Villa Del Palmar Flamingos

[jeandz]

Can any recent visitors report on the construction of the newest building at the VDP Flamingos. Is it close to being finished, is it noisy or disruptive and any idea of when it is to be finished? I've read a few messages which seem to contradict each other.

 

[nazclk]

VDP Flamingos

We were there in November, and it depends on what room you get. They start at 7:00 am..

 

[tartanwood]

We have reserved a unit at VDP Flamingos in mid-June. Can't go ourselves so we are offering it for rent to co-workers.

Is the construction likely to be done by June? Anything else about the resort I need to tell potential renters?

 

[Paula]

Can any recent visitors report on the construction of the newest building at the VDP Flamingos. Is it close to being finished, is it noisy or disruptive and any idea of when it is to be finished? I've read a few messages which seem to contradict each other.

Hello, we were just there for 2 months and returned yesterday, both wings are completely finished and being occupied. The construction is next door where they are building La Estanzia(excuse spelling) the full time and fractional ownership. The Gym is finished and the Spa will be finished in April.

We were in Building 1 the opposite side and no noise at all, in Building 3 the closer to the beach the better. We had friends in that building and they were not bothered by the noise but were close to the ocean, however, closer you get to the Main building(2) you might here some noise especially if they are drilling. You naturally here more noise if you are in the studio/lockoff in Building 3. Hope that helps.

 

[tartanwood]

We were in Building 1 the opposite side and no noise at all, in Building 3 the closer to the beach the better...the closer you get to the Main building(2) you might here some noise especially if they are drilling.

Can you request a specific building? Are the units all the same in each building? (i.e., 1 bedroom suiite with an adjoining studio that can be combined into a 2-bedroom suite)?

When we have exchanged to various resorts through RCI in the past, we had to take what was assigned at check-in, but as an owner or renter do you have a choice? If so, how and when can you make a request?

Bonnie

 

[jeandz]

Do you think they might be done with the noisy part of the Estansia construction by November, if we were to be placed in Bldg 2.
Also, if you get this resort on an exchange, can you do a request for a room location. Is there a uptodate layout of this resort? I seem to remember seeing a layout somewhere and cannot find it now. It looked like (if you were standing on the beach looking at the resort) that there is a building on the left, a building on the right, and one at the middle back, with the pool area in the middle. Kind of like a "U" shape. Is this correct? and if so, where would be the Estansia construction?

 

[Paula]

Can you request a specific building? Are the units all the same in each building? (i.e., 1 bedroom suiite with an adjoining studio that can be combined into a 2-bedroom suite)?

When we have exchanged to various resorts through RCI in the past, we had to take what was assigned at check-in, but as an owner or renter do you have a choice? If so, how and when can you make a request?

Bonnie

Hi Bonnie: All 1 bdrm units are the same in all 3 buildings. In Building 1 the studio differs from Building 3, in B1 the studio has 2 Queen beds, in B3 the studio has 1 King and a chesterfied. I didn't go into the studio in B2(which is the lobby building) but would guess it's the same as B1. All can be combined into a 2 bdrm unit, which is what I had. Hope this helps. Paula

 

[Paula]

Do you think they might be done with the noisy part of the Estansia construction by November, if we were to be placed in Bldg 2.
Also, if you get this resort on an exchange, can you do a request for a room location. Is there a uptodate layout of this resort? I seem to remember seeing a layout somewhere and cannot find it now. It looked like (if you were standing on the beach looking at the resort) that there is a building on the left, a building on the right, and one at the middle back, with the pool area in the middle. Kind of like a "U" shape. Is this correct? and if so, where would be the Estansia construction?

