My review of Belair Collection
I finally heard back from someone up the TUG "food chain" with the following message:
"This sort of info doesn’t really belong in a resort review, but instead on the mexico forum on TUG."
So, in compliance, I will post below the information I promised about :Belair Collection Resort and Spa, Nuevo Vallarta". Please note that the Resort Review section on Nuevo Vallarta Mexican locations is not accurate because the Playa del Sol (PYL) resort listed there has ceased to exist. The delay in passing along the information below is not my fault.
Bill
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This review is written primarily for club members of Belair Collection Vallarta, but should be useful for others. We have been members for 8 years, and observed the rapid decline of the resort under the earlier owner/manager (Playa del Sol). Note that this resort is unrelated to the rogue, scam Bel Aire resort never completed in the Puerto Vallarta marina area. Belair Collection obtained the property in late 2010, and in early 2011 began a multi-million dollar revitalization which is continuing. The Belair web site (
www.belairvallarta.com) accurately describes many of the current amenities which I will not comment on here. I will comment on a number of other changes. Crumbling buildings have been refurbished, leaking roofs have been replaced, non-functional air conditioning units have been repaired or replaced, patios and walkways have been nicely upgraded, pool furniture has been replaced, interior and exterior building paint has been freshened, the children’s play area is much improved, and the parking lot has a new layer of pea gravel reducing dust. Updates in most units include flat panel TV’s, new kitchen appliances and utensils, new safes, new mattresses, and the patio furniture in some units has been replaced. Some unit furniture such as couches still sorely needs replacement.
Management of the resort is clearly bimodal with the timeshare operation largely separate from the hotel operation. The hotel operation had destination weddings scheduled for the resort each weekend during our month-long stay, and markets all-inclusive hotel rooms through travel agencies and clubs. For about a year, Belair has had no timeshare sales office, but in late January 2012, an in-house timeshare sales office has just been opened, located in the previous Italian restaurant building. There are 2012 plans for on-site coin operated laundry facilities to be installed.
One annoyance for many members has been the internet access. An improved WiFi system has been installed, but initially the charge for access was excessive. A reduction in the cost of WiFi access to club members has just been implemented.
A strong positive point is the fact that most of the previous staff has been retained by Belair, and each continues to provide excellent service. The on-site member services office has made scheduling member weeks more easily arranged than in times past. The front desk staff is also a very well managed operation.
Overall, 2011 was a good year for members, and 2012 appears to be good as well.
(Note that Belair Collection participates with other corporations in an agency which provides grants to needy students so their educations can be completed.)
