Decameron Isla Coral
Family-friendly resort in Rincon de Guayabitos. Charming, Mid-Range.
Atmosphere
Amenities
Traveler Insights(156 discussions)
Decameron Isla Coral is a resort that makes complete sense once you understand what it's actually trying to be. It's not competing with the mega-resorts in Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta - it's offering a quieter, more local experience in a small Mexican fishing town with a genuinely beautiful calm bay. Rincón de Guayabitos is the kind of place that Mexican families have vacationed for generations, and the water is calm and swimmable in a way that's rare on Mexico's Pacific coast. The town itself is walkable and authentic, with local seafood restaurants and a pace of life that feels refreshingly unhurried. Travelers who've done the big resort corridor and want something different often discover Guayabitos and immediately understand the appeal.
The all-inclusive product itself is where the resort's limitations become clear. The food is functional rather than memorable, the entertainment roster is thin, and the design of the resort lacks any character or greenery that would make it feel special. When occupancy dips low enough that the main dining room closes and you're eating three meals at the snack bar, that's a real problem for guests who booked an all-inclusive expecting a proper dining experience. The Decameron exchange privilege - theoretically letting you use the other two Decameron properties in town - is a genuine perk in concