Over the years my wife and I imagined our 25th wedding anniversary would be spent in Hawaii, but after looking at prices and other options we decided on Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for two reasons, one it was on the non-hurricane side of Mexico and two the flight time was much more reasonable.
Picking the Golden Crown Paradise Hotel was the result of much research online and through the travel agents material, but now I can tell you from my personal experience what a wonderful resort this is for your tropical getaway.
The resort is located near the airport so you won't spend much more than 10 or 15 minutes in travel time before your arrival. Just a note about the airport, when you've made it through customs and are leaving the airport you will go through a room that is filled with time share people, keep your head down and proceed out of the building to your transportation unless you wish to waste your beach time talking business. Be advised that time share people are everywhere in Puerto Vallarta, they will approach you at any time and lure you into conversation before dropping the timeshare bomb on you which will include all sorts of offers.
When we arrived at the resort we were greeted by the bell hop who took our luggage and set it aside. We were then given a cool, moist towel for refreshment. You will be hot and sweaty from the warm tropical air and the ride there. Then a waiter brought us a tall tropical drink which we sipped on while waiting to be checked in.
The check in time is 3:00pm and if you do arrive early and your room is not ready yet they have an area where you can relax, shower and change clothes if you wish. At check in you will receive your all inclusive wrist band, a key to your room safe, the keys to your room, a TV remote and tickets for beach towels. Hang on to all this stuff, and don't lose any of it either because there is a stiff fee to be paid if you do. Responsible people don't have to worry. Our check in was smooth and easy, before we knew it we were at our room.
Our room was just as we ordered it, on the ground floor and on the ocean side. The room was spacious, clean and complete with a small refridgerator as well as TV, clock radio and an iron and ironing board. Since I had told the travel agent that this was our anniversary they soon brought us a bottle of chilled champagne and two glasses along with a card from the staff. The bathroom was huge with a walk-in shower that you could have a party in, there are two sinks and a big mirrors. We had a jacuzzi on the deck outside our room where we could relax and enjoy our ocean view.
This resort is not a giant resort like some and is much more personable with a very friendly and attentive staff who do speak good English and will go out of their way to help you in any way that they can.
Our bed was huge and very comfortable with at least 6 pillows. Some reviews I have read claim that the bed was too hard, however with my back problems I sleep on the firmest mattress I can anyway, so I was right at home. The TV has plenty of channels for late night viewing with English spoken or sub-titles, you won't be indoors much anyway only to change clothes as the the weather here in Puerto Vallarta is absolutely beautiful. Blue skies and nearly 90 degrees during the day and only down to 70-75 at night with a soft ocean breeze.
This resort besides being all inclusive is also adult only, so you won't see children running around screaming their little heads off which is very condusive to the romantic atmosphere of this resort. The restuarants on the property are excellent and do require a bit of a dress code of slacks and closed toe shoes for men. Be sure to try the "sexy coffee" at Salvadores for a real treat. There are bars located around the pool area and the Breeze Bar on the beach was our favorite where we could enjoy the sunsets and the ocean only a few steps away from our room. I highly recommend the mini taco's at the cafe near the pool, they are excellent and you can't get enough of the fresh salsa.
We had no problems whatsoever during our stay. The resort was peaceful and well maintained. There was nothing we could find to complain about other than the fact that we had to leave this place and return to the cold Michigan winter.
I would without question return to this resort again and highly recommend it to anyone who is seeking a quiet, romantic tropical getaway where you will be catered to and treated like royalty.
We were there in the fall of 2005 and the total price of this vacation including airfare from Saginaw, Michigan was roughly $2300.00 USD. This included the ride to and from the airport in P.V. and all food, drinks and gratuities. We did tip the staff because we felt they deserved it and a few dollars here and there go a long way with these people who do not make the kind of money we are used to seeing here in the United States.
Most reviews will complain of the numerous beach vendors. They are there in full force but will be on their way when you say, "no gracias". We told them that we were there for the sun but we would buy some things later in our stay which we did. They will bargain with you and give you just as good of a price as you will get at the markets. Most are very friendly. While sunbathing the first day I received a back massage from a guy called Tony Macaroni and a small group of musicians came by and sang "Besame Mucho", it was my wife's gift to me and I was immersed in the pinnacle of paradise. The song and back rub might have cost about $10, so they are not all irritating.


Recommended: Yes