Almar Resort Luxury LGBT Beach Front Experience

1 Bryan Kenny - 3 months ago

The check in process was BEYOND RIDICULOUS. After sitting in their not air conditioned lobby for 15 minutes I was told that their reservation system was was down and its would be up in about 30 minutes. I was easy going and gave them my bags and went and got lunch. I returned around an hour later. The system was up and they found my reservation but my room would not be ready for another hour and that I could "sit by the pool". At this point it was a sweltering 3pm and I was just wanting a shower and some air-con. I told them I wanted a refund and would be going elsewhere. After raising my voice and explaining that I would win a credit card charge back they agreed to a refund.

After reading these other reviews I wonder if I was actually waiting for the timeshare presentation person to be free. Regardless there are many nice hotels for 1/2 the price and every hotel in the romantic zone is LGBT friendly. So many better options read the reviews and avoid this place

1 Maciej Kassak - a month ago

AVOID UNLESS YOU LIKE THE FEELING OF BEING WATCHED 24/7 IN A SUPER OVERPRICED MEDIOCRE PLACE!

My husband and I travelled to Mexico for our honeymoon and PV was our second stop (CDMX in Umbral Curio Collection which was great!). Originally we wanted to stay in Casa Kimberly but the idea of staying in a LGBT beach front property won and we chose Almar. What a mistake…

A few days before our arrival we got a lovely email from Angie (one of the concierges) saying that if we needed anything basically to just ask, so I politely enquired about their honeymoon options - guess what, no reply.

Check in - it took 30 min as it is the most ridiculous procedure, starting at the front desk which tells you to sit down and wait god knows what for, some watered down drinks were brought to us and then the receptionist showed up with countless forms to fill in and to sign ensuring we knew about the extra guest policy ($65 per person) and about lost bracelet policy ($25). Then another concierge which was suppose to explain where is what in the resort, quickly tapped the screen with her extra long nails and commented about my husband’s not smily appearance (we have been travelling at this point for 6 hours and wanted to get to our room asap) and then proceeded to “can I interest you in purchasing timeshare” - no thanks! Read your emails, we are on a honeymoon not on a sale trip!!

Our room - booked Grand Almar Hydrobath (#1006) and when we entered the first thing that hit us besides an extremely dated and worn decor, was the stench of mould and dampness. Asked reception what can they do about it so they sent housekeeping to refresh (supposedly fresh and clean) the room.

During our stay the smell would present itself on and off and there was nothing anyone could do about that. The hotel isn’t luxurious and rooms are dated and with poor decor.

On a second day, my husband entered one of the showers only to discover that the tiles have fallen off from one of the walls, offered room move but as we already unpacked and only had 3 more nights we didn’t bother - who knows perhaps in the other room the ceiling would’ve fallen on our heads…

Beach club - this was the reason (or the beach itself) why we wanted to stay there as it is one of the few gay hotels that are located in the beach. The club itself was nice and service friendly with decent choice of wines, cocktails, food and so on but the most off putting thing was the constant presence of ultra loud music! Ocean waves? Pelican singing? Forget it! Boom boom from the speakers from opening till close! If you’re looking for a peaceful place, this isn’t it!

Restaurant - if there is one serving dinners we haven’t found it, the only restaurant like place is on 13th floor serving breakfast and we had that included - or so we thought! Only 3 options on the menu are included and that comes with one (1) cup of coffee and a juice (also 1). Anything else is an extra - so is your breakfast included or not???

On the last day I went up to get a coffee (the one included in my breakfast) only to be charged for it ($55) as if you want it “to go” then it’s not included. I managed to explain that this is the cup I would’ve had if I’d stayed for breakfast and all I wanted was the coffee and to leave that dreadful restaurant and the hotel!

In a summary, this could be a great place if the owners would invest in proper staff training, a bit of TLC for the rooms and not constant feeling that whatever you do, you’re being watched! This is not luxury whatsoever, Claridge’s or Savoy or The Peninsula are luxury, this is a mediocre 3 star hotel that is pretending to be something better than it really is! Won’t be coming back or recommending it at all!

5 German Arrieta - 2 weeks ago

An upscale experience. Based on the price you can expect a great service. From the front desk to any worker at the hotel.
Room was pretty nice, well decorated.

3 Markus DUS - 4 months ago

LGBT hotel with weaknesses in guest service with less emphatic staff.

Positives: Large rooms, good room cleaning, high quality products in the bathroom from L'Occitane, possibility to take the elevator from the hotel room directly to the beach club, good cocktails, excellent food on the beach in the hotel's own Club Mantamar.

