For our first family holiday to Mexico we decided to book an all-inclusive resort. We didn't really think that it would be our style but we liked the comfort of having everything included should we need to fall back on it. We ended up taking a lot of day trips out of the resort on our own but did enjoy ourselves while we were there. The staff were all extremely helpful and friendly and in our eyes that really makes or breaks a business.

Elijio was our favourite waiter in the buffet restaurant. He was very friendly, very attentive and even has a brother in our home town who we were able to bring photos for after our holiday.

The housekeeping staff left towel art on the beds and the kids loved coming back to animals made of cotton terry. The room was very clean.

The beach was not over-crowded and I don't imagine that it would be in the busy season either. Many of the other resorts that we saw on walks down the beach had row upon row of beach chairs. I can't imagine the crowd of people when these are all full. Samba had a few nice rows and enough beach space for everyone to have their own zone. Anna braided my hair on the beach and did a great job. She was very quick and very friendly too.

The bell staff were all very helpful for us. They were quick with the taxis and always had information on the best routes to take to get to our destination.

I wish that the Mexican a la carte restaurant had been available more nights. We went one night and the food was absolutely amazing. Really, really superb. We booked in again for the a la carte on our last night but unfortunately there was an outdoor barbeque theme that night and it was quite disappointing. If you have the chance to go for the Mexican a la carte though, absolutely take advantage of that!
The snack bar by the beach/pool was one other thing that could use some improvement in the way of selection. The food there seemed like cafeteria food that we would see back home. Rubbery pizza, wings, chicken nuggets, french fries...not the wonderful food that we came to Mexico for. Mexico is host to some amazing cuisine and we would have loved to see it displayed more prominently. (Even if just fresh local fruit and vegetables, tortillas, fresh cheese, etc. That beats chicken nuggets and fries any day!)

One of the things that I stressed over before our vacation was the kids club. I wanted to make sure that something was available for the kids to do. Well we never ended up finding the club when we were there. We didn't look very hard though. The kids were so busy swimming, boogie boarding, playing in the sand that they didn't want to do anything else. The boogie boards were available for loan by the pool deck and we brought our own life jacket from home for the little guy. I'm not sure if they have those available at the resort or not? Sand toys, snorkels and fins I would suggest bringing from home or stopping by somewhere like the Mega to buy them. The beach shack sells these but they are very expensive and likely not something that you will bring home with you to warrant the cost.

We didn't spend much time at the pool at all. It was under construction and there was very loud dance music pumping at all times. Not my scene. When not being worked on, it seemed like it would be nice and very clean though.

We were easily able to do day trips to Puerto Vallarta, Bucerias, Punta Mita and Sayulita from the resort. Bucerias is walking distance on the beach. The others require a taxi or rickety and story-inspiring bus ride.

My friend and I spent some considerable time selecting the Samba. It was her first trip to Mexico, and my 5th, but first trip on this side ( been on the Carribean side before) we did NOT want night clubs and raucous night life, and although the evening entertainment is somewhat limiting, our stay was amazing.

This resort is exactly what it promises to be, small, exclusive, extremely friendly and clean. The food was extensive, well displayed and even when the hotel was at full capacity, the food kept coming. Pool side drinks service was constant, and the staff were a pleasure.

If there was one criticism, it is DO NOT book a room on the back side of the Hotel overlooking the next resort tennis courts.....they leaf blow the courts at 06.30 every morning!

I would recommend this hotel to anybody! BRAVO Samba Vallarta!

We just recently returned from our all inclusive holiday from the Samba! What a great place! We have stayed at many 5 star resorts and never had the great service as we did here. The staff is great, the hotel is clean though a bit older some of the rooms are a bit musty smelling but I think in the humidt climites that is what to expect. The food was great even thought the buffet was not large it had all one could wish for. Great mix of american and Mexican foods. The drink selection is great and they can mix you anything your heart desires (and they are not weak drinks) The resort is smaller leaving you choice of beach or pool side chairs! Never did we not have a pick of chairs, we were a party of 8 and this was great! Not alot of acitivity around the pool so this keep the noise to a minimum, no swim up bar but awsome pool side and beach service! The beach is great for long walks and its very safe.
This great little spot is to be admired and enjoyed! Cozy and comfortable
If you are looking for a small resport with great service this one beats any of the larger resorts I have stayed at

If your looking for small and quiet this resort will work. We were not looking for a resort with hundreds of rooms and thousands of people where you have to get up at 6 am to hold a lounge chair. What we found was a small resort that was very clean with friendly staff who made sure that you are happy. The buffet was great for breakfest , the snack bar for chips and dips and bugers for lunch , make your reservations early for the Ala carts itailian and mexican they were amazing .

The hotel is not a 4 star but a very nice 3 star at a great price. The rooms could use a bit of updating but overall very clean. pay the extra for a balcony and get a room on the 2 nd 3 rd or 4 th floor odd number overlooking the pools.

This resort has a great spot on the beach you can walk for hrs in either direction and its safe.

Not a party hotel !!! that what makes this place nice. Couples and families along with local mexicains families and that what makes this resort so special you really feel like you are in Mexico