Hi, No the first wing of the Estansia will not be finished until I would say next year. I'ts always worth a try to phone and request a building. The resort is in a U shape, looking from the beach to the resort Building 1 is on the right, same side as La Bella Vista(Restaurant) Building 2 is directly in front towards the back(all units have magnifcant views of resort and ocean in that building)but it's furthest away from the beach. Building 3 is on the left, with new construction going on at the back of that building. Hope that helps you. Paula

 

[tartanwood]

Hi Bonnie: All 1 bdrm units are the same in all 3 buildings. In Building 1 the studio differs from Building 3, in B1 the studio has 2 Queen beds, in B3 the studio has 1 King and a chesterfied. I didn't go into the studio in B2(which is the lobby building) but would guess it's the same as B1. All can be combined into a 2 bdrm unit, which is what I had. Hope this helps. Paula

Thank you, Paula. That information should be helpful for us and for a potential renter.

How does one request a particular building? Do you have to wait until check-in or can you request in advance? If so, how?

Bonnie

 

[jeandz]

Paula,

I just found a layout on hotels.com. I see the "U" shape.
Bldg 3 on the left, actually looks like it is composed of 3 buildings. Just curious, is this group of buildings VDP Flamingos or is it Estansia and are any in Bldg 3 group already being occupied.

Since you were at VDPF for 2 months, did you rent a car?
We do like to go to downtown PV and wonder if the cab fares for 4 people will get costly. I believe someone mentioned it was around $18 one way, not sure if that was for 2 or 4 people.

 

[blr666]

It's $18 one way to PV town and we have taken four people in one cab. When you are five, then you have to get the bigger trucks and they charge twice as much.

 

[CSP]

Additional Questions for VDP Flamingos

Folks, thanks for all the valuable info. I too am heading to VDP Flamingos at the end of April for 8 days. Two couples in a 2 BR that I traded via II. This is our first visit to PVR.

I've been surfing quite a few sites (vallartascene.com, puertovallarta.net, tripadviser.com, etc.) and Paula you're the only one who's provided consistent feedback for VDP Flamingos. Thanks!! My wife is excited to learn of the SPA completion date.

In my searches, I haven't found complete responses to the following questions:

1) What's the best way to reach the front desk folks at the VDP prior to arrival to confirm room location and possibly request an alternative? Anyone in particular I should ask for?

2) We arrive on a Friday evening, and don't take possession of the condo until Saturday. Would you recommend we come directly to VDP and purchase a night's stay, or would it be better to go someplace closer to downtown PV that first night so we may shop, exchange money, dine out, etc., prior to moving 'up north'? Perhaps stay at Vill del Palmar PV and then use their shuttle to head up?

3) Groceries, water, beer, wine, liquor, etc - I know about Wal-Mart, Sam's, Gigante, Mega and La Playa. Again, I'm aware that there is a market at the resort, but presuming it is a bit more expensive and offers fewer options, am wondering exactly which store above (or someting in Bucerias?) is closest or most convenient. Planning to do a bigger shop one-time and have items in the condo the remaining week. Where's the best place to go? Anything newer or closer to VDP Flamingos than what I've listed?

4)Though we may deal with some construction noise, sounds like Bldg 3 offers King in second BR too, which our friends may enjoy better than 2 queens. Are there any advantages/disadvantages from a view and/or sunset experience from either side of the pool (bldg 1 vs bldg 3)?

5) Balcony - some room diagrams I've seen show a wet-bar like setup on the balcony. Do these exist? If so, anything more than a sink?

6) Cell phone / internent / calling cards, etc - I know there's an internet cafe available, presumably for a fee. What about wireless service or access from rooms if one brought a laptop (have both a cellular card and a wifi card). Any recommendations for phone service? Bring/use a cell and get an international plan for our time - any idea of signal strength in area? What about calling cards - can you get any at Sam's and use at VDP without big surcharges? Is there a public pay phone close by? Is it worth the hassle? We all have littler ones at home with grandparents, so we need to be able to stay in communication.

7) We don't plan to have a car, though considering a day rental to go north to Sayulita or beyond. Has anyone rented from the front desk/concierge? How was this experience? Any better recommendations - someplace in Bucerias?

