Las Alamandas

When we booked our 4 night stay at Las Alamandas we noticed the 5 star prices but we missed the 4 start rating. What a disappointment it was to visit such a beautiful location to find that indeed the prices are certainly 5 star but the service is 2 star at best. Very low occupancy (us and one other couple) – great for privacy, worrying for sustainability). Friendly staff – but friendly does not mean efficient/effective. Let´s start from the beginning: Nice Chevy Suburban picking us up at the airport, water offered and clean car, friendly driver. Arrive at the hotel, beautiful location and then downhill from there: We had booked Isabel Master. Amazing entrance with a view of the ocean from the nicely appointed social area, which holds the mini bar, right across from the foyer. Then we are told that in a hotel with only one other room occupied, there will be other guests arriving next day and they will be staying in the room above us and sharing the common entrance. With privacy being a major selling point, that seems nonsensical when the hotel resort is next to empty. If the newcomers specifically booked that room, then let us know in advance so we can be moved (even at extra cost) if we choose. And Isabel Master’s minibar cannot be secured as there is no lock on the door to this “private area”. As we were to find out, there is a lot of pricey stuff in the mini bar so control on access is important. Whilst on the subject of the mini bar, “coffee making facilities” but no tea, no sugar, and milk has to be ordered. The only way to heat water is in the coffeemaker so if you like your tea tasting of coffee…. No ice, and then we arrive at the water issue. How is it possible that you have to pay for the drinking water at all, never mind at the exorbitant rate at $5 per bottle plus 34% tax and service? A small bottle is provided for free with the turn down service but that is not enough in a resort where you are told not to drink the tap water. So provide filtered water, no need for branded water. We have stayed in some really out of the way locations and drinking water has always been provided free of charge. In a tropical beach resort if you are going to charge for water, tell your guests to stock up at the local shop before arrival! The charging for water is a sign of what seems to be a policy at Las Alamandas – there is a charge for everything “extra” and everything is considered extra. The Welcome letter in our room was accompanied by one addressed to someone else, maybe a previous occupant. Quality control at the resort was lacking and this was the first example. Off to the bar in the evening for a drink before dinner and we had to wait close to 15 minutes for 2 beers, and we were the only people there. It seems there were no beers in the bar and the barman had to go and find some. On our last night, our two beers order came faster but this time we were told they only had one cold beer! Unfortunately the food was subpar throughout. We were allowe

Having stayed in Puerto Vallarta over New Year’s twice in a row, we decided to try a more remote location and are so happy we did! We had a wonderful 8 night stay at this special spot, where we were treated so well and enjoyed many of the amenities on offer: round trip car service from/to PV airport, lunches on a beautiful private beach, sunset on a stunning lookout point, workouts at the well equipped gym, room service on our rooftop terrace, dips in the pool before dinner. The staff are fantastic and immediately respond to any requests by WhatsApp. The food is fresh, tasty and healthy - especially loved the omelettes, ceviches, coconut shrimp, soups, juices and fruit plates. With only 18 rooms and not being fully booked, at times it felt like our own personal resort. Back in Toronto, fully rested and recharged for the year ahead, we’re already talking about a return trip at the end of this year!

Privacy and luxury on the beach Amazing property that offers privacy and subtle luxury at every turn. The property tour is a must to understand what this place has to offer. We spent a day at a private beach and rode horses. The food was great and service outstanding. Our bungalow was big and authentically decorated. Las Alamandas is a gem.