs: STARS/LUMINOUS, PRIVE, FSPP, STARS, MO FAN Club, PEN Club, Bellini Club
Posts: 2,612
While I do have some sympathy that some reviews can be somewhat culturally myopic at times, I don’t think the slightly derogatory references above to Americans are going to go down particularly well.
As a fellow non-American, I’d love a bit more detail on the issues. The very positive reviews on this resort have come from some incredibly well travelled people (though yes, perhaps universally American?).
As a fellow non-American, I’d love a bit more detail on the issues. The very positive reviews on this resort have come from some incredibly well travelled people (though yes, perhaps universally American?).