Saw this property as a discount on a website I've used before, luxurylink.com. Price was great for a 2BR ocean view room. Took a gamble while wondering what the "catch" was. Couldn't find many reviews on the property. Didn't even have many reviews on this, my "go to", site!! Had a great time travelling with wife, 3 kids (ages 10-16) & friends with even younger kids.
Upon arrival (hard to find.....very poor signage) upgraded, for a reasonable price, to a terrific 3BR suite. Dining room table that sits 8, huge adjacent sitting area, kitchen that had appliances that were shut off (dishwasher, stovetop). Large stocked fridge & freezer. Spiral staircase up to 2 of the bedrooms. $ TV's (no DVD player). Huge balcony with a table & 4 chairs. Hotel is apparently a converted 2BR & 3BR condo buiilding that Camino Real took over (per the bellhop's story) in a somewhat residential looking neighborhood. No worries, everything is easily accessible by car.
Hotel sits on a not-so-hot beach (poor swimming secondary to rough surf & rough sand) & has 2 nice medium size unheated ordinary pools w a kids pool attached. Plenty of good quality lounge chairs & umbrellas (it is, after all a Camino Real) that the helpful & attentive poolstaff will eagerly arrange for you. restaurant has an outdoor seating area adjacent to the pool.
Staff could not have been nicer, more attentive or helpful. i am not an inexperienced traveller, have been to many luxury (& some not so luxury hotels). The desk & bell staff here may not be as refined or as well trained as 4 seasons or European concierge but their willingness to help with any matter, no matter how mundane or out of the ordinary is exemplary, Carlos will run to the nearby Walmart for you (actually quite convenient, despite not helping you "escape" from home) at the drop of a hat.
Wish I could say the same for the housekeepers. Quality of work was adequate, but they serviced our rooms at 6PM. We asked for earlier service but it never materialized. That would be our largest hesitancy with recommending his property.
Breakfast was very good, but a bit expensive. Drink sevice poolside was, like the entire experience here very good but not great. Drinks were not cheap. The server was accurate with the orders & the bill at the end of the day (seemingly, always a concern in other places in Mexico). He was just occasionally hard to find because he also worked at the outdoor restaurant next to the pool. Once we got his attention, though, he would drop what he was doing & come ove to us right away.
The place is small but quite efficiently run & quite convivial. Parking is free & just off the lobby. They could charge people to park or make them walk a long distance, as a deterrent to self-park. They don't. That's the atmosphere & attitude of this homey, low key place.
We were just about the only Americans staying here during the 2 week Xmas break. Only other primary english speakers were expatriate Americans or Canadians who had the inside info to this nice hotel.
If you are looking for luxury, pampering or top notch amenities (massage poolside, game room, a "happening" swim up bar, coordinated activities like conga lines after dinner) this is not the place for you. They have a swim up bar, never saw anyone use it. The spa offers excellent massages, in a small but clean & modern facility. i was never asked to conga, not once! All the basic amenities, expected by discerning travellers, are there...Just not in a sparkling polished package.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
