Hotel Azul Ixtapa Grand Resort Spa and Convention Center

We're still here for another week, but in our first six days not one person used the four tables set aside for dogs and their owners, even though they're in prime spots with ocean views. The rest of us aren't allowed to eat there and have to sit farther back. I can't understand why dogs get the better breakfast seats than vacationers who want to look at the ocean. Apparently, to sit in the dog area you need to bring a dog, love dogs, bark, be a dog, or maybe identify as one. That's how baffling this is.

The food is delicious, there are several restaurants, the pools are great, and the location is perfect for a family vacation. Service was fantastic, but the rooms need upgrades and customer service at the front desk was bad. I had a poor experience when I arrived.

Jackhammering went on all day by the pool, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They also had wedding and convention parties making noise until 2 a.m. When I asked to move or get my money back, the manager disappeared for the next seven days. It was the worst experience ever. It seems like the hotel is just collecting money until it closes, gets renovated, changes its name, and reopens. Don't go here.

The beach is perfect and the staff were fantastic, including Shyaine, Shauna Kay, shantal, melanie, Natalie, Rush, Otel, and Travis. But the facilities need work. Restaurants and lunch stands were closed, deck boards were rotting, beach chairs were broken, and towels were scarce. I went three of our six days without hot water in the afternoon. I told the front desk, concierge, and two managers, and they all said they'd get back to me. No one did. The hot water came back, but there was no call or apology. Go for the wonderful staff and beach, but don't expect first-class facilities.