We returned to Casa Velas for the third time in 4 years and I must say our experience this year was much better than last year. I know that they are allowing kids to now stay at this adults only hotel and many people are very upset about it but I really don't think it's going to be an issue. There were no kids staying during our week vacation and kids will not be allowed at the Beach Club, so it should be fine.
I had requested a specific room when I booked last Oct. and was told it was not available when we arrived. Lluvia at the front desk went out of her way to show us other rooms that were available and let us pick which ever one we wanted. We found a room we really liked so we were fine with the change. Lluvia also checked in with us every day to make sure all was going well with our stay. We also were having problems getting our e-mail and she was kind enough to let us use the hotel computer to check our e-mail when ever we wanted. I know we were on vacation and shouldn't even check e-mail but there were special circumstances this trip and once we found out every thing was ok, we were really able to relax and enjoy our stay so, thanks Lluvia for helping us with this issue.
The Beach Club is just as amazing as ever. The food and drinks are all top shelf and thanks to Rangel our waiter, we never waited or wanted for anything! The tanning beds are so comfortable that this is a wonder spot for an afternoon siesta after a few delicious frozen drinks. During our stay they changed the menu so the tempura fish tacos that we love is no longer available but there were many other tasty dishes to choose from so you won't be disappointed. They are only serving dinner at the Beach Club 2-3 nights a week instead of 7 so make sure you find out what nights they are serving and make reservation to dine and enjoy the beautiful sunset. One night we were so tired that we just order room service and that was delicious too! Do take advantage of the 24 hour service for food and drinks to your room, it is very relaxing and enjoyable.
So, after this amazing week of being pampered and all the wonderful service, we are moved on to their sister resort Velas Vallarta for a second week in Mexico. On our "moving" day we packed up everything and left it in our room and went to the Beach Club for the day. After a beautiful sunset we walked down the beach to Velas Vallarta, checked in and found our bags already in our room - now how's that for service!

My husband and I have traveled to Mexico a number of times yet this would be our first time to stay in a hotel/resort that would not be located oceanfront. Our experience could not have been more perfect for us! We were looking for 24/7 fine service, relaxation, beautiful rooms and grounds. Casa exceeded our expectations! We would definitly return. We found ourselves equally spending time at their lovely private oceanfront beach club and back at the hotel pool. We only saw one "child". Lounge chairs and the cabanas at the beach and pool were comfortable for hours of reading! This quiet vacation was exactly what the doctor ordered for us. If you are looking for the "party" atmosphere the marina is 2 minutes away with a lot of nice bars and restaurants.

Our Casa Velas experience was magnificent from the beginning! We were greeted by lovely Carolina, who was a true gem to us during all of our stay. Our room was fabulous, the food there is fabulous. Impressive wine list, as well as cocktail list. Our stay there was one of the most relaxing holidays we have had for a long time. You really felt being taken care of there. Their SPA services were also great. I usually allow myself one body care when staying in a place with SPA, but there I decided to have two, because the first one was so good. Even managed to convince my husband to have a massage and he also agreed it was good. I had two massages with the masseuse Virginia (highly recommended!). During the stay my husband caught a bad cold (it probably followed us already from home, where he felt sick few days before our holiday) and so I went to reception and asked about possible doctor services. Again it was Carolina to the rescue, who called a doctor for us and the staff later helped us with the pharmacy as well. Staff overall is very good there and remembers people well, for example when leaving Carolina remembered and asked my husband whether he feels better now etc. She also helped us with booking bus tickets etc. These kind of small things matter a lot when travelling far away from home. If there is something to complain about, then it is maybe lack of Free Wifi, but maybe it is better not to have constant access to emails during your holiday :) Our overall experience at Casa Velas Boutique Hotel was magnificent and we could not have asked for a better place to have a holiday! Very highly recommended!!!

This was our third year and probably our last. My previous reviews have been outstanding. This is a gem of a place although management is attempting to destroy it! The decision to change this from adult's only to families and the cost-cutting measures we experienced changes everything.
CHILDREN:
This hotel is too small and has too many danger areas for children. I do not want to be here when a child is found face down in one of the many koi ponds or plunge pools on the property. The noise of even one child in this intimate atmosphere and beach club cannot work. There is nothing here for families. The Velas company has inflicted upon itself a public relations nightmare. All the guests I spoke with were livid. Those who had been sold an adult's only timeshare only to have it changed to include children feel they are the recipients of the classic bait and switch. Why would anyone want to buy a timeshare from this company now knowing their business practices. Even if this decision is rescinded in the future the damage is done. This decision was myopic and destroyed your loyal customer base.
COST-CUTTING
There is a new manager, new chef and key staff have left. The previous manager was always visible and discretely ensuring your needs were met. I never did see the new manager although I asked to speak with him. Cuisine is gone, replaced with good well prepared food. The beach club is not open for breakfast and dinner is served only on two nights. The same menu for breakfast lunch and dinner at Emiliano's becomes boring for a one week stay. Afternoon tea is gone and the separate spa menu has gone as have speciality nights at Emiliano 's. The all inclusive wine list is limited and and not interesting(not even a malbec).
ROOMS:
The hotel rooms have been renovated the timeshare rooms have not, therefore, reviews will differ.
The bathrooms in the timeshares are long overdue for a renovation. This hotel is old and rooms are quirky this is the charm,however,maintenance and room appointments are sadly lacking. I experienced the following: entire bathroom floor flooded after taking a bath, leaking toilet, clothes hook on back of bathroom door fell off. Only two small drawers for clothes storage, no bedside storage. Room safe placed so high it was difficult to use. The dirty irrigation water from the flower beds in the unit above drained into my plunge pool. This is not an expensive fix. It requires some flexible pipe draining onto the grass.
PRICE POINT
As an RCI exchange guest the price point (all inclusive fee plus exchange fee plus maintenance fee) can no longer be justified. I do hope this review helps management to reevaluate and please don't spend the energy trying to hide this review with blasts of positive reviews. This place needs professional marketing to the right demographic and ethical business practices. I hope you succeed as you have wonderful hard working staff. I wish you success.