We just came from 1 week at the Hard Rock Vallarta. My husband, myself and our 2 children (ages 3 and 5) The resort was not super busy and it was very relaxing. The pools are amazing and what's even more amazing is the staff! You do not feel pressure to tip, and they are all so very pleasant and accommodating. After a few days of getting to know us, one waiter (Mario) was bringing our 5 year old daughter chocolate covered strawberries for breakfast! The restaurants were amazing, especially the Italian and the Asian (Zen) and we never had to wait and our meals were served very quickly, especially the kids. There was a waterslide area for kids, and they have to be over 5 or over a certain height. Once we talked to them and showed them how well our 3 year old can do in the pool, he was able to go as well, but they are pretty strict with that area and constantly monitoring.

There is a small wading pool for kids as well, which is perfect for really litte ones (1-2 year olds)
Our only issues that we had were the beds - being 2 double beds in the room we had (Junior ocean view suite) because when one person moved, the other person can feel every movement. Our only change when we do come back to this resort is we will upgrade our room to include a King sized bed. The other issue was the Jacuzzi hot tubs outside were not hot. They were luke warm at best. I had read this in other reviews, so I was not shocked. It says no kids are allowed in the Jacuzzi tubs, but there were kids in them and nobody complained. The room we had was also a little small, but we got spoiled at our last resort because we had a double room so there was a lot more space for suitcases, etc. There was only room for clothes in 3 small drawers and the closet in the room, but if space is really important in your room, there are larger rooms available if you want to upgrade. For us, with small kids, we could have used more space, but the rooms were very nice, none-the-less.

The beach is very nice and people were going in the ocean a lot, despite signs to beware of jelly fish and sting-rays. There is a shopping mall 2 blocks away from the hotel and it has about 5 or 6 good souvenir shops in it. We went to the market in Bucerias and it was not worth our time! It was definitely "old" Mexico and very very dirty and smelly and the streets were wet with what appeared to be a mixture of water and urine. The streets had a lot of garbage and a lot of stray dogs running around. I would stick to the shopping mall, or if you want to venture farther away, cab it down to Puerto Vallarta.

There is a turtle plantation only a mere 5 minute walk down the beach where they do daily releases for kids to let the little hatchlings go into the water, but unfortunately when we went to do it, both days - there weren't any hatchlings so there was not a release.

The pool-side service was phoenominal, and the snack bar by the wading pool had hot dogs, quasadillas and a variety of salads and foods up top, including ice creams and all sorts of snacks. There was even a chef making fresh sushi to order every day and it was fantastic.

There is daily maid service and turn-down service, which is a huge bonus because you get your beds re-made and you get fresh towels. There are jacuzzi tubs in each hotel room and they are awesome!

You get $1500 in resort credits, which you can use for specific tours or you can use at the spa in the hotel. Just note: You have to pay 16% tax on all services, so it's not entirely free, but when you price things out, it's worth it. There was also no pressure to view the time share presentation. They asked us one time and we declined and they were not upset and did not ask us again.

There is a "ROCK SHOP" in the hotel with some great "HARD ROCK" stuff .. everything from T-shirts to shot glasses, to guitar picks, to trinkets. It's pricey, but that's to be expected. Also, they only take Peso's in the shop, or Credit Card. NO AMERICAN!

The gift shop takes all denominations, but don't count on buying too many goodies from there. The large bag of M & M's is $8!

To sum it up .. this is a FANTASTIC resort and the only resort we have ever been to that we said we would return to! We absolutely think it's great for all ages and whether you like Rock Music or not, it's such a great place to be. It's also very close to the Airport and was only a 10 minute cab ride.

Hope this review helps!

Our third time at this property. (formerly Vallarta Palace)
In the 2 weeks we observed Management & Staff and guests!!!
Conclusion: All Staff Members (too many to list) were absolutely fantastic.!!!!
We took down many names of all the restaurants, spa & entertainment facilities, but we might have forgotten a couple of staff members, therefore our salute goes to everybody.
The service, the food, the lodging... was as usual outstanding. We signed up as LEGENDARY MEMBERS.
Noticing that several guests were out of line...we agreed that if they are unhappy at home they are also unhappy on holidays and they will write not so nice comments.
We are aware of the Hotel transition and we will be patiently awaiting the reopening of the Theater outside.
Kudos to all of you! We will be back. You rocked our world!!!!!!
Rock and Roll on
adios amigos hasta luego!!!
Edith Hagell & Robert Swift

We are due to arrive at HRV on 1.26.13. So far it has not been a good experience and I am fearful of what we have gotten ourselves into. We are not new to Palace Resorts but this is our first since Hard Rock has taken over. 2 weeks prior to arrival I sent 2 separate e-mails (HRV posts their email address at the bottom of the home page on the HRV web site); the 1st was requesting information and the 2nd was regarding our room. One week passed and nothing. I sent a 3rd request. Nothing. 4 days later I called the "front desk" phone # and found I was reaching Miami and was told, "they could not help me with anything. I needed to talk to the resort directly." Puerta Vallarta web site - front desk #; what was I thinking!!!!
I was transfered to HRV and the operator sent me to the spa when I wanted tour info-the call was disconnected before I reached anyone. I called the "front desk" again and was reluctantly give the direct # to HRV before being transferred one more time. I made the long distance call and after 3-4 minutes of holding, my call was dropped.
Needless to say I am very frustrated at not being able to get the help I needed prior to arrival. I am very disappointed at the lack of customer care when HRV will most likely say they never received my emails; 1 maybe - but 3, I don't think so. Lastly, I am very afraid that our trip will disappoint. Based on earlier reviews and Mr Rojas responses, we decided to take a chance.
So far - not so good!

My boyfriend and I stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel for a week. We had such a great time. The staff was extremely friendly and very accommodating. They had helped me plan a great surprise birthday dinner for my boyfriend. Also, there are plenty of activities not only in the hotel but in the surrounding areas as well. We did swimming with the dolphins one day and a city tour the next day. The food is excellent and you can basically find anything you are in the mood to eat. Also, I highly recommend taking the wine tasting class they offer in the hotel. It is definitely worthwhile! We hope to be visiting Hard Rock hotel Vallarta soon again!