First Day At The Riu

This towel animal is what greeted us when we came back to the room.  Pretty cute.

We actually slept quite well.  I was a little worried because I often don't sleep well in new surroundings.   Also like many hotels in Mexico the corridors to all the rooms are open and the floor is ceramic, walls are stucco and the sounds carry like crazy. So you hear people here.  But I was proactive and put in ear plugs.

Well guess it worked as I did not hear a thing.   

We woke around 7 am and Bernie went and got espressos down at the sports bar, which is open 24 hours and has drinks, espresso machine, and snacks.  Sort of an International Cafe.  

We both sat on the balcony and watched the sun come over the hotel.  The birds are singing.   I write up my blog and enjoy a relaxing start to the day.

We head down to breakfast at around 9 and what can I say about this buffet but WOW.  You name it they have it.  I love that they  have lots of Mexican dishes but also all the standard Canadian/US items.  

The pancakes alone had pancakes, waffles, crepes, French toast  (2 types), fried bananas,  a few different fruit toppings too.  The fruit selection is plentiful and Bernie gets a huge plate of papaya commenting at home this would cost a lot and not be as fresh.  

The area is huge and we'll spread out.  Reminds me of the selection on the Royal Princess but bigger.

We take a seat outside where a server comes by and takes our drink order.  Bernie gets his coffee and adds cream then remembers when in Mexico he prefers it black.  I asked for a latte but got a mocha, or at least I think it was one, but not my thing so just left it and went to get the Mexican hot chocolate  that they have brewing in a big pot.  One of my favorites and often get the chocolate to take home to enjoy at home. It is yummy.

People commented in trip advisor about all the birds.  Yes when you eat outside birds will come.  A couple a few tables away got their food, put it on the table, then went to get something else.  Well the birds called their friends and they had their own buffet. There are a lot of seats inside without the birds.  

Didn't get one today but they were serving Mimosas.  

After breakfast we went to the lobby to make a reservation for the steak house tomorrow.  There was no line at all and we easily got one for Sunday at 7.  This hotel's a la carte restaurants serve their meals at either early or late seating.  

We also spoke to her about our darkening drapes and them not closing and being about two feet too shortired of closing together.  She will take care of it.  And boy does she.  When we return to the room about an hour later housekeeping is cleaning the room and a supervisor is here fixing the drapes.  Very impressive.

I forgot to say we dined at the Mexican restaurant last night.  We asked during their first seating if they could accommodate us and they said sure no problem for second seating.

The appetizers are served buffet style with cold and hot stations. Tons of items to choose from and really this could be a meal in itself.  You choose from the menu your entree.  

I got the steak and Bernie had the chicken.  Both were a little disappointing.  Also trying to get more wine was hard as the waiters are busy as they get all their tables at once.  As the meal progressed service improved as tables cleared for the evening.  

A big shout out goes to the guy at the door.  He was great.  First with accommodating us, then he came and cleared our dinner plates and talked me into an after dinner liqueur.  

Dessert was buffet style too and again great selection.   

Back to today.  We meet up with David from Sunwing at his desk.  There are two reps there and David welcomes us.  Asked if everything is good with our room, bed, towels, pillows, etc.  All is good. 

We ask a few questions.... 

Where do we catch the local bus -- right outside across the street.  Bus goes one way into Nuevo Vallarta and heads north past our hotel then turns and heads to the main highway where the Mega store is and continues to the Walmart stop where you transfer to downtown.  Cost is 3 pesos.

What other Riu properties can we visit as Puerto Vallarta has three -- we can visit the Riu Vallarta anytime but can only eat lunch there.  

David is very helpful and so friendly.  A definite asset to Sunwing.

We change into our swimsuits and hit the beach.  There are a lot of loungers that you can move to the shade easily.  

And this is where we stayed for hours.  Swim, read, chat with others, swim, sun, walk, drink... repeat.  

Lunch was at the restaurant near the beach and then back to the lounge chairs.  

I think we can get use to this.  

Back in the room we shower and Bernie naps while I finish my book.  

Life is good. 

If you have any specific questions about this resort or Puerto Vallarta just ask.