Escape to Paradise: Unbeatable Luxury at Buenaventura Grand Hotel, Puerto Vallarta
Escape to Paradise? More Like a Whirlwind: My Buenaventura Grand Hotel, Puerto Vallarta Review (Warning: May Contain Excessive Enthusiasm)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review of the Buenaventura Grand Hotel in Puerto Vallarta. And let me just say, after escaping the clutches of the real world and landing squarely in the lap of (alleged) luxury, I have some thoughts. This isn't your dry, bullet-point travel blog; this is a full-blown, messy, and probably slightly hysterical account of my experience.
First Impressions: Arrival and… Accessibility? (Cue the Anxiety)
So, landing in Puerto Vallarta felt like a warm, sweaty hug from Mother Nature. The airport transfer, thankfully, was smooth. The hotel itself? HUGE. And while they say Buenaventura is accessible, let's just say my initial scan for ramps and wide doorways gave me a slight panic. I'm not personally in a wheelchair, but I always look for these things, and it’s crucial to factor in for folks, right? The lobby, however, was impressive. Gleaming marble, breezy air conditioning (a godsend!), and a friendly doorman who seemed genuinely happy to see me. Okay, maybe this was the paradise I’d been dreaming of. (Later I found out about the elevator - which was pretty important in my case, as I like to be further away from the pool noise)
Rooms: Glorious Isolation… with a Few Hiccups
My room? Oh, my room! It was spacious, with a comfortable king-size bed (yes!), a mini-bar (essential!), and a balcony that looked like it was ripped straight from a magazine. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Double check. I immediately collapsed onto that glorious bed and thought, "Yes. This is it. I’m home." The bathroom was equally swanky, with a deep soaking tub (bathtime, here I come!) and fluffy bathrobes. (Important Note: Slippers were provided, which is a small detail that makes a HUGE difference, trust me.)
But… the Wi-Fi! They promise it's free in all rooms, AND they offer LAN, which is cool (remember those?). Although, initially, it was spotty at best. I'm talking dial-up in the age of smartphones kind of slow. A minor annoyance, but in this day and age, a deal-breaker for some.
I'm also a bit of a night owl, and those "blackout curtains" weren't quite as good as advertised. A sliver of light always peeked through, but it was easily fixed with the complimentary eye mask.
Dining: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Positive, Surprisingly!)
Food, glorious food! The Buenaventura Grand boasts a plethora of dining options. Let's go through a few, shall we?
- Breakfast: Ah, the breakfast buffet! A feast for the eyes and stomach. The Asian options were delicious (I may or may not have eaten my weight in dumplings…), the pastries were flaky perfection, and the freshly squeezed juices were… well, they were liquid sunshine. The Western breakfast options were solid as well. They even offered, get this, breakfast in your room! They give you your choice of various dishes in the evening and they bring it at your desired time. Pure luxury.
- Restaurants: They claimed a multitude of restaurant options, and I must say, they delivered. They are spread out all over the resort. There was an a la carte restaurant offering international cuisine. The views were absolutely magnificent.
- Poolside Bar: The drinks were strong, the service was friendly, and the views of the pool and ocean? Unforgettable. The pool itself? Clean, refreshing, and the perfect place to zone out with a book.
Things to Do (or, How I Became a Spa Addict)
This is where things went from "pretty good" to "utterly blissful."
- The Spa: Oh. My. Goodness. The SPA. I booked a series of treatments and became a completely relaxed dough ball. They do have a sauna, a steamroom, and a pool with a view. I am not ashamed to admit that I got a body scrub, followed by a body wrap, a foot bath, and a massage. The masseuses? Angels disguised as humans. I literally floated out of there. It was an expensive indulgence, but worth EVERY. SINGLE. PENNY.
- Fitness Center: They have a gym. I did use it a couple of times. It was clean and decently equipped. Nothing to write home about, but it ticked the box.
- The Pool (and the Poolside Bar, again!): Can't stress enough how important this was! The pool was huge, and I spent hours just bobbing around, soaking up the sun, and sipping cocktails. Pure bliss.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic's Lingering Shadow
Let's get real—we’re still living in a world of "what-ifs." The hotel clearly took the pandemic seriously. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, staff were masked, and there was daily disinfection in common areas. Honestly, I felt safer there than some places in my hometown. Rooms were sanitized between guests, and although I didn’t opt out of room sanitization, the option was there. They offered contactless check-in/out and even had individually wrapped food options at the buffet. I appreciated all these measures.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easy (Mostly)
- Concierge: Super helpful. They booked tours, answered endless questions, and generally made my life easier.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was immaculate every single day. I'm a messy person, so I appreciated it!
- Currency Exchange: Handy for those last-minute souvenir purchases.
