cmatthews

Wow, I just reserved St. Regis Punta Mita for this summer in June

FOR MY HONEYMOON

using points (Gold). I had not checked my flyertalk account in a long time. I am left with a sick feeling in my stomach. I am trying to talk myself into feeling better, because I will be staying there 6 months after all these problems. But, that is a big gamble. Has anyone stayed there in Febuary?

melaltopez

Hello cmatthews. We stayed there 10 days ago for our anniversary, for 5 nights. I frequently check tripadvisor for our travels, and had seen good comments, but hadn’t seen this thread before our trip as I am new on flyertalk. Maybe I wouldn’t have booked if I’d read this before, but I am glad we did go there, as we enjoyed it very much and didn’t experience any of the problems that mendycal or uapremier mentioned over Christmas. I guess the resort took the feedback seriously and figured it out, thanks for initiating that with your complaints. We had a lovely Ocean view room, especially enjoyed the balcony and the outdoor shower. For our anniversary we had dinner at their fine dining restaurant Carolina, and also enjoyed the champagne ritual for sunset, quite spectacular. The butler is a nice touch when it comes to the packing of your suitcase and the morning coffee, and the butler at the pool was fabolous, a part from the usual wet towel and sunblock service etc he spotted the whales for us. I also did try the spa, they have a variety of treatments and do open-air pedicure and manicure surrounded by water and vegetation. In general there were several families with kids and also couples (it was just after Valentine’s day), but they have three different pools (including one without kids) so it never felt croweded. It probably was quite busy for President's Day, but didn't seem to be sold out as it apparently was over christmas. The resort itself is definitely stunning.

Jaxel79

Hi,


My almost wife and I are planning our Honey moon for at the St Regis Punta Mita for 10 nights in mid-November. I'm hoping the start-up kinks will be worked out by then. Though, after reading the reviews on Flyertalk i'm a bit concerned.

What upgrades have *wood platinums received at the property? Have people upgraded their room with points?

What kinds of tours or sightseeing is available at the resort? sailing, trecks etc?

Thanks,
-jake

melaltopez

Can't comment on the upgrades, althoug my husband is SPG member we did stay paying a rate. For tours, they do have an on-site adventure company, Vallarta Adventures, and we did book an amazing whale watching trip through them. They also do ziplines, diving and sailing, and other adventure tours, plus, they have a sea lion coming to the beach there.

jcherney

Vallarta Adventures is located in Nuevo Vallarta and you could have saved around 20-25 percent-or more- booking the exact same trip directly yourselves.

melaltopez

well we got on the boat directly in Punta Mita, so saved the transfer and the time to Nuevo Vallarta back and forth.

cmatthews

I very much appreicate your reply and report to my post.
Thank you for taking the time to help me out.

FlyerJ

We’ve already booked stay this fall at the St Regis Punta Mita. I’m scared – it’s all confirmed, but now that I’ve seen the reviews here I’m second guessing our decision! (Interestingly, tripadvisor shows almost all positive reviews while flyertalk’s are much more negative – and much more detailed.)

A few questions for those of you who've been there:

- Service problems: Anyone had a recent stay there – and have any updated info about the service problems at this resort? (Hopefully they've learned something from their bad reviews!)
- Airport transportation: Can anyone advise (a) drive time to/from Puerto Vallarta airport and (b) the best way to make the trip without a rental car (i.e. taxi? car service arranged by St Regis?? other?)
- Beach: Any info or reviews on the beach/ocean at the resort? (Is there food/beverage service on the beach? Is it swimmable? Suitable for young kids?)
- Food: Any additional info on dining at the property? (Number of options? Availability of casual options? How expensive?)
- Time zone: Might sound like a dumb question given they're so close, but is Punta Mita in the same time zone as Puerto Vallarta? (I've seen two different answers on this!)

Thanks all. Will post a review upon my return.

uapremier

Service Problems: Haven't stayed there since my post. No desire to go back. But I do believe that in my conversations with the GM that they did take the issues we mentioned seriously.
Airport Transportation: A solid HOUR from the airport. I'd just get a cab. Be sure you negotiate on and are clear about the rates. They rip you off from the airport, particularly if they suspect you're a rich tourist.
Beach- is great at the hotel. Very private and quiet. They also have lifeguards. They will bring you food/beverage at the beach if you like.
Food: There are 3 restaurants (i think) at the hotel. They are all nice and VERY overpriced. I suggest you go to the town nearby. There are several restaurants that the hotel recommends in the nearby town (just outside the compound) and all have excellent food and are literally a 1/10 of the price of the hotel restaurant.
Time Zone: Same time zone.

melaltopez

Service problems - hadn't had them
Airport transportation - we did opt for the more comfortable and easy alternative of arranging through the concierge, I didn't want to be on a cab for nearly an hour. Nice Navigators, plus there is somebody in the luggage area awaiting you.
Beach - absolutely agree with uapremier
Food - we tried all restaurants and did like them, especially Carolina is amazing. Make sure you be there for the champagne cocktail at the lobby bar, they have the butler opening a bottle of champagne with a sable and it's their guest cocktail, we met the GM there as well. Pizza and salads at the pool restaurant are amazing, as are the Margaritas!!

adventurous

How'd you get to those restaurants?

BigPoppaCO

Hi all,

I am currently holding a reservation for 6 nights over the Christmas holiday using points. My wife and I really want to stay here as we have heard great things from friends who all went at various times over the past few months. Everything was top-notch. Personally, I cant stand the idea of staying a 3rd rate Westin with its formica furniture, stained carpets and 1980's decor. (St. John, Grand Cayman, etc)

Anyway- we are travelling with our 2 year old son and was curious if anyone has had any luck upgrading (as a platinum) to a 1BR suite at this property? I know Xmas is probably thier busiest season but you never know. The economy still sucks and I dont know too many people spending >$1k a night on a hotel room these days.

Spending 6 nights in a room with my sons crib 25 feet away isnt ideal but I guess its the price I have to pay in order to avoid a suite that hasnt been upgraded since Reagan was in office.

Just looking to have my cake and eat it, too. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

chuck1

Perhaps it is worth using points to upgrade to a suite. I'm not sure if this is possible though.

Call SPG.

If the points are too much, I would email the hotel and see if they will offer you a "deal" to upgrade to a suite.

BigPoppaCO

I asked about a suite and they told me 60k a night, so that wasnt happening. I like your suggestion and will definitely send off an email. Thanks.

nnn

Any recent reports of this property? Am deciding between this and the Four Seasons, and this one is pricing out a bit cheaper.

We will be with our 21-month-old, so we would not be using the adult pool.