Porto Real

Carol&Tom · 05-26-2002

We will be coming to PDC Jun 12-19/02 and staying at the Porto Real. We agreed with friends from Utah to plan a vacation together, there will be 7 of us, 5 from Utah and 2 (us) from SoCal.... we are just looking for some personal info from those who have stayed at the Porto Real. Seems someone in Utah just came back and said it was positively dreadful with the acquisition of the new annex, and wouldn't stay again. Therefore we are curious if anyone else has those same feelings. We've looked at all the sites mentioned in the forums and everything looks awesome to us, but obviously pictures can be deceiving. Looking for some input on the hotel specifically, as the surrounding areas are what they are. Thanks in advance.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Carol&Tom on 2002-05-29 01:40 ]</font>

Christylep · 05-26-2002

I stayed there in March, 2001. It's a nice place but some of the beach is rocky. It is also within walking distance of the downtown shopping. Just be sure you get there early afternoon to check in. Our plane was delayed so we were 3 hours late in checking in and they overbooked so we were shipped down the road for the night and ended up checking in the next afternoon. It wasn't a good experience. I have pictures from our stay if you're interested. You can email me at christylep@yahoo.com.

peggy · 05-26-2002

I've had friends stay there and they love it. I think the Pool area is nice; the hotel is very neat and clean. I have also heard the service is good. You should have no problem with overbooking in June as it is low season - so if you don't like your room just ask and perhaps they can change it for you..

The beach in front of the Porto often depends upon the weather and the tides. If you intend to be on the beach (and if it is bad) just head north a few minutes to Mamitas or Tukan Beach Club which has the nicest beach in Playa. We use this beach all of the time and have noticed there are quite a few people with armbands on - you would have to rent your chairs and umbrellas or simply bring your hotel towell if you prefer not to have an umbrella or chair.

We have a condo in Playa and we are there every couple of months. We got back on May 24th and it was ok but lots of fishing boats in front of the hotel which of course doesn't make it real nice for swimming - but who knows in the next week they move decide to dock in another location.

The location of the Porto Real is wonderful as you have the services of a very nice hotel and yet are very close to the action; restaraunts; shopping etc.

Enjoy your trip. Our web site is http://www.playadelcarmenvacation.com Check the beach pictures in front of Mamitas. In one the Porto REal is in the background and one the other one - the palapas of Las Palapas hotel can be seen in the background. You will love this beach....

playlover · 05-29-2002

Carol and Tom,

Just got back last night from Porto and had a terrific time. The service was excellent, the staff was friendly and prompt, the rooms were beautiful - all in all a great place to stay.

The food is okay with the exception of the Il Pescatori which is excellent! We decided we would eat and drink at the resort by day and explore downtown (2 blocks away) at night - this worked out well the restaurants in town are good and the atmosphere is great.

The water is a little rocky so invest in a cheap pair of swimming shoes or you can walk just 5 minutes north of the resort to the best beach in Playa - outstanding.

Go, don't worry, have a great time !!!

PAVI · 05-30-2002

Just got back on Wednesday and have to admit that I thought the hotel was excellent. The rooms were of a very high standard and the pool area was superb. I would definetly recommend this hotel to anyone!!!!

PAVI · 05-30-2002

Just got back on Wednesday and have to admit that I thought the hotel was excellent. The rooms were of a very high standard and the pool area was superb. I would definetly recommend this hotel to anyone!!!!

PAVI · 05-30-2002

Just got back on Wednesday and have to admit that I thought the hotel was excellent. The rooms were of a very high standard and the pool area was superb. I would definetly recommend this hotel to anyone!!!!

Carol&Tom · 05-30-2002

Thanks so much for the input.. .with such skepticism, it's nice to hear that those who have stayed there enjoyed themselves. These responses are making us more and more excited to be on our way. Thanks again, and any more comments are most certainly welcome.

spike23 · 05-31-2002

Porto Real is fantastic. The people are friendly, the food (all places) is great and the drinks are non-stop. The best restaurant is Il Pescatore but the buffet is always good. Make sure you ask what else they can get you because the menu is the not the end and the buffet is not the end.

We did not use the beach much because the pool is so nice. There are activities going on all the time. It is more of a quiet place with more kids than you might expect. The night life is non-existent. You are very close to a bunch of fun places down 5th or the beach. Stop by the Blue Parrot (5 minute walk down the beach). Things get going there late but it is a great people watcher. There are a lot of fun bars down 5th so go ahead and explore.

geck0 · 06-03-2002

I have to agree with the rest. We got there late on the 26th and got stuck in a small room while others on our flight were sent elsewhere (we found out later). They more than made up for it the next day with the master suite, ocean view. The room was fantastic!
The restaurants are good, the buffets are good, and the service seemed to be hot or cold. Some days they would be readily available, while others we had to wait to get our water refilled. All in all, it was still good.
The beach right in front of the hotel has some rocks, but it's not that big of a deal. The waves are pretty small and it makes for a pleasant swimming area. The water was cooler than I had imagined though...unlike the bathwater temp. of the pool.
We had a great time and will go back when we can. We will recommend the Porto Real to anyone who asks. It's definitely the nicest, cleanest, and friendliest place we saw.
Have fun!!

