Love kids, but too many on our stay

Maggie & Smitty Oct 28, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

This is our third visit to Marival and we will probably be back. This trip however, there were much fewer visitors and many ... more local visitors and a ton of children which made it quite noisy. Some even made it to adult pool which was really annoying. I love kids, but love some peace and quiet on vacation. Also, some of the resturants and bars were closed due to low bookings I presume and while we understood the economy, it put a slight damper on this visit. However, it is still one of our favorite places to go. We are hoping next visit will improve our stay.

Marival Pto. Vallarta

L.A Turista Sep 15, 2009

The place is nice but it needs to be managed better. I have been to 3 star hotels that are better than Marival which is 4 ... stars. I had trouble checking in so make sure if you book at Marival call the hotel first before arrival and take ORBITZ 1-800 number with you in case there is a problem.

A winner, for the most part

~djb~ Jul 24, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

This hotel/resort was one of the best I've stayed at. This place is more targeted towards families, but it's big enough that ... you can find peace and quiet if that's what you want. The hotel has 3 different pools, from a very noisy and active one to a quiet adults only pool, so you'll find something you like. The staff tries to keep things entertaining, and were always friendly, but most of the time the night-time shows were only mildly entertaining. Again, this could be because the main audience are families, instead of 20-somethings. The Good: - The drinks were good and mostly top shelf. - The gym was ok with a good selection of machines and free weights. - The food was amazing for the most part at the buffet and the "snack bars". The snack bars kept most of the same food and the buffet had themed nights that were ok. - The actual restaurants were elegant and good, you just have to make sure to make reservations. The beef, tended to be salty and the cuts too fatty, but you might have better luck. The chicken and seafood were really good though, as were the desserts :D - The location is great for the beach, just walk a few feet from the pool and you're there! - Check-in is at 3pm, but we arrived at 7am. We talked to the people at the reception and they told us to wait until 8am. We waited and by 8:10am we were in our room, at no extra cost! The ugly: - You have to pay if you want to take the sailing or wind surfing classes (I thought those were included in an all inclusive...). - Internet cost is expensive - about $15 USD for a day or $4 USD for an hour. - You have to pay extra for room service and laundry, unless you're a member, so keep that in mind. - The location is a drawback for night life. All the clubs are in Puerto Vallarta so you have to take a taxi to get there and back, which costs around $15USD, each way. If you're with a group of ppl you should be ok at the club in the hotel, but if you're with a small group the club can be kinda boring - it's mostly underage kids dancing while older people just hang out and drink. Even with the "bad" points, the kayaks, the boogie boards, the pools, the drinks, the food and the beach are worth going back for a second visit. Again, with a nice group, this place will be great (I went with my brother and cousins).

generally good, timeshare sellers bad!

lynard Jul 21, 2009

more fans in the hotel...hot, buffet food could have been better....resturants good, boating trip that we took was great.... ...

Single No Go

SIngle Vacationer Jul 4, 2009

This is a family hotel not for singles. The amenities were not as advertised. To far from town. Hotel does not offer a ... shuttle or bus into town. Taxi ride is 15 dollars in to town and thats where fun and shopping is. Not much around the hotel except for expensive attractions. The hotel was clean, food and drinks were good. The hotel is right on the beach. The ocean view is beautiful. You have to have dinner reservations for restraunt. Online says to make them ahead of time. We tried but did not get a reply. When we arrived you have to give 24 hours notice to eat at restraunt so therefore your first day all food is at their buffet. There were very few Americans maybe 25 out of 3000. This is for families with kids it is not a place for singles.

Great Place

Jonathan Jun 10, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

I didn't leave the property the whole time I was there. They have everything you need from breakfast to a night club. The ... variety of liquor has improved to better quality and the food has improved from last time. When they have a chinese buffet that isn't done so well but the other food choices are great. The italian restaurant is excellent and the view is really spectacular. The staff are top notch and a lot of fun. Someone is always cleaning or sweeping the grounds. It really is in great shape.

