I just got back from a one week stay at VDP. There have been a lot of complaints on Tripadvisor and other review sites about pushy timeshare sales people at VDP, but this is the case with virtually all resort hotels in Mexico. VDP is known to be especially bad--they will follow you around the lobby asking you to attend their "orientation" and call your room multiple times at all hours of the day to get you to attend. My girlfriend and I decided not to fall into the whole timeshare presentation thing since our vacation time is precious, but if you want the freebies and discounts, go ahead. Just dont buy a timeshare in Mexico because all you really get for your 5 to 10 thousand dollars is a worthless piece of paper that says you can stay at that hotel for one or more weeks per year. Oh, and your "investment" does not include the annual fees, which can be hundreds of dollars. Do the math. Also, be aware that American citizens have no legal protection in Mexico regarding real estate. So when the resort is sold in 20 years and closes down, you will lose your timeshare.

As for the positive attributes of VDP: First, it is in a good location on a nice stretch of beach. About 1/2 mile down are a few restaraunts. I would recommend The Office if you want to spend a lot of money, or Tobascos is you want good food for cheap. Second, my room at VDP was very clean (except for the dead cockroach on the balcony). Third, the pool area is large and well designed, and the outdoor bar has a 2 for 1 happy hour.

As for the negatives: First, I already mentioned the timeshare people. Second, unless you own a timeshare, don't expect a room with a view of the ocean even if you reserved one. The resort was half empty when I was there and they still refused to give us an ocean view room. In fact, they first gave us a room with two small beds, no TV or sitting area, and no balcony until we complained and were moved into a better room. Third, avoid dining at the hotel. The menu consists entirely of poorly prepared and overpriced American and Italian food. Eat in town for half the price.

It is a nice resort, but overpriced. Anything and everything is overpriced. You HAVE TO WATCH the hotel charges and KEEP YOUR COPY OF RECEIPT. We requested proof of some charges we did not recognise on our bill prior to check-out but NEVER received the signed copies / proof from accounting. Filled out a feedback FORM in July 2006 asking management to send us receipt, but they never contacted us. Hotel staff removed two of our personal large water bottles from our room from the shelf, without asking us and never replaced it. We recommend you don't eat the snacks and drinks in the room (they charge you US $5 for each item) but rather get your own supplies from the store outside the lobby. As with all resorts you will have big issues with the chaise around the pool. People reserve them and go off for a day while you at the hotel have nowhere to sit. As for value for money, there are much better places to go. However, these ARE timeshare units everything in Cabo San Lucas is accounted by the central timeshare company and they know at any given moment where you are what you are doing and how much you spend. They control you and your credit card. So, watch it.

Just returned 9/23 from 6 days at Villa Del Palmar and found a mix of what everyone else is writing - some good and some bad. I never saw a bug of any sorts in our room. There was some construction dust when we checked in but one call downstairs and someone was up with a mop and they basically cleaned all of the floors and counter tops again. No problem.

I didn't get a gold card either because of not wanting to sit thru a presentation and agree all of the hassle for buying timeshares makes it unpleasant for tourists wanting a quiet vacation. I'd just tell them "sure, how about in 1 hour?" then not show up. If they called back again, I'd say I forgot and how about in 30 minutes then not show up. They got the message after the second missed "appointment".

The hotel was clean as were all of the pools but I think I'll lean away from an all-inclusive resort because I'd rather swim in the pool instead of hearing someone over a loudspeaker calling out Bingo numbers! The outside restaurant, Bella California, was definitely NOT the place to go eat. We never even had a good snack. The drinks are affordable during happy hour. We went to City Club and bought alcohol and incidentals to help with the costs. The Palmita grocery is a little pricey but you're paying for convenience and the prices weren't a lot higher than the supermercado in town. That being said, you can still find inexpensive meals in town - Spencer's in the Mar Del Cortez hotel had $2.50 breakfast specials and Gardenia's has $2 shrimp tacos that can't be beat! Mi Casa mexican restaurant was fantastic. Margaritaville's, at the marina, food was so-so but margaritas were good.

We had relatively good fishing and had a local restaurant prepare our fresh catch for only $6 per plate and that included rice and steamed veggies.

All in all, not a bad place but I'd have been disappointed if I paid full price for the accomodations and fishing.

I had read several negative reviews about this resort and was not sure what I should expect. I was pleasently suprised when i realized that the resort was well above average in most areas.
The rooms were clean and well kept. The staff went above and beyond for my husband and I. Every person I came in contact with at the resort was smiling and extremely helpfull with everything from advice on where to dine to what water sports and activities were most popular . I started to wonder if this was the same place that I had read so many bad reviews on. My advice to anyone who wants to stay at this resort is go and see for yourself.
You will not be disappointed.