The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta

My stay at the Westin Puerto Vallarta was a mixed bag. I'll begin with the great parts: The Staff - lovely, helpful, friendly, efficient. I didn't meet a person working there who was not completely engaged in addressing guest's comfort. They are awesome. It was beautiful, spacious, had a great view and was comfortable. The Gym - was what it needed to be, well equiped, TVs with cable on all the cardio machines, a nice yoga room. Climate controlled. The less than great parts: The Location - If you're interested in anything other than the hotel - you can walk across the street to see the marina, but you'll need to take a bus or a cab to get anywhere with a bit of Mexico to it. The Remodeling - Time at the pool is accompanied by the sound of power-tools and construction. There's no pool area that escapes that sound. I did not find that sound relaxing. The Beach - Small, shade is only available if you pay extra for a pergola. There's a time share condo sharing the facility that has access to palapas, but hotel guests do not. If you want to be outside in the shade, you need to be by the pool. If you're by the pool, you'll be listening to construction.

The hotel itself was nice. The noise level was unbelievable. For such a vast property, they had something in every corner- LOUD music, aerobics, kids games, screaming microphones, etc.. This should NOT be a get away for relaxation (there was no "relaxation area") This was VERY unfortunate and even though I was on the 10th floor, each morning I woke to running and screaming children (and I love kids, but not on a spa retreat). Check out the website- NONE of the kids activities are mentioned. Nothing but relaxation. When asked for the nearest quiet beach, I was pointed to 30 minutes away. My five day retreat ended up being a quest for solitude at any minute (mostly after 930PM). Great for family though- Also, a big timeshare property on site-

I have stayed at this Westin a few other times, but the recession/lack of visitors has had a real effect on the hotel. The food was not nearly as good. The room had the main window, actually a window wall, but on one side there was a 3 inch gap with no glass nor screen. the number of staff was down, and it showed in the upkeep.

I was told by a couple different staff members to go to the happy hour in the lobby bar. When I got to the bar there was a small app buffet set out in the middle of the bar. I sat at the other end of the bar and ordered a drink. The bartender pored my drink and then told me the buffet was for a private promotion event. As he said this a houseman put up stantions between the end of the bar were I was sitting and the buffet. As I felt like I was encroaching on someone elses party I tried to assign my drink to my room which he was unable to do. A manager had to come to give him change so I could pay in cash and I had to move a stantion to be able to exit the bar. I just wish I new so much of the hotel was shut down for slow season.

The hotel and grounds are very nice. The rooms are large, recently renovated, and well appointed. The staff was quite friendly and very helpful. Downtown is about 20 minutes away by bus, which costs 5.50 ($0.45) pesos one way. The marina is a short walk away which offers many restaurants and shops.

I relaxed at both the pool and beach, also shopped at the Malecon. Listening to the waves at night while sleeping was the relaxation I needed.

It's sufficiently far from town as to be able to have a quiet time, and close enough a cab ride to be in the middle of the action. Great combination

Generally, staff was perfect--although the followup calls (did you get your dinner) on room service were a bit annoying. But 1. The room was not cleaned or picked up the second day of my stay. 2. Calls to unlock the mini-bar went unanswered on days 1 and 2. 3. Charges were made for bottled water (outside the fridge) and coffee which generally in American hotels and motels, at least the coffee are complimentary.

The Westin was an amazing hotel, Right on the beach and included 3 pools. Very Relaxing getaway. The staff was extremely accomodating and upon check-in I asked if any upgrades were available and the guy at the front upgraded me free of charge to a full ocean view. Always tip the front desk when this happens. The Mini-bar in the room was fully stocked, but ever hotel I've stayed at as always given complimentary coffee packets, the Westin charged for these. The Location is great but a little far from downtown Puerto Vallarta, I spent a lot of money on Taxis to and from the hotel, although public transportation is readily available I didn't fully understand how it worked. I highly recommend this hotel.

i work for a highend hotle chain. i love the westin pv. your problem or issue will be handled promply with a follow call to make sure everything was done right.. i westin is my first choice when im in pv.. and it looks like its going to stay that way.. also one of the best beaches in pv.. nikki beach beds on the beach nice palapa great service too..