TJ N.
Yelp
This was a relaxing and wonderful vacation overall, however the Almar LGBT Resort had positives and negatives. It's located in Zona Romantica - about 35 minutes by car from the airport. This was my 50th anniversary of my last trip to Mexico. The location is quite nice, and our eighth floor room had a splendid view of the spectacular ocean scenery and the infinity lap pool. The front desk staff was welcoming and friendly and upon arrival you get a colored braided bracelet to identify the 'level' (purple, black and silver), each identifying certain particulars. We had access to the very clean and well kept gym (I do not believe it is wheelchair accessible as you access it via a staircase, and its oddly tucked away behind the spa front desk) - I went once during our stay, but poked my head in a few times and I was the only person ever in there.
This was humpback whale season, so we managed to see a few from The Top Bar & Restaurant on the 13th Floor - as well as seeing gorgeous (and close) fireworks shot from a pirate ship at night - spectacular. I will review the restaurant separately - but it was a mixed review (great for breakfast!). We had dinner during a sparsely attended and honestly low energy drag show where I had a terrible drink which they refused to refund. Because we were there for the first time we were offered a sales pitch (which was actually great, informative and sales gent was very nice) to buy-in to a condo/time share. We agreed to it and they gave us two free (15 minute) back or foot massages and a credit for 1500 pesos (or $75.65 USD) which was basically cash to be used for meals or other services - and we had a nice meal with it.
For me the Mantamar Club was NOT for me - too much thumping pumping music and everyone in speedos and thousands of vendors selling everything from sombreros to manoes on a stick to jewelry to massage services (so much of that!!!). I spent most of my time at the 5th floor lap pool - that was quite pleasant, and the lounge chairs were somewhat comfy - and they have an endless supply of freshly laundered towels. If you want to upgrade to a cabana I heard they cost upwards of $500/day. That seemed a bit excessive. If you come here order the shrimp tacos from their Red Fish restaurant - they are sumptious. Oh, I mean it. The bar drinks were sort of hit or miss - so I stuck with agua frescas which were refreshing.
My only gripe with my experience had to do with their spa, Serenity (top floor walk up). The lady at the front counter was very nice and friendly, but there was some miscommunication between my wanting to apply the coupons that the concierge (Carlos) gave to me and the massage therapist who checked me out. So when I was paying and gave a tip it cost me, get this, $185 USD (!!!) for a 60-minute back only massage. It is excessive, and was to expensive. I was confused by the price list and how it applied to what service and the cost. Now, I cannot complain about the actual massage itself, the therapist, Charlie (Carlos) was friendly and provided a fantastic, relaxing massage with a little aromatherapy at the beginning and end - and the warm towel at the end was great. I felt almost ready to go to sleep aftwerwards. Still, this massage would cost me less than $100 with tip here in the US. If they added a parafin wax foot dip and a facial for that price I could see it, but alas. I did manage to get a second 15 minute back massage in a lounge chair (not preferred) at the poolside (w/coupon) from masseuse Zeus. His smaller stature made for quite a surprise when I asked for strong pressure - I thought he was going to break me - a strong man in a small frame. Worth it.
The few other things that seemed inordinate were the electricity going out for many hours on the day before we left and we had to use the stairs and no internet in certain areas. Also, when you are in the back of the resort walking into town the street that leads there has way too many random people offering drugs and massages. I felt mildly irritated, however no one accosted us too too much, it was just being asked five times on one block was 'team too much'. As an artist and former curator the art in lobbies and rooms seemed a bit outdated, cliche or blingy, that could use a modern touch - however the grounds are lovely with the big shell fountain and the flowers/bushes and other elephant/banana leave plants and palms.
The infinity lap pool was heaven on earth.
The housekeeping/cleaning staff do an amazing and often thankless job, we made sure to tip them every day as there were different people every so often. The way they folded the green throw everyday, a new shape, genius! It's those little touches that make a trip like this even more special. They did a thorough job cleaning and making beds and providing turndown service. Big thumbs up to them!