This seems like a nice enough place to stay in Puerto Vallarta. The hotel is clean, close to town, has a great pool, nice rooms, and friendly and helpful staff. The food, however, at the buffet and restaurants is terrible! We had the all inclusive and by the last few days ate from the conveinence store down the street because we couldn't bare to even look at the food anymore. We both, also, got very ill on the last few days and chalk that up to the food.

We sat through the time share pitch on the first day, which gave us promotional prices on tours in town and 50% of the inclusive. After that, they left us alone. If we were to do it again, I would not have done the inclusive. The room we had a little kitchen and it would have been cheaper and healthier to prepare our own meals or eat in town.

Most of the other guests at the resort were American, Canadian, and some Mexican. Most were families or groups of adults traveling together. It seemed like spring break for middle aged people. A lot of drunk adults, but we didn't witness anything crazy. The resort put on really bad, but entertaining nightly shows.
The pool was also clean and they had plenty of room for sunbathing on the beach or by the pool. We preffered the beach because the pool always had loud dance music playing.
All in all, I think the resort was good, but maybe I just wasn't into the tourist scene in Puerto Vallarata.

Us: Married couple (26, 33) w/ 3 children (5, 3, 1).
When: April 4-11th, 2008
Airline: Skyservice from Toronto
First time in P.V., 3rd time in Mexico (have always stayed in 4+star hotels)

Canto Del Sol turned out better than expected! There will always be people that complain about trivial things while on vacation, so please ignore the complainers...

CHECK-IN & ROOMS:
We arrived at the hotel around 7pm. There were only 2 families ahead of us in the check-in line. The receptionist was very friendly. We asked for a room w/ a view and he did the best he could. Our 1st room had a large balcony (w/ a view of a dry grass field--I think it was the back of the building)---not the best but no big deal. The room came w/ a stove, microwave, and fridge and everything was super clean. The next day we asked for an ocean view, and within an hour we were in a larger room facing the pool and ocean. Again, the room was exceptionally clean. The 2nd room, however, did not come w/ a kitchenette. The only clock available is on the microwave (if your room has one), so I would recommend bringing a travel alarm clock or watch. You could also call the front desk or check the t.v. for the current time, like we did often. Speaking of the t.v, the hotel has many channels, mostly in Spanish, but several have subs or are in English.

Hotel has its own purification system, although they provide you w/ 2 bottles of water everyday for those who wish to take the extra precaution.

Maids kept the room very well during our stay. We tipped every night because they work so hard for so little in Mexico.

FOOD:
Canto had a theme for every day of the week (Oriental, Caribbean, etc.). Food was decent (what food is exceptional at an all-inclusive anyway?) I personally found the food salty, but that is how it is in all of P.V. We ate out at several local restaurants and found them to be heavy on the salt. So nothing I can hold against Canto Del Sol.

Waiters were super friendly. Like everywhere else, speaking to them in Spanish will get you extra treatment.

We ate everything "they" warn you not to when travelling: seafood, ready-to-eat fruit, ice...None of us got sick.

There are 2 other restaurants at Canto (Mexican and Italian a-la-carte) that require reservations. We didn't go because of our young children. Kids are allowed, but it was just easier for us to dress down and go to the regular "walk-in" restaurant.

ACTIVITIES:
Kid's Club runs daily from 10-4:45pm for kids 4 and older. Our oldest child didn't get a chance to take part, but we did look inside the room. It was a good size and the lady there was very friendly.

For all you fitness buffs (such as us), the gym had more equipment than we had expected. There was enough to do a full workout w/ both free weight and machines. There is a personal trainer on hand the entire time, just in case you need help. There is no extra charge for him. For us, we worked out there once and then for the other coupld of times headed over to Gold's Gym (2 minute walk away). Gold's Gym has everything, incl. a juice bar, kid's club (free of charge), steam room, climbing wall, and massage services. Drop in is $10USD per person or $35 for a week.

Hotel has typical non-motorized water equipment for use (no extra charge. Didn't use any, but saw some people use kayaks.

Noticed some nightly entertainment. We could see some dancing from our hotel balcony. There were also fireworks a few nights we were there. There was probably more stuff, but w/ young children nightly entertainment is not really feasible.

BEACH:
OK, this is the only downside. The beach is rocky and small, and there is a bunch of garbage. We only used it to sunbathe and watch the kids throw rocks in the ocean.

Vendors, yes, like the rest of tourist Mexico. Annoying, but just say, "No, gracias."

Red flag up everyday, indicating danger. Water was rough most of the time.

OTHER:
Mexicans are super friendly in general. Like I mentioned earlier, speaking Spanish will get you extra treatment almost everywhere you go. There are certain deals given only to those who can speak the language (not a whole lot, but we did discover little extras here and there around town).

Weather was sunny every single day and b.t. 28& 33 degrees. It's not as hot on the Pacific Coast because of the breeze, so you feel comfortable, unlike the Mayan where it's hot and sticky.

Note: If you want the 24 hour open bar, you should look elsewhere. The pool-side bar closed around 4pm everyday, and then you'd have to go to the lobby bar or restaurants for drinks.

Drinks were watered down only twice. I guess it depends who makes them for you. Just ask to make it strong and they will gladly do so.


We could check out another hotel before going back to Canto, but would return if there was a good price on a vacation package. We are very clean people who enjoy 4+ star hotels, and Canto Del Sol did us just fine!!

I'm not sure what everyone is complaining about but I have nothing bad to say. The food was great, the service great, the grounds immaculate, the pool warm, the rooms average and I found the whole experience quite pleasant. I would definitely return to this resort. I have no complaints except the beach isn't the greatest but a short walk down the beach solves this problem. If you have high expectations then book yourself into a 5 star hotel so we don't have to listen to your whining. You get what you pay for....it's important to remember that.

We just returned from a wonderful week at Canto del Sol. Don't believe the negative reviews! The hotel is clean, the staff is very agreeable, and the other guests (mostly from Canada) were delightful. There are vendors on the beach but they leave you alone if you tell them no. If you do buy something, that vendor will greet you every day. The timeshare talk is offered, but not pushed after you turn it down. Our first room was in the older section , but they changed us to a better room the next day. Hard to complain about a balcony with a view of the Pacific and the sound of waves all night! Don't miss the sunsets-they are spectacular! Would we return? You can bet we would!