Texmex · 06-07-2002

I have a question about the beach at the Porto Real: Is the sand rocky on the beach or is it just rocky in the water? Do they have waiters on the beach? Also, do they have live music at the hotel in the evenings? Are there other hotels that you would recomned other than the Porto? This is our first time to Playa and we are very excited!

**james** · 06-07-2002

Porto Real was built on a rocky point that never had a good beach on its southern side. Big money talks, and soon they were putting in sand bags to try and control the beach so they could build up sand where it was previously rocky (because that is the way nature wanted it). Now, with the bags in place, the beach there is better, but it has changed the ebb and flow, and now the beach is worse around the blue parrot area, which is a couple blocks south of Porto Real.

They should remove the sand bags, let nature be nature, and deal with the beach they have.

If you are staying there you are about spitting distance away from North Beach, easily the best beach within kilometers of downtown Playa. North Beach actually starts at the point (where the big street Constituyentes T's with the beach).

I guess it would be nice to roll out of bed and have breakfast in the hotel, but you are soooooo close to everything in Playa that there is no need to worry about hotel restaurants.

5th Avenue is where it's at.

Blinks1babe · 06-07-2002

Texmex,
yes, they have waiters on the beach. they have a nice beach, but there are rocks in the water. just wear water shoes...it's not a problem. they have theme parties 3 nights a week. when we were there in April, there was a DJ in the sports bar every night. but, they have a stage so I can only assume they plan on live entertainment at some point. you're within walking distance of 5th Ave, so if live entertainment is a priority, there's plenty to be found (& should be experienced).

Texmex · 06-08-2002

Thank you Blinks1babe you answered all of my questions!

Carol&Tom · 06-08-2002

Hey TexMex... when will you be in PDC? We will be arriving on Wed and staying at the Porto Real as well. Let me know, maybe we can all meet for a drink.

06-07-2002	#12 (permalink)
james beach geek admin Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: 10 year Playa resident lost in Sweden Posts: 12,278	Porto Real was built on a rocky point that never had a good beach on its southern side. Big money talks, and soon they were putting in sand bags to try and control the beach so they could build up sand where it was previously rocky (because that is the way nature wanted it). Now, with the bags in place, the beach there is better, but it has changed the ebb and flow, and now the beach is worse around the blue parrot area, which is a couple blocks south of Porto Real. They should remove the sand bags, let nature be nature, and deal with the beach they have. If you are staying there you are about spitting distance away from North Beach, easily the best beach within kilometers of downtown Playa. North Beach actually starts at the point (where the big street Constituyentes T's with the beach). I guess it would be nice to roll out of bed and have breakfast in the hotel, but you are soooooo close to everything in Playa that there is no need to worry about hotel restaurants. 5th Avenue is where it's at. __________________ Get your own signature countdown image!

05-26-2002	#1 (permalink)
Carol&Tom sandflea Join Date: May 2002 Location: SoCal Posts: 3	We will be coming to PDC Jun 12-19/02 and staying at the Porto Real. We agreed with friends from Utah to plan a vacation together, there will be 7 of us, 5 from Utah and 2 (us) from SoCal.... we are just looking for some personal info from those who have stayed at the Porto Real. Seems someone in Utah just came back and said it was positively dreadful with the acquisition of the new annex, and wouldn't stay again. Therefore we are curious if anyone else has those same feelings. We've looked at all the sites mentioned in the forums and everything looks awesome to us, but obviously pictures can be deceiving. Looking for some input on the hotel specifically, as the surrounding areas are what they are. Thanks in advance. <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Carol&Tom on 2002-05-29 01:40 ]</font>

05-26-2002	#2 (permalink)
Christylep sandflea Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Arkansas Posts: 4	I stayed there in March, 2001. It's a nice place but some of the beach is rocky. It is also within walking distance of the downtown shopping. Just be sure you get there early afternoon to check in. Our plane was delayed so we were 3 hours late in checking in and they overbooked so we were shipped down the road for the night and ended up checking in the next afternoon. It wasn't a good experience. I have pictures from our stay if you're interested. You can email me at christylep@yahoo.com.

05-26-2002	#3 (permalink)
peggy very sparkly Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Minnesota Posts: 38	I've had friends stay there and they love it. I think the Pool area is nice; the hotel is very neat and clean. I have also heard the service is good. You should have no problem with overbooking in June as it is low season - so if you don't like your room just ask and perhaps they can change it for you.. The beach in front of the Porto often depends upon the weather and the tides. If you intend to be on the beach (and if it is bad) just head north a few minutes to Mamitas or Tukan Beach Club which has the nicest beach in Playa. We use this beach all of the time and have noticed there are quite a few people with armbands on - you would have to rent your chairs and umbrellas or simply bring your hotel towell if you prefer not to have an umbrella or chair. We have a condo in Playa and we are there every couple of months. We got back on May 24th and it was ok but lots of fishing boats in front of the hotel which of course doesn't make it real nice for swimming - but who knows in the next week they move decide to dock in another location. The location of the Porto Real is wonderful as you have the services of a very nice hotel and yet are very close to the action; restaraunts; shopping etc. Enjoy your trip. Our web site is http://www.playadelcarmenvacation.com Check the beach pictures in front of Mamitas. In one the Porto REal is in the background and one the other one - the palapas of Las Palapas hotel can be seen in the background. You will love this beach....

