My wife and I just returned from Pto. Vallarta for our 1st anniversary and to say we were disappointed is an understatement. We ended up staying for only 1 nigth; a total of 16 hours before rebooking at another resort for the remainder of our 1 week stay.

Pros:
All inclusive (with a major negative)
Good views
Friendly staff

Cons:
The food was aweful, even at Salvador’s
Alcoholic Drinks had no Alcohol
rooms of a 1 star hotel
Bed & linens uncomfortable
Dirty towels all over the walksways
General rundown appearance
Construction
Condo and Time share Salespeople pretending to be the Information Desk

The best way to sum this place up is that it’s a 1 star hotel trying to live up to a 3 star rating, which it doesn’t deserve. For an all inclusive to make money, they have to cut corners. Most notably ,the food was sub-par at best (even at their high end, dress code required; laughable, Salvador’s). The drinks, had NO alcohol. The bottles of name brand liquors you see are filled with anything but liquor. To test it, I ordered a vodka tonic, and saw the bartender fill half a glass with smirnoff and a splash of tonic. When tasting it, I only tasted tonic water and no alcohol. This defeats the purpose of an all inclusive. The rooms were bare and rundown. My wife and I got about 2 hours of uncomfortable sleep on the bed and had serious concerns about the linens. The pool was old school and dance club music played all the time. The staff was very nice, the views were great and the location was convenient. These minor pluses did not come close to compensating for the serious negatives. Stay at a better rated resort and you can still get Great local foods at good prices.

I just returned from the Golden Crown. I thought the hotel was adequate, I did have some money stolen from me while I was staying there, and it kind of ruined it for me. The pool area was nice, and the rooms were fine. I didn't like that the health club was in front of the elevators, and everyone would stand around and look at you like a zoo animal while they were waiting for the elevator. The drinks were very weak, but you can drink as much as you want! It was nice to have exchange privledges with their sister property, and to be able to use their facilities.

My husband and I stayed at the crown from May 21-25. Overall we had a good experience. From check in to check out the service was excellent. We always had quick service and everyone on the staff was really nice. We enjoyed dining each night at a different restruant between the 2 resorts. All the meals we had were above expectations.

The negatives really out weigh my desire to return any time soon. The construction from sunrise to sunset really disrupts your relaxation. The beach vendors force you to spend your time by the pool instead of relaxing on the beach. People reserve seating around the pool between 7-8 am in the morning but we never had any trouble at least getting a chase. The activities are okay throughout the day. The place gets quiet after 10. Dont waste your time at the Nitro club unless you just want to hang out later without the hassle of getting a cab into town.

Overall though the crown is a nice resort for the price. I could not have expected 5 stars for that. The high points included: releasing baby sea turtles!!!!!!!, long conversations on the beach at night with random fireworks, room service breakfast, and drinking coffee on the balcony. Polo ( i think thats the way he spells his name) is the best of the best of the bartenders!! He is always willing to make you what ever you want with or without alcohol!!!

I continue to be surprised by the many positive reviews of this property. Overall it is only a small boutique hotel and quite boring...non-stop construction is going on to upgrade the 2nd floor restaurant and nearby cranes building a high rise condo are a constant pain. Really only one restaurant, Salvador's, so you will need to book most of your dinner reservations at the sister hotel, Crown Paradise. Positives: without a doubt...room service (best room service that I have seen for an A.I. hotel). No air conditioned bars, all are outdoor in the 90 degree + heat and 90 percent + humidity.

Have always stayed at the Riu Hotels in Nuevo Vallarta and missed the big resort atmosphere...Golden is strictly a hotel and not a resort. The property is right next to the Marina, which is a positive if you are doing excursions and can you can take the local bus into downtown for only 50 cents.

Negatives: Boring, small, lack of options, construction noise, no tropical ambiance.