My wife and I thought this resort was beautiful and the service was excellent. All of the staff was very friendly, courteous, and helpfull. The pools, landscaping, and rooms are fantastic. The only downsides to this place are the lack of beach and the food. The breakfast buffets were excellent at El Greco and the Oriental place. The lunch options were OK and the food at dinner was average.
If you enjoy time by the pool, this is the place for you. Aventura has two large pool areas, one in the north and one in the south. The pools and pool bars are better than any other resort we have visited. However, if you want time by the beach, this is not the resort for you. The resort has some lagoons with salt water and sand around them. This sandy area is not great and you can't access the ocean from this area due to rocky terrain.
All in all we had a fantastic experience at the Aventura Spa Palace and would recommend it to others wanting a relaxing vacation.

After a long day of traveling we arrive tired around 7pm, ate, looked around and went to bed. The 7am phone call really wasn't what we hoped to recieve especially since our brains were on Pacific time. A time share phone call to join their hotel which we are already members of. The lady said she had our welcome packet and map of the hotel and to come down. So we did and she was with people so we asked the 3 other people there if they could give us the map and we'd be on our way. We were told no that only she could give us our packet. We waited over 20 minutes she never once even acknowledged us. We left bored and really didn't need whatever they had for us. Wouldn't you know it they called again the next morning at 7am AGAIN. It was a different person this time and we called in and said we were not interested in meeting with them they said okay. So of course they called again at the crack of dawn. We unplugged our phone the evening before but the maid plugged it back in. The next day we were gone for hours at a Xpu-Ha which we LOVED and when we returned we had 6 messages. We went down again to end this and at first no one would help us but we held firm that someone is going to enter in the computer that we are not attending the meeting and stop calling. Finally a guy helped us and purely to talk to us about a timeshare sales meeting, we asked why would we go when we are already members he told us that they added new things to our membership and the only way we can find out what is to attend. ??
When it came to the food we had several places to choose from but not one stood out until we went to Xpu-Ha. The oriental food rest. at Aventura had great appitizers but horrible main courses. One place we were only the 4th table sat in the place and it took 1 1/2 hours for our food to arrive and it was steak with no seasoning on it, all cuts seemed to be the same.
So we tried the massages they were known for. Got the aroma massage for 80 min. for $189 usd. Hmmm...at the start they rubbed their hands together and held near my face and that was it for the aroma therapy and I love massages can't get a bad one in my mind but this time I found myself bored and looking at the clock. All they did was rub my skin no real massaging at all. I told them my neck was sore from traveling and I don't even remember them touching my neck.
We love to order room service especially when it is included in the all inclusive pkg even if only for chocolate cake. They offer a room service for breakfast if you fill out a card with what you want they will deliver at the time requested, so we did and the first time it was great but then they didn't give us a new card for the next time so we tracked one down and did it again and this time they never showed up we waited an exxtra hour before calling and they said they came and we didn't answer. Well we know that isn't true we were up an hour before our time by an early morning call from the hotel.
The hotel has two lobby's North and South we were in the south lobby and asked for a cab, they said go to the North lobby. We asked if they could have it just come to this lobby which is where they always drop us off at and they guy said no we can't and gave us a weird look for even asking. Not once did anyone in the South lobby offer any sort of help during our stay.
Now for our room, we asked for ocean view which online said most have. Well that isn't exactly true. The suites have ocean view the other rooms have a partial view if you look sideways. The rooms were old, broken wood on door jams just kind of worn down. Our maid service gave us towels everyday but didn't even pick up the soap wrapper from the shower since it wasn't in the garbage I suppose. It was there the entire week. The other resorts made towel animals to display on the bed but not here, no little extras at all. The flower they give the women upon arrival still sat dead and wilted over in the vase when we were leaving. Sometimes we didn't get turn down service and they would leave a message saying we locked the door, which is odd since we were out the entire day at other hotels.
The reason we joined with Palace Resorts was b/c of the exceptional service, clean hotels, great food and locations. But if we had been at this hotel prior to joining we never would have. It is true you can go to other resorts if you want to catch the early morning shuttle at 8:50am which is first come first serve & only to the resorts North of you. We preferred going to Xpu-Ha which was South of us so we had to pay for a cab each time. It was well worth it and most of the people we met there were actually staying at our hotel as well but didn't care for it as much. Xpu-Ha has the nicest most helpful people you will ever meet.
We were in the south lobby buying gifts and went to the front desk to see if they would tell us when our shuttle will be picking us up for the airport and he replies I don't go to the North lobby, so we asked what is it you do here in the south lobby he replied Information and we kind of looked at him then he went to the computer and asked us our room # and said go see the girl at the desk adjacent to his. Of course she told us to ask our travel agent..?? We explained that we booked through them and she reluctantly made a call to someone and told us our shuttle takes us the airport 5 1/2 hours prior to our flight.
So at checkout we had to pay our spa bill which we had some spa money gift card so we gave that to the front desk and they said what is this and asked a co employee who said we don't take this go to the spa, so we go to the spa and they tell us they don't handle payment go back downstairs and try the the spa store so we did and she said no no no go to the spa receptionist and she pointed about 50 feet from the front desk where we started. Each thing at the hotel seemed to be a small battle b/c no one really wanted to help.
It wasn't a bad experience it just wasn't what we were used to after staying at their other locations, we would give this hotel 2 1/2 stars out of 5 for the scenary. We made our trip great ourselves. I do feel the price was extremely way too high for what was received. At Moon Palace I felt it was a fair price.

