Hi Scot,
We stayed at the Aventura side because the evening shows take place at the Aventura Lobby and we were closer to it.
Regarding daytime activities both sides have different activities througout the day but from what I saw, the Aventura pool side has more lively activities, by this I mean more people cheering at a volleyball or basketball water game, they do dance competitions, the pool bar here was pretty busy in the afternoon, etc. But most of this takes place by the pool bar and if you don't want to participate or be bothered by the cheering people you can move farther to another part of the pool because it is pretty big, so that wasn't a big deal for me.
We only spent one afternoon at the Spa side so I can't really describe too well about what activities they had there. I do know that they have bike ride tours to the nearby town, but this happens on both sides. The afternoon we spent there was very calm, we went to see the against the current pool, they also have a pool bar and snack bar and people were all enjoying the sun and the water.
None of the sides were extremelly full but we went in April, I don't know how much crowded it could get in summer. But it is pretty big and you also have the option to go to the Palapas by the "beach" and it is pretty calm down there, far from the noise of the activities and you can swim or do snorkeling or paddle boat or kayak! There are lots of options, we did all those in the Aventura side.
We stayed on the second floor, can't remember the building name, I'll look it up on our album and let you know. For us it was pretty fine. Our view was towards the center gardens, we didn't mind not overlooking the pool or sea. The sound of the waves were clearly heard in our balcony and we were fine with that.
We liked our room very much. The mini fridge is restocked with beers and soda every other day. It was very clean, the jacuzzi was nice, the shower is very big and with a clear door and small seat, very pretty. The hot water is very HOT so be careful with that, specially when using the jacuzzi, we filled it with very hot water and then had to empty it a little and fill it again with cold water and still had to wait for it to cool down a little. We used the safe to keep our valuables there, had no problem with it. The closet is very nice too. On the balcony there are plastic chairs, a small plastic table and the hammock. They have air conditioning and a ceiling fan. A coffemaker is included in the room. The bed is pretty comfortable.
They clean it up really nice too. One time we used the jacuzzi with some green salts and it ended up with green residue and the next day it was sparkling white! They always make figures with the towels and leave it on top of the bed with nice fresh amapola flowers. On their second round through the rooms they leave chocolate on your pillow. If you need anything they are very nice to help you out, like additional pillows or more coffee filters, whatever. Room service is really good too. The TV doesn't have that many interesting channels but it's there and it has some music channels too.
The second floor connects to the Spa lobby directly so you only had to walk the entire corridor (a pretty nice walk) and in about 5 to 7 mins you are in the Spa lobby.
At the Spa lobby there are the Momo No Hana and La Huerta restaurants, they have a bar, different desks to make tour reservations, car rental, etc (they have this also at the Aventura lobby). Here is also the checkin-check out counter, the currency exchange counter and from here is where you take the taxis to the different locations and also this is where a tours usually pick you up and from where the buses depart to the other Palace resorts.
The Spa is that side also. The Hydrotherapy facilities are awesome!!! You can use them everyday if you want to! They have a sauna, steam room, swiss shower, another turbo jetted water shower, warm water jacuzzi, really hot water jacuzzi and a very cold dip where you can get in to loosen up your muscles, etc. They have a foot dipping area (don't know the proper name for this, sorry). They also have complimentary tea or water or juice so keep yoursel hydrated and they also have showers. It is really, really nice. I can't encourage you enough to at least go one day!
Overall we liked staying at the Aventura side, we felt like we were actually pretty close to everything. Loved the Mundaca restaurant and Las Ventanas and both were on that side. Went to see the evening shows almost every evening. The Q Bar with the pool tables and the Discoteque are also there at the Aventura lobby. There are 2 bars and 1 very small bar at the Aventura lobby also.
Well, I think I've told you all can remember right now!
If you have any other question feel free to ask! Have a nice day!