My family and I vacationed at the Faro 3/25-4/1. I had gotten quite nervous about all the negativity toward the resort right before our trip, but all in all, I thought it was one of my best trips to Mexico. The pool was a little on the small side, but it really wasn't too busy, so it wasn't a big deal. We had read the comments about it being too hot, and we agreed at one point in time, went and told the people at the desk, who prompty sent the manager out to test the water temp, and off went the heat. One of the big things I would comment about regarding all the problems stated in previous reviews is "Ask and you get, don't and you won't". Anything we wanted and asked for was there for the taking. The Chiquita Banana had a roof repair while we were there, and it was closed the better part of the week. They offered the a la carte items at the lobby restaurant during the same hours the Chiquita Banana would have been open (add or take a few Mexican minutes), and even had the food served to us at the pool. And yes, the waiters brought us drinks at the pool, too. We ordered lunch from either our waiter or the bartender if we wanted it delivered to the pool. It took us a little time to figure it out, but we had some wonderful lunches poolside. Fresh tuna on avocado, great fish tacos (we liked the ones that WEREN'T the Captain's Tacos - they had two fish taco selections, and the ones we liked were not deep fried). The staff was friendly, and more than willing to help. The beach was great. My kids loved the purple sea urchins on the rocks toward the little hill seperating Faro from rest of the hotel zone (the hill is a great hike with a beautiful view), and the crabs on the marina side. The water was usually calm enough that we actually could swim in it, not like Acapulco. The beach was clean, with many built-in tile tables and palapas. Easy access to the hotel zone beach, and my son and I even saw about 7 dolphins swimming not far from shore only one hotel down. Our room was first floor, but still had a great view since the hotel is built on a cliff. We enjoyed drinks on the balcony at night- and the bar even lent us their trays to carry drinks. The maids never messed with our stuff (dvd players, gameboys, dvd's), but did a great job keeping the room clean. Towels were a little scarce, but we just got new ones from the pool before we left if we wanted extras in the room. One thing we really loved about this resort vs many others we have stayed at in Mexico is that we didn't have to sign for every little thing we got (on all inclusive), including towels, MOST of the time. A couple times they did have us sign for towels, but most of the time, not. Don't lose your wristband. They will charge you if you lose it, and you need to turn it in when you ck out. You need to turn your remote control for the TV back in at ck out, too, but that's normal in MX. The beds were hard, as well as the pillows, but I could live with it. The buffet food wasn't as bad as some had made it sound. Omelets were awesome, lots of fresh fruit, fresh squeezed orange juice. I could always find something decent. We did notice that the hotel staff did not speak as much english as what they do in more touristy areas of Mexico. For example, I asked the staff in the lobby restaurant for the a la cart menu, and they gave me the wrong menu. Our pool waiter (Jose') got that straightened out for me. We tipped our waiters $5 - 8 per day for 8 people, and they were more than happy with that. For the money, the Faro was well worth it. Not too fancy, but not a dump. I'd go back in a heartbeat, especially for the beach. Worry not, future travelers.

After reading the negative reviews that were posted regarding the Faro, we were worried until we arrived, checked in and seen the view from our room. The view was excellent and set our minds at ease about our stay regardless of the negativity we had read. The rooms were a little outdated and in need of repair but hey we were in Mexico and with the view we had (room 1419) I would have slept on the floor. The beach was unbeatable very relaxing with only a few vendors. The food was so-so but not as bad as everyone had been saying. Hot dogs/sausages were at every meal but other stuff to eat as well and a menu to order off of for lunch. The omelet lady knows what she is doing and is worth waiting in line for. Hotel staff were helpful and always said hello. The Faro is worth the price and we plan on taking our children down next year to get a taste of Mexico and we wont stay anywhere else.

We were at the Faro for two weeks Mar. 9-23, and I have to admit I was very nervous after reading all the negative comments just before leaving. I travelled with my husband and two boys, ages 10 & 14 and we had a great time. Some of the comments are true but not to the extent that they were made. The hotel certainly needs updating, but it was spotlessly clean, rooms were spacious, (oceanview with a balcony was beautiful). We found the staff very friendly and kind, (smiles and tips go a long way). I was concerned the boys would be bored, but they were able to boogie board as much as they wanted,(no charge with all inclusive), play beach volleyball or soccer as much as they wanted, pool, ping pong, air hockey, pool volleyball, crafts table (all the same things they did at a much fancier resort in Puerto Vallarta. The beach is beautiful, very private (which was nice during Spring Break with all the younger crowds at the bigger resorts in the Golden Zone). In fact during the second week two families joined us down there, also with teens and the one family who was at the El Cid came to our hotel everyday because the El Cid was a gong show. There were plenty of lounge chairs and towels. Breakfast and lunch were great, dinner was hit or miss, but when we didn't like dinner we ate out at the restaurants up the street which were very reasonable and within walking distance. We went all inclusive which was worthwhile for us with the kids because they could eat and drink whenever they wanted, as could we. Chiquita Banana on the beach is terrific place for lunch. Drinks were just as good as I've had anywhere and kids loved all the blender drinks. The hotel is not fancy, but is great for a relaxing beach holiday. I would not recommend the hotel for anyone who has mobility problems as you do have to use the stairs for the beach and one restaurant but for anyone else they are no problem at all and not in disrepair at all. Relax, take things in stride and enjoy - nothing about the hotel is bad enough to ruin anyone's vacation.

We read a lot of reviews and were a little nervous before we went, but this hotel was really nice. The people were more than happy to help, the service was fine and the view was spectacular.

We were really afraid of the stairs and the food from other reviews. But the stairs aren't rickety or beat up, they're wooden and the view is so spectacular because the beach is below and the hotel is situated on a cliff.

They have a private beach, which is difficult to get to without going through the hotel, so it was really peaceful. We really enjoyed it here. Of course it is older, but isn't terrible. If you get a decent price, you will be pleasantly surprised.