best balconies? selecting an [RCI] vacation resort in Mexico...

[mtforeman]

As strange as it may sound, a bit part of our vacations include sitting on balconies and relaxing.

We're planning a trip to Mexico in late June-July 2015. I have reviewed lots of information about many different places, and all have advantages and disadvantages.

We are looking #1 at the quality/space/beauty of the unit and (especially) balcony. Water features on balcony (plunge pool, jacuzzi) are a big plus.

This is probably a vacation for 6-8, so we really prefer a 2 bedroom unit. All inclusive (cheap all inclusive) is a possibility, ideally if it includes room service. No children coming. Ages 18-65.

Location in Mexico is completely flexible.

Any recommendations?

Here are a few we are considering:
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach (has 2br, has optional AI, nice units, substantial balconies, good views) (negatives--on a cliff, golf carts to get anywhere, non-swimmable beach).

Playa Grande (has a few 2br, has optional AI, views decent, balcony OK, walk to town if desired) (negatives--can you swim the beach?, is room service in AI? hard to find AI information in advance).

Grand Mayan, Grand Bliss, multiple locations (misc: looks like beautiful balconies, hear that RCI trades get TERRIBLE views/noise/construction, stinks to use balcony, no AI, more kid-focused)

THANKS!!

 

[SMHarman]

Westin Lagunamar, wonderful views of the azure sea.
No water features etc.

 

[tashamen]

As strange as it may sound, a bit part of our vacations include sitting on balconies and relaxing.

We are looking #1 at the quality/space/beauty of the unit and (especially) balcony. Water features on balcony (plunge pool, jacuzzi) are a big plus.

Not strange at all - balconies are very important to us too!

If you have a trader with II, I'd recommend Club Intrawest in Zihuatanejo. Most units, especially the larger ones have private plunge pools and large terraces. They bulk bank into II about 3 to 6 months ahead - this January they deposited weeks through June 2014, including 2BRs. I don't think they deposited 3BRs, though there are some at the resort.

 

[Passepartout]

Which is more important, wonderful balconies or AI/room service? For balconies, check this one: http://ochocascadas.com/ I don't do AI in Mexico, there are too many great restaurants in the towns, so you're on your own there.

Jim

 

[mtforeman]

Wow, thanks for the responses!

I should have mentioned (not smart of me) that we're looking for RCI trades. Sorry for not including that!

Still checking out the ones you mentioned, plus any more that get mentioned!

 

[PigsDad]

The Grand Mayans all have plunge pools on the balconies and it trades through RCI.

Kurt

 

[easyrider]

The Villa del Arco in Cabo, Villa del Palmar Cancun, Villa del Palmar Loreto and Villa del Palmar Flamingos have really nice large balconies. These trade in II.

Sunset Beach units have a really nice balconies. Larger than most, imo. RCI.

Grand Mayan has a plunge pool on the two bed units but good luck getting an ocean view without attending a presentation.

The best balcony we have had was this year in the Monte Cristo Estates at Sunset Beach. Huge upstaire balcony with hot tub and bbq and huge downstair deck with infinity pool.

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[geekette]

I don't think you will ever find Montecristo in RCI, you'd need to rent from an owner. If you ever do find MC in RCI, grab it immediately.

Sunset Beach, note that you are not confined to golf carts, we walked most everywhere, using the carts when convenient or tired or belly full of food.

We spent much time on our SB balcony watching whales. Definitely nice size balconies and ample privacy as well.

 

[mtforeman]

Which is more important, wonderful balconies or AI/room service? For balconies, check this one: http://ochocascadas.com/ I don't do AI in Mexico, there are too many great restaurants in the towns, so you're on your own there.

Jim

Holy Macaroni! That place is amazing!

We might just go there anyway and try to rent, though the teens (18, 20, & 21) might actually be bored sitting in the (glorious) unit. Why leave?

 

[Passepartout]

I don't know if you can get into Vacation Internationale www.viresorts.com but there are 2 of theirs, Torres Mazatlan and Vallarta Torre (very similar resorts) have 2-story, 3 bedroom penthouses with humongous balconies with hot tubs. One of these is my hands down favorite Mexican resort. While both have very good restaurants onsite, I can't speak to room service or AI. Actually, every member of your party can charge onsite purchases to the suite, so unless you drink like a fish, it probably costs less than AI anyway.

These are not giant mega resorts where golf carts are necessary to get around. Many people love them and consider them their Mexico home.

Jim

 

[easyrider]

I don't think you will ever find Montecristo in RCI, you'd need to rent from an owner. If you ever do find MC in RCI, grab it immediately.

Sunset Beach, note that you are not confined to golf carts, we walked most everywhere, using the carts when convenient or tired or belly full of food.

We spent much time on our SB balcony watching whales. Definitely nice size balconies and ample privacy as well.

The biggest problem for me staying at Sunset Beach is that its kind of boring. I like being on Medano Beach way better. In fact, I doubt I will ever stay at Sunset Beach again. The Villas are nice. We had two of them and the only reason it was fun is we had enough people in our group. The novelty of the MC wears off real fast for me as home is every bit as nice. I like a semi noisy resort with new people to meet.