Since this has turned to be a longer post than I planned, I'll suspend it now and wait for your responses.

Thanks,
CSP

 

[Paula]

Paula,

I just found a layout on hotels.com. I see the "U" shape.
Bldg 3 on the left, actually looks like it is composed of 3 buildings. Just curious, is this group of buildings VDP Flamingos or is it Estansia and are any in Bldg 3 group already being occupied.

HI, WILL ANSWER YOUR ?'s IN ORDER.

BUILDINGS ARE IN TIERS , BUT THERE ARE ONLY 3 BUILDINGS. BUILDING 1, BUILDING 2(main lobby building), BUILDING 3. BUILDING 3 IS FULLY OCCUPIED, THE CONSTRUCTION IS AT THE BACK OF B3, ESTANSIA, FULL AND PARTIAL OWNERSHIP. NOTHING TO DO WITH VDP FLAMINGOS RESORT.

Since you were at VDPF for 2 months, did you rent a car?

YES WE DID, THROUGH ALAMO AND BOOKED IN CANADA BEFORE WE LEFT. IT WAS A JETTA, $220.00 APPROX. EACH WEEK.

We do like to go to downtown PV and wonder if the cab fares for 4 people will get costly. I believe someone mentioned it was around $18 one way, not sure if that was for 2 or 4 people.

FOR 4 PEOPLE IT COST US 220PESOS FROM OLD TOWN to PARADISE VILLAGE AND THEN ONTO THE FLAMINGO RESORT. WE DID THAT ONLY TWICE A WEEK WITH OUR FRIENDS. OUR FRIENDS STAYED AT PARADISE VILLAGE SO WE USE TO DROP THEM OFF FIRST.

FROM WALLMART IT COST 150 PESOS TO THE FLAMINGOS, ONE WAY OF COURSE.

We use to catch the free Shuttle from the Flamingos to VDP IN PV(TOWN) then a Centro bus to town and then walk along the Malicon into Old Town. We use to take a cab back. Hope I have been of some help to you.

 

[tartanwood]

Just heard from a co-worker who wants to rent our Flamingos unit in June.

I will be interested in reading answers to all of the above questions so that I can pass on as much information as possible.

This will be our first time to rent out a unit. I understand there is a $25 fee for the guest certificate. We figured that into our price.

Are there any on-site fees I need to warn them about?

Anything else we should know ourselves before we complete the rental transaction?

Anything else we should tell the renters?

All information and advice will be welcome.

Bonnie

 

[Paula]

CSP, Have tried 3 times to respond to your long post but nothing seems to be going through, so thought I would try quick reply. Email me and I will answer your questions one by one, Paula YES, this one went through so why doesn't my reply to your post show up, what am I doing wrong!! You had a long post to answer!!!!!!

 

[tartanwood]

Paula,

Sorry your answer to the long post by CSP did not go through. I was hoping to ready your answers.

We were successful in renting our week in June--first time we ever tried to do that and surprised to get a renter within only two days of posting our flyer at work.

Now I want to give them as much information as possible so that their trip will be enjoyable. They have never been to the area. We went once to the older VDP resort in town, but we can't give them specifics about the Flamingos.

I read your response about which style of studio to expect in each building, but still am not sure if and how one can request a particular location. Also still wondering about extra costs they might incur. I'd also love to know what you have to say in response to CSP's many questions.

Your posts in the past have always been most informative. Nice to have an expert who is so familiar with the place.

Bonnie

 

[Paula]

Paula,

Sorry your answer to the long post by CSP did not go through. I was hoping to ready your answers.

We were successful in renting our week in June--first time we ever tried to do that and surprised to get a renter within only two days of posting our flyer at work.

Now I want to give them as much information as possible so that their trip will be enjoyable. They have never been to the area. We went once to the older VDP resort in town, but we can't give them specifics about the Flamingos.

