Just returned from a 2 week stay at the Ambassador Suites, and absolutely loved it. Our check in was smooth, even though we checked in at around 11:00 PM, the lone employee escorted us to our room, and we were placed in a 4th (top) floor Master Suite, as we requested. The only concern was a few ants on the wall in our bathroom, which was taken care of the next day.
The Room: Absolutely spotless. Had a small refrigerator, with a micro wave. They supplied 3 or 4 bottles of drinking water each day, as there is a notice in the hotel not to drink the water from the tap, but that it is fine for washing fruit, brushing teeth, etc. Dishes, etc, are supplied, as well as a toaster, coffee maker, and a hair dryer as well. There was a comfortable sofa, and the bed was King Size, and yes it was somewhat firm, but that is the way we like it, so that wasn't a problem.
Complex: The grounds were fabulous, with well maintained pathways everywhere, which were good for jogging, or just an enjoyable walk. There were 7 pools, and yes, the majority were chilly, so they took a bit of getting used to. But there was never a problem getting a pool lounger, no matter what time of the day it was. The complex is undergoing various repairs, from painting the outside of some buildings, to doing some roofing or major renovations inside a few of the suites. They never started work excessively early, and were hardly noticed. The restaurant outside the main pool is great for happy hour drinks, (4-5), and the breakfasts were outstanding. (Omelets were to die for).
Staff, etc: As stated by others, the Ambassador, although separate from the Los Tules, is all part of the same complex. The office for the Ambassador is in building 15 I believe. They were very helpful. Both ourselves and another couple from Winnipeg, had a late flight, at 22:00, but as the rooms weren't being used that night, they allowed us to remain in our rooms till we had to leave for the Airport. That was a great bonus to us.
The Ambassador is a 45 min walk to downtown, and about the same to the Marina. If you don't like to walk, you can catch a bus just outside the complex, or a short cab ride.
Beach Area: The beach is quite nice, though pebbly in some places. Yes, the beach vendors will approach you as you walk along, but just a nod will send them on their way. If you think it is bad in this area, try the older part of Puerto Vallarta, where some of the hotels and restaurants along the ocean have to use the beach for tables and lounge chairs as their properties aren't large enough to hold everyone staying or eating there. Here, while you try and enjoy a few drinks, the vendors are in great numbers, and it is almost like you have to send one away every minute or two, which is rather annoying when you try and enjoy a drink and a few snacks. So the Ambassador area isn't that bad at all as far as the vendors are concerned. (Note: The Muffin man comes around most everyday along the beach, as he can be heard bellowing out "Muffin Man". They are great, and are only 15 pesos).
The Ambassador Suites was outstanding, and we will absolutely stay there again.

Los Tules is very nice, beautiful, and the staff are excellent. However, out of the 6 or 7 pools, only 1 was usually heated! The others were chilly to slip into usually. There were giant crickets in one of our bathrooms one night- the staff took care of that quick though. Also, our hot water wasn't working in one of the bathrooms. The beaches were very nice by the ocean except for the pesky mexicans who walk up and down trying to sell you garbage. This isn't a place for young people looking to party- LOTS of families and older people. OVERALL Los Tules was a nice getaway resort.