Negative: Right at our check-in, we were asked to watch a 20 minute presentation to purchase permanent residency (time-sharing model), which seemed very annoying after a 30 hour arrival. No hotel services can be added to the room bill without an additional deposit. The air conditioning in the hotel room spreads a mildew smell, which is why we did not use it. The minibar was not refilled in 10 days of stay. In the morning we heard breakfast preparations outside from 6:30 am and had to close the balcony door. The breakfast included in the room rate offered little choice. One could choose between scrambled eggs, pancakes and fruits. In addition, there was - if you reminded the waiters several times - per person 0.75 slices of toast and jam. Our balcony was separated from the next room balcony only by a transparent glass pane. The cleaning ladies were very noisy. The WiFi only works partially in the hotel room and on the beach and there are regular disconnections. There were too few waiters at the hotel's own beach club, Mantamar. The service of the waiters was much better in the previous year. Also, almost no staff greets when they see a guest. Instead, there are too many hotel masseurs who approach you several times a day to sell you an expensive massage. At the booth in the Beach Club itself, you are also approached every 5 minutes by some other salesperson. At checkout, the employee did not even ask us if we had enjoyed our stay.

1 Alan Daoust - 2 months ago

I rarely write a review and did not expect to write this as part of our second visit to the Almar resort.

The concept of the Almar resort and it’s amenities is awesome. The resort for the most part is well designed and there are several thoughtful details throughout. The property being marketed as a “luxury” resort is a tough one to get past. One could argue you could receive the same or perhaps better service at the Holiday Inn for a fraction of the price you pay at the Almar. As many others have posted, the staff and specifically the resort staff (excluding the bartenders/servers). The experience and friendliness of the hotel staff is almost nonexistent. Don’t expect them to say hello in the hallway or open a door for you or acknowledge you in any way as you’ll be disappointed. This could be different for those you purchased there as vacation club members.

My not so good experience on this trip began at checkin. My husband and I were asked to provide our passports and take a seat in the lobby area. The seats were all full so we had to stand. Meanwhile there are employees at desks next to where we are standing and there are chairs at these desks where they have you sit to go over the timeshare sales pitch. Three woman were all gathered behind one desk chatting. It was apparent they had zero interest in wanting to ensure we were comfortable as we waited. I don’t know, maybe my expectations are too high.

Once the time came to sign the checkin paperwork we did get our chance to sit in one of the chairs. We knew we were not interested in buying into the timeshare and as soon as my husband politely thanked her and said we are not interested at this time, it was like Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde. She said she, “OK, we are all set and you can go”. I was shocked that is what came out of her mouth.

To be honest, I our first visit was a 4 day trip at Christmas and we had an amazing time. We wanted to live the Almar. This time it was a full week and the entire experience was completely different. Possibly because we understood things more. The Almar is a money making machine that’s it. It became clear on this second trip. I understand the business aspect but there is a value proposition as a guest I was not receiving in return for my money. The rooms are nothing spectacular. Maybe those that purchased a timeshare get the better rooms but we were placed in the exact same room as last time. The smallest room which is directly above the employee service entrance so you automatically are awaken each morning by the employees all coming in and out and the chatter.

I would visit the Eden pool deck and the Mantamar Beach Club. They are definitely fun, though pricey at least the staff are attentive. Best of luck to the staff at the Almar, as it “could” be something very special if the right people had a vision that wasn’t solely based on getting every dollar out of you. I wanted to love this property but cannot if I’m being honest. I am happy for those who have had amazing experiences but I don’t see the property sustaining any level of luxury.

1 Carlos Murillo - 3 months ago

I booked an ocean view room junior suite and look what I’ve got. After mentioning this to the reception, I had a really disappointing experience when the manager offered us to move to other hotel! From a customer point of view this is very rude. This is the right way to make feel guests unwelcome. Thank you!

2 blaise mcmackin - 3 months ago

The check In is crazy!!! Never have been to a resort that asked so many questions ,
Rules and regulations . Seems weathly family from Guadalajara owns the property and is capitalizing on the gay vacation market.

I was asked on check in if I would like to come
To vip free breakfast , after asking me a lot personal questions . I finally figured it out after he asked which free gift I wanted , that it was a time share pressure sale type deal . 75 min presentation. At that point we were at about 45
Min to check in . Then told I have to wear a Silly plastic bracelet my whole trip . Which seems
To Identify you around town . The hotel is ok.
Appreciate that someone made an upscale type of gay resort . sure it appeals to some
People just not for me.