I read your response about which style of studio to expect in each building, but still am not sure if and how one can request a particular location. Also still wondering about extra costs they might incur. I'd also love to know what you have to say in response to CSP's many questions.

CALL THE FRONT DESK, 011 52 322 226 8100 AND ASK FOR OCTAVIO BECERRA, MEMBER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE AND TELL HIM WHEN YOU WILL BE ARRIVING AND REQUEST B1, B2, B3. ALSO CALL FERNANDO PELAYO, ROOM DIV. MANAGER AND REQUEST THE SAME. UNITS ARE GIVEN UPON CHECK IN BUT FOR GOLD MEMBERS YOU CAN PHONE AND REQUEST IF YOU KNOW THE LOCATION OF A CERTAIN UNIT AS WE DID.

Your posts in the past have always been most informative. Nice to have an expert who is so familiar with the place.

I WILL NOT CONTINUE INCASE THIS POST DOESN'T GO THROUGH.

Paula, Vancouver

Bonnie

Bonnie, Hi, don't know why my response to CSP's many questions did not go through, I will follow the same format. See above:

 

[SteveH]

Universal Vacation Club (UVC) gives their members priority for room requests and then if possible fill requests for exchangers. There have been several complaints over the years from exchangers who have been unhappy being placed at the top of the 'U' with a view of the street - can happen at the Cbo and PV locations. Maybe Paula can tell us if there are rooms with a 'road view' from B2?
Steve

 

[CSP]

Paula,

Let's try this, I shortened my original message. Just the ?s. Thanks!!

1) We arrive on a Friday evening, and don't take possession of the condo until Saturday. Would you recommend we come directly to VDP and purchase a night's stay, or would it be better to go someplace closer to downtown PV that first night so we may shop, exchange money, dine out, etc., prior to moving 'up north'? Perhaps stay at Vill del Palmar PV and then use their shuttle to head up?

2) Groceries, water, beer, wine, liquor, etc - I know about Wal-Mart, Sam's, Gigante, Mega and La Playa. Again, I'm aware that there is a market at the resort, but presuming it is a bit more expensive and offers fewer options, am wondering exactly which store above (or someting in Bucerias?) is closest or most convenient. Planning to do a bigger shop one-time and have items in the condo the remaining week. Where's the best place to go? Anything newer or closer to VDP Flamingos than what I've listed?

3)Though we may deal with some construction noise, sounds like Bldg 3 offers King in second BR too, which our friends may enjoy better than 2 queens. Are there any advantages/disadvantages from a view and/or sunset experience from either side of the pool (bldg 1 vs bldg 3)?

4) Balcony - some room diagrams I've seen show a wet-bar like setup on the balcony. Do these exist? If so, anything more than a sink?

5) Cell phone / internent / calling cards, etc - I know there's an internet cafe available, presumably for a fee. What about wireless service or access from rooms if one brought a laptop (have both a cellular card and a wifi card). Any recommendations for phone service? Bring/use a cell and get an international plan for our time - any idea of signal strength in area? What about calling cards - can you get any at Sam's and use at VDP without big surcharges? Is there a public pay phone close by? Is it worth the hassle? We all have littler ones at home with grandparents, so we need to be able to stay in communication.

6) We don't plan to have a car, though considering a day rental to go north to Sayulita or beyond. Has anyone rented from the front desk/concierge? How was this experience? Any better recommendations - someplace in Bucerias?

 

[Paula]

Universal Vacation Club (UVC) gives their members priority for room requests and then if possible fill requests for exchangers. There have been several complaints over the years from exchangers who have been unhappy being placed at the top of the 'U' with a view of the street - can happen at the Cbo and PV locations. Maybe Paula can tell us if there are rooms with a 'road view' from B2?
Steve

Hi Steve, IT MIGHT HAPPEN AT VDP IN PV IN G BUILDING which is on the Road -AND MIGHT HAPPEN IN VDP IN CABO BUT NOT AT VDP FLAMINGOS IN NUEVO VALLARTA AND I CAN'T SPEAK FOR VILLA DEL ARCO YET.

