The last time we ventured to Puerto Vallarta was almost 40 years ago. We were two kids, newly married and you didn’t even need a passport to travel to Mexico. (We’re not old…..we’re seasoned LOL) Almost 40 years later we returned to find; we remembered little, could afford a better resort, the fun of traveling with friends who share the same love of sunsets and laughter.
We chose to stay in Riviera Nayarit at the Hotel Riu Pacifico Palace in their new “Elite Club”(EC) offering and found it to be worth every extra penny. After delays in air travel and a tardy transfer from the airport to the hotel, we arrived at the Riu and were whisked into the Elite Club Lounge where we were checked in while sipping on the drink of our choice.
We were welcomed into our room with a bottle of sparkling rose on ice, a jute gift tote and insulated cup. We also had a fabulous view of the ocean from our wrap around balcony. Each EC room had full size liqour dispensers and a refrigerator full of juice, soda and beer and snacks. Our room was equipped with an aromatherapy device that kept it smelling refreshed and was serviced twice a day.
This RIU was not as large as the one we stayed at in Cabo last year and we found that to be to our liking. It had all of the restaurants, a sports bar, beautiful lobby (even the ceiling in the lobby was gorgeous), and nightly entertainment that included the obligatory “Michael Jackson” show. (The young man playing the part of MJ was fantastic!) The entire resort was very clean and had been updated in 2023 so everything was fresh.
The resort is all inclusive so we ate and drank to our content. Food was above average for an all inclusive and offered an Elite Club restaurant with an even more elevated dining offering. We were able to try several restaurants with the only disappointment being the steakhouse. The same Surf and Turf meal we had at the Elite Club restaurant was not as good there but service all over the resort was outstanding. You absolutely do NOT need to do the Elite Club in order to enjoy yourself and have a fabulous time.
There were three pools to choose from and a large beach area with a special section for EC guests. It was noticeable that there were plenty of lounge chairs available everywhere at all times of the day. They even passed around popsicles and fresh fruit at the pools.
We did have a security scare when an unruly (drunk) guest climbed up onto our balcony from the staircase below while I was sitting outside reading. Mind you we were on the 6th floor so that was unexpected. I ran in and got my husband and before I had barely hung up the phone, security was running down the hall. They caught the offender and let me know in one phone call he was in his room packing, then 20 minutes later was being escorted off the grounds by local police. We returned to our room that evening to chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of sparkling wine. The next day, which happened to also be my birthday, the marketing director called to check on me and once again apologized. Cake and another bottle of sparkling wine awaited us when we returned to our room after an afternoon at the pool. They went above and beyond to turn a disconcerting situation into an example of how to take care of business and make their guest feel safe. I truly commend Diana, their Marketing Director and her team for the way they handled the situation.
We would recommend this resort to anyone looking for a beautiful escape that includes as much or as little as you choose to do. Overall, the food was very good, accommodations excellent and service was all that we could ask for. If paradise is on your Bingo card, book the RIU Pacifico Palace as fast as you can. Hasta luego, we WILL be back!
Julie's Adventures In Wanderland 