Sol Melia Puerto Vallarta Review

Reviewed by diveintotheworld from california on 8/13/09
We would have given this resort 4 stars except for the condition of the elevators. For most of the time we were there, at least one of the two elevators to our room was broken. On the last day, both were; so, we had to either walk up eight flights of stairs or go on a scary service elevator (and receive comments from the staff that we should not be on them!). In talking to the front desk, at first, they were unaware their elevators were broken and had been since the night before, despite signs having been posted by the Melia regarding the situation. After confirming this was true, their attitude was more about questioning why were we complaining since it happens every time it rains. I guess if you are there during the dry season, this is not a problem.

Overall, this place is nice, but nothing extraordinary. The grounds are lush, clean and generally well-maintained (except for a certain lamp post and a few other minor issues). Iguanas, geese and ducks wander the grounds and koi swim in their pond. One problem is the tiled main courtyard, which while pretty, is dangerous since the tiles are slippery when wet. The beach is okay, but nothing like a wide, blue water, white-sand Caribbean beach.

Most of the time we received extraordinary service, but if we asked or needed anything out of the norm or complained, they were rude. Check-in/check-out took awhile.

The resort consists of high-rises. Our room had a modern and clean look with a flat screen TV, but unfortunately, a hard bed. The floor is a marble-type material, which is slippery when wet. We could hear our neighbors, especially when the water was running.

This resort is popular with Mexican nationals, so it is not a little USA-town. In addition, this resort is for families. Do not go stay here if you want to avoid children. They are everywhere.

The professional and extensive kids club has entertainment specifically for children every night as well as daytime activities and sitting. Our children stayed at the four and under kids club, a rather dark place about the size of two hotel rooms. They have an outdoor play area but it seems they only go out for a brief period each day. We did not have a problem with this since we never intended to leave our children there all day and they already had plenty of outdoor time. Toys and a ball pit fill the room. The caregivers play videos for the kids and organize activities like play-doh and making jewelry from cereal. Our four year old seemed to have a good time but did not want to go back. Our one year old did not want us to leave him (normal behavior for him) but didn't want to leave when we came to pick them up.

They have a basic playground that occupied our children for an hour at a time and one they wanted to go back to repeatedly. It is best for about one to seven year olds. The huge pool has about five sloped entrances and sections for little ones to stand up in/on as well as a fountain, although no slide. They have a kiddie pool but we never went in it. There is a swim up bar! but as a result, random plastic cups float throughout the pool. In addition, bees swarm the swim up bar area.

The food was better than expected for a buffet and the Italian restaurant decent. We had no problems from drinks with ice, cheese, salad and fruit but I do believe we had a reaction to the salsa (which tasted incredibly good though).

It appears that Melia guests pay certain rates for taxis. Posted at the security desk/bell hop, these rates are better than one would receive normally. We even received these rates when coming from places like Nuevo Vallarta or the Marina terminal.

If going to downtown, take the bus. Way cheaper than a taxi, it doesn't take much longer. Catch the bus at a stop across the street from the Melia, to the left, by a lamp post. Look for others waiting, or ask. Take the bus labeled centro/downton to go to the malecon and main part of town. Take the "tunnel" bus for the zona romantica (although I am not sure whether these come through Marina Vallarta since we never caught this bus). Coming back, the stops in town are labeled and there were always people waiting along the northbound one-way street about three streets up from the malecon. "Marina Vallarta" goes to the Melia.

On another note, if you want to help turtles nest or release baby turtles, contact this organization: www.vallartanature.org From May to November, they can arrange a time for you to assist the turtles at night. Their location is at the CasaMagna Marriot, just down the street from the Melia. Plan to do this early in your trip because if you don't see any turtles, he may let you try again.

Member Rating: 3.2
Ratings details: Room: 3.0 Atmosphere: 4.0 Service: 3.0 Value: 3.0

Reviewed by ericr2zz from Seattle, WA on 1/2/08
My wife & I, along with our 2 children (ages 16 & 13) stayed at the Melia from Dec 20-26th, 2007. We had a fabulous time. We were at this Melia 2 yrs ago and decided to rebook again this year.
We are happy we did.

Staff & Service were excellent. Food was varied and good- except the desserts look great but are very average in taste.

There's lots for children to do. The hotel keeps people active with water aerobics, water polo, volleyball, climbing wall, shuffleboard, etc. The night shows are fun to watch and entertaining. Our room was adequate to good. We had a family room with two full or queen beds and a bunk bed. The bunk bed was surprisingly comfortable.

We asked for a quiet room, since I read in an earlier posting that rooms on the 1st and 2nd floor can get noisy. The staff accomodated us per our request.

However, at night, a band regularly plays in the main hotel unit. It can get noisy if you are an light & early (before 10pm) sleeper.

We didn't get harassed with the timeshare, but we were definitely approached (only once). The staff is incented to sell timeshares.

There is a convenient ATM outside the Melia. However, it was out of money a couple of times.

Great value, Great hotel for families. Very lovely grounds. Huge swimming pool that my kids loved. Can take the bus into downtown. Very close to airport (make sure you bargain for the taxi ride from airport to Melia. Walk across street and get a cab. Cost us $6 US after haggling).

Member Rating: 4.4
Ratings details: Room: 4.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 4.0