We just returned from a 2-week stay at Holiday Inn, Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. Even though the hotel is getting older, it is still kept immaculate. The rooms are good, and the staff are excellent. They are all so friendly, capable, and go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. We were especially adopted by little Enrique at the Pool bars. He not only served us well, but he was also a friend. The pool is awesome, with lots of room to get around, or just stand and visit with a drink in hand. We were, however, disappointed in the food in the Buffet restaurant, and the one meal we had in the Italian a la carte. Other than hamburgers cooked in the snak shack by the pool, meat was almost non existent in most of the buffet dishes. There were a couple of good fish dishes, and some chicken pieces, but otherwise, there were no roasts, whole carved turkeys, etc. like we have had other years. Everything seemed to be like casseroles, or pasta or rice dishes, and usually in some kind of sauce. The only good desserts were on Friday Fiesta nights, when filled donuts, special fruit dishes, and rice pudding was offered. On all other days, the same things were presented: either jello chunks, or some kind of squares that all tasted the same, bland marshmallowy stuff on a shortbread base. I realize we were holidaying in Mexico, but the tourists also help to keep the hotels open, and offering more than Mexican style cuisine should be a priority to keep the tourists returning.

So I waited to write this review, because I hate being so negative and wanted to give this resort a chance to redeem itself (which it didnt). My sisters and friends surprised me with a Bachlorette trip to Puerto Vallarta for 5 days. All of the girls are in their mid to lates 20's and none of us drink, so we were a pretty calm and easy going bunch. Trouble began with our check in. We were four girls and the original room we booked with an awesome view and double bed did not exist! Are you serious? They said they could only offer a king with a great view or a double room without a view. We opted for the view and asked to have an extra roll out cot put in the room. Room was beautiful, however when cot was rolled in they brought it without any sheets, blankets, or pillows. I called the front desk and they promised to bring some up soon. We went out for a few hrs and low and behold no sheets. Had to call two more times before going downstairs and getting it myself. Ill just bullet point the rest of our occurrences otherwise im going to end up typing a book!
-There was a NEEDLE in our toliet paper. Looked like housekeeping stuck it there to hold it down? Anyways almost pricked myself on it.
-Internet codes never worked. We had 6 devices and not a single one of us could connect. We complained several times but never got any help.
-Staff was obnoxious. We had to wear bracelets bc we were on the resort which was fine but they kept stopping me and my gfs to see our bracelets. This happened at least 20 times (I swear no exaggerations). I wouldnt mind since they r doing their jobs however, the gentlemen knew who we were (I wore a hot pink sash the entire time) and even grinned several times after asking.
-No lights near the hot tubs after dark
-Cant relax on the beach without having vendors constantly asking you to buy something
-Never had fresh towels. Always had to stop housekeeping in the hallways for some.
-Any recommendations from the staff were because of personal ties to restaurants. They would hand you cards to overpriced restaurants in the area and never gave information about the local places or boardwalk when asked.

So much more, but Ill spare. I would have had a terrible trip had it not been for the amazing tour group that I spent most of my days with (Vallarta Adventures). Truly upset and will never use another holiday inn. A true shame bc my sister and I are huge travelers and only used holiday inn previously. Never Again.
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This was my 3rd time back at the Holiday inn. check in was a breeze and so was check out.
If you are 50 years old and older this is for you! the rooms are clean and towels are always fresh maids do a fantasic job. The pool is huge and warm location is Key with the bus stop out in the front and anything thing is in walking distance. The food was brutal....we ate there once and found food else where. the staff is great and always will smile and say hola and laugh and chat with you. The entertaiment during the day is lame not even sure why they pay these kids to jump around and do the same thing everyday.
like i said if you are 50 and older this is your paradise!!! its like a huge senior center....

if you choose to have a spa treatment in the hotel expect to sit there while they all speak spanish to one another and have no interaction with you at all AWKWARD!

We have gone back year after year and while I would say it's a 3 to 31/2 star hotel we just love it there. This year was better than ever even though a lot of people were complaining. I thought the food was better than usual, and there was, due to fewer guests, no line ups and always places to lie in the sun. The waiters were always friendly and while we would tip, they didn't seem to discriminate against those who didn't. The only thing I missed was the early morning coffee that has been discontinued, probably because people were claiming beach chairs too early and then not using them. We had a great time. We missed some people from other years, but met new ones. And waiters Enrique and Miguel and lifestyle people Paco, Tanya and Sugar Ray were always enthusiastic. Costco and Starbucks are within short walking distance, longer being the Casino and Walmart and Mallecon, downtown. And all the buses go right by out front. See you next year!