We just got back from 10 days (7-17) at the Friendly Vallarta and traveled with two other couples and we were blown away by the staff at this resort. All of us combined have been to many other resorts (including 4.5-5 stars) and we never experienced genuine service like this! The management here has definitely hired the right staff here to make sure your stay is enjoyable. This resort is also smaller which is nice because you always see familiar faces of staff (always smiling). Have to make a shout out to Vincinte, Sergio, Carlos! These were the main guys that made our time here the best!
There were lots of activities to do during the day. The beach set up is one of my favorites that I've experienced (in the hotel zone) with all the loungers & umbrellas set up right near the ocean. The hotel is dated and could use a bit of a "face lift" but more so on interior finishes, but besides that we found it very clean!
The breakfast and lunch (snack bar) are always good. We found supper and lunch were the same thing in the buffet but it was all very tasty. There was still the "a la carte" which was very good and "la fiesta" for supper also had a good variety of dishes to choose from.
The beds are quite firm compared to what we're used to at home but still slept well and definitely recommend 5th floor or higher both for noise and for an amazing view!!!
The only negative i would have to mention about this resort is how you can smoke anywhere (other then the restaurants) in the resort. In the evenings especially the lobby was extremely smoky and that is where they have their DJ and dancing. I personally didnt mind the smoke but my wife didnt appreciate it.
Location is very nice...one of the closest resorts to the airport and still a short centro ride to the malecon. We enjoyed are stay very much and would recommend this resort to anyone going to PV and want's the "best bang for your buck". It was sad to go but we can't wait till the next time we can make it back to Puerto Vallarta!!!

Just got back from a week [Jan 09-16 ] at the Friendly Vallarta. We have stayed there for the past 5 years. All the staff are exceptional and are more than willing to do what ever to make your stay the Best it can be. Monica, Sergio and Carlos always have a smile and a cheerfull greating for us every morning and have become good friends over the years. I would highly recommend this resort , the rooms are spacious and clean , the view from the upper floors is great and the food is good. We will be back next year

Just returned from a stay at the Friendly resort and spa in Puerta vallarta, mexico. I really liked the resort, and the room on the 11th floor facing the ocean was beautifull. I would definitely go back and highly recommend this hotel to anyone planning a trip to PV.The moment we arrived the staff were polite and greeted us with smiles and a welcome refreshment.

This resort appears in different web sites and publications as anything from a three star to four star.

The resort has clearly some age and would benefit from some refurbishment and renovation, but this should not detract from the excellent staff and more than adequate food and beverage managed by Jose Luis Ortega.

To understand the reputation of this resort the average visitor I spoke to have returned more than five times. There is a loyalty build on the good nature of staff, good food and the carefully planned and diverse entertainment.
One day there was rain, out came projector screens and movies were run to occupy guests. The theatre was used for the traditional Mexican fiesta which was a great success , the broadway show was very professional, the beach party had a very civilzed dinner dance that had great attendance. No complaints.

The staff made sure that your needs were catered to at all times.

Food was more varied than other all inclusive resorts and fresh coffee replaced standing coffee in the lobby, fresh as you would get at any coffee shop .

I would like to see the lobby furniture recovered, and the painters to clean up paint runs etc, but these are minor details of was a very pleasant resort, this may be why it does not always get a firm four star rating . It is kept extremely clean and care is given in all aspects of service.

You may know this as the Qualton or Hola two of its past names. The management now certainly has their act together and is out for repeat business.