BTW. I have seen the MC on the SFX sell off list.

Ocho Cascadas is a bit too far out of the way for me. The steep hill and maze like streets are also a bummer, especially at night. The view is outstanding, especially at night. This is one of those places where the opportunity to meet new people is limited.

I like the Vallarta Torre. My wifes uncle and his large group of friends stays here every year and have been doing so for about 25 years. They stay for a month or more each year. When we visit them its like going to the senior center as every one at the resort seems like they are over 75. It is an older resort with an older clientele. Nothing wrong with that.

Bill

 

[DeniseM]

Montecristo exchanges with The Registry Collection which is an upscale part of RCI with a separate membership.

 

[Seaport104]

Check out Garza Blanca Reserve in Puerto Vallarta. I have seen one 2 bedroom pop up in RCI and it was taken immediately. This is one of the rare instances where booking a Mexico resort via RCI actually saves you money.

All inclusive is optional but you can add it for a minimum of 3 days. AI also includes room service and all meals are ala carte- no buffets! The service here is phenomenal.

Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa (#C681)

http://www.garzablancaresort.com/

 

[gnorth16]

I don't think you will ever find Montecristo in RCI, you'd need to rent from an owner. If you ever do find MC in RCI, grab it immediately.

Sunset Beach, note that you are not confined to golf carts, we walked most everywhere, using the carts when convenient or tired or belly full of food.

We spent much time on our SB balcony watching whales. Definitely nice size balconies and ample privacy as well.

Took the exact words out of my mouth!!! At PBSB, we ate every meal on the balcony and watched the whales every morning. Every unit faces the ocean as well.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[geekette]

Took the exact words out of my mouth!!! At PBSB, we ate every meal on the balcony and watched the whales every morning. ...

Not boring to me!

Valid point made by previous poster - I suppose PBSB could be boring if one requires a certain type of entertainment.

I like to Get Away and am unconcerned that it's non-swimmable beach. I'm thrilled with not having to deal with beach vendors nor hoardes of people hanging about. Certainly it is relevant to know what kind of atmosphere one will find but generally one can create their own ambiance.

If OP is really wanting to spend most time on the balcony, PBSB is a great choice as the view will not be the resort pool nor kids running and screaming, it will be The Sea and little else.

I have visited the sister PB resorts on Medano and I think all those balconies face the pool which is not my idea of peaceful relaxation but would certainly appeal to others.

 

[Neesie]

thumbs down for Monte Cristo

Holy Macaroni! That place is amazing!

We might just go there anyway and try to rent, though the teens (18, 20, & 21) might actually be bored sitting in the (glorious) unit. Why leave?

Monte Cristo is up the hill from Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach - without the free golfcart transportation and the same "unswimmable" beach. Although it looks amazing I'd feel stranded there. At least with Sunset Beach they have the free shuttle to the sister resort in town. I'm not a teenager but I do like to wander around town, no matter how nice my accomodations are.

As for "unswimmable" beach - it is totally gorgeous and walkable. A strong undertow makes it unsafe for swimmers. Cabo is full of gorgeous pools, I don't even miss swimming in the ocean as long as I have a good view.

 

[easyrider]

Im sorry if I wasn't really clear about the Monte Cristo Estates and the resort Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach.

The Villas are nice but isolated with distant type views of the Pacific. To me this is somewhat boring in itself. I don't plan on staying here again, ever.

The resort is fine with many shared pools and restaurants. The decks are very nice. BUT, because of the vastness of the resort, the many pool areas scattered throughout the resort grounds, the danger of the beach waves and the inability to get a golf cart at peak times plus the distance to Cabo Im thinking Im staying on Medano Beach from now on.

The Monte Cristo Villa for me is like staying at home with the exception of my stuff being nicer and my view different. I enjoy a resort atmosphere that is walking distance to the main action.

Bill

 

[geekette]

Monte Cristo is up the hill from Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach - without the free golfcart transportation and the same "unswimmable" beach. Although it looks amazing I'd feel stranded there. At least with Sunset Beach they have the free shuttle to the sister resort in town. I'm not a teenager but I do like to wander around town, no matter how nice my accomodations are.

As for "unswimmable" beach - it is totally gorgeous and walkable. A strong undertow makes it unsafe for swimmers. Cabo is full of gorgeous pools, I don't even miss swimming in the ocean as long as I have a good view.

This is incorrect regarding Montecristo. You actually have your own concierge and can call for your own shuttle van to take you down the hill or if you stop in the road and one goes by they will ask if you want a ride. Once you go down to PBSB then golf carts are prevalent. Also can use the shuttles to sister resorts. Basically, MC guests get same perks as PBSB guests.

We were a party of 14 in 2 of the original MC units and certainly did not feel isolated nor stranded since our concierge was always available. With your own pool and hot tub, there is no need for the pools of PBSB tho you are welcome to use them. You also have a garage so if you rent a car, it won't be sitting in the sun.

Perhaps one person's feelings of being stranded are another's feelings of privacy? Not every resort is a good match for every person. MC and PBSB are as good as it gets For Me.