Barcelo Puerto Vallarta

I’ve been traveling to Puerto Vallarta for over 10 years — for family trips, reunions, bachelorettes, and now with my husband and our 1-year-old daughter. I’ve stayed at just a handful of hotels because once I find one I like, I tend to stick with it. This time, however, our larger group (family and friends) chose Barceló Puerto Vallarta, and honestly… it was a big disappointment. Check-in & Platinum Status Issue:
When I arrived, I was surprised to learn that Barceló didn’t have me listed as “Platinum” in their system — even though Orbitz has me marked as Platinum (I’ve been booking with them for 8 years). Without Platinum status (or their “Gold” bracelet), you don’t get access to the Premium Lounge — which includes top-shelf alcohol, a mini buffet with better food than the main buffet, and a nice, air-conditioned lounge area. You also don’t get room service, which I found shocking for a resort of this caliber. After 1 hour and 45 minutes on the phone with Orbitz, it turned out Barceló simply wouldn’t honor my Platinum status. I ended up paying $75 per person, per day to upgrade to Premium. Thankfully, Orbitz reimbursed me about 75% of that cost — but the whole experience was frustrating. The Hotel Itself: • The property feels old — from the rooms to the overall decor. • The AC barely worked, and that was the case across multiple rooms in our group. • The buffet food was below average and not very appetizing. • The staff weren’t as warm or welcoming as I’ve experienced at other PV resorts. • The beach area is just okay — nothing special. • The elevators are tiny (fit maybe 3–4 people max) and painfully slow. Expect to wait several minutes each time. • The location is about a 35-minute drive to the Malecón, which can be a downside if you like being closer to town. • And to top it off, for three nights in a row, the fire alarm went off multiple times throughout the night. No one could give us a clear answer as to why All in all, I’d say save yourself the disappointment and book elsewhere. There are so many better options in Puerto Vallarta that offer better service, food, and comfort for the same or even less. I really wanted to like Barcelo, but it just didn’t deliver.

This review is specifically about Cesar Lopez. What an absolute gem in the hospitality biz. We had an amazing time, in no small part because of Cesar's kindness, generosity, and the many personal touches. Of all the things that made our stay lovely, we will remember him the most.

CESAR IS THE BEST BARTENDER EVERRR!! Yayyy Please come to Cesar he is the best, made the best drinks everrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

The reception desk no speak English the Spanish restaurant hair in the food could not eat left hungry the pool area dirty stains all around the pool never cleaned from drinks spilled days before never cleaned up and water on the floor no one to wipe it up people fell all the time unacceptable for a hotel but you cannot clean a room right and the bars watered down drinks no alcohol in them we paid for this come on please

I love this resort. Very clean amazing staff. Would highly recommend. The food is good with your choice of 4 restaurants. Taxi's very reasonable.