Where to stay when you leave.
Grand Velas in Puerto Vallarta: All-Inclusive with Class
12/13/2006 at 11:13 AM
Tags: Puerto Vallarta Hotel Reviews, All-Inclusive Resorts, Warm Weather Hotels
[Ed. Note: Hotel Maven Tim Leffel continues his Puerto Vallarta hotel hopping by checking in at the Grand Velas Resort. Enjoy.]
Let's be real; for anyone with a sense of style, all-inclusive resorts are a guilty pleasure. They are right up there with sneaking rocky road ice cream at midnight, listening to Abba on the iPod, and secretly watching bad reality TV shows when nobody else is home. Great fun while you are enjoying them, but not something you want to necessarily go bragging about afterwards.
There are some all-inclusive resorts that break the mold, however. Bartenders make cocktails with liquor you've actually heard of, there's no chirpy Julie McCoy animation director trying to get you involved in goofy games, and the food is more than just fuel to put down your gullet. In Puerto Vallarta, that mythical nirvana of all-inclusives exists for real in Grand Velas Suites and Spa Resort.
Keep on reading to learn more about this surprisingly un-cheesy all-inclusive resort.
First of all, the smallest rooms are junior suites with a big Jacuzzi tub and separate shower stall in the bath. Step out on the furnished balcony and you get a panoramic view of the bay and the pool complex. The complimentary minibar is well-stocked,the flat-screen TV comes with a DVD player, and every room is awash in marble. Spring for a larger suite and you may end up with a terrace big enough for you and your eight closest friends.
Down on the ground, the infinity pool complex over the beach hits all the right notes, with plenty of cushioned wood lounge chairs, a swim-up bar, and shallow areas with headrests for staying cool in the sun.
The zen-like lobby is impressive and leads to a well-equipped gym with free weights and one of the best spas in the region. The Mexican, Italian, and French restaurants are more than just an afterthought and premium liquor is mixed into drinks in reusable plastic cups--no garbage-littered pool here. Rates start at around $700 double per night, so don't be looking for a cheap sale from Apple Tours or Liberty Travel. If you want to pony up to avoid the usual all-inclusive setbacks however, this is the spot to indulge in style in Puerto Vallarta.
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