Samba Vallarta Hotel reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

4.5 Excellent

  • Cleanliness 4.5
  • Location 4.5
  • Rooms 3.5
  • Service 4.5
  • Value 4.0

5479 TripAdvisor reviews

TripAdvisor users rated this property 4 out of 5

Enjoyable Family Vacation

spiky328 (Didsbury, Canada) on Apr 12, 2024

Check in-Twice I requested, via e-mail, to have our two rooms close together and at least one with balcony but rms were on different floors with no balconies. I offered to pay for an “upgrade” but was told nothing was available. Upon checking the next morning, Karen (I hope I have the right name) moved me to an outstanding corner, ocean view, 1 bdrm suite on the same floor as my family. I was more than happy to pay for the upgrade. Not sure why the male clerk couldn’t do this as the unit was not rented the day of arrival. Very comfortable beds and soft pillows. Loungers and chairs in the wrap around balcony. Some days got 2 bottles of water, other days 1 and coffee was never restocked. My son and family were in a standard rm on 4th flr. 1 bed and hide a bed (no bedding) were not ideal for a family of three but figured it wouldn’t do any good try to get 2 beds. I honestly don’t know how they slept with the foul sewer smell that was present every day. Maybe housekeeping was used to the odor as nothing was ever done about it. Breakfast, lunch buffets and snack bar were great. Supper buffet not so much. The Mexican restaurant was outstanding but main courses in Italian were mediocre. The pools were very clean but the bottom of kiddies pools got quite slick as the day wore on. Kiddies didn’t seem to mind as they spent all their days in them. Never an issue getting lounge chairs even though there were the usually “up at dawn to reserve” staking their claims. Appreciated the no food at pools rule. There were lovely gardens and many areas to relax. The evening shows were entertaining. Very nice beach with plenty of loungers. A plus was the decent boogie boards available at the towel shack. Except for the issues with the rooms, we were very happy with our stay. I wish I could remember all the names of the exceptional staff. A special shout out to Norma (little lady doing general cleaning) who always had a warm smile, kind word and hug for us.

TripAdvisor users rated this property 5 out of 5

Great staff!!!

Catie W on Apr 12, 2024

We had a great time! The staff is wonderful! Salvador, Gilberto, and Leticia took great care of us. The beach is beautiful and the pool is great! Everything is close and easily accessible. Close to many great excursions and close enough to the city.

TripAdvisor users rated this property 5 out of 5

Great, small resort

Cory P on Apr 10, 2024

Comfy beds, very clean. The room kinda smells like mold but that is just part of the charm of this place. It is a very small resort, but that is a good thing. Never any lineups at the bar, no problem getting chairs at the pool or the beach. The food is good, drinks are good. Salvador is great and will keep your glass full all week long. I would definitely stay here again.

TripAdvisor users rated this property 4 out of 5

Beach, pool and wonderful staff.

judielongmuir666 (Vancouver, Canada) on Apr 08, 2024

I went for 7 nights. Just a quick holiday. Samba is a nice resort. Yes it is older. Yes it’s not perfect. But the staff are some of the nicest people I’ve ever come across in my travels. 7 trips last year and my 2nd this year. The rooms are clean and had everything I needed. The pool is beautiful, never had a problem getting a spot and if it was busy, there are plenty of spots on the beach. Shade if you want it. The food was good. I’d go back tomorrow if I could. If you are looking for a modern, huge resort where no one knows your name or cares, don’t go there. If you are looking for a resort that caters to families, couples and solo traveler’s that is safe, clean, friendly, on the beach, walking distance or a bicycle ride to Bucerious, and wonderful staff, Samba’s it. And please call the hotel directly if you have any special requests.

TripAdvisor users rated this property 4 out of 5

Good family friendly resort

Karie-Anne L on Apr 07, 2024

Good service, clean room, staff was very friendly. The resort is very family friendly. Everything is close and easy to access. There was good food and lots of different options to choose from. We recommend for families with smaller children.

View All