The Mismaloya is a beautiful place with a beautiful view and adequate food and service that I will never revisit. Four of us stayed at this hotel in late February for a week and were chewed to pieces by bedbugs. We asked for help at the front desk and were told it was mosquitoes we had picked up outside the premises. Unfortunately we had never left the compound. Through our nightly visits to the hot tub, we know that while most guests were not having similar problems, there were others who were. Upon returning to the US to two different states and different doctors we were diagnosed as having bedbug bites. My wife suffered an allergic reaction and has marks on her legs that won't heal for six months. When contacted following our return, the hotel's response was that they had no response. No apology. No thanks for bringing a problem to their attention. Nothing.

Four of us stayed at this hotel in late February for a week and were chewed to pieces by bedbugs. We asked for help at the front desk and were told it was mosquitoes. We asked housekeeping for help and were told it was mosquitoes. Upon returning to the US to two different states and different doctors we were diagnosed as having bedbug bites. The hotel's response when contacted by the travel agents was tough [--]. Many other guest in the hot tub were complaining of bites while others were fine. We met a group of 160 on the plane from the Marriott on the way home but no one was complaining of bites from there! DO NOT STAY AT THE BARCELO.

We just returned from a short moms' vacation (no kids!) at the Barcelo. Our expectations were exceeded from the moment we walked into the room. It was huge with a large sitting area and 2 flat screen tvs. Even the shower was fancy. As we booked the trip, we had the feeling that we were getting a good deal and we felt that way as we returned home.
Not only is the property beautiful, but the staff is so helpful and friendly. We have the warm fuzzy feeling about our poolside server and our water aerobics instructor.
The food was good and there was a lot of it. We mostly ate at the buffet. As a chef, I am very grateful when I don't have to prepare the food and even more excited when there is such a variety. We love the omelet bar at breakfast. We also ate at the Don Quixote restaurant. Fabulous service and the tapas selection rocked!
The hotel had pretty low occupancy while we were there, so we enjoyed having our pick of poolside lounges and there was no one else in the gym when we went.
Overall it was a great experience and we can't wait to go back. Maybe we'll even take the kids next time.

PARADISE...
We stayed at La Jolla April 13 through the 19, 2008...it was amazing.
If you are booked at this property in the future please know you have a phenomenal vacation ahead of you if...you want diversity, nature, local flavor, relaxation, pampering and a break from the "hub bub" of the other Puerto Vallarta hotels and busy areas this is your dream come true.
Barcelo La Jolla is surrounded by lush green mountains, a beautiful bay (not Caribbean water but then again, your not in the Caribbean), and indeginous wildlife that greets every rising and setting sun. Plan to hear beautiful ocean waves, birds chirping, the fun activity of the pool and swim up bar and plan to drink a ridiculous amount of tequilla or other "booze" to your liking. ("Salud is the Mexican word for cheers "sa-looth" it also means "bless you"...who knew??)
Tip - Don't forget your bug spray...yes they are there...the "no-see-ums"...aka...Bastardo Bugs...but where aren't there bugs??

The staff was VERY accommodating and many of them became our very good friends over the course of the week. We tipped a fair amount...okay I was tipped obsessed. But honestly we budgeted a certain amount to tip before we even left because we knew we wanted to put a smile on their faces (mission accomplished!) and we heard how hard they work (true), how much they deserve it (true) and how happy they are to receive it (ridiculously true).


As other reviews say, the rooms are beautiful (spacious and new) as is the view no matter what floor you are on. We were fortunate enough to be on the 9th (top) floor overlooking the pool, ocean and mountains (God bless the big bag of chocolates we brought the Front Desk at check in- it equaled an upgrade even though that was not our intention).

Our activities and what we recommend...

Massages at the end of the local Mismaloya Beach...by Alextpa.
Sweet Jesus...the best massage I've ever had and I've had quite a few. My boyfriend and I did the hot stone massage for $95 for 1 hour for both of us. Picture it...wind chimes, soft music and white shears blowing in the breeze. The whole time you faintly hear ocean waves crashing in the background as you're being massaged by skilled Mexican woman's hands...unbelievable.
(1 hr full body massages for $70 for 2 but please try the hot stone!!)

Tony's Hide-a-Way
Phenomenal restaurant in the small town of Mismaloya. We met and were catered to by Tony's son who was an excellent representative of this once in a lifetime restaurant. The menu is not paper but a raw version of what you are about to order and receive. Fresh Mahi-Mahi, Filet Mignon, Shrimp or Beef Shish-Kebabs, or the best shrimp (Garlic, Coconut or Bacon Wrapped) you may ever eat in your life...literally the size of your fist and the flavor of pure divinity. (We also had the Mahi-Mahi that was equally amazing)
Tony Jr (as we call him) was a great source of information and truly a kind soul...please go visit them...you will NOT be disappointed. You're literally in a tree house overlooking paradise; mountains, Barcelo La Jolla and real life in Mexico.

Wildlife Connections
Dolphin and Whale Watching in the Wild...no Sea World here my friends. These were real biologists researching these amazing creatures as they took us along on their journey. You're guaranteed to see dolphins (maybe whales but they mostly leave the bay in March) in their natural inhabitant and it's people that genuinely care about their well being and know a ridiculous amount about them...very educational and breath stopping fun.

Dune Buggy's in the Sierra Madre
Or as I like to call them....DEATH BUGGYS. Although very scary at first it wasn't that bad after you got used to it especially after the Tequilla Tasting (why don't they do that in the beginning???). However, please know when you first start driving your "dune buggies" you start in downtown Vallarta on basically what reminded me of a go-cart. It's 2 miles through the city next to buses, semis, taxis, etc. until you get to the mountains. The "guys" were having so much fun but I thought I WAS GOING TO DIE. Ladies if this if what your boyfriend, husband, etc. is into please do it but know a shot first may ease the fear! (Sort of kidding but not really...you're in Mexico...it's kind of like the medicine there and as should be!!)

Le Kliff
No words to describe the ambiance, food, service or night we had. One of a kind. It feels like you're on the edge of the world watching the sun drop off the earth. It's not cheap like some other Mexican restaurants can be ($120.00 US for 2 for dinners and 2 drinks) but you can't put money on what you see and feel while you're there...splurge and enjoy if you go.


Overall we had the best vacation of our lives. I've traveled extensively and this was by far my favorite. AMAZING VALLARTA! We're 32 & 33 best friends and boyfriend/girlfriend and wanted to see Mexico; it's beauty, it's culture and most importantly we wanted to "get-away". We did it all. Vacation in my opinion is what you make it...our motto was "Roll with the Punches" although we were fortunate to have "no punches" and only good times. We talked about the highlights but remember the minor little things are what make your vacation. For us it was taking the bus (6 pesos = 60 cents per person) which was part of being apart of "the culture", talking with the people (brush up on your Spanish...it will help!) and enjoy the little moments. Life's too short to do otherwise.

Enjoy your Trip....Barcelo La Jolla and Puerto Vallarta are amazing....if that's what you choose to make it. Enjoy!!