Following are random thoughts on my recent visit to the Aventura Spa Palace.

My wife and I have been to several resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, and the level of service at the ASP far surpasses all the other resorts. Want a drink, their will be someone around to bring you one. Problem in your room? They will be there quickly to fix the problem. Need something during a meal? They are there to wait on you. When a server brought us fresh coffee in the mornings and we told them "gracias", they responded "it is a pleasure to serve you". And they really meant it. Everyone from the guy cutting the grass to someone at the front office greeted you with a big smile and a "Hola!" every time they passed you. We had not experience this before at other major resort brands. In fact, as we entered the resort initially, the entry was lined with 6 or seven workers on both sides who applauded as we walked past them to enter the resort. That was pretty cool.

The rooms were good, and they were cool in the hot afternoon, although the buildings, in general, are beginning to show their age. Nothing big, mind you, just small things like cracked tiles in the hallways, railings that need to be painted or replaced. It's not like the resort needs a major facelift, just minor things fixed.

The drinks were plentiful and good. The same for the food. If you can't find things you like to eat at the ASP, then you can't find anything you like anywhere. The buffets were fine, with a large selection of all types of foods. I never had to look too hard to find lots of delicious things to eat. If you get something you don't like, put it aside and go find something you do like. We had dinners at:
El Greco, which is a buffet prior to 6PM. Although the food was marginal, the service was terrific!;
La Hacienda - Mexican; It is delicious, and be sure to try the flavored tequilas on the stand behind the hostess;
MoMoNoHana - Japanese; Good food, they begin bringing appetizers and soups almost as soon as you sit down;
Ventanas - buffet restaurant where, again, you can always find something to eat!

The main reason for this trip was my daughter's wedding. The ASP did a bang-up job of taking care of every wedding detail. I highly recommend a wedding at the ASP.

The only real negative I have for the resort is the lack of a beach. I love to sit on the beach, listen to the waves, and swim in the ocean. The lagoons are a distant second the the real thing, but at least I could still swim in salt water, and we had a blast snorkeling in the lagoons! Lots of fish to see, and if take some bread to the lagoon, they will circle you like a school of sharks who have smelled blood. Just throw the bread in the water, because they do have teeth, and they are big enough to draw blood!

Regardless, we did not want to leave, but all good things must come to an end. We will go back. I would highly recommend this resort. We will most certainly check out some of the other Palace resorts.

Let me start by saying I am not an experienced traveler. I have only been to Mexico twice. Both times have been to ASP. So I am slightly biased.

