3D Cruise and Travel

Dreams Puerto Vallarta December 2012

Just returned from my first visit to the Pacific side of Mexico, along the beautiful coast of Puerto Vallarta. This resort, to my surprise has become a new favorite of mine! I traveled with my husband and another agent and his wife from 3D Cruise and Travel.

A short 20 minute cab ride from the airport, all local cabs are safe and can whisk you away to the resort for @$22 USD. The ride to the resort actually takes you through the streets of downtown Puerto Vallarta. It's hustle and bustle by day, with many locals, cruise ship passengers and tourists alike. The locals pride themselves with "living with the tourists" as one of our cab drivers told us. The cobblestone streets were interesting to say the least, but lots to see and do with shops, restaurants and markets at every turn. Be ready to sit in some traffic, but still not a difficult commute.

This resort sits about five minutes on the outside of town. Even with it's close proximity, it feels secluded and quite it's own little paradise. We were dropped off out front and handed our champagne and cold towel- only to be recognized by the e-concierge, Bethy who had spoken with me on Facebook. She made sure we were comfortable, and escorted us through to the Preferred Club lounge for check-in. The agent was wonderful, and even upgraded us to the Penthouse Dream Suite!

The Preferred Club at this hotel is located it's own separate high-rise with only PC members accommodations. The lounge itself is none other then a small snack bar and a few bottles of liquor. It doesn't offer it's own bar or waiters. A staff member is own duty here, if you wish for a certain beverage they will make their way to the outside bar. The real perk to this Preferred Club is the rooms. They are currently updating the older tower, all with spectacular views, but the PC accommodations are terrific.

Our room, along with our friends room which was a Preferred Club Junior Suite were all very well appointed. The bed was amazing, and faced the patio with ocean views. Balconies are large, including a table and chairs, plunge pools in the Dream Suites. All rooms equipped with comfortable couches and chairs, flat screen TV's, soaking tubs and large rain head showers. I think the biggest treat was the sound of the surf even with the patio doors closed in the evening.

After taking a charter to Los Arcos, and seeing a nice tour of the bay, we realized that this resort offers the best beach in the area. While the winter months do offer strong surf at times, the beach size, views and lack of peddlers make it top notch. If you are a beach person, this is the place!

Pools are small, although the larger of the two with the swim-up bar is heated. Bartenders aren't to adventurous with drinks, but do serve the usual. The Adult pool was a bit disappointing in size, included built-in loungers, but empty during out stay due to the freezing water temps.

The dining experience here was what set this place apart in my opinion. With the exception of a lack luster Italian experience, the food here was some of the best I've experienced at an all-inclusive. To take that up another notch, most of the restaurants were open-air and had spectacular views of the beach and mountains. The main buffet, the World Cafe didn't look impressive, but did offer nice choices and were always hot. This also included theme nights, my favorite being the Asian cuisine offered during the Monday Night football party on the beach.

Nightlife is dull, the Rendezvous bar located off the lobby is the hot spot for an after dinner drink. They do have an older restaurant turned into a disco at night, but was empty and lacked a DJ. One thing to note, this resort doesn't offer top shelf alcohol. Most the of speciality drinks, martinis, etc were disappointing.

Overall, we all very much enjoyed our visit here and found ourselves wishing we hadn't split the week with another property. The summer months I see this not an ideal local for couples, but in the late fall and early winter months, a perfect quiet getaway. You will have to go into town for nightlife, but certain evenings with their theme parties gives it just enough to not be boring.

Hoping to return soon!

-Kim Gulick

3D Cruise and Travel Agent