Traveling with a family of 5, 3 teens and 2 adults is a little bit of an undertaking. Traveling with passports, luggage, teens and endless possibilities of adventure is yet even hopping into more of the unknown. A great way to resolve some of the unknown is to head to an all-inclusive resort.
We stayed in a lovely all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta that was not only able to accommodate our teen (or as they called him ‘the baby’) with severe food allergies but also offered an unbeatable proximity to the Malecon (the boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta) where we spent many hours visiting, shopping, dining, and drinking.
Lodging at the Buenaventura Grand Hotel in Puerto Vallarta has me craving a return to the same resort for so many reasons. Lavishly live passport travel out loud and take a look at the all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta
Things I Learned about our All-Inclusive Resort In Puerto Vallarta
My trip to Puerto Vallarta was hosted as a travel writer. Thoughts, opinions, and photos are all my own. I share all of this with you as I know you are interested in the travel and awesome resorts and this definitely fits what we are all seeking. My trip and story is based on my experience.
We stayed at the Buenaventura Grand Hotel, an All-Inclusive Resort in Puerto Vallarta. The Buenaventura was super close to the Malecon and the airport so it was the perfect family location.
What I quickly came to learn via poolside chit chat with all the guests (they are all so friendly) is that most of the guests that are here, come here over and over again. In fact, most of the guests I had spoken to had been there no less than 7 years in a row.
Guest Insight
Some of the guests were telling me that the staff knew their kids and watched them grow up and they were all filling my ears with how safe it was at this resort and what drinks were tops! I had more fun just chit-chatting and I had a hard time walking away from any conversation.
All beverages were included, but you definitely want to tip your server because they will make your stay amazing! Food is available poolside from your server, or you can order it at the bar. Order foods like hamburgers, chicken quesadillas, nachos, etc, it’s all good.
You can dine at any of the restaurants they are included in your all-inclusive, but you have to make reservations in the AM and trust me, they book up quickly, so get there at 8AM and see Violetta or Iris.
Everyone is there to have a blast, and you will too! Make sure to have enough sunscreen with you, and do know that pool towels are provided via a pool card that you must return each day or you will be charged. All you need to know is your room number.
The Room
I believe this video shows you the best perspective from the ceilings to the room layout! An all-inclusive resort that is super clean, and offers beautiful scenery!
Our room was a King Room, Oceanside and it was beautiful.
I want to list the amenities in the room because the website simply does not cover it all, and I found myself wondering what I might need and what I would not need.
Room Information You Want To Know
The room offers a safe, shelving, towels, soap, shampoo, and cream. Our room also had a refrigerator that was restocked daily with beer, bottled water, juice boxes, and soda. Additionally, we had a coffee maker, a hairdryer, and a makeup mirror. We should have brought conditioner (this is the first time in my life I did not and we did not have it ..go figure!)
We had a balcony, 2 chairs, and a very clean room, and I really mean it was clean. I walked on the floor with my white socks and they were never dirty. The bathrooms were very clean as well, from the sliding door shower to the bathroom.
The beds were so comfortable and after a day of adventures (snorkeling, razor driving, trip to San Sebastian del Oeste, walks to the Malecon) well you get the idea, it was lights out when my head hit the comfy, clean pillow! Air conditioning pumped in quite comfortably, never too much or too little it was always just right and of course adjustable.
OUTDOOR FUN
Undeniably gorgeous weather and a beautiful resort, look at what greeted us each day! Drinks and food on the beach to fun in the sun, and there was always somewhere to sit!
Shower off after a walk on the beach or just to cool down from the incredibly warm sun!
Outside you will find the Club De Playa Bar, and the Sunset Restaurant (need reservations to eat here).
This is the Club De Playa bar and to the far right of it, where you see the three yellow umbrellas is the Sunset Restaurant.
The pool is the family pool area. Look for Gustavo or Carlos they rock the poolside drink and food service.
The Path To The Adult Side
This is on the way to the other bar, and the adult area pool with built-in seats.
No matter where I looked I was simply in love with the resort, it’s gorgeous eh?
This is La Cabana Bar and the adult pool area, check out the swings for you to sit on while you sip on your beverage, it’s a lot of fun and it is waterside!
The pool seats are fun as well, and I generally waited for the end of the day to sit in there when the last of the sunlight was casting above and on the water.
There are trays for you to rest your beverage on!
It’s so beautiful I just could not stop snapping photos!
Outdoor bands at night, across the pool, while having a drink in my hands down have been one of my favorite parts of this trip at this resort.
Large Parties – Plan Ahead
If you travel in a party of 5, you will need at least 2 rooms. One Adult to each room and children of 18+ are considered adults. Rooms there offer more double beds than King so you need to be very specific in what you order.
We had a King bed and placed a ‘cot’ (twin) bed in our room, and it did not matter to us because we were only in the room to shower and sleep, we had plenty of space for our needs. Do not plan on putting an entire family in one room because it will not be possible.
The Entrance
This is the main lobby area, where you can enjoy coffee or drinks. Further, this area offered nighttime entertainment at times, or sometimes the entertainment (band) was poolside by the outdoor bars. Walking from the front desk to the main buffet Frutas & Flores Restaurant was literally steps and we were always greeted by the Capitan and his staff.
We soon found out that the main entrance, where the front desk was and the bellhops were, was a very active hub. Not only did it house the elevators and steps to the rooms but it was the main thorough way to the bar areas, dining areas, and beach. This is the path to the outdoors and it is right from the main lobby, what a view each day.
Restaurants
In this photo you see the resort from the back, the ocean is behind me and the pool in front of me borders the Frutas & Flores Restaurant. To my right are the walking paths and another bar. To the left is the adult Cabana bar.
Buenaventura Grand Hotel offers 3 restaurants, in addition to 3 bar areas, room service, and a burger/snack grill by the pool area. The Restaurants are Sunset Restaurant which is oceanside dining and reservations required.
Frutas & Flores where you can dine in your most basic clothing (coverup required) and it is buffet style with drinks ordered. Additionally, within the Frutas & Flores restaurant resides the Corazon Contento Restaurant. Remember, reservations are required and there is a required dress code.
Dining functions at all different times and I do suggest making that morning reservation with Iris or Violetta in the early AM to reserve your spot for dining by the ocean as the sunset is impeccably irresistible as the sun flirts with the edge of the water.
I believe that a dress for women and sandals are fine in all the eating areas. For men, the 2 reservation required restaurants require men’s better club wear. The restaurant seemed to allow Khaki’s and dress shorts (not cargos). Further, dress shoes were fine, but flip flops were no.
SPA
I failed at having SPA time because we squeezed so much in. However, the SPA ladies did come by the pool and offer, a full-service SPA Treatment for a special one-day deal of $90 only.
Additionally, they were selling these yummy bars of soap for only $5 poolside special (cash). Each person that came back from the SPA was telling me how much they loved it, so perhaps this is going to be the first thing I do next time we get to the Buenaventura.
My trip to Puerto Vallarta was hosted as a travel writer. Thoughts, opinions, and photos are all my own.