Useful tips - Buenaventura Hotel and Great Moments

Buenaventura Hotel and Great Moments

It’s a bit of a weird name - Buenaventura Hotel and Great Moments. But leaving that aside, my observations from my recent stay - May 2026.

A La Carte Restaurants

The a la carte restaurants are a welcome change from the buffet food.

It was pretty easy to find availability on the online booking system for evening dinner each night.

We also had breakfast in the Sunset restaurant each day - why wouldn’t you want to enjoy the sun over a leisurely breakfast.

The portion sizes and the cook to order approach also help with managing over eating at the buffet.

One thing to note on the a la carte restaurant - you book for either 18:30 or 20:30 - what isn’t mentioned is that they have a 10min grace policy. When we arrived at 18:43 - there was a short confusing conversation on whether we would be allowed in. Thankfully we were admitted.

Tipping works

I tip for good service, or when the country’s culture demands it.

In Mexico - it’s for good service.

It’s quite evident that the guys work hard around the pool managing drink and food orders - so clearly they should be tipped.

That said - when you do tip the service steps up a little more - we were never without a drink - drinks would be predicted and arrive before requested. All good until you are trying to have an easy day.

With housekeeping - tipping ensured that sugary drinks were replaced with low sugar options in our room.

Reception will change your large notes into smaller notes. I imagine they are doing the reverse for the staff.

The location is one of the hotel’s biggest strengths

The walk to the pedestrianised Malecón beachfront promenade is maybe a 600m walk south or right leaving the hotel along the beach/road.

The airport transfer is relatively short — usually around 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. We pre-booked a transfer and took an Uber back.

It’s on a swimmable beach — but conditions vary

The beach directly outside is initially sandy and then pebbles as you reach the water.

Swimming in the sea didn’t seem that popular - but was certainly an option.

Room types

Some rooms offer stunning ocean views, while others look out onto the hotel’s less glamorous back alley.

If a view matters to you, request it when booking.

Otherwise, you might end up with a “character-building” perspective.

The “all inclusive” drinks quality varies by bar

The lobby bar generally pour better cocktails than the beach bar.

Service is easiest outside at the pool bars, as the lobby bar also services the buffet restaurant.

Pool loungers get claimed early

During busy weeks, people start reserving loungers surprisingly early.

This is policed a little, but not enough. Don’t be that person

Food quality is generally best at dinner

Breakfast was reliable - we preferred the sunset restaurant

Lunch not so good - as much simpler options are only available outside - who wants to eat inside and miss the sunshine.

Dinner service is where the hotel makes the strongest effort — especially themed evenings and seafood dishes.

Sunset timing is a major event here

The west-facing position means sunsets are spectacular.

Around 7–7:30 PM this time of year, the beach and pool areas become prime viewing spots.

There is plenty of room for everyone.

Wifi

Wifi is available by the pool, but it’s patchy, meaning it gets frustrating.

Get an ESIM for simple surfing to prevent this. It was excellent in our room though.