Great for the price. Could not beat it

Gordo Apr 23, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

I enjoyed myself. Facilities were excellent for a very modest price. Staff was very helpful and courteous.I hope to go back ... again.

good time

Stephen Oct 26, 2008

Would recommend to a friend!

It is a true vacation here, you eat when you want to and drink when you want too, it's great! ...

A Nice Average Hotel

Jessica Oct 7, 2008

Would recommend to a friend!

We enjoyed our stay at the Marival Resort. The rooms were simple yet comfortable. The grounds were expansive and well ... maintained. It has a very nice beach. We even saw sea turtles come ashore in the evening to lay their eggs. The activities staff were very friendly and involved with the visitors. There were lots of options for meals, there are 3 restaruants where you have to make reservations as well as a large buffet and various snack bars open throughout the day. The food was not bad, but I wouldn't expect to have fantastic food. There are several bars throughout the hotel, however the Margarita and Martini bar in the main building is by far the best. The only real negative thing I have to say about this hotel is that at check-in they encourage you to go to a meeting the next morning to give you information about the hotel but it is a lengthy and pretty pushy presentation about buying into a membership program at that hotel.

I loved it!!

Edward Aug 31, 2008

Would recommend to a friend!

Marival Resort and suites was by far one of the best hotels i've stayed at for the money spent. The hotel staff was very ... friendly and were willing to help with anything. My friend i was traveling with sprained her ankle during the trip and the staff bent over backwards for her. I will be returning.

outstanding

John Jul 26, 2008

Would recommend to a friend!

this place is outstanding that is why we keep going back every year. ...

Hard beds

Hubert Jul 16, 2008

I don't know why these hotels buy such hard beds, you might as well sleep on the tile floor. I went to Walmart and bought a ... convoluted pad for 20$ so I could get a nights sleep.

A Resort that you don't want to visit

Roxanne May 10, 2008

When you check in, you and your bags are held hostage while you are forced to listen to their speal about purchasing their ... membership. They don't carry very many brands of alchol so you have to substitute. There is no iron or ironing board, no microwave and no liquor is stocked in the bar in your room. Room service is not free and the menu is small. The resort is noisy with kids running everywhere unattended. The children will be running up and down the halls screaming at 3:00 and 4:00 in the morning. I never went swimming because there are children pooping and peeing in the adult pool. One of the pools were so unsanitary that it was shut down and drained for cleaning. A lot of money is spent on taxis and it is a half hour drive to Puerto Vallarta. I would never stay there again, nor would I recommend it to anyone.

beautiful resort

Kelly Feb 21, 2008

Would recommend to a friend!

this was our first stay at the Marival and it was worth every penny. the food was outstanding. be sure to make reservations ... for your speciality meals ahead of time. the pools were clean, but a little chilly. the beach was well kept and beautiful. the staff was warm and helpful.

We're already planning next year's trip!

NICHOLE Feb 5, 2008

Would recommend to a friend!

We stayed at the Marival the first week of February. We were about an hour early until our room was ready. Our party was 4 ... people in two separate rooms. At check in, they asked if we'd like a free upgrade to a 2-bedroom 2-level suite. This was on the Club side, which is quieter and we preferred it. The view wasn't great, you had to strain to see the ocean, but the room was clean and roomy - just perfect. The only complaint I have about the hotel is the time-share pressure after you check in and wait for your room to be ready. I had read previous reviews about how to handle them-- simply say no thank you and they will leave you alone. You do have to be persistent. They have a nice representative sit down and tell you EVERYTHING about the hotel and anything you want to know about PV or North PV. Then they ask you to attend the seminar. We said no, but the next day my husband decided he go check it out. They wouldn't let him in unless ALL of us attended. No matter, we hit the pool for the day with endless drinks and beautiful weather. We spent many days on the beach and there were enough chairs and papalas for us each and every day no matter what time we decided to go down to the pool/beach. It was great! The beach is soft sand and a gradual soft slope in the ocean. It's amazing! We parasailed the very first day we were there - they offer it right on the beach for $60/20 minutes...but in reality it's about 10-12 minute ride (we timed it). You have to try this -- my 60 year old father did it and he LOVED it! We had breakfast at the buffet most mornings, b/c it was quick and easy. The made to order eggs/omelets were awesome! We also tried The Pergola for breakfast...Eggs Benedict :) We only made it to one dinner with reservations - on the very last evening - in the Italian restaurant Bella Vista. It was unbelievable! Very great food; we recommend eating at these restaurants every night!! Next year we'll make all our reservations ahead of time and eat at each and every one. Marival has their own hut on the beach where vendors sell clothes, jewelry, hats, etc. They also walk up and down the beach asking if you'd like to buy anything. This didn't bother us, b/c we were ready to shop! And we had a great time bargaining. We shopped in the market PV-downtown and found that you could get the best price right at Marival rather than at the Market. (There's a bus stop 1 block S of the Marival which takes you to Walmart. Then take another bus to downtown) We've been to PV 3 times now and have stayed downtown on the beach; but overall, this is the best location...best beach, quiet, beautiful sunsets. We're planning next years trip and are taking the kids this time. Thanks Marival -- see you next winter!!

