First, I've been to Mexico four times before, but this was my first time in Puerto Vallarta. Transportation was smooth. We checked in, but they gave us a room with two beds, despite us being a couple of 11 years. We didn't mind it too much, but the room smelled strongly of fresh paint. We complained, and they took care of it quickly, which was a positive.
On the first day, we had the buffet, and it was good. However, the second day we made a reservation at the Mexican restaurant. I ordered the queso fundido with chorizo, and it was the worst I've ever had! The cheese had a plastic-like consistency, as if it was microwaved. My fiancé ordered mixed meats.He always finishes his food, but not this time, which says a lot. We complained, and the waiter explained that some equipment in the kitchen had broken, preventing proper heating. That explains why the food was cold, but why not post a sign saying, "Kitchen closed for dinner due to technical difficulties"? Instead, we wasted our time and had a terrible dining experience.
We also attended the "presentation," which we're obligated to do for 90 minutes. They were clear and respected our decision, which was a relief, but I don't understand why the resort would put guests like us, an engaged couple, into a room with two beds and no ventilation for an entire week if the goal is to upsell them on a more luxurious property. Why not place us in the beautiful property to begin with, so we can experience what we could have for future vacations? It seems like a poor sales pitch to me.
Moving forward, there were barely any activities during the day. There was no music at the pool. This is the first time I've been to a resort without music by the pool after 1 p.m. Vacation is supposed to be fun! One other thing: we went to the hot tub, and five minutes later, we were kicked out in front of everyone because it was for "special members." There was no sign indicating this, and while we wouldn't have minded, it was embarrassing. They could have told us in private.
The service at the buffet was also poor. Everyone else was offered coffee, but we weren't. The ladies with purses were given purse stands, but I wasn't. There was a day when all the waiters were serving water to everyone but us. I told my fiancé I felt discriminated against because we aren't white. We paid for this vacation just like everyone else, but we were consistently overlooked. The only restaurant where the food was amazing was the Japanese restaurant, and the service there was fantastic.
I'm shocked by how many people think the food is incredible. Perhaps it's because many Americans come to Mexico and the resorts try to cater to them? It's unfortunate. If you want the same food you get at home, just stay home. We even told one of the waiters, "This isn't Mexican chorizo," and he replied, "No, this is American sausage." Are you serious?
The nightlife was lackluster. The only options were to attend a show or go to the lobby for drinks. There was no karaoke, no dancing, and if you're going to have a show, at least make sure it's coordinated. The dancers seemed to be performing to different songs, and the main singer wasn't good. The sound quality was muffled, and it was especially noticeable since the Hard Rock Café was next door. Their show was happening at the same time, and we could hear huge cheers and applause while ours had nothing but silence. The shows were terrible, to say the least.
One day, we decided to play our own music at the pool because we were tired of the silence. An employee told us to turn it off, and another guest mentioned they were told the same thing. The whole experience was boring and easily the worst of my five trips to Mexico.
The only good thing about the resort was the service from Renee, Jesus, Gustavo and Francisco and the ladies serving at the lounge. I will never return to Occidental again. They need to learn to treat everyone equally because they definitely didn't during our stay. read more