- Cash withdrawal: There's an ATM.
For the Kids (I'm not a parent, but I observed)
The hotel is definitely family-friendly. They have kids facilities (I saw a mini water park) and babysitting services available. I did see some kids' meals on the menu. The family-friendly vibe was definitely strong, but I was glad to be traveling solo, as some of the kid-noise did make me a teeny bit feral at times.
Accessibility Revisited (Sigh)
While the lobby and elevators seemed accessible, I didn't see a lot of ramps around the property, and the pool areas weren't exactly designed with wheelchairs in mind. If you have specific access needs, I'd recommend VERY detailed inquiries before booking.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer was easy. They have free parking. Taxi service available. Valet parking too.
Now for the Imperfections (Because Life Isn’t a Perfect Beach)
- The Wi-Fi, Again: Seriously, it needs some serious help.
- Noise Levels: While my room was soundproof to a degree, the poolside music and general hubbub could get pretty loud.
- Little extras: They could have stepped up their game slightly in the "extra touches" department. Perhaps a welcome treat in the room or a small gift?
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Despite the minor flaws, the Buenaventura Grand Hotel delivered on its promise of a luxurious escape. The spa alone is worth the price of admission. The staff were friendly, the food was delicious, and the overall atmosphere was one of pure relaxation. It's not perfect, but it's pretty darn close. If you're looking for a place to unwind, recharge, and maybe even become a spa addict yourself, this is a fantastic choice. Just maybe pack your patience for the wi-fi. And prepare to be utterly, blissfully, utterly relaxed.
Russellville Getaway: Book Your Super 8 Stay Now!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my gloriously messy, opinionated, and probably slightly sunburnt take on a week at the Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments - All Inclusive in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This isn’t your pristine brochure itinerary, oh no. This is the raw, unfiltered, "I survived a week of unlimited margaritas and questionable decisions" version. Prepare yourselves.
Day 1: Arrival - Paradise Found? (More Like, Stumble Upon Paradise)
- 1:00 PM: Flight lands. Finally! After a ridiculously long flight (thanks, turbulence!), I'm officially in Mexico. Luggage? Somehow made it. Me? A little… fragile. First impressions of the airport? Hot. Really, really hot. And I'm already craving guacamole.
- 2:00 PM: Shuttle to the Buenaventura. The driver's blasting some upbeat Latin music, and I'm already bobbing my head, feeling the vacation vibes. The hotel looks… promising. Bright, colorful, and sprawling. The lobby smells vaguely like pineapple. Score!
- 3:00 PM: Check-in. Okay, this is where things get slightly… complicated. Line. Long line. The front desk guy is trying his best, but "island time" is clearly a thing here. My room? Not quite ready. Cue the first wave of minor panic - I'm a disaster without an immediate nap.
- 4:00 PM: Finally, the room! And it’s… decent. Balcony with a view of the pool, which is buzzing with activity. The air conditioning is blasting, and I immediately collapse on the bed. This is the life.
- 5:00 PM: SWIM! Poolside vibes activated! Seriously, the pool is the heart of this place. Ordered my first (of many, many) Margaritas. I'm officially on vacation. I'm also starting to suspect this pool bar is a black hole for time.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the buffet. Oh, the buffet. It’s a glorious, chaotic feast. The food is… varied. Some hits, some misses. I devoured the (remarkably good) quesadillas and avoided anything that looked like it might have been a mystery meat. Overall - not bad, but I'm already plotting my escape for a late-night taco run outside the hotel.
- 9:00 PM: Evening entertainment. Hmm… a mariachi band. They're enthusiastic. A little loud, if I'm honest. I'm also pretty sure I saw someone trying to swing dance to the music resulting in a hilarious, and frankly, impressive, display of coordination. I retreat to the pool bar, armed with more margaritas, to observe the sunset. Mexico, you are already winning.
Day 2: Beach Bliss & Margarita Mayhem
- 9:00 AM: Actual success! Woke up and actually felt hungry. Breakfast buffet. This time I played it safe with the omelets and coffee. The coffee? Surprisingly strong.
- 10:00 AM: BEACH TIME! The sand is soft, the ocean is a beautiful shade of turquoise, and the vendors are… persistent. "Hey, lady! Massage? Jewelry? Best in Puerto Vallarta!" I’m trying to master the art of the polite but firm "no thank you." It's a work in progress.
- 11:00 AM: Attempt at swimming. The waves are a bit rough today. Conquered them. I feel like an Olympian. Followed by more sunbathing. I am definitely going to get at least one sunburn.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the beachside snack bar. Tacos! Fish tacos! Glorious, simple, perfect fish tacos. Everything is better with a view and a cold drink.
