We've stayed here before and stayed again recently. All just because of the pool and the proximity to the beach.

However, this time it was very disappointing. On one morning, there was some construction drilling noise in the unit above us at 9 a.m. Really? At least let us know so that we do not go to bed late...

The shower in the room was broken but was not fixed prior to us checking in. The shower curtain bar in the other bathroom was also broken. It fell on my head which resulted to a cut and bleeding. I spoke with both managers hoping for at least an apology and immediate action... There was not even an "I'm sorry, is your head ok?"... The only thing said was the maintenance cannot come until Monday and since it was Saturday night, we had to wait til Monday and make do with whatever there is. Additionally, the bathroom floor in the second bathroom was very dirty, with hair all over the floor..

We do not expect the same service that we usually get in a hotel, but for the price that we pay, I might as well stay in a hotel or some inn in the area... There's a lot of choices... Would not recommend this place at all.

I’ve recently stayed in the second condo building for about a week.

Good points:

- Fairly large / space to have people over.
- It’s cheap
- Many windows facing the water
- Bright
- The ability to cook
- Large balcony
- Rooftop patio
- Firm bed
- Clean enough
- 5 minutes from the beach
- Separate entrance from the main building / no need to go through the main building

Not so good points

- Many steps to get there (216 from Amapas). You definitely need good legs.
- Noisy. There is a very busy road next to the building and it’s busy 24hours a day. Unless you are deaf, this is certainly an issue.
- Not much services from reception
- No access to pool

A good cheap place. Don’t forget that we get what we pay for :-).

We drove to Vallarta without booking a hotel in advance (as it was low season), with the Boana in mind, as we had spent the week of New Years 1999-2000 there. It didn’t quite live up to our memories.

The staff is friendly, speaking Spanish, English, and French (at least), but it presents an inconvenience that the office closes at 5pm during the week and at 1pm on Sundays! God forbid you have an emergency, e.g. lose the key, because you would be out of luck. It is also a bit inconvenient that only cash payment is accepted – no credit cards. Be warned as well that housekeeping cleans every second day, if that is a concern. The swimming pool / patio is decent, and it’s a four-minute walk to the beach – the return however does involve a substantial climb. It is in the ‘romantic’ Old Vallarta, however.

The first night, we found some insects in the suite and worse, in the sheets. We mentioned it to the staff the next day, hoping they might move us to another room, and it was at this point that we discovered the nature of the establishment. The Boana is in fact not a hotel, but a condominium whose units are owned privately by different people. The office merely serves as a rental agent. Every owner is responsible for the upkeep, renovation, etc., of their condo, and also sets the rate. It was explained to us that the owner of our unit chooses not to make any improvements – and to leave the price lower. In order for us to move to a better unit, we would have to pay a higher rate. We opted to stay put for our remaining time there rather than pay an additional $20 per night. So, in fairness to the owners of the various condos, the remaining comments are specific to suite 403.

The view from this condo is very nice, overlooking the pool and the ocean, albeit behind another hotel. The balcony is a relaxing place to have a drink in the evening. Inside 403, however, only one of the mattresses is remotely usable. The other sags in the middle, and the foam rubber that has been placed over it as an attempted remedy is very uncomfortable. The kitchen is only partially stocked, and much of what is there is damaged. One of the toilets is not properly fitted, so the lid raises only to an angle; and both toilets backed up during our stay. Higher shelves are all caked with dust, undoubtedly not visible to the housekeepers. In general, this condo has a very dated and worn feel. My advice, if you choose to stay in the Boana, would be to steer clear of 403.

Stayed here in one of the smaller units, the cost is low and location to the gay beach is awesome, just down a big set of stairs and you are there! The unit had everything, cable, a/c, wifi, etc. The finishes are not new and/or modern so it's not luxury more authentic mexican and a little bit rough but always clean.