I am a long-time trip advisor reader/contributor and read every review on this property prior to visiting. I will summarize my experience versus some other reviews. We had a great stay overall and will give you problems and pluses/minuses.
I traveled with my mother and sister for a "long weekend" (Thurs-Mon) stay. We had a Jr Exec. Suite, # 1941, building 19, 4th floor, room 1. First, arrival at the airport...yes, bypass the "indoor" travel reps. ie. time share reps in disguise and go outside to find your transportation.
Problem # 1: My sister arranged transport via internet with the hotel for CAPE Travel (who the resort used) and never received a confirmation number via email (over several days). She called the hotel several times and was told, "no problem", you'll get your confirmation #. Well, you can see it coming, no confirmation # and when we walked outside Cape Travel told us we were not on the list and therefore, no ride. We got a taxi shuttle for 56$ for 3 one-way. It took about an hour to get to our hotel but we got to see other places where we definately didn't want to stay. DIdn't use them but will do Grey Line next time.
Plus #1: The resort is beyond downtown (on the Pacific) and is "away from it all". It is simply gorgeous! The check-in was no problem, although our desk guy cheated us out a drink voucher which the "welcome" desk told us to go back to get.
Plus #2: If you do not have A MAN with you, you will not be approached for the time share pitch. We almost had to ask about it and then decided not to do it...lost out on the free stuff but kept our 90 minutes.
Bottom line on "carts": If you are not fit, (I am 41 and walk a few miles everyday and did fine but got winded on hills, bluffs) you will want to take them. They are gas powered vehicles and can be scary if you are walking with them on the roads. There are "hidden" pedestrian stairways/walkways that are great! Thanks to the other Trip Advisor reports for mentioning them.
Problem # 2/Plus # 3: Carts are necessary if you are not fit but are timely and plentiful and would probably be loud if you are on lower levels. Plus, HIDDEN PATHS are great and give you a chance to check out the other buildings. There is one that goes from the building below ours (19, the top bldg) around the eastern side and around the upper pool down to the lower bldgs. You still have a little "road time" but not much.
Plus # 4: The suite. It was beautifully decorated. The setup of a bedroom w/ sitting area and bath, large living room, kitchen (full), and 2nd bath was just right for us. The bed was comfortable.
Minus # 1: The "sofa couch" is a slide out couch bottom (like a futon) that is "very firm".
Minus # 2: The rest of the furniture is also rather uncomfortable. I discounted this in other reviews but they mention it for a reason. And yes, they use Neutrogena. The louvered paneled doors do not afford much privacy anywhere in the suite.
Problem: Beware the plant "watering" at dusk. It smells of raw sewage (and probably is) and one woman on a cart got "sprayed " by it as it cascaded down the bank and the cart drove by (sit away from the plant side on carts at dusk).
Plus # 4: Our balcony was an "end" balcony that afforded a great view of the sunsets and whales (take binoculars). The top building had a great view and was closer to the Sky Pool.
Minus #3: There is very little privacy on the balconies. Pray that your neighbor isn't loud, is usually out and desn't smoke cigars and cigarettes like our did. We looked right down on the hot tub below us (I mean right down-could've handed them a towel).
Plus # 5: The deli was fine and not that expensive for Mx. Has cereal, yogurt, frozen foods, deli things, desserts, beer , wine and liquor.
Minus # 4: If you want the pool cabanas, yes, go early. But, chairs are numerous and even with umbrellas which I prefer. The main pool is great and always fairly crowded but w/ good service from "Aqua Bar". We also saw a whale about 30 ft off shore one day from our pool chair. Never figured out the happy hour deal at the pools. The water is almost hot, even in early March.
PLUS: The beach is lovely. No you can't get in water unless you have a death wish. It is very deserted and like having your own stretch of beach (and no vendors). You cannot walk to Pacifico )which is just to the west) because you cannot pass in front of the resort owner's private estate. Yes, there are "guards" to make sure and ensure your "safety" from crossing the rocks there.
PROBLEM: The maid service does charge you for servicio (mini bar items) even though you don't use them. Go to front desk (no matter what anyone tells you) and fill out a form disputing the amount. DO NOT CHECK OUT WITHOUT SCRUTINIZING BILL AND SAVE EVERY RECEIPT. Also, use the room charge everywhere and know that the gratuity is already added in. Yes, I thought the previous notes were from cheap, paranoid Americans...I guess, not so much. Also, anytime someone says "no problem", know that it's Mexico and they are just trying to get you to leave them alone (and yes, I speak a little Spanish and we still would get this very nice brush off).
PROBLEM: Allow a lot of tme for your shuttle (reserve days in advance through concierge) trip to airport or don't be cheap and hire a car.
Must see at resort: Balcony at night, with bar service on back of lobby. The cigar bar is just beautiful but we don't smoke and it looked closed but you must at least peak in.
Know that the interesting classes cooking, yoga, pilates are very expensive.
RESTAURANTS: DON'T MISS La Nao Sunday Champagne Brunch (but don't expect much seafood). It was wonderful and I lived in Vegas for 4 yrs ( I know my buffets)! Room service was great one night and mediocre the next time. Shrimp was disappointing, the pizza surprisingly good, especially w/ refried beans as topping.
La Gollorindrina: lovely setting, go hungry. Note: If you are not with a male or very large group DO NOT take the shuttle to Rose' and walk to this restaurant or anywhere at night from the Rose'. We were very harrassed by the locals. Taxis 10-12 $ US without tip, any # of people to downtown.
Alexander's (on the marina): Excellent, we were sad we didn't try the Tequilla Shrimp
Amarone's (back of mall on marina waterfront): The best meal! The best ambiance, sit outside by fountains. True Italian w/ fresh seafood, large portions. Inside is very upscale/stylish. Local favorite.
WHALE WATCHING: We did Pez Gato, a large catamarran with tent for shade and not bad for a boat "head". Nice sail out and respectable distance from whales (unlike the Panga boats). Very cheesy, LOUD music after the whales and Tostitos (literally, I saw the bag) and guacomole after. They cruise by the P.B. Sunset and close to Land's End. Two crewmen were rude, two were nice. Overall, we saw lots of whales, fairly close...that's why you go.
Overall, beautiful! would stay there again without hesitation! Most of the staff were friendly and wonderful. Cart drivers were great. Good luck!