- 2:00 PM: More beach. More sun. More margarita. I'm starting to feel… relaxed. Dare I say, blissful? A small wave of guilt hits me as I realize I haven't done anything truly productive or "cultural" yet. But then the next margarita arrives, and the guilt retreats.
- 4:00 PM: Pool time continued. I started watching the people, which, for me, is better than any show. Saw a couple get engaged. (Aww!)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the Italian restaurant. "La Trattoria," or some fancy name like that. It was… fine. Passable. The pasta was overcooked. The wine was… cheap. But the company was good (myself) and the view of the pool was a good mood lifter.
- 9:00 PM: Evening show: "Fiesta Mexicana." It's… energetic. A lot of dancing, colorful costumes, and very loud music. If you enjoy the atmosphere of a Disney theme park, you'll love this. I enjoyed it, even though I felt like I was getting a tan. Ended the night with a final (but not really the final) margarita.
Day 3: Culture Shock (and Tequila Floats)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Back to the breakfast buffet, but I'm starting to get the hang of the system. Found the perfect omelet station!
- 10:00 AM: Off to town! I knew I wanted to leave the resort for a bit to explore. I walked, with the help of Google Maps, past the resort to find some amazing street food. Cheap, and amazing – worth every penny and every health code violation (I hope).
- 1:00 PM: Tequila tasting. Oh. My. Goodness. I did a Tequila tasting, which was like a religious experience. The bartender explained the different types of tequila, from the smooth, subtle blancos to the fiery reposados, and the aged, complex añejos. We also tried some with worms. I was brave and took a shot of tequila with a worm at the bottom of the glass (it was gross).
- 3:00 PM: Shopping! Wandering around the shops I looked for the perfect souvenir for everyone (including myself!). Ended up with a few too many t-shirts and a brightly colored serape that will undoubtedly end up gathering dust in my closet.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I was honestly exhausted from the tour. Took a nap.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner back at the buffet. Had some tacos to celebrate the day, and sat near the pool bar so I could watch the sunset.
- 9:00 PM: Quiet night. Actually, I just retreated to my room and ordered room service.
Day 4: Pool Panic & Culinary Mishaps
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Omelet game is strong!
- 10:00 AM: Pool time. I spend a lot of time at the pool. It’s like the hotel's pulsating heart.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch: Burgers at the pool bar. Standard hotel fare. Satisfies a craving.
- 2:00 PM: Catastrophe! I managed to spill an entire tray of food! It was the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened in my life. No matter how embarrassed I was I had to laugh it off.
- 3:00 PM: More pool time. Therapy at its finest. Slowly, I’m starting to recover from the food spill.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner – Steakhouse. Okay, this one was actually pretty good. The steak was cooked perfectly, and the service was excellent. A well-deserved reward after my food-related trauma.
- 9:00 PM: Attempting to find some sort of entertainment. This time it was karaoke night, which ended up being a lot more enjoyable than the first night. I don’t sing but I enjoyed the show!
Day 5: Sun, Sea, and… Souvenirs?
- 9:00 AM: You already know! Omelet. Coffee. The breakfast routine is now firmly entrenched.
- 10:00 AM: Beach. I've grown to love the beach at the hotel. It has the best views.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Back to the beachside snack bar. Tried the ceviche today. Delicious!
- 2:00 PM: Final Souvenir shopping spree. This time I was actually determined to spend the money. Spent my money on a few things.
- 5:00 PM: Pack! I spent a couple of hours packing my suitcase.
- 7:00 PM: Final Dinner. Actually, I just went back to the buffet. It was consistent, and I knew what I was getting.
- 9:00 PM: Early night.
Day 6: Farewell - The Margarita Hangover of Doom
- 9:00 AM: Wake up = Terrible.
- 10:00 AM: One last swim in the pool. I’ll miss this.
- 12:00 PM: Check out. It was a surprisingly easy process!
- 1:00 PM: Shuttle to the airport
Okay, so Buenaventura Grand Hotel... Is it REALLY 'Unbeatable Luxury,' or just another pretty face with a leaky faucet? (and how do I even PACK for a place like that?!)
Alright, deep breaths. "Unbeatable Luxury" is a big claim, right? Look, here's the truth: Buenaventura is *mostly* amazing. The lobby? Stunning. The initial "Ooh!" when you walk in is real. That said, there's a certain... *je ne sais quoi* that's missing on some days. Like, the air conditioning in my room sounded like a dying walrus one night. So, Unbeatable? Maybe not, but definitely a strong contender.
Packing? My kryptonite. I over-packed, naturally. Swimsuits, multiple, because one is *always* going to be wet. Don't forget bug spray. The mosquitos in the evening are relentless. Pack lightweight clothes, fancy-ish stuff for dinners (though honestly, I ate tacos in my swimsuit once...don't judge), comfortable shoes for exploring, and sunscreen! Seriously, slather that stuff on.
