Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

13563 reviews

• 

  6 Night stay

  The resort itself was beautiful and clean. The staff were very friendly and fun. The evening meals at the different restaurants were really delicious and had a nice variety. The only downsides were the rooms could use an upgrade,they could use more chairs around the pool and at the beach. Otherwise our group had a great time.

  Jan 25, 2025
• 

  We would never go back to Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort

  This Resort is not suitable for anyone that is not in excellent physical condition because the distance in paths from your room to the lobby or restaurants or do the beach involve long path walks which are up and down some very steep and many steps down to the pool and at least 39 steps from the pool to the beach. The food was extremely average. The help and staff were not informed about giving you directions of where things are located and the map that they give you only as numbers not the name of the restaurant or of what the numbers are attached to and it's just squares on a piece of paper. The service was slow nothing special. The beach was very nice but if you're not down there at 7:00 and put your towels out you are not going to get a chair they had an insufficient number of beach chairs. And they had only a few palapas and no umbrellas so only a few people got to have some shade. The bar picked up the used disposable cups washed them in a makeshift sink on the beach and use them again for customers. I thought that was unsanitary. If you had to go to the bathroom and you were on the beach you better be willing to jump in the water or walk up 37 to 39 steep stairs to the pool area and then across the pool area and then up about 5 to 10 more stairs to get to a bathroom. The paths between the places where such a distance and steep up and down that people in a wheelchair had to have someone push and it was almost impossible for them to navigate. I am in good shape and it was difficult for me and I was exhausted by the time I finally found and arrived at the reception again or to the dinner restaurant or to the sports bar. The signage is very rare. 50% of the people that work there have no clue where the international restaurant is or which direction the beach is. 50% of the staff do know where it is but they'll tell you a route that they think is scenic and it's way too far away. If it were raining the path so it would be impossible in some areas. My husband and I travel all the time and we were looking at each other and say we're never coming back to this place. Then we would laugh in agreement! There is nothing around there where you could go to a flea market. And I bought some $195 glasses in the gift shop that they said were Oakley that turned out not to be Oakley and they're not even polarized because we tested them when we got back to Puerto Vallarta. I got the room for $432 on booking.com after I arrived. When I inquired at the desk said $600.

  Jan 24, 2025
• 

  I thought Mt. Everest was hard to climb!

  The walkability of this resort is poor. There are steep ramps with no handrails and stairs most restaurants. Steep stairs to the beach. Restaurants: Only 1 a la cart restaurant was accessible, as well as the buffet. Due to the access, we did not get the opportunity to enjoy all the restaurants. Of the 3 nights at a la cart, we have slow service 2 of the 3 visits. Repeated our request for drinks and food orders, no bread service or mention of the salad bar. Breakfast is only offered at the buffet, with the coffee (or drink) service being slow. So, you get hot food and cold coffee or hot coffee with cold food. After 8 days, this was frustrating. For lunch, it is the buffet or the terrace restaurant which is pool side. Pool side is nachos, chips, hamburgers and hot dogs. There is no silverware at the pool side lunch, just a plastic fork. We asked for a knife to cut the burger, and 3 employees denied our requests. We had dinner there, so I know they have silverware. However, the steak filet was delicious and was the highlight of the dinners at Grand Palladium. The service at the buffet was spotting and the food was not good, often cold. Also, guests made no order at the buffet and would grab a spoon or serving ware away from us. We did receive great service at the sports bar by Luis. We had dinner there one night out of complete frustration. But it pleasant as there was a cook there making things to order. Also, we did not have any issues with sickness or upset stomachs while there. Pools: The adult pool is lovely, but with stairs all around. Wonderful service by Armando, Vicky, Bernardo, and Liseth. They were quick and knew how to make any drink that was asked for. They remembered our drinks from the day before, and friendly and kind. The quality alcohol is offered and options for non-alcohol beverages are available. The pool bar neat and clean at all times. The chaises were reserved by 9 or 10 AM daily but little wooden stools at the bar gave you nice place to sit if needed. Towels were always ready to go. People will take towels to hold them in their rooms to return at 8 AM to "reserve" the chaises prior to towel service. The pool gets nice sun, and we could see whales and dolphins from all places. Nice music that was varied and relaxing. The family area pool, it has pumping techno music for the classes. Why this music? Service at the bar was very nice but hard to relax with techno music. The front desk and bellhops: Castro was professional and kind. He took our bags to our room and helped with airport transportation and taxis. Super Jess was helpful at guest services for dinner recommendations in Bucerias and rental of a power scooter. Evening entertainment: There was variety, and it was easy to find a seat. Some of the performers were great and others were a bit out of sync. For a family resort, it was acceptable. The Hemmingway Bar was a nice place to hang in the evening for conversations or games. Rooms: Talking with another guest we were lucky to be in Villa 1 facing East. We did not have the noise of the nightly weddings. One the 2nd floor, we slept with the patio door open one night and listened to the ocean waves crashing. One mattress was not comfortable, not fluffy but springy. Broken light fixtures (2 of them). Huge towels that were heavy and hard to hang dry. Also, for considering we were there for 8 days, we had no storable. The is no drawers for things. Plenty of hangers, but it was a tight fit for things. Had to use the 1 draw at the nightstand for personal things like socks. Also, no chair or table. Room service is offered but you would not have a place to but the food. The room was cleaned daily, and it was stocked with sodas, fruit and water. Beach: It is small, but walkable. They offer boogie boards and chaises lounges. There is a little bar and beach vendors offering massage. Lots of surfing and beautiful sunsets. The Spa: The was our highlight. We had 2 services in 8 days. The staff was professional and skilled. The hydrotherapy was great with steam, sauna, and pool. Relaxing- this saved our vacation for us. The area: It is far from Puerto Vallarta about 1 hour drive without traffic. For us the attraction for us was the quietness, security and AI options for dining and entertainment. We did enjoy the market on Sunday to La Cruz with Manny, a day trip to Sayulita and dinner in Bucerias at Fat Boy. Lastly, not once did anyone ask how we were enjoying our stay. For the length of stay, I would expect someone to ask. I don't think the stairs could be avoided but few changes by staff would have more enjoyable. We would not return to the resort or can recommend to anyone. I would recommend coming to Puerto Vallarta. The airport is easy, the restaurants great and weather is blissful, just choose other accommodations.

  Jan 24, 2025
• 

  Great place to stay

  We’ve stayed at the Grand Palladium many times now and are always happy. The staff do everything they can to make your stay a great one. Wonderful food & restaurant staff as well. Quaint buildings & a little ‘out of the way’ which is perfect for R&R - Not too far out to go into town and take in the sights and excursions. Would definitely recommend.

  Jan 24, 2025
• 

  A Fantastic Place

  What a great little resort. Aside from supervisor, Cecilia who works in the travel club and thinks she owns the place, and has zero customer service skills. Brando should be training every Palladium travel club employee. What a wonderful addition and met our every need thank you for that Brando. Love this resort

  Jan 24, 2025