Just returned from a 3 night stay at the Pacifica for a long weekend getaway. Absolutely loved it. The best part was that the hotel is a non-smoking hotel, no one under 16 is allowed and it never seemed crowded. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking to getaway from it all. Not to mention it is on the Pacific side which is relatively undeveloped although I'm sure that won't last too long. The drive down the cliffs to the property is beautiful.
CHECK-IN: No real problems here. Our hotel room was not ready upon check in and we were told it would be about 45 minutes. We were then provided two drink coupons and were asked to see the ladies across the lobby for a validation. This is where they go over their timeshare pitch. As someone else has mentioned they asked if we were married and if we were over 28. Since we only had three days in town they did not pressure us to attend their 1.5 hour presentation and free breakfast. So, we had our drink tickets validated and went to the pool restaurant to grab some of those tempura shrimp tacos. As other reviewers have said they were delicious! We then went back to the lobby to get our keys and were escorted by the bell boy to our room.
ROOMS: Despite what others have said, I felt the room size was very comfortable for two ladies. We had our own queen beds, there was ample drawer space, the balcony was very sizable with oceanviews and views of the rest of the property. Towels were always replenished during turndown service and we had plenty of toiletries. Rooms come equipped with a small safe in the closet, a minibar, a hair dryer and two robes.
POOL: The pool was excellent. The hotel provides towels at each lounge chair in the mornings. If you need towels hunt down someone and they are very prompt to help you. We did not encounter the umbrella problems others have mentioned. Perhaps it was not as windy. Also the hotel offers several activities throughout the day. Aerobics, yoga, scuba lessons, etc. Make sure you grab a welcome letter in the lobby. One was not left in our room and the information within the sheet came in very handy during our stay.
SPA: We both booked massages. I had booked a deep tissue but ultimately I believe I ended up with a swedish which was fine. The spa is clean and has a cool pool bath, hot pool bath and steam room. There is also an area to shower/clean up and you are provided a locker, robe and slippers upon arrival. Remember to wear your bathing suit if you plan to hang out for their pools. Cucumbers, cool cloths, apple water and dried fruit are also provided.
HOTEL RESTAURANTS: The property has several places to eat. Siempre which is the main dining room. Aire which services the pool area. A Wine Bar and another Bar. There is also a Cafe which offers danish, breakfast sandwiches, fruit, drinks and snacks. I had breakfast our last day at Siempre and the food was good. We also ate lunch twice at the pool. Service was always good and the people were very nice.
CABO RESTAURANTS: We went to Ediths which I highly recommend. Great atmosphere, excellent service and the food was wonderful. Yes, it is pricey but well worth it. Cabo Wabo was good for drinks and a snack. Their margaritas are pretty potent so watch it! Margaritaville and Ole Ole on the marina were just so so. These two were very touristy and can't say much for the food, service or staff. Nick-San was excellent and the lobster rolls were to die for! Our last day we went to San Jose to Jazmin. This is a good choice for excellent traditional Mexican food with friendly service and friendly prices too.
CAR RENTAL: We rented a car but it was not absolutely necessary. It was nice to have to be able to jump in the car and venture for a drive along the corridor or go into town during the day without having to rely on a taxi. Taxi cab rides ranged from $10-$13 from the hotel.
SHUTTLE SERVICE: The hotel provides shuttle service to the Sunset and Rose which are sister properties. To get to the Rose you have to ask for a transfer once getting to the Sunset. A pain in our book. We were so pressed for time in our short stay it was more worthwhile to us to forego the free shuttle and pay for the taxi ride.
SUNSET CRUISE: We booked a sunset cruise through Pez Gato Sailing Tours on our own. I highly recommend this two hour cruise if you are looking for a laid back tour with free drinks and a non-crowded catamaran style boat. Price was $35 each.