very family friendly.

robert Dec 11, 2007

Would recommend to a friend!

The Marival Hotel and Resort is a very nice and clean and very family friendly. There seems to be plenty of activity to keep ... the kids entertained also. The room we had was clean, but I have to say the bed was not very comfortable at all.The restaurants were all good and so were the drinks. I would recomend this resort to my family and friends.

Home away from Home

Mary Sep 25, 2007

Would recommend to a friend!

The Marival was a great place, with a wide variety of activities. There were shows every night, pool side cooking classes, ... etc. The staff were very accomodating and friendly. The room was very nice. The one thing, I would suggest regarding the room was a more comfortable bed. One other thing that would have been helpful would have been a map of the general area {Nuevo}. We saw, while riding the bus to and from PV, a mall and some restuarants that have been a close walk, but seemed confusing because of the general areas roads. We were very happy with Marivals restuarants, other than the difficulty of getting reservations. The security really impressed us. Walking the beach after sunset was perfectly safe because there was evidence of security officers. All of the hotel guests seemed happy and pleased with their stay, as were we.

Moldy Room

Michael Sep 16, 2007

The Marival was an OK hotel considering, with good amenities and restaurants. I expected some bugs and uncleanliness but the ... room wreaked of mold. When I complained they sent a maid with a bottle of perfume to spray into the ventilation system to cover the smell. The timeshare pushers left me alone as soon as I asked them why would I want to return here every year with so much of the world left to see - they had no answer...... All in all, it was a typical Mexico vacation and since they're so cheap I usually don't expect much.

GREAT FAMILY HOTEL

KENDRA Sep 9, 2007

Would recommend to a friend!

THE GRAND MIRIVAL WAS DEFINATELY WORTH THE MONEY THAT WAS SPENT. HOTEL STAFF WAS VERY FRIENDLY AND ACCOMIDATING. ACTIVITIES ... THE HOTEL OFFERED WERE GREAT. MAKE SURE YOU PICK UP A SCHEDULE AT THE FRONT DESK. WE WERE KIND OF DISAPPOINTED WITH THE INTERNET CAFE. THEY CHARGED $2.50 PER FIFTEEN MINUTES, WHICH SEEMED VERY PRICEY. ALSO BE AWARE THAT DURING SLOW SEASON, THE HOTEL WILL CLOSE SOME OF IT'S RESTAURANTS.HOTEL IS LOCATED ABOUT ELEVEN MILES FROM PUERTO VALLARTA, WHICH IS IDEAL IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO RELAX. SINGLES WILL HAVE FUN, BUT I HIGHLY RECOMMEND STAYING CLOSER TO TOWN(BOARDWALK).

Not what I expected

Ali Aug 7, 2007

The hotel was way different that what I expected. My family and I go to a resort in Cancun, Hawaii and the Caribes once a ... year. Fewer amenities; limited dining that you had to make reservations one or even two nights before; room safe not free, only one breakfast area, etc. etc.