REGARDING THE VDP FLAMINGOS RESORT. Our friends were in B2, 4th floor and all units look out to the Ocean/pool area, bright and sunny all day with lovely sunsets, the Living Room, Main bedroom and studio/2nd bedroom all look towards the ocean. The only window which looks out over the front of the hotel but the frontage is so deep and beautifully landscaped and very nice by the way it's hard to see the road is the SMALL kitchen window which has blinds on it and that has a better view than B2 and B3 kitchen windows they look out at the walkway which you take from the elevator to your unit. B1 you have Playa del Sol Grande brick wall when you look out, but I never did had my blinds turned because that is the main walkway. In B3 you will have the brick wall of the Estansia so I don't know what you mean by a ROAD VIEW, all units in B2(Lobby) have lovely views of the whole resort and ocean. I can send some pictures to anyone who would like to see the buildings I took many. Hope this helps, Paula

 

[Paula]

Paula,

Let's try this, I shortened my original message. Just the ?s. Thanks!!

HI CSP, Here we go again!

1) We arrive on a Friday evening, and don't take possession of the condo until Saturday. Would you recommend we come directly to VDP and purchase a night's stay, or would it be better to go someplace closer to downtown PV that first night so we may shop, exchange money, dine out, etc., prior to moving 'up north'? Perhaps stay at Vill del Palmar PV and then use their shuttle to head up? TAKE AN OVERNIGHTER AT VILLA DEL MAR/PAR MAR MUCH BETTER PRICING THAN THE FLAMINGOS.

2) Groceries, water, beer, wine, liquor, etc - I know about Wal-Mart, Sam's, Gigante, Mega and La Playa. Again, I'm aware that there is a market at the resort, but presuming it is a bit more expensive and offers fewer options, am wondering exactly which store above (or someting in Bucerias?) is closest or most convenient. Planning to do a bigger shop one-time and have items in the condo the remaining week. Where's the best place to go? Anything newer or closer to VDP Flamingos than what I've listed? THERE IS A SMALL SUPERMARKET WHICH IS VERY NICE AT PARADISE VILLAGE/PARADISE MALL, IT STOCKS EVERYTHING IN SMALLER QUANTITIES OF COURSE AND ITEMS ARE MORE EXPENSIVE, GOOD FOR EMERGENCIES, BIG SHOP AT WALLMART GIGANTE WHICH IS OPPOSITE VILLA DEL MAR OR MEGA.

3)Though we may deal with some construction noise, sounds like Bldg 3 offers King in second BR too, which our friends may enjoy better than 2 queens. Are there any advantages/disadvantages from a view and/or sunset experience from either side of the pool (bldg 1 vs bldg 3)? YES, B3 HAS GOOD LAYOUT OF STUDIO, 1 KING AND A SOFA. ETC. WARM IN THE MORNING AND MOST OF THE DAY. BOTH SIDES B1 AND 3 ARE LOVELY, LOWER THE UNIT NUMBER CLOSER YOU ARE TO THE BEACH - I.E. 1402 IS CLOSE TO THE WATER, 1408 IS RIGHT AT THE TOP BY THE LOBBY BUILDING(2). LOBBY(2) IS LOVELY ALSO. HAVE MANY PICTURES OF RESORT TAKEN OF ALL LOCATIONS OF BUILDINGS, WILL SEND THEM TO YOU IF YOU WOULD LIKE, JUST POST YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.

4) Balcony - some room diagrams I've seen show a wet-bar like setup on the balcony. Do these exist? If so, anything more than a sink? NO, WET BARS ON NORMAL 2 BDRMS. THEY ARE ON THE OCEAN VIEW IMMEDIATE FRONT 2/3 BDRM. PENTHOUSE DECKS. FIXED WEEKS. ALL STUDIOS HAVE THEIR OWN PRIVATE SMALL DECK.