One thing I wish I'd packed: a small, reusable water bottle I could easily refill. Hydration is key when you're trying to look effortlessly fabulous by the pool.
What's the deal with the beaches? Are they actually swimmable and beautiful, or just postcard pretty?
Okay, the beaches. This is important. The beach *in front* of the Buenaventura is... decent. Think golden sand, turquoise water, and the constant soundtrack of gentle waves. I spent a lot of time there. It's good for splashing around, building sandcastles (I may or may not have attempted this), and generally soaking up the sun. It’s postcard-worthy, but not like a blinding, perfect, untouched paradise.
One day the waves were surprisingly strong! I nearly lost my sun hat (RIP, Penelope). The staff puts out a warning flag when it is, so pay attention! It's not the most amazing beach in the world, but it's directly accessible, and that's a huge win. Plus, the beach bar provides a constant flow of margaritas, so, you know… perspective.
Booking: Should I go all-inclusive? Is it actually worth the extra dosh?!
Oof. All-inclusive. This is where the decision fatigue really kicks in, isn't it? Okay, so *my* experience? Yes, absolutely. I’m a foodie. I like to drink. I got my money’s worth in margaritas alone. The freedom to order whatever, whenever, is glorious. (Side note: that feeling of wanting a snack at 2 AM is SO much better when you *don’t* have to think about the bill!)
However, here’s a but: If you're easily bored by hotel food, or actively prefer to seek out local restaurants, then maybe skip it. But let me tell you, after a day of sun, swimming, and general lounging, the convenience is *killer*. And the food at the buffet, while not Michelin-star dazzling, was actually pretty good (especially the ceviche!) and super convenient, particularly if you have kids (or adults that act like kids!).
Food! What's the food *really* like at Buenaventura? Will I starve, or will I need a new wardrobe?
Okay, food. Prepare for a mixed bag, my friend. The main buffet? It's good for variety. I mean, you'll find something you like. I'm personally a sucker for the fresh fruit. The ceviche was surprisingly delicious, I ate it every day. The service is exceptional; the staff is lovely. But let’s be honest, buffet food is buffet food. It’s not haute cuisine. But hey, you're on vacation, right?
The a la carte restaurants are... hit or miss. The Italian place? Delicious. Get the pasta. The Mexican restaurant? Fun, with good food and live music. The steakhouse? A bit uneven. I'm telling you, the steak was tough one night, but perfectly cooked the next. (The inconsistency makes it exciting, maybe?) Be sure to make reservations immediately upon arrival! They fill up fast, and trust me, you don't want to miss out!
The bars! Tell me everything. How's the cocktail situation? Am I going to spend my entire trip in a tequila-induced haze? (asking for a friend...)
The bars? Ah, the bars. This is where things get interesting. The margaritas are strong. *Very* strong. And plentiful. The pool bar is a constant source of joy, and I wouldn't lie, a little bit of a blur. The bartenders are friendly, the drinks are well-made, and the atmosphere is pure vacation bliss. You know, the kind where you lose track of time and suddenly realize you’ve been chatting with strangers for hours.
They have a swim-up bar at the pool, an absolute MUST. Nothing beats sipping a cocktail while submerged in cool water, surrounded by other sun-drenched happy humans. The lobby bar is also lovely, especially for evening drinks. And I swear, they have secret menu drinks. So, ask. Explore. Be adventurous! (and maybe pace yourself...or not. I’m not judging.)
What's there to *do* at Buenaventura besides, you know, existing by the pool? Is there anything for someone who can't just lie still and sunbathe all day?
Okay, so you're not a total beach potato? Bless you. There IS stuff to do. There's a kids club. (Important if you have kids! Or just want a few hours of peace). There’s a spa, I did not go, I regret this. There are planned activities throughout the day, like water aerobics and volleyball. They offer a couple of little tours (I'd suggest those). I saw a show or two (they're... well, they certainly exist).
My personal highlight? The sunsets! They are LEGIT breathtaking. Grab a cocktail, find a comfy spot on the beach, and watch the sky explode with color. It’s the kind of experience that makes you forget all your worries. (Until the next day, when you realize you’ve forgotten your sunscreen...) Don't miss it. Seriously.
The Spa: A deep dive into relaxation or a pricey letdown?
Okay, Here is where I messed up – I DIDN'T go. I regret this *so* much. Every time I saw someone leaving the spa, they looked like they were walking on clouds. The pictures I’ve seen *look* divine. Apparently, they offer a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps (which, after all that sun, I desperately needed). The reviews seem very positive. Hotel Explorers
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