Riu Vallarta

This was a multi-family vacation with 11 adults and 4- kids ranging from 6 to 13 years. The hotel was priced as a moderate quality family resort, and would class it as a 3-STAR: 1. Food good selection, but generally poor quality due to poor ingredient quality (e.g. very tough steaks etc). 2. Drink selections - good 3. Pools - good and not too crowded even during spring break. 4. Staff - Excellent very friendly and very helpful. 5. Cleanliness - overall above average 6. Rooms - clean, but seem ready for a remodel - dated and tired looking. 7. Location - great sunsets, 30 mins by taxi to POV and 15 mins to Bucieras. 8. Entertainment - mixed... sad looking voice synced dance shows (:( )... to excellent circus in the pool. 9. Beach... very nice 10. Volleyball court... staff only had one volleyball for guests... old and beaten up... net saggy and ready to fall down.

My cousin and our two other friends enjoyed a fabulous stay at the Riu Vallarta. Upon my arrival, I stay solo in my own room and fly alone...the reception fellow upgraded my room for my 56th bday which had happened the week before. It was a beautiful corner Jr Suite with a view of the family pool area and ocean front. The room was clean and the balcony huge. The same staff were friendly, helpful and fun making our time there feel personal. The centre courtyard is always full of activities and music. We always meet many wonderful people. Walking the beach is safe and enjoyable without too many vendors. Food is good too. Lots of variety and always available. My biggest complaint and really the only one...is the quality of beds and bedding. You might as well sleep on the floor. Horrific beds really for the quality of hotel. Everyone we met had the same complaint. It’s time to upgrade the tub and showers too. Otherwise a fantastic time.

My girlfriend took me to the Riu Vallarta for a 3 week holiday to celebrate my 50th birthday. Arrived on 30th March 2018 been back 3 days and miss it already. FANTASTIC. We went with no expectations and were treated to the best holiday we've ever had. Brillant room on the side of the hotel but still overlooking the bay. Others mention the decor is dated? This is exactly what we went for Authenticity. If you want ultra modern why bother going to other countries? A BIG hello to Lola and Ignacio (animation team) who were Wonderful, love you both & Enrique (security) hardest working man possible. All the staff were brilliant Food lovely and varied Pools spacious but needed cleaning more ONLY because people stayed in there all day and didn't use to toilets! Beach amazing Neither of us could fault the Riu Vallarta but can only thank them for making our stay wonderful. Our only gripe was the Jet Ski guys who rode their machines straight through the swimming area. I did confront them twice telling them it was dangerous but they didn't care. Jet Skis are NOT part of the hotel. We went in the Spring Break and met some great Americans and Canadians who really know how to enjoy themselves, in a good way. Yes they might be loud but I wish I had that much enthusiasm for life. Would highly recommend the Riu Vallarta. If you want 5 Star and haven't experienced this anywhere else, then GO. If you've been to other countries it might not meet your particular standards but everyone is different. Would we go back again, definitely YES We've been racking our brains and honestly can't find fault with our experience at the Riu Vallarta. I'm sure other guests had different experiences but Holidays are what you make them and ours was made for us.