William Rankin

Review of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Chef Hotter greeted us when we were checking in (w...

Chef Hotter greeted us when we were checking in (we got to know Chef Hotter quite well last year). So we knew that all of our culinary desires were going to be taken care of. We were given a room upgrade to an Ambassador Grand Class Suite upon arrival. Fantastic room! Muchas gracias. We already knew Sebastian Vasquez and 3 of the 4 restaurant captains (Fidel, Rodolfo, and Hector), and our favorite Azul waiters are still here (Cesar and Enrique), so it is somewhat like coming home to friends. We had dinner the first night at our favorite restaurant (Piaf). Chef Marco greeted us at the door and offered to prepare a tasting menu for us (which we gladly accepted). We were very happy to see that Kritzia had upgraded the inclusive wine selection. Also very happy to see that sparkling water now includes Perrier and Pellegrino. We have been working out almost daily--you have great workout equipment.

We only had one small issue with the food service--the soup and entrees were cold at Lucca our first time there. Sebastian and Javier handled the issue the next day, and it has not been a problem since. Our only desire is for a quieter dining experience in Piaf, Lucca, and Frida. Most of your guests are not owners, but are here with some group. Unfortunately, it does not seem like many of them know how to act in an expensive restaurant--people are yelling at each other across the table, etc. The first night in Piaf, a table of 12 broke out into song and gave some loud cheers! This is not the kind of behavior that I expect in a 4-diamond restaurant. Not sure what to do about it. Your Captains are (understandably) reticent to ask people to be quieter. However, I am not shy and have on two occasions gone over to a table and asked for the guests to please quiet down so my wife and I could hear each other speak.

Our concierge Isabel and maid Cecilia have been great. The people who stock our room know our preferences.

We have made a lot of friends here among your food service staff. It feels like "coming home." The best thing is that we are here 2 more weeks.