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Grand Solmar or Hacienda Encantada?

Karenann

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Can anyone help us to decide between these two resorts? We have been to Grand Solmar and loved it. We have also read good things about HE, but have never been there. HE seems as if it could be more isolated as the marina is within walking distance of Grand Solmar. Also, the pools are wonderful at Grand Solmar, but I don't know how they are at HE (We tend to spend our time at the pools - a beach is not so important to us.) We would be interested in hearing more about HE from anyone who has been there. Thanks in advance for your help.
 

oldbuyer

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HE is a quieter and a little more upscale from GS in my opinion. It's 7 miles from their sister resort Marina Fiesta. There is a shuttle that runs between resorts on the hour and half hour returning. For owners and quests with owner privileges ($50 surcharge arranged by the unit owner) take the shuttle for free and have good wifi in the rooms. Guests have to pay for the shuttle and wifi.
Pools at HE are infinity and quiet like GS in phase one and family (a little noisy) in phase two behind phase one. Phase 3 is a new building but the studios are more like hotel rooms w/o mini kitchens. All one bedroom and above sized units have a large complete kitchen. Studios in phase 1 and 2 have mini kitchens.
Resort food is very good and is over priced just like GS. HE service and hospitality is superior to GS. Whale watching is good in season at HE as you are above the water on a cliff but still close to the water but no beach. Both are nice resorts but my wife prefers HE for the hospitality and attitude. I'm happy when she's happy.
PM me if you have any specific questions.
 

Correcaminos

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HE was disappointing

Please read our review in the TUG resort pages -- we went into some detail about our experience there.

You can see many studios available in II at Hacienda Encantada now that the new building is open: it would seem that their marketing group is ready for action! Are the restaurants, service staff, shuttles, and pool facilities able to handle the increased visitor load?
 

Karenann

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Thank you

I appreciate your responses. I did read the reviews of HE in the resort review section - some really loved HE and some were not so happy. I now have some more basis for making the decision of where to stay. Thank you for taking the time to give your input.
 

VacationForever

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I have only stayed at Grand Solmar and a HUGE plus for me is that all rooms face the ocean. I looked at HE pictures and room descriptions, they do not all appear to face the ocean. If it is so, for me HE would rank below Grand Solmar.
 

Gabbie

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If you stay in HE:
Do not rent a car. There is no parking in the resort. They will charge you about $20/day for valet. MX insurance is $300/wk.
Do not go to the sale presentation. The marketing company PTC is a scammer.
Double check your bill when check-out. Some restaurant in HE tend to charge you again, even you paid CC after eating.
Yes, some units have no ocean view.
 

Mr. Vker

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If you stay in HE:
Do not rent a car. There is no parking in the resort. They will charge you about $20/day for valet. MX insurance is $300/wk.
Do not go to the sale presentation. The marketing company PTC is a scammer.
Double check your bill when check-out. Some restaurant in HE tend to charge you again, even you paid CC after eating.
Yes, some units have no ocean view.

I agree with all except parking. Valet is free at HE.

We have been to both often. GS is our preferred. If you go to HE, its a beautiful place. But, AVOID the tour. Its a miserable experience. We love Cabo and always stay one of these two places.
 

Boonie

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We are at HE now in building 1 which faces the building and ocean, beautiful view and the 1 bedroom suite is huge for only 2 people, I feel guilty for not inviting anyone. We purchased AI which worked for us they show you the bill and it is expensive so very glad we went with that option. Service could be just a tad better we had some service issue at the pool bar but not that big of a deal. I like the shuttle access and dining access to Marina Fiesta, seems to be more of a happening place. Food has been great but where is the Mexican rice?!
 

Boonie

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One thing I forgot to add becareful of the timeshare people. They are ALL over in the airport, hotel,bathroom, bars even dinner...I'm not kidding! But specifically regarding HE they will talk to you when you first check-in and a few days later I asked for concierge I wanted some shuttle info and the timeshare lady who lead me to her desk (I thought she was concierge, she didn't say she wasn't!) talked me into doing the tour. We didn't buy they get so frustrated, surprised and unfriendly. But we lucked out because our guide was from Tennessee and actually had been to the area we live in and knows mutual people...small world...so we did enjoy his company and convo. Guess it could of been more painful!
 

VacationForever

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One thing I forgot to add becareful of the timeshare people. They are ALL over in the airport, hotel,bathroom, bars even dinner...I'm not kidding! But specifically regarding HE they will talk to you when you first check-in and a few days later I asked for concierge I wanted some shuttle info and the timeshare lady who lead me to her desk (I thought she was concierge, she didn't say she wasn't!) talked me into doing the tour. We didn't buy they get so frustrated, surprised and unfriendly. But we lucked out because our guide was from Tennessee and actually had been to the area we live in and knows mutual people...small world...so we did enjoy his company and convo. Guess it could of been more painful!

We have not taken any TS presentation in Mexico other than the one at Westin Lagunamar. At Grand Solmar, they have a policy that they will not sell to someone over the age of 65. They asked us several times throughout our stay which we politely declined and told them that we did not qualify anyway per their policy. :)
 
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