Hi: For that price you can't go wrong. The Mayan palace is a big resort. I think the beach is good there. The best part is that you can taxi or ride a bus to "El Centro" (which is where you'll find the Malecon. El Centro and over the Rio Cuale river has lots of shops, galleries and restaurants. The Mayan palace sells timeshares so there may be some units nicer than others, but I think its sounds like a geat deal. Who spends time in the room anyway, except to sleep??? Go for it and enjoy PV.

Personally, because of the timeshare hassle, I wouldn't stay there for free...! Check out tripadvisor.com

I love Puerto Vallarta dearly but would not enjoy this kind of resort experience for myself.

The hotel is located in The Marina which is between the airport and El Centro, so not walking distance but easy taxi or bus to downtown ships, the Malecon, etc.

I agree with Suze--it is not where I would stay but you certainly can't beat the price! Have you read the reviews on TripAdvisor?

Thanks for the advice. I did read the reviews on TripAdvisor. Seems like most complaints concerned timeshare presentations - I would not attend one of those under any circumstances - I have absolutely no interest in purchasing a timeshare. I did rent a car for the week so we can explore as we wish and take public transportation as necessary.

Enjoy your trip! Would love a trip report when you return! Speaking from past experience, use public transport or taxis to go downtown--traffic is bad and parking is worse!

I have stayed in the Mayan Palace, and for $264 a week, would not HESITATE to do so again. But I won't ever go out of my way to stay there again.

I absolutely abhor the management of the place. Like many RCI type properties, the resort looks nice, has beautiful pool areas, has attractively decorated and upscale rooms, etc., but comes up extremely short in the service department.

My first complaint started day 1. I was *NOT* on an AI program, yet they demanded that I wear an ID bracelet. I refused and asked to talk with the manager. I was shuttled to someone who was NOT the manager, but who backed down and said I didn't need to wear it.

Fine. But the doormen occasionally hassled me throughout the week, but they were no worse than swimming through a steady throng of timeshare sales victims milling around the lobby each morning for the "Free" breakfasts...

There was no ice machine anywhere to be found near my room. I complained to the front desk, who said that they expect guests who want ice to call room service. What a CROCK!

Maid service was spotty and inconsistent, and one afternoon, after spending a day out by the pool, we found not one single towel in the room. (It was, by then, almost 7 --- we like to stay for a long time.) A call to front desk got us a promise of towels. A second call an hour later actually did produce someone with 2 towels for a family of 4. A withering comment managed to bring her back 10 minutes later with the rest.

In my experience, service at the Mayan Palace is the worst I've ever encountered in Puerto Vallarta. They just don't care.

Conclusion: A very attractive, well-appointed place that boasts of its high ratings, yet in truth, doesn't begin to stack up against real hotels.

But at $264 week...yeah...it's definitely more comfortable and nicer than you're likely to find elsewhere at anywhere close to that price...

Buen viaje!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

Does anyone have any updated feedback on the Mayan Palace Puerto Vallarta? We are staying there as part of a Groupon deal and I'm reading mix reviews.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Can't give you particular advice on this resort, but if you do go, DO NOT go on a presentation. This is a timeshare presentation and they say it will be 90 minutes but will turn into 3 hours of misery for you. We stayed at the Grand Mayan in Nuevo Vallarta it it was very nice!

Have you checked Trip Advisor for more up to date reviews? There's a ton of PV info there (more than here on Fodor's).

Thanks Michelle - yeah, we are NOT going on any presentations. I keep hearing stories - and they are angry if you don't plop down 199,000. seriously?

Suze - yes read reviews there too - lots of good stuff there too. Thanks!

My husband & I bought this resort when it was Vidafel. After an earthquake & hurrican they needed to rebuild-thus came Mayan. We have been very happy with this organization. When my husband turned 75 we got to use the resort for half the fee-now that he is 77 we get our 2 bedroom week for freee. We upgraded to the Bliss.
I agree the sales pitch can be very pressuring & the best advise is don't go. Enjoy PV great place to visit