Puerto Vallarta, Royal Decameron Complex Review

Overall Rating

The beds are super hard. Didn't really sleep much. There should be more authentic Mexican food. Although the beach vendors were interesting at first and sell good things at good prices if you can bargain with them, they are a nuisance. Don't make eye contact or they are in your face. One good word of advice, don't do anything that you wouldn't do normally at home. One girl went horse back riding up a river and her horse slipped and fell on her! I went boogey boarding (never tried before) and almost drowned in undertow ( bad in Oct.). The hotel does not keep close watch on you, which i prefer so you are on your own for safety.

I enjoyed the spaciousness of Royal Decameron Complex; it was like being in a very small village. There was space for everyone. You definitely have many choices of where and what to eat and they actually have some Mexican food. I hate to say this but it was nice to share the place with other Canadians, a lot of Brits and people from Holland too. Not so many Americans as they were all up the road at the American style hotels. This place is more authentic and feels like you are submerged in Mexican culture as there are plant and even animal life (doves, iguanas) on the property. Because of the size of the place there are many Mexican people working there (from the small town of Bucerias) so I liked to meet them and practice my Spanish. The service is attentive but not in your face and you can be alone and not be bothered all day if you so wish. Great location-can walk the beach forever, to the right to Bucerias is 25 min. and to the left you can find a piece of beach all to yourself backed by brush if you feel safe enough. In Oct I found a biology station for turtles not too far to the left where you can let go turtles at night for some pesos to help conservation. Many Mexican families from Guadalajara were staying here too which was nice to see.
I will go back to this resort soon as overall it was the best for the money. The bus tour I went on showed us all the other hotels in the area and they all looked like big apartment bdg's. RDC is very authentic and much bigger in land and facilities. The local people who run it are humble and attentive but don't fuss over you, which I think we Canadians appreciate. Prepare to meet other Canadians as they prefer this resort. 5*hotel but 2 1/2* rooms. Property makes up for it. Take some of the tours offered: jungle, dolphins, PV, snorkelling-worth it!