The Ambassador Suites on Los Tules property is truly a great place to stay. So relaxing. They are not like regular hotel rooms........they are condos of different sizes with different size patios and balconies. This is a place for quiet and relaxation, not a loud partying place.
There are no elevators, so be prepared to walk the stairs but there is always someone to carry your luggage.....checking in and checking out. When you are ready to leave, the manager, (Ms. Piana) will call a taxi for you. Although the staff speak little english, they are always there to help or find help for whatever it is that you may need. Purified water is included in the room rate as are all of the cooking items, whether it be in the studio or the master suite. The studios are of different sizes but never too small. The master suite is more of a very large hotel room with a dining area and a comfortable king bed. The bathrooms are of adequet size, and although the lighting may be a little dim, they are all decorated in true Mexican flair and very clean. Never encountered a problem with the shower or water pressure.....it was better than at home! You may get a pool view, ocean view, or both, but whatever view you have will be awesome....and no long walks to any of the pools since the property has seven. Although the Ambassador is located in the middle of the hotel zone, you would never know it due to the private Mexican village-like architecture.
If you want music or need a travel alarm clock, you will have to bring your own, as most of these units are privately owned and what I would refer to as 'basic luxury'. Surprisingly, (for 'basic') there are many good cable television stations and the air conditioning is excellent, with a ceiling fan included. I think that anyone looking for some R&R will really appreciate this place. Soft sand, nice beach. Well worth the price for what you get, but don't get your reservations mixed up with Los Tules, which is a whole other resort that share the same property. Ms. Piana and her staff will meet all of your needs and expectations, located in bldg 15.
Having meals at the little cafe, especially breakfast, is (in my opinion) picture postcard perfect ....overlooking the pool, ocean, mountains, and a view of downtown Vallarta.
The downtown view is truly awesome at night looking across the bay, all lit up with the twinkling lights of the town, starting at the ocean and gradually disappearing into the hills. Very simple and easy living here, like having a temporary home in the middle of paradise. There are always smiles on the faces of the people that stay there.......that should tell you something.
Oh. ...to our delight, we discovered that we were able to receive calls from the U.S. on our cell phone and also text message but could not make outgoing calls. A blessing really, since it is cheaper to make calls from the U.S. than from Mexico......beware!
If you're thinking about staying at the Ambassador, I hope this review helps give a little insight!

Stayed from April 9th to the 16th....a last minute decision.
We asked for a Master room this time because it was a little less expensive and has a king bed which is a little softer than what is in the studio (back problems). Of course, the room is smaller due to having no full kitchen, but the layout was great providing us with all of the essentials........large round kitchen table with three cushioned comfy chairs, microwave, toaster, small refrig, and all the dinnerware, flatware, cups, glasses, etc. needed. Oh, let's not forget the coffeemaker! We had a huge side balcony with sliding glass doors which saw the sunrise every morning being on the third floor, and a huge picture window with screens that opened wide in the front, facing the pool and ocean. These aren't the usual windows with just one set of draperies......they all have undersheers for privacy, while still letting in some light. And to reach our master suite, we had an old fashioned circular winding staircase with a bannister to help us along with bags of groceries. The room had everything that the studio has except on a smaller scale and without the kitchen counter, and instead of the 10 gallon jug of purified water, they left us three fresh quarts of water every day, and provided more when we asked. I brought those 'footie' slippers which we never used because the floor was so clean. The bedsheets were changed every other day, even though we only stayed for a week and even though we had a late check out (6 pm) they wanted to change them for us on that day, too.
A couple of days before leaving, I needed to see my doctor for my back problems and blood pressure and since it was right before Easter, my regular dcotor was on vacation. The manager, Maria Piana, happened to be working that Saturday and immediately got on the phone to her doctor and sent me to a nearby hospital where they were ready for me and gave me what I needed. All this cost me $30.00 plus bus fare ($1.20 r/t)......(now where can you walk into an emergency room for $30.00 total in the U.S. with no waiting?)
Although I'd like for this place to remain a secret, the manager and staff really deserve to be praised! They do go above and beyond what they are required than any other hotel that I've stayed at. Very few staff speak fluent english, but you can get your point across with gestures.
The downside was that not only was it spring break for the U.S. but it was 'Holy Week' in Mexico and thier spring break also, so this time we did have to scramble for a lounger, expecially if it was in a prime position......under the huts on the beach, near the pools, etc. and the Mexican population did take priority at the restaurant. I had read this happening at other resorts in Mexico but never had the experience at the Ambassador before this. I must say though, that it was an enlightening experience and that I understand the reasoning being that us Americans can vacation anytime, but the Mexican people cannot. Even so, a few of the waiters recognized me and said with a big smile and open arms "hola amiga.....welcome home!!". Got a hug, too!
All and all, a very 'homey' atmosphere year round with beautiful gardens, wonderful pools, something for everyone except the hard-core partiers that want bars and dancing on the premises. If you want music, you have to bring your own. Lots of security, you'll feel very safe here any time, day or night. I went out to take a picture of the full moon reflecting on the ocean at 4 am and didn't have a worry. When making reservations, don't get the Ambassador confused with Los Tules, even though it's on Los Tules property. All of the buildings are mixed in but there are two completely different check-in areas.