Hacienda San Angel

Hacienda San Angel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a distinguished Michelin Key One-Keys property, consistently garners exceptional reviews for its unparalleled luxury, historical charm, and impeccable service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Hacienda San Angel is overwhelmingly rated as "exceptional" by guests, with scores frequently ranging from 9.5 to 9.8 out of 10. The sentiment is consistently one of awe and delight, with guests describing their experience as stepping into a "fairytale," a "real paradise," and "luxury and beyond." Many consider it one of the most beautiful boutique hotels they have ever stayed in.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Hacienda San Angel:

• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently highlighted as "absolutely amazing," "excellent," and "graciously authentic." They are noted for anticipating guests' needs and even addressing them by name.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's design is a major draw, described as "beautiful in every way" and "stunningly curated." It features Mexican Colonial architecture with turn-of-the-century furnishings, creating an atmosphere likened to an "open-air museum" with meticulous attention to art and antiques.
• Location & Views: Nestled in Puerto Vallarta's Old Town, the hotel offers "breathtaking views" of the Sierra Madres, Banderas Bay, and the city lights. Its hilltop position provides a sense of privacy and exclusivity.
• Amenities: The property boasts three outdoor swimming pools, including a rooftop pool with panoramic views. Guests also appreciate the complimentary daily breakfast, free WiFi, and options for in-room massages and spa services. Chocolates delivered nightly are another delightful touch.

3. Room Quality

The 12 suites at Hacienda San Angel are lauded for their beauty, comfort, and unique character. Each room is "individually furnished and decorated" with hand-selected Mexican and European antiques dating from the 17th through 19th centuries, avoiding a "touristy, spring-break aesthetic."

Rooms feature premium bedding, air conditioning, in-room safes, complimentary bottled water, and 15-inch flat-screen televisions with cable channels and Netflix. Bathrooms are well-appointed with shower/tub combinations, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries. Many suites offer private balconies or terraces with desirable views, such as ocean or cityscapes, and some, like the San Miguel Presidential Suite, even include private jacuzzis.

4. Dining Experience

The on-site Hacienda San Angel Gourmet restaurant, located on the rooftop, is a significant highlight. It offers "upscale Mexican and international food" with a reputation for "delicious food" and "fine international cuisine and impeccable service." The dining experience is enhanced by "breathtaking views" of the Bay of Banderas and the city's nightly fireworks display, often accompanied by a mariachi band, creating an "enchanting" and "superbly elegant" atmosphere.

A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily, including freshly squeezed orange juice, coffee or tea, a pastry basket, and a choice of fresh fruit or assorted yogurts. Room service is also available for guests who prefer to dine in their suites.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Hacienda San Angel consistently receives glowing feedback. Guests describe them as "absolutely amazing," "friendly," "attentive," and providing "perfect service at every level, and graciously authentic." Reviewers often note that the staff anticipates their needs before they even ask and makes them feel welcome, even remembering their names. This personalized and warm hospitality is a key reason many guests express a desire to return.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hacienda San Angel is "ideally located" in Puerto Vallarta's Old Town (also known as Zona Romántica), approximately four blocks from the ocean. It is considered "the best area to experience genuine Mexican culture" and is "centrally located" near excellent restaurants and interesting shopping. Popular attractions like Cuale Island, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Malecon, and Playa de los Muertos are all within a short walking distance.

However, guests should be aware that the hotel sits at the "top of a steep hill." While Ubers are readily available, walking to and from the hotel can be strenuous, especially after exploring the cobblestone streets. An airport shuttle is available for a fee, and an area shuttle operates within a 9-kilometer radius.

7. Value & Pricing

Hacienda San Angel is considered a luxury experience, and its pricing reflects this. While described as "pricy," guests overwhelmingly agree it is "well worth it" for the unique and indulgent experience offered. Average room prices are around $475 per night, with rates starting from approximately $405, excluding taxes and fees. The value is perceived in the exceptional service, stunning design, unique amenities, and overall serene atmosphere.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring points of feedback include:

• Stairs/Hillside Location: The hotel's location on a steep hill and the presence of stairs within the property can be physically demanding for some guests.
• Room Size (in some instances): A few guests noted that some suites, despite being beautiful, felt "a little cramped" for the price compared to other rooms.
• General Value/Noise (infrequent): While rare, a general mention of "noise and value for price" has appeared in some aggregated reviews, though this is not a dominant complaint and is often overshadowed by positive feedback.

Sources

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