My husband and I just returned from VLA on Friday,after spending 6 incredible days there. I was shocked to see the 2 previous reviews, because our stay could not have been better. We have traveled quite a bit, and usually stay at higher-end hotels, and VLA is among the finest properties we have stayed at. Every single staff person we encountered was wonderful. Special thanks to Allan, Omar, and Julietta at La Casona, Leo at Reception, & Omar at La Parilla. These are very special employees, and I hope the management recognizes their outstanding work.

As we stayed after the holidays (1/5-1/12), we had the place virtually to ourselves. (Perhaps the previous reviewers should consider not vacationing during such a busy time, rather than giving up on VLE?) This is not a property for those who are looking for crazy "tourista" entertainment. It is perfect for a quiet, luxurious vacation in elegant surroundings.

We never had to ask for anything with regard to housekeeping, and the kind ladies took very good care of us. Do note that there is not an honor bar in the room. No problem for us, as we just ordered room service (which was very prompt, btw). However, if you want liquor in the room, take a cab to Mega and stock up the huge fridge in the kitchen.

We were on the all-inclusive plan, and found all 4 of our dining options very good. The duck entree at La Casona was so good I had to have it twice. The Mexican and Italian restaurants next door at the Flamingo were very good also. My only comment regarding the food is that I didn't love the chicken salad at La Parilla for lunch. It was ok, but pretty flavorless. Again, for all the food we ate there, that is my only complaint.

The spa was wonderful. My husband had an 80 minute sport massage and I combined the complimentary neck, shoulder, back massage with a leg massage. We both thought the treatments were very good. I am a regular at a high end resort spa at home, and this was better, to be honest. The hot tub and hydro-therapy rain showers were incredible.

It was so nice not to be hounded by time-share salespeople. And the vendors that stroll the beach were very inocuous; just say" no, gracias", and they're gone. The atmosphere is so relaxing and calm, we truly had a hard time leaving to go back to our real lives.

Thanks VLE for a much needed perfect vacation. I hope we can become one of your repeat visitor, and make VLE our true "home by the sea."

This was our 7th visit and probably our last. We were so dissatisfied with so many things. We had a 3 bed oceanfront and the housekeeping was terrible. During the 7 day visit they did not clean the kitchen, livingroom or dining room even once. We had to empty our own trash and several times they left no towels in the master bedroom. Twice at 4 o'clock I had to call and see if they we even going to clean that day.
The food this time was terrible. That's was so sad because its always been so good. We were all inclusive and could only get into La Casona twice. Once for steak night and for the New Year's Eve special, which was almost inedible, and we had to pay extra. They had a wedding party reserve the entire restaurant several nights, so the sister resort had to accommodate both hotels, and they couldn't do it. We had to order room service several times and they were slow and mediocre at best. When we called and put the dishes outside the door it took two day to be picked up! If they knew they were having a big wedding and it was going to be a problem for the rest of us, we should have been given a warning!
The rooms are starting to get worn and need updating. There were only two lounge chairs outside which is not enough for a three bed that sleeps 10. I called twice to ask for more and they said they would be right up, but never came. The dishwasher leaked, the tv signal didn't work, and the shower head in master shower sucked.
When we checked out they asked if our stay was ok. I said we had some problems. Instead of asking about it, she just said oh and walked away!
Clearly they were very understaffed. I'm not sure why as the resort was packed. I can only guess there is new management and he/she is not up to par. Too bad because we've always loved this place.

While the staff were friendly and helpful, and the grounds were impressive as referenced in many other reviews there were a few disappointments along the way. The eating areas can not accommodate the guests during busy times (this can be very frustrating) for example, there are approximately a half dozen tables at the outdoor lunch area (the only option for the entire resort unless you go to the sister resort, eat on your beach lounger, or order to your room for an additional 15% and a tip). There were long waits for a table at breakfast time and making reservations for dinner is a must. The kids club is also actually at the sister resort and does not have a sheltered area so if you want the kids out of the sun for an hour or if you catch a couple of days of rain this isn't the best situation for the children. I knew there was no nightly entertainment or buffet option going into the trip but once down there these traditional all-inclusive attractions as well as a stocked mini-bar in the rooms, and organized activities such as beach volleyball were missed. In summary, it's a nice hotel, all-be-it a little overpriced, but not a great option for those seeking the all-inclusive amenities offered at many other 5 star properties.

Although I have written other reviews of Villa La Estancia in the past, I felt the need to once again commend them on the outstanding service provided by the staff, superior accommodations and the all-around relaxation and feeling of well-being we experienced once again. I have been a flight attendant for 35 years and I know that trying to please everyone is not an easy feat to accomplish. However, the staff here makes it seem effortless. My husband said after one day on this trip "Either these are the best actors in the world or the nicest people ever!!" Our special thanks go to: Omar & Raul @ La Casona at breakfast; bellmen Leo & Luis (who not only sent someone up to repair a problem with our refrigerator but returned to check on the situation and explain to us what was going on at 10:30 at night!); Angel (who is one of the nicest, kindest people ever) and Juan Jose (great drinks the way we like them!!)and Alonzo at the pool; Nancy @ the spa; Miguel, Bernardo and Raul @ La Casona for dinner. These people all feel like family----when you arrive, they say "Welcome Home" and they aren't kidding because that is just how they make you feel. This visit, we had two back to back Luxury Link packages and were on the all-inclusive plan. We did, however, venture out a few nights for dinner and enjoyed meals at Mezzo Giorno, Karen's Place, and Mark's. The location of VLE is such that it is an easy 2 mile walk (all flat) into the town of Bucerias which is a charming version of what Puerto Vallarta itself must have been like 40 years ago. We also did a day trip to the market at La Penita and to Rincon de Guayabitos, the latter of which we liked a lot. There is a lot to do in this area for a variety of ages and group types and we have found it to be very safe an a good value as well. In short, you won't be sorry if this is the vacation opportunity you choose. Thanks once again to everyone for another wonderful stay----we look forward to our 8th visit at some point in 2013!!! Feel free to email me with any questions you might have.