5) Cell phone / internent / calling cards, etc - I know there's an internet cafe available, presumably for a fee. What about wireless service or access from rooms if one brought a laptop (have both a cellular card and a wifi card). Any recommendations for phone service? Bring/use a cell and get an international plan for our time - any idea of signal strength in area? What about calling cards - can you get any at Sam's and use at VDP without big surcharges? Is there a public pay phone close by? Is it worth the hassle? We all have littler ones at home with grandparents, so we need to be able to stay in communication. I TOOK MY LAP TOP AND PLUGGED IT IN, FREE INTERNET ACCESS IN ALL UNITS THIS YEAR, NEXT YEAR THEY WILL BE CHARGING. CHANGE TO INTERNATION PLAN AND MAKE SURE YOUR PHONE IS A GSM. SIGNAL STRENGTH WAS GOOD FOR CELL AND HIGH SPEED INTERNET. CALLING CARDS SEEMED TO HAVE TO BE PURCHASED AT THE FRONT DESK, THAT'S WHAT I HEARD. I TOOK MY VONAGE ADAPTER WITH US AND JUST PLUGGED IT INTO LAPTOP THEN INTO WALL OUTLET SO WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEM WITH PHONE CALLS TO SEATTLE AND VANCOUVER, I HAD LITTLE ONES WITH US FOR 14 DAYS AND PHONED DAILY BACK HOME. P.S. MAKE SURE YOU GET A CAT 5 CABLE WHEN YOU CHECK IN FOR YOUR LAPTOP THEY WILL HAVE TO CONNECT YOU, ALSO MAKE SURE THERE IS NO CHARGE. IF A CHARGE ASK TO SPEAK TO OCTAVIO BECERRA. THERE IS A VERY NICE NET CAFE IN FRONT OF LOBBY TO THE RIGHT IN THE SMALL MARKET PLACE WITH DELI AND LOVELY BAKERY WITH PREMADE SANDWICHES ETC.WHICH IS ON PREMISES. ALL UPTODATE COMPUTERS WITH FLAT SCREENS, YOU CAN ENJOY A FANCY COFFEE OR.....JUST PLAIN WHILE YOU ARE THERE.

6) We don't plan to have a car, though considering a day rental to go north to Sayulita or beyond. Has anyone rented from the front desk/concierge? How was this experience? Any better recommendations - someplace in Bucerias?

WE RENTED A CAR THROUGH ALAMO BEFORE WE LEFT VANCOUVER, COST WAS $220.00 U.S. FOR EACH WEEK AND IT WAS A JETTA. A DAY RENTAL WOULD BE SUGGESTED TO GO NORTH, PUNTA MITA, LOVELY AND FURTHER .................HOPE THIS HAS HELPED YOU, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PICTURES OF THE RESORT JUST EMAIL ME my tug email is: brazier1938@hotmail.com

 

[CSP]

Paula,

Thank you for your perseverance. I appreciate the responses and have sent you an email requesting your photos.

Muchas gracias,
CSP

 

[jeandz]

Paula,
Thanks for all your help on VDPF. I would love to see your pictures. My email is jdzic@juno.com.

Thanks again, Jean

 

[Paula]

Hi Everyone, thank you all for asking to see the pictures of the Flamingos Resort, I sent most of them and sorry if there were doubles, had problems with Outlook Express server kept timing out, so have extended it then most of them went through, took a while though, I am still new to all this but learning more every day. Paula

 

[tartanwood]

Paula,

Thanks for the pictures. They came through beautifully. It was nice to have them today to show the couple who will be renting our unit. It also was helpful to pass along your answers to the many questions asked in this thread.

They have additional questions that are general for the PV/NV area, not specific to VDP, so I will start a new thread for those topics.

Again, many thanks,

Bonnie