05-29-2002	#4 (permalink)
playlover sandflea Join Date: May 2002 Location: Nebraska Posts: 1	Carol and Tom, Just got back last night from Porto and had a terrific time. The service was excellent, the staff was friendly and prompt, the rooms were beautiful - all in all a great place to stay. The food is okay with the exception of the Il Pescatori which is excellent! We decided we would eat and drink at the resort by day and explore downtown (2 blocks away) at night - this worked out well the restaurants in town are good and the atmosphere is great. The water is a little rocky so invest in a cheap pair of swimming shoes or you can walk just 5 minutes north of the resort to the best beach in Playa - outstanding. Go, don't worry, have a great time !!!

05-30-2002	#5 (permalink)
PAVI sandflea Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: dundee/SCOTLAND Posts: 6	Just got back on Wednesday and have to admit that I thought the hotel was excellent. The rooms were of a very high standard and the pool area was superb. I would definetly recommend this hotel to anyone!!!!

05-30-2002	#6 (permalink)
PAVI sandflea Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: dundee/SCOTLAND Posts: 6	Just got back on Wednesday and have to admit that I thought the hotel was excellent. The rooms were of a very high standard and the pool area was superb. I would definetly recommend this hotel to anyone!!!!

05-30-2002	#7 (permalink)
PAVI sandflea Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: dundee/SCOTLAND Posts: 6	Just got back on Wednesday and have to admit that I thought the hotel was excellent. The rooms were of a very high standard and the pool area was superb. I would definetly recommend this hotel to anyone!!!!

05-30-2002	#8 (permalink)
Carol&Tom sandflea Join Date: May 2002 Location: SoCal Posts: 3	Thanks so much for the input.. .with such skepticism, it's nice to hear that those who have stayed there enjoyed themselves. These responses are making us more and more excited to be on our way. Thanks again, and any more comments are most certainly welcome.

05-31-2002	#9 (permalink)
spike23 sandflea Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8	Porto Real is fantastic. The people are friendly, the food (all places) is great and the drinks are non-stop. The best restaurant is Il Pescatore but the buffet is always good. Make sure you ask what else they can get you because the menu is the not the end and the buffet is not the end. We did not use the beach much because the pool is so nice. There are activities going on all the time. It is more of a quiet place with more kids than you might expect. The night life is non-existent. You are very close to a bunch of fun places down 5th or the beach. Stop by the Blue Parrot (5 minute walk down the beach). Things get going there late but it is a great people watcher. There are a lot of fun bars down 5th so go ahead and explore.

06-03-2002	#10 (permalink)
geck0 sandflea Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 9	I have to agree with the rest. We got there late on the 26th and got stuck in a small room while others on our flight were sent elsewhere (we found out later). They more than made up for it the next day with the master suite, ocean view. The room was fantastic! The restaurants are good, the buffets are good, and the service seemed to be hot or cold. Some days they would be readily available, while others we had to wait to get our water refilled. All in all, it was still good. The beach right in front of the hotel has some rocks, but it's not that big of a deal. The waves are pretty small and it makes for a pleasant swimming area. The water was cooler than I had imagined though...unlike the bathwater temp. of the pool. We had a great time and will go back when we can. We will recommend the Porto Real to anyone who asks. It's definitely the nicest, cleanest, and friendliest place we saw. Have fun!!

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06-07-2002	#11 (permalink)
Texmex sandflea Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 5	I have a question about the beach at the Porto Real: Is the sand rocky on the beach or is it just rocky in the water? Do they have waiters on the beach? Also, do they have live music at the hotel in the evenings? Are there other hotels that you would recomned other than the Porto? This is our first time to Playa and we are very excited!

06-07-2002	#13 (permalink)
Blinks1babe way into it Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: NCentral Ohio Posts: 113	Texmex, yes, they have waiters on the beach. they have a nice beach, but there are rocks in the water. just wear water shoes...it's not a problem. they have theme parties 3 nights a week. when we were there in April, there was a DJ in the sports bar every night. but, they have a stage so I can only assume they plan on live entertainment at some point. you're within walking distance of 5th Ave, so if live entertainment is a priority, there's plenty to be found (& should be experienced).

06-08-2002	#14 (permalink)
Texmex sandflea Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 5	Thank you Blinks1babe you answered all of my questions!

06-08-2002	#15 (permalink)
Carol&Tom sandflea Join Date: May 2002 Location: SoCal Posts: 3	Hey TexMex... when will you be in PDC? We will be arriving on Wed and staying at the Porto Real as well. Let me know, maybe we can all meet for a drink.