The Hacienda at Hilton Puerto Vallarta

The beach is huge, which we loved. It takes about two minutes to walk through the family-friendly resort to get there, using the lobby and crossing over the bridge between the resorts. My husband and I stayed from December 8-15 and had a wonderful time. The resort and our room were clean, and the staff were friendly. We saw many of the same people during the week, and they were polite and quick to help each time. Aveleno, Manuel, and Fernando stood out, along with a couple of others whose names we didn't catch. The pool bartender and server were great too. One little thing, and it's my own fault, is that I didn't ask for the playlist during the aqua show. I've been trying to find the songs ever since. There was a male singer, and one song mentioned “the letters I never sent.” If the entertainment team can identify that playlist, I'd be so happy!

Flavio from the vacation club was a bit annoying in the lobby. It would be nice if that approach were softened for guests who are just trying to relax. When we come back in November with friends, we hope we won't run into the same annoyance and can enjoy the welcoming atmosphere we love. There were so many people who made this visit special. Cesar and Carlos took great care of us by the pool, and Manuel and Marissa made breakfast a highlight as always. Isidra in the café is cheerful every morning, makes me a special coffee, and even helps me learn Spanish. We missed seeing Jonathon much this time, and hope he and Emma are back in the future. Miguel was missed at breakfast too. Melanie at the front desk was excellent, Lucy always goes the extra mile with our accommodations, and Marco at valet is helpful and welcoming as ever. Elizabeth is the real star for us. She doesn't technically work for the hotel, but her warmth and care make every visit memorable. Another fantastic stay at Krystal Hacienda resort Puerto Vallarta, which still feels like our home away from home. We're already looking forward to November and our 17th visit to the Hacienda. Thanks to everyone who keeps making our vacations so good.

The one place we actually liked was Love Sight, and the photographer Jesus was excellent and very friendly. Otherwise, the food disappointed us. The buffet was nearly the same every day, and most of the restaurants weren't good. We spent six days at Hacienda Krystal, and it was a very disappointing stay. We had to switch rooms three times because of bugs. The resort felt dirty and smelled bad, and raccoons were everywhere on the property, making even a walk around difficult to enjoy. It wasn't worth the money. I'd tell people to stay elsewhere. We definitely won't return. STAY AWAY

The staff were brilliant everywhere, and Antonio was the best. We found a spot by another pool and made it our home. He brought my usual drink with a smile every day. The pool bar was nice sometimes, but we could never find a seat. The room we first had was right above check-in and very loud, so the next day they moved us to a great room. The place feels like it's from another era and needs a refresh. Buffet food was cold, though the restaurant-style places were okay apart from Talavera Seafood. I ordered half a chicken, and one side wasn't cooked. The waiter said it was just a “vien” with blood and that was fine, but not to me. He left the breast, which was okay, and took the uncooked side back to cook properly. My wife ordered fish, not sushi. It was brown outside and raw inside. They took it back, but it came out the same. Food was cold everywhere, especially at the only lunch place on the adult side. We had two rooms. With what this costs and the resort calling itself five-star, I expected better. And with all the “stuff” going on outside the resort with the cartels, I don't want to be anywhere near that.