On Monday of this visit to Puerto Vallarta, we were scheduled to see several hotels. These site inspections usually cover several different levels of accommodations as well as the commons areas, restaurants and activities. As travel agents, this is one of the top reasons we come on these “familiarization” trips. These walk-throughs give us the personal experience of a hotel, even if it is not the one we stay in while here. Walking through the rooms, the commons, the activities and the restaurants help us visualize just who should be staying in these hotels.
Golden Crown Paradise ©Carlanne McCrystal 2009
Our first inspection was where we are staying, the Golden Crown Paradise Resort, an all-inclusive adults only resort. Next door to this hotel is the Crown Paradise Club which welcomes families. There are many attractive reasons for choosing this hotel.
• It is a short walk to the Maritime Terminal. If you are into watching the ships come into and depart from a port, this is a great spot to relax and observe.
• There is a multitude of shopping opportunities within a few minutes walk.
• All the restaurants are a la carte, so with no buffets you always have fresh, hot/cold foods served to you by smiling waiters. The three specialty restaurants offer a different menu every night. Room service is included 24 hours a day as part of the all-inclusive.
• There are many activities and they are posted by the elevator every evening for the next day.
Golden Crown Paradise offers exchange privileges with the Crown Paradise Club, but not vice versa. The minimum check in age for the Golden Crown Paradise is 18 years, so anyone with children should reserve the Crown Paradise Club.
Los Gallos Restaurant ©CMcCrystal 2009
Crown Club Lobby ©CMcCrystal 2009
This is a great hotel for families. They even have “family” accommodations which includes the parent’s section of the room and a smaller room, with its own television and bunk beds and trundle bed, so it can sleep up to three children. Their play area for the children is lovely. A great pool area with water sports activities for all ages. There is a pirate ship, fountains and waterslides for the children to have fun all day long. They have a nursery/play area for the littlest children and everything there is “pint” sized…even the toilets, sinks and lockers. Parents are given a beeper so they can always be in touch if needed. They cannot go off property after leaving their children off at the play area, but it does give parents the opportunity for some “alone” time to be romantic, rest and reconnect. There are 216 standard spacious garden or pool view rooms, 31 of the “family” rooms, and 7 honeymoon suites. Handicapped rooms are available as well. You can guarantee the family room with a $35 up-fee. The handicapped rooms are by request and not guaranteed.
Family Room ©CMcCrystal 2009
There is the Club Caribe Bar which is an “adults only” area with jacuzzi and bar service for parents ready to get away for a bit from the kids. They also have tween and teen area that was being added on to and being readied for opening. One cool feature is “kids check-in” with a pint sized desk where staff finds out as much as possible about the children’s preferences and issues so they can better serve their smaller guests. They are very family oriented and dedicated to the family market.
For the family who wants to play together while managing some adult time as well and not break the bank account while they are at it, the Golden Crown Paradise Resort, in particular, the Crown Paradise Club could just fit the bill.
TopDawg's Travelogue 