Vh Gran Ventana Beach Resort

“Sorry it is a long review”

We went for our 3rd time to Gran Ventana, obviously because we love it there! We also recommend this resort to our family and friends. Our room was standard so it’s small but that suited our needs. Everything was clean and replaced daily as needed. Our cleaning lady was a lady who has worked clean… more

We went for our 3rd time to Gran Ventana, obviously because we love it there! We also recommend this resort to our family and friends. Our room was standard so it’s small but that suited our needs. Everything was clean and replaced daily as needed. Our cleaning lady was a lady who has worked cleaning rooms for 28 years, her name started with an “I “ but I can’t remember it. We did speak with her daily and she’s very humble. Of course drinks were great, Luis at the lobby bar always had a smile and was very nice. Orso was in the lobby bar or pool bar and was a great bartender as well! Then there was our lovely Andrea, Ernesto and Doreoto who always were happy to see us and say good morning with a smile! Our meals at Octopus and Ocean Grill were both delicious. I had the mixed grill (ribs, chicken, steak, sausage) and it was delicious! The Caesar salad was amazing! The buffet always had plenty of hot food and Luis made my eggs to perfection. I told him how I liked them cooked and he remembered every day! Edwar made us the most amazing tasting milkshake, banana with chinola and made it creamy too. Definitely will be a regular for us. The staff on the grill were attentive. Only issues in the buffet were other guests who would but in line in front of you instead of waiting their turn. I did see kitchen staff ask people on a few occasions to please go to the back of the line and I as well as others appreciated that. Reception had big line ups for check in and out but staff was very patient! I personally found the line ups confusing, not sure which line to wait in. Once again the girls at reception and of course Milton and Marcos did a great job dealing with impatient guests. Solange ….our angel was very accommodating to our requests for ourselves and our family who were there for their first time and we very much appreciate her ❤️. Now last but not least, Animation and staff, the activities have definitely improved and the shows were ok too, love Silent disco! Music after the shows was great, a nice variety but the DJ needs to invest in new speakers for sound. Richard (Animation supervisor) was social and very good with the guests. Playing games he certainly knew how to keep everyone watching! We love his personality and happy he’s joined to team. Next animator ….Carlos is the best of them all, he’s usually hosting the majority of the games and activities and he does it enthusiastically. To be a good animation staff you need to be friendly and personable so guests want to participate. He smiles at all of us and he is definitely the #1 animator in the group! When we arrived and saw him he greeted us in a way that made us feel welcome to return. As guests enjoy themselves then we want to return and when we do we will be happy to see Carlos again. I’ve uploaded photos and yes it’s Carlos in the pictures because it was always him organizing the games. Other pictures are just a few of our favorite food dishes. Beach buffet food was good and never a line up to get it. I realize it’s the same menu there every day but if I wanted chicken wings for lunch then I knew exactly where to go, and they were delicious too. So was the fish, my husband had roasted chicken and enjoyed that as well. We ate absolutely planning to go back there as soon as we can. The one negative thing I will say about this last trip there was it was almost at full capacity and it really made the pool busy and very loud. I did go to the pool at the Beta building and it too was very busy and loud but some days were better than others. My family was not able to access that pool as the only way to get in the pool is by ladder, not useable for someone with mobility issues. We will still continue to recommend this little resort to our family and friends from Canada. Hope you enjoy it there as much as we do.

less

“GREAT TRIP!”

We had previously visited this hotel multiple times in the early 2000's. We decided to give it another try this year. It did not disappoint! The rooms are a bit dated, but very clean. As we were all adults in our group, we spent most of our pool time at the quiet pool (no kids allowed). The po… more

