Golden Crown Paradise Resort Puerto Vallarta - All Inclusive Adults Only

I visited Puerto Vallarta for the week following Memorial Day and stayed at Golden Crown Paradise because of reviews I had read and the location seemed so central. This place was amazing in nearly ever aspect. I paid a little more and got the 'ocean-view' which was well worth it. The view from the normal room balconies would have been great too but with less privacy. The service was excellent and we loved all the restaurants except for the Italian restaurant on the other half of the resort (you're allowed to use the amenities on the Crown Paradise Club side where families with young kids stay). Other than that one, Bellavista was awesome. It's referred to as the 'cafeteria' in the hotel pamphlet you receive, but it is much nicer than what most people probably think of as a cafeteria. There was sit-down service with a menu that changes for each meal. It's so convenient and the wait staff is really good about checking on you. The other nicer restaurants on the Golden Paradise side (Paradise and Salvador's) were really good. Just make sure to make a reservation through your room phone or the front desk by 2pm. The pool and beach set-up are the best I have ever seen at ANY hotel I have ever visited. The pool area is elevated slightly and overlooks the ocean making for perfect sunsets this time of year. There were plenty of cabanas and reclining pool chairs for everyone with there always being some extra. My only complaint about the beach area (and I know this is just typical of Mexican culture) is all the vendors walking around trying to sell you things. They aren't allowed into the pool area so relaxing is possible, but trying to take a nap during the day on the cabanas on the beach is nearly impossible. I wish the hotel would keep them away for the cabana area. The rooms are set-up very well and are simple and relaxing. My only complaint here was the mattress was very firm, and my first couple of nights I woke up several times to adjust. But by the 3rd night I had adapted. The location of the hotel probably couldn't be better too. It's only a $80 Peso/$7 USD cab ride (when using the yellow cabs... the white cabs are often more than double the price) from the airport and takes about 10 minutes. The hotel is a very short walk from the 'Maritime Terminal' where many of the excursions depart from (at least 4 of the Vallarta Adventures meet and depart from there). It was only about a 10 minute cab ride to downtown/boardwalk as well and cost us $50 Pesos/$4.25 USD in the yellow cab. Lastly the extras are what make this place truly an outstanding value. There are several full bars around the property, and they are really good about taking drink orders and bringing drinks to you when you're lounging. The night time entertainment is very varied and is either entirely or mostly in Spanish which takes away from the appeal for non-Spanish speakers. But the Las Vegas-style shows (there were 2 while I was there) are definitely worth watching regardless of your language. Overall, for the price, this place is amazing and I highly recommend for anyone looking to visit Puerto Vallarta.

this was my 2nd time back at this resort and it still looked the same for that it is starting to look a little run down. we were there in 2009 it was a good experience this time we had a good time but the beds were like sleeping on concrete im thinking that a concrete floor would have been more comfortable. other than that little set back it was a great time.

We spent 13 days at this hotel. We had a few problems with our room--key cards didn't work twice, three trips to the desk before we had the right remote for the tv, toilet leaking in the bathroom, etc. The staff was great but they rotate to the sister hotel. We didn't like getting to know the staff and then having different staff the next week. Restaurant choices were great and we enjoyed some wonderful dishes.

We are a gay couple and were a little leary of staying at this resort. However the reviews were good so we decided on this place after careful deliberation. It's a great resort. Sparkling clean. They are constantly touching up paint, cleaning the public areas, etc. The staff was wonderful. They are so gracious and friendly. The guests were mostly middle aged or retirees. We say about 8 to 10 other gay couples during our stay. We didn't feel uncomfortable at all. No one made us feel unwelcome (guests or staff) It's definitely gay friendly but not a "gay" resort. There are plenty of food options from the regular Bella Vista restaurant, which changes the menu daily so you don't get bored, to the specialty restaurants. (French, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, etc) Be sure to make reservations early and a day or so in advance for the specialty restaurants. 24 hour room service was typical fare: hot dogs, hamburgers, burritos, fajitas, desserts, etc.... but great when you just wanted to sit and drink cocktails on your balcony. There is a great tiki bar on the beach that has a perfect vantage point to watch the sunsets while enjoying cocktails. The downside is that the liquor is bottom shelf and the only beer offered is Tecate. However, with some tipping they will start pouring strong drinks. We did go to the local market and bought some coors light. (prices are a little cheaper than in the states) Also it took them sometimes until 5 pm to clean the room, although it was always sparkling clean..... We were just not accustomed to this initially. There are plenty of activities, and the pool is heated and wonderful on a cool evening. The beach peddlers will come up to you all day, but they will leave you along with a simple "no thank you"... Overall this place was a great value, close to downtown and had fantastic staff. I rate it an 8.75 out of 10. We will return.

Very Good, hotel and staff were very friendly. Weill be back!

Have been 6 times. Abt to go there tmrrow. Love it!!

This was our ninth year at this resort - concerned about some of the changes we heard from other reviews, but found that even tho some changes were made, it was still the same wonderful resort we enjoy eachj year. The food was wonderful, the staff is the greatest, the drinks were excellent and all in all just a great time. We will be back again next year.

The food was good and you were right on beach with all you could eat and drink which was nice. However, room was only cleaned once in 5day/4night trip, the original room i was given upon check in was under construction when i walked in and had to then swap out to a different room 2 plus hours later. Dinner service at some of the locations were very slow. Overall it was decent. Not sure I'd recommend, but not sure I'd steer someone away dependent upon their budget.

So myself and my friend booked our trip to Golden Crown Paradise Hotel with high expectations of this "four star" hotel. We stayed on the adults only side which was only adults only but ended up having a retirement community feel. We are in our mid 20's and the average age at the pool had to of been 65. A younger crowd did start filtering in throughout the week thankfully but just keep that in mind if your looking for a younger feel. The restaurants at the hotel were excellent in my opinion. Salvador's and Paradise on the adults side were fantastic. The buffet's that they offer on the adult and kids side were what you think a buffet would be, so so. If you go to the restaurants order the sexy coffee, great show and tasty treat! The hotel itself was not a 4 star, maybe a 2. The ocean front is nice but the pool is pretty small. My biggest beef was with the room. it was extremely small and uncomfortable. We also had little ants in our room that bite which left itchy marks on my legs. The person I went with thought that our beds might have bed bugs also. Also we were on the 6 floor and had two dead cockroachs on our balcony one morning. We also had no hot water to shower with. Lastly, if your a workout fantastic which me and my companion are, there workout center is horrible. They desperately need to upgrade that. Hopefully this helps, the staff was good, food good, rooms not so much.

The hotel needs a little updating. TV's are old and rooms are not cleaned early. Staff is excellent, so friendly and resturants are great!! Would go back for sure.