Occidental Nuevo Vallarta - All-Inclusive

We really enjoyed our late-January week at the Royal Level. For us the additional features were well worth the modest upcharge. We especially enjoyed the access every night to the ala carte restaurants, particularly the top-notch Royal Club Restaurant (including breakfast and lunch). I enjoyed the access to the special bars with top shelf international liquor. And it was very nice to not have to pay extra for WiFi at the resort. Other Royal inclusives were nice - but not deal makers for us. However if all you drink is beer or fruity drinks, or all you eat is hamburgers and fries, you may not care about the Royal upgrade. Overall the resort is very nice. There have been recent major upgrades/renovations, and several minor maintenance projects were ongoing while we were there. The grounds, common areas and our room were all well appointed and well-maintained. The pools and beach are delightful, with lots of shade available to help ease into the intense Mexican sun. Staff are all personable and friendly - obviously they know what it takes to be in the hospitality business. Most of the staff is very compitent - the exceptions being staff in the Italian and Mexican restaurants. In these cases we were repeatedly brought menu items that we did not order, had plates removed while we were still eating, were asked 4 and 5 times if we didn't want any other beverage, and subjected to a manager loudly berating his staff 3 feet from our table. Food was generally good, with lots of variety and quantity. The Japanese and Royal restaurants were our favorites. Sunset cocktails at the Royal Lounge on the 7th floor was delightful. As was sitting there for a peaceful breakfast while watching dolphins and whales play in the bay. The sushi at the Japanese restaurant was maybe not the best we have ever had, but it was fresh, tasty, and unlimited. The mid-day "snack" in the open-air Mexican restaurant had over 50 options. Our Top 3 Favorites about the ONV: - Beach time under the palm trees - Fresh house-made potato chips for lunch at the Mexican "snack" - Royal bartenders knowing your order before you speak Our Top 3 Disappointments at the ONV: - Smoking in public places, with the breeze always blowing smoke to the non-smokers - Cold and tasteless food in the Italian restaurant - Oversized furniture in the lobby that was impossible to sit on comfortably

Our stay at the Occidental was nothing short of fantastic. The room was comfortable and the entire place was well maintained. I can't say enough about the courtesy and respect shown to my wife and I by the entire staff. Special thanks to Aurelio, Alexia, and Gregorio for making our stay the best it could be.

Vacation was great, good service, good food, nice facilities. I've been twice in the same place. What to return again. Elena

I've been a few times in that hotel, Ocidental. Love it. Great service, food, rooms. Recommend.