I must say we were apprehensive after reading several reviews that spoke about food, children, service issues and after staying there for a week we had to wonder about the authors of those reviews. Perhaps those reviews were written by "seasoned" travellers and they had enormous expectations but for our family of 5 we were very pleased. Firstly the people were awesome. The hotel staff were outstanding if you treated them with a little respect and tips went a long way when they were deserved. The food had enough variety to keep the 5 of us full with the lunch buffet by the pool being the best of all meals. Rooms were cleaned well and any concerns were dealt with promptly. They left us lots of water in our room. The kids loved the pool tables, pool, activity co-ordinators, volley ball and we were entertained nightly by the three musicians that travelled the restaurants. The ocean beach was better than everyone led us to believe, as one day the waves came crashing in and we enjoyed the afternoon there. We met a number of terrific people there from around North America and made some great friends. Yes, there are a lot of people selling timeshare meetings throughout the area, so just be firm and let them know your interests. Overall the hotel was a wonderful experience and we found ourselves scheming to be able to return. Bottom line is a vacation here is wonderful if you are ready to allow yourself to have a good time, it's really what you make of it.

We (2 adults and 2 kids, 5 & 6) Just got back on 11/21/04 on a 7day stay. Less than 5 min. from the airport (30pesos) and about 5 min. to downtown (45pesos), and a beautiful marina boardwalk about 50 yards away, I thought the location was perfect. The staff was great especially the activities coordinators , the mini club coordinator and the dance team. They try very hard to get everyone involved and to have fun. Lots of activities. My kids requested to go to the mini club every morning, this gave them a chance to meet and play with kids their age. They were involved in 2-3 plays which was really fun, they rehearsed during the day and had their show at the mini disco at 9pm, just before the nightly entertainment, which in my opinion isn't finely tuned as a broadway show or las vegas show, but they have fun and are fun to watch. The food was good sometimes better than good, but in no way was it terrible, there was always a good variety of meat ,vegetables and fruits, how could it be bad? Beer was cold and the tequila was 80proof, I had no complaints. I know I didn't have to tip, but I did ( a dollar or two goes a long way), because I appreciate good service, and no time at all did the staff make me feel like I had to. The place was kept clean always, like my room. I got a full body massage for an hour for $40. I have so much more to say about this place and it's all good. I read the reviews and expected to see a lot of kids and bad food. The place is so big it never seemed like there's a lot of kids, including the pool. And the food is not bad at all. My first night there and I met several adults that were so happy to be there and they didn't have kids of there own. This place is fun for adults also. I would definitely recommend this place, I can't wait to take my family back.

We stayed at the Melia Nov. 11-16th and have to say we had a wonderful time. The grounds are beautiful and the service was excellent!!! We went as a family and also where joined by our friends and their children. Together we had 6 kids ages 6,9,10,11,12,13. They all loved it!!! The pool is huge and alot of fun and the nightly shows are definitely worth seeing. My daughter loved them! It seem that everyone complains about the food and I have to say not everything is the best but, their is quite a variety and we all seemed to find something we liked. Their is always some place to eat and the wait staff is excellent about bringing you drinks. Our kids loved this part.........getting smoothies ect whenever you want. Remember you are in mexico and the food taste just a little different than you are use to........adjust.

The beach is a little rocky in places and the waves can be a bit forcefull at times but, we played in it and enjoyed it. We took a few day trips to other beaches so it was great. The sunsets on the water were beautiful! All in all I have to say if I wanted to complain, I could but I know of at least 20 people that would have loved to switch me places and be laying by the pool being waited on instead of working. You can always find something wrong if you are looking for it. We would rather enjoy the relaxation and beauty and watch our kids have a great time.

If you get the chance go to Las Caletas, Chico's Paradise for lunch and also La Kliffs for dinner..............all beautiful places!!!!

There is so much to do at the Melia. The entertainment staff includes all the guests in their festive activities in the pool area and also nightlife. Everyone on the staff was wonderful, approachable, kind, and helpful. La Melia is located about 5 minutes from the airport which is also a plus. The waiters were plentiful and always offering us drinks or food. Every staff member we came in contact with was amazing.

The bad parts: THE FOOD! I read all the reviews on the Melia before I left ( which all stated the horrible food) and thought to myself that it can't be that bad. Well it was. I feast day in & day out when I am at an all-inclusive vacation but not here. Other little things were wrong with the resort, like there are no clocks in the rooms, no radio, and the electric sockets are too loose to plug in hairdryers/curling irons. Our key to get into our room would not work on 3 different occasions and I overheard another guest complaining of that as well.

I would most likely never go back unless they changed the menu. Plus too many little things went wrong. However, the service was perfect.