In may of 2005 for my honey moon I researched adult-only AI resorts in Mexico. There are not many. But after reading reviews and doing research we decided on ASP. We stayed for 10 days. I must say I was blown away. Every staff member was very nice, pleasant, and respectiful. The entertainment was great. The fact that it had a dance club in the resort was perfect since I love to dance. The 7 different restaurants did not disappoint. My wife and I have different tastes...so sometimes we would eat at three different places at dinner time. One for her, One for me, and one for desert. So many choices....it was worth it....and we had all the time in the world....we were on vacation. We did some excursions that were outside of the resort. They were great. We did bar leaping, X-caret (swimming with the dolphins), and zip line. It was perfect.

So we decided to go back. So for our 2nd anniversary we went again....another 10 days. This time...no excursions.....except for bar leaping tour. We love that. great way to meet fun people and party.....(by the way we are early 30's). There is so much to do at ASP you don't need excursions. Water volleyball, ping pong, water b-ball, water polo, obstacle course....yes obstacle course, rock climbing wall, dance clubs, martini bars, zen garden, shows, events....anything you can handle.

The staff again is so friendly, that we made friends with a few of them. I still contact them to this day. Great people. We also met another great couple from Indiana. We are meeting them again this year.

Now... there are negative reviews and you can't make everone happy....below is my responses to the negative comments.

Do you have to wait 2 hours for dinner....sure if you go at 7:30....when everyone else goes. If you go at 5:30-6:00 you get seated right away....but who cares....you have time...you are on vacation....DUH!!!!!

Is it the most up to date resort...no it's well over 5 years old....it's been around for a while....but it is still exquisite and in great shape.

Is there a party side and a quiet side? Yes. SOUTH SIDE RULES!!!. It's so much fun. Yes it's kind of noisy and there are drunk people....but they are all having fun...and the staff provides great games for those people that want to have fun. If you want more laid back...go to the North side.....you will have a great time relaxing and being with people who also just want to relax. So either way you have your choice.

The rooms...are great.....are they wondeful fantastic...no...the beds are kind of hard....but WHO CARES!!!....you are only there to either take a nap or sleep at night.....other wise the room is just a closet for your stuff...and a place to change. The jucuzzi tubs are awesome. Plus the hammock on the balcony is great. The rest of the time you are out and about the resort. Playing pool, drinking, chess, dancing, swimming in the indoor heated music pool, or just walking in the wonderful outside air listening to the water crash against the rocks.

The beach....there is no beach...if you did any research at all you already know this. Yes a beach would be awesome...but if you are having fun or just relaxing you can do it at the pool...and if you are dying for a beach...go into Playa and have a ball at the beach...and then come back.

The staff...goes out of there way to be polite. They are awesome. On our 2nd anniversary we went through Apple and requested a top level room on the southside, closest to the beach. Instead we got a first story, farthest from the beach, twin beds, North side room. I talked to the front desk and they said there was a huge convention and to check back in a couple of days. So we did.....and 3 days later we were on the south side on the second floor close to the beach. Again...if you want to be nit picky...you can....but it was just a room. We spent hardly any time in the room...so it didn't matter that we had to wait a few days. Was it a pain to switch rooms. not really. it just took about an hour to pack, switch, and unpack. It was worth it. The staff helps out anyway they can....and I am so pleased with them...that is why we went back.

Kids.....THERE AREN'T ANY!!!!!!

Spa's....Great.....expensive...but great.

Downsides.....convetions...sometimes huge conventions come in and there are lots of people...but it doesn't effect you too much. Again....you are on vacation....quit sweating the small stuff.

We are leaving in 4 days to go back......This time.....we will be there for 12 days. I will write a review after that as well.

If you are looking for a great place to get away....have some fun, relax, meet great people, have lots of choices of food, activities galore.....or just do nothing..this is the place to be. If you are looking for a beach....and the service and price of a 5 star resort...then go to the United States.....but you will spend an arm and a leg.

This place has it all. Every place has it's downsides....but the upsides here far outweigh the bad. I cannot say enough positive things about this place. I searched other resorts....I was not nearly as impressed with them as this one....but here is the huge kicker.....you can go visit other Palace resorts up and down the coast and eat and drink there too....for free.....but you won't need to...once you are here.....you are hooked:):):)

If you have any doubts or questions....let me know...I'll break it down for you...and I'll be honest about it.