Delfin Beachfront Resort - Downtown Puerto Vallarta Optional All-Inclusive

The Delfin has a nicely separated Adults only tower & pool that's direct oceanfront with great views, and a separate family section with its own pool & outdoor area. This is not a "new" property but it has been updated. It is functional, not chic or preppy if that's your vibe. The front desk and lobby staff seem to be run a bit ragged, and while not "rude", they seem to struggle a bit with friendliness & general courtesies. No one will open the front door for you, even if 2-3 workers are just standing right there. It is later apparent that they are present to limit non-guest entry. If you must have a five star, top tier guest services experience, go find a more expensive hotel. Main complaint: Delfin focuses a lot on limiting the towels - after the beach / pool / touring you may easily want/need a second shower after a fun day, but they are very very loathe (ie: no!) to provide two bath towels per guest. There is an afternoon towel refresh which you may miss if hanging around the hotel, but you can always ask for an exchange. The problem is, you shouldn't have to be worrying about this on your vacay - these are plain white bath towels and their protection methods must cost more than the occasion guest running off with one, and it just infuriates everyone else. The adult tower shower doors all seem to leak out onto the floor, and your bath mat will be soaked. You'll need to sacrifice a precious towel to dry the floor so you can even use the bathroom without wading in water, then beg for fresh towels. Sound picky? Just wait till you experience it. It's hard to heat the price for this location & view, which is what draws me to the Delfin. The two restaurants are decent but unremarkable. I cannot imagine eating at just these two for any length of stay, especially at the optional all-inclusive rate. There are dozens of nearby restaurants within a 2 minute walk that serve far better food. I am not too refined to appreciate an all-inclusive waterfront resort experience, but not here. With the beautiful pier right outside your door, this beach area is always hopping with activity. The Delfin has private beach loungers and palapas which are great. The public beach area can get loud & crowded. Lots of people bring their own loud music and wailing wee ones. If you want an exclusive, quiet beachfront this is not for you. It is fun, festive, and always lively. You will hear the roar of the ocean and waves 24x7, along with some music & partying. Easily masked with some soft music or sound machine playlist you bring. Puerto Vallarta is a party town, and that's probably why you came here. If you long for peace and quiet, get further away from the central city.