Our first day here, we thought we made a huge mistake....

We were dropped off our bus and basically left to fend for ourselves. We had no tour of the place, no information, no guidance. It was every man for himself. Management really needs to step up here and have someone meet the guests and explain what is going on. (There was an orientation, about 3 days into our trip, which we didn't bother going to because after 3 days, you start to figure the place out.)

We ordered a room with a king size bed on the 3rd floor, but were give a room with 2 singles, on the first floor. When I mentioned it, they said they had no more rooms with king beds and tried to up-sell us to a suite. Such a dirty and cheap trick to try and up-sell. I knew they had rooms with king beds available as an older couple got theirs switched shortly after us.

It seems like this hotel is meant for an older crowd. They don't cater very well to 20-30s, but 50+, you will be well looked after.

We were hungry and we managed to find the buffet by the pool, which was completely swarming with flies. This was a scene right out of a horror movies, flies were literally on every piece of food.

We had no idea where to go, what to do, scared to eat the food, wrong room and just wanted to go home.

So, why am I giving this place a 4 star review instead of 1? It deserves it.

The food was the best I have ever tasted. The A-la-cartes are a true 5 star dining experience. You had an army of waiters helping you and they were very good. The "Grand Buffet" (main buffet) was outstanding.

Breakfast was so good. You can get custom made omelets with your choice of fresh ingredients, fluffy eggs, omelet made to perfection.

Once we figured out you can order from the menu instead of the fly infested pool side buffet, our lunches were amazing. Try the guacamole!

For dinner, you can do the Grand Buffet again, which always changes, always impresses or the amazing A-la-cartes.

There was only a couple times were the waiters/bartenders failed the impress. The other times, I would put my fork down and they would come take my plate away. So impressive.

Our rooms were immaculate. They were cleaned multiple times a day.

What else made this place 4 star? The staff:

A big thanks to the tennis pro Gabriel. He was the nicest and most fun person on the resort.
Francisco at reception was incredible. Always willing to help, a great guy.
Emerson, the guitarist was so much fun. His music set the mood and made the dinners extra special.

Again, these people helped move a 1 star rating to 4 star.

Like others have said, you have to sign a bill after each meal, but you don't get charged anything. You can decline to give your credit card at reception.

They do open the resort to locals on weekends, so be prepared for some yelling and kids screaming. However, the seclusion during the week more than made up for it. This looks like a golf resort, so most people are golfing during the week leaving you to enjoy the pool to yourself most of the time.

The drinks were great. Make sure you try Banana Mammas and Mexican Baileys.

The elevator system takes a little getting used it. The lobby is on the 6th floor and there are some elevators that only go on certain floors, but you will get the hang of it after a couple days. There is a very private pool on the first floor. (Don't tell anyone. ;)

Warning about the elevators, they close very very quickly. We almost got knocked down a couple times as there is only a censor one of the sliding doors. Again, they close very fast, they will shut on you at least a couple times during the trip.

There aren't many activities going on. The hotel does have programs, like Bingo, Spanish lessons, dancing lessons, etc, but nobody really goes to them, so it's a little awkward when you are the only person who shows up. There are no nightly shows like at other resorts either.

This place is a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. I would definitely recommend this to someone looking for a private place, great food, fine dining, rest and relaxation.

Got back from this resort Feb 6th, what a great time.
If you go to the terrace at night for your entertainment the guitarist singer is "Amazing" buy that CD this guy is good, great music,great times, I would love to see him on the show The Voice he's a contentered. Thank you to all the staff and all the musical entertainers we had a great time.
And thank you to the manager of this resort he always has time for everyone. no matter how small your request is.
Good Job Grand Bay I;ll be back.

Just returned from a wonderful vacation at this beautiful property. First of all I cannot say enough about the wonderful staff at this place. In particular, Gonzalos the head of tours was amazing. Our party left both a passport and a wallet full of cash on the bus to the resort...both returned quickly! The hotel grounds are beautiful, the food was excellent, the water taxies to the small town across the lagoon was fun and the golf was outstanding. We have done lots of all inclusive resorts and this was one of the best! Great golf courses and fun caddies! Don't miss the opportunity to go to Tamarindo Golf Course if you have a chance! It was Pebble Beach on the Mexican Coast! Really very pleasantly surprised by all amenities of this great value vacation. Only small comment was for ladies to bring your own hairdryer...theirs was tough to work and very hot. Other than that.....AWESOME time.

Please, VT from Vancouver be fair with your review. I can't imagine that you went to the same place that we did. We have been going to Mexico for 12 years now (five star resorts too) and this one ranked in the top. I would have given this resort a wide berth if this poor review had come out before we left. Please people look at the grammar in that review, I think this lady is afraid of seniors and maybe a little PMS at the time.!!!!. Yes, there were a lot of golfers that come to this resort from Califormia but the groups that we met were absolutely charming. Should you expect the hotel to entertain your children after 7pm? If you take children you could kayak on the lagoons, take a bike, hike 15 minutes to the beautiful little bay to the left of the property. Take a 2 dollar ride to Barra. Heck - put them in a free lifejacket and snorkel in 35feet of water. They'll never forget that one!!!!
1/ The pools and gardens alone should be enough to please anyone.
2/ We also paid a very, very reasonable price to travel from Vancouver but the room we had on the forth floor was immaculately kept and I am super fussy - believe me.
3/ The food was fine. Breakfast was fruit, yogurt, meat and cheese plates, a station to cook eggs, bacon, sausages, cereal, juices and 4 mexican dishes. - You get the picture.
4/ If you go with a group, the all inclusive is actually 4 a la carte meals per week. The other evenings the buffet was varied and we enjoyed pasta one evening and chinese food another evening. At the buffet there was always a fish or meat and vegetable station.
5/ We enjoyed the circular area outside the main bar. It was a lovely place to sit and have a special coffee.
6/ Hi to our special friends from Calgary. What a fun pair!!!