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Costa Azul Review
Read our Puerto Vallarta hotel reviews. Or post your own.
Costa Azul
- Address: Carretera 200, Km 118, Fracc. Costa Azul, San Francisco, Nayarit, 63732
- Phone: 311/258-4210; 800/365-7613 in U.S.
- www.costaazul.com
- Price range: $$
- Location: San Francisco
Fodor's Review:
What makes this place attractive are the many activities offered: horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, surfing (with lessons), and excursions to the Marietas Islands or La Tobara mangroves near San Blas. The all-inclusive plan includes activities, but since the food is mainly mediocre and San Pancho has several excellent restaurants, the European Plan is recommended. Although the sandy beach faces the open ocean, it curves around to a spot that's safer for swimming. Some guests have complained of disorganized and unhelpful staff members, and hotel maintenance has declined in recent years.
- Hotel Details: 24 rooms, 3 villas
- In-room: no phone, kitchen (some), refrigerator (some), no TV.
- In-hotel: restaurant, bars, pool, laundry service, beachfront, water sports, parking (free).
- Rate includes: European Plan, 3 meals, All-inclusive
- Credit Cards: AE, D, DC, MC, V
Member Reviews & Ratings:
Memories to Last a lifetime!
Posted by aaronnissim from Thousand Oaks, Ca on 5/14/07
Our family had one of the best family vacations we have ever had at Costa Azul! There was something for everyone: Dad has always wanted to learn to surf. Seeing him take some waves in brought smiles to all of our faces. Mom LOVED galloping down the beach every night at sunset. I actually cried saying goodbye to my horse when we left and I still dream about the sound of the hoofs in the sand. My son wants to be the next Crocodile Hunter; so the river cruise was his highlight, surfing was a close second. My daughter loves horses, so being led on her own horse on the jungle ride made her so happy! She still talks about it 6 months later!
The term FAMILY Adventure Package really says it all about why it was such a great vacation. Having adventures TOGETHER and doing things we don't get to do often makes for great quality, family time and memories. Don't worry, there is also time to relax and enjoy the peace & tranquility of the beautiful, secluded beach. Meal times were spent sharing what our favorite part of the day was and our nightly ritual was to lay on the beach after dinner and stay until each of us saw a shooting star!!! It doesn't get much better than that!
We are excited to return sometime in the future!
An Adventure to remember....
Posted by girlygirl1 from San Diego, California on 3/23/07
Ok so Costa Azul has come a long long way. We stayed there almost 6 years ago and it has since been renovated. This is unlike any hotel you have ever been to because it has all the all-inclusive perks and affordable prices but is totally secluded from the tourist traps that infest Mexico's larger cities. We decided that Costa Azul was the real Mexico...its in a small town that feels very safe and secluded. The food and service was priceless. Everyone there was so happy and understanding. We loved the trip to San Blas and horseback riding on the beach every night at sunset. My husband and his buddies went back for a surf trip with out us and raved about the surf guides and surf breaks. We tell all our friends. The only thing that we could possibly complain about was that there was not enough time in the day.....we'll be back for sure.
Who Knew....
Posted by Marshey123 from Thousand Oaks, CA on 3/23/07
We were trying to steer away from the large scale hotels of Puerto Vallarta and we found Costa Azul to be just the perfect place for a family. Its small and tucked away in the jungle. My kids loved the food- as did I! The best part was that everything was included and we didn't have to spend a fortune on meals and things to do. We were very busy but then the pool provided a place to sit around and do nothing! The locals were very nice and we'll be coming back for sure.
Not worth the money
Posted by jaimecafe from San Francisco (del Norte), CA on 1/28/07
We were at Costa Azul a few weeks ago (January 2007) for a wedding, and our experience was not good. The electricity was out for one full day and an additional two other days it was spotty (mainly out). We also had issues with the hot water not being available. If this were a hotel that was less expensive, it wouldn't be such a big deal (I have backpacked through many developing countries). But the attitude of the staff coupled with the fact that the hotel management was and still is unresponsive to our complaints means that we will not be going back, and this is a shame as the location is beautiful and the activity staff are very friendly. The restaurant was ok, the food was at times ok and other times poor. They ran out of food before everyone was served the main course at the wedding banquet, which is bad form. The electricity eventually came back on (we were in the beach complex), and those in the bungalows never had an issue. So if you decide to go, hope for no issues and stay in the bungalows. If there is an issue, the staff may treat you as they did us and promise action, but not deliver. And complaints to the management go unanswered. And for this price, please. By the way, requests for a price break have gone unanswered.
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