We had previously visited this hotel multiple times in the early 2000's. We decided to give it another try this year. It did not disappoint! The rooms are a bit dated, but very clean. As we were all adults in our group, we spent most of our pool time at the quiet pool (no kids allowed). The pool bar at this pool is great and Jaqueline makes the best drinks! Her Gin and Tonics are amazing, If you visit her, please ask her to make you the "Jackie Special". My only suggestion to Management would be to skim this pool throughout the day. Due to the breeze, bird poop and debris often blew into the pool. Myself and another guest took turns skimming it. (while the pool attendant sat at the side looking at his phone. Go figure). The buffet was good. There was a nice selection daily for breakfast and lunch. While Raul (the manager at the buffet) was extremely accommodating the day we had an early excursion, we found the wait staff at the buffet left a lot to be desired. Several mornings, the forgot our coffee/tea/juice orders. We always leave a tip at the buffet (and we did this trip as well), but quite often I wondered what exactly we were tipping?? I did not mention dinner at the buffet because we dined at the ala carte restaurants each night. All three of them were really good....but the Octopus was our favourite, followed by the Italian. Wait staff at all of the ala cartes were very attentive and gave GREAT service. Now, the absolute BEST thing about this resort is the VINTAGE CLUB. (It is included if you upgrade to the ROYAL or PREMIUM package). It gives you access to a private VIP beach (with a private bar), as well as the VINTAGE CLUB. This club is the BOMB! It is a private bar (with TOP SHELP liquor, snacks, A/C). Santa (who works in the club) gave us the most excellent service! And, Olvi makes the BEST drinks: Bloody Caesar's, PINA COLADAS, Max's Special, The Vintage - just to name a few). A few more shout outs to some staff members who really helped to make our vacation extra special: As already mentioned: Jaqueline, Santa, Oli, Raul Would also like to mention: Luigi, Jesus Martinez, Julio(at the tennis court), Aquilino(VIP Beach Section), and ALL the guys who work in the VIP beach section. We have only been home for three days and are already planning a trip back later this year. :)

less

“2’nd time here and loved every minute of it!”

Visited for my 2’nd time June 12-19 with my 2 daughters aged 24 & 19 and had a blast! I emailed prior to travel and asked if we can get a free upgrade for being a repeat guest, and they said yes! We were upgraded to a junior suite which is just more square footage, but what was great for 3 women … more

Visited for my 2’nd time June 12-19 with my 2 daughters aged 24 & 19 and had a blast! I emailed prior to travel and asked if we can get a free upgrade for being a repeat guest, and they said yes! We were upgraded to a junior suite which is just more square footage, but what was great for 3 women in one room. Although there is more square footage, unfortunately, there’s still no place to put 2 suit cases, lettle own 3, so that was difficult. We decided to ask for a cot and figured we could put 2 suitcases on there but what they delivered wasn’t a cot, it was a whole new bed, just like the 2 already In the room! Anyways, if you like a hard bed, this place is for you! Air conditioning is extremely important for me and I was very happy with that! They fill your mini fridge every day with Pepsi, sprite, beer and water. The weather was beautiful all week although there is a switch that gets turned on at the beach, around 11am-12pm for the wind lol Food: everybody is different so no point into mentioning that. Lots of treasures on the beach including massages and hand crafted work, beautiful bath suit wraps and coconuts too! The beach is still beautiful as ever and the staff are still amazing, espicially Raul and his team in the buffet, they really know how to show the love. My girls loved Ricardo and Santana as well; they really make your days Happy. Shout out to the Montreal mama and her clan of boys: much love to you all, such an amazing family, we were so fortunate enough to spend time with you’s all. And Debbie, can’t wait to see you again soon! My kids really felt this love this week thanks to VH Gran! Airport a quick 20-25 mins. Love how they clean the pool every single morning, it’s very clean. Feel free to email me if you have any specific questions lisagouthro123@outlook.com One last thing.. In my 25 years of going to all inclusive vacations, this was the only time I was a repeat guest and I can’t wait to go back ❤️

less

“Wouldn’t highly recommend this hotel”

Travelled with five ladies and a baby, The check in process was a disaster. Waited forever and then our room was not ready by 3:00, we ended up waiting til 4:30 for our room. The hotel rooms definitely need upgrades, the hairdryer only blew cold air no hot at all. We had to ask 4 times for towel… more

Travelled with five ladies and a baby, The check in process was a disaster. Waited forever and then our room was not ready by 3:00, we ended up waiting til 4:30 for our room. The hotel rooms definitely need upgrades, the hairdryer only blew cold air no hot at all. We had to ask 4 times for towels, they come in remove the used towels, clean the room and don’t restock the towels. The majority of the staff were friendly and very helpful. The food was hot which was amazing, but the variety was not great. There was a small band that played most nights other than that there were no shows at all. The pool was great and had no problem getting chairs by the pool or by the ocean. We did have a good time but wouldn’t highly recommend this hotel.

less