This resort is quite nice, older than I am accustomed to, but it was nice. The resort is basically quiet during this time of the year (October). Activities were almost non-existent. The grounds are beautiful with the beach front begging you to come and enjoy. The décor is tile floors with stucco walls. I had the privilege of staying in a one bedroom unit with a friend that is owner. The kitchenette is more than adequate to prepare simple meals. No oven for baking and broiling, but it wasn’t missed. You have an option of all inclusive or go solo and buy and prepare you own meals. There are a couple of restaurants directly across the street from the resort which is really convenient. There are also a few restaurants on the premises that you can purchase breakfast lunch or dinner. I did enjoy the Champagne Brunch on Sunday. Lunch at Cilantro’s was okay, but I did not bother to return.
The premises are very clean and the staff is very helpful, attentive and really nice. The grounds are well kept. All units have an ocean view from the terrace or balcony. One problem is there were insects in my unit and a salamander that always came out in the living room in the evening hours. A call to the front desk resulted in a staff person coming up to exterminate the villa. That worked for about one week and then, we needed to call again when the insects begin to show up in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and my luggage. My friend and I both were bitten several times by what we thought were mosquitoes during the night, but neither of us saw mosquitoes in the unit. Although these “mites” were very small, they were not welcomed and I had no desire to bring them home as a souvenir.
Regardless of what you might have read, believe me when I tell you that everyone wants you to go to a time share presentation---the taxi drivers, people in the grocery stores, tour guides, bus drivers and yes even Pueblo Bonito representatives. You are not forced to go and see their sister property Pueblo Bonito-Emerald Bay. But, they will try and push you to see the property. I was lured in by being told that they only wanted to show my friend the property so that she could consider staying at Emerald Bay property during her next visit here. I was also told that I would not be pressured to purchase anything. Of course when you get there, you have the tours and yes the salesmen (5 of them) before it’s all over. We were offered a fairly descent breakfast and a choice a $100.00 food and drink voucher or the all inclusive package at $51 US dollars a day per person for attending the presentation. I did not expect to be lured to a time share presentation by Pueblo Bonito (based on reviews I had read in Trip Advisor) and stated from the very beginning I was not interesting in buying a time share and my friend clearly stated she was not interested in trading or selling her current time share. Doesn’t matter, you will be asked over and over again at the presentation to purchase a time share. That was the most annoying part of my two week stay. I was taken aback when the salesman told me I had wasted his time when I chose not to purchase a time share. This was my only negative experience. By the way, I chose the food and drink voucher which has some minor limitations on what you can actually use it for, but I was able to get a couple of good meals with it and that was welcomed.
Internet accessibility was limited. I emailed the resort prior to arrival to get the price of the Wi-Fi usage. I was quoted $7 US dollars per day--$49.50 for five days--$79.00 for one week. The math did not add up, but I only wanted the internet at the most two days out of the two week period. When I went to purchase the service, I was told that the Wi-Fi signal was so weak they did not recommend me to use it. I was also told that the Wi-Fi connection was $15.00 for 24 hours. It was suggested that I use the Internet Café on the premises. The price is $1.50 US dollars for 15 minutes to use the Internet in the Internet Cafe. Later I checked my system to see if the Wi-Fi signal was indeed that weak. The signal registered as fair. The next day I spoke with the Concierge who told me that the Wi-Fi service was $14 US dollars per day. When I disputed this and referenced my email from the resort she wanted to know if I had a copy. I told her it was on my system which I needed Wi-Fi to retrieve. Of course, she no longer understood what I was saying. My suggestion to you is don’t bother with it. Besides you are on vacation to relax not work.
If you are not purchasing the all-inclusive package for your meals, then you will be purchasing your food from restaurants on the premises, in the Golden Zone or at the grocery store. I highly recommend Soriano’s. Most locals will take you to Mega which is also in the Golden Zone. Mega does have a variety of products that you may be seeking however the prices are higher than Soriano’s. Soriano’s is a little further away from Mega but I paid the same taxi fare to go there. The selection is great. They have really nice produce, bakery, and meat sections. They also have a section with prepared meats, vegetables, rice and other side dishes. But, again, the prices are cheaper than Mega. For those who like Sam’s Club…it’s about one block from the Mega. Great prices on alcoholic beverages and other items you may need.
This resort is quiet…a little too quiet. I think it is great for mature (a nice way to say older) individuals. Younger people may not enjoy the resort as well.
Finally, shop around for your taxi. Every driver has a different price. I was quoted 60 peso to 100 peso to go to Mega the first time. The drivers were desperate for business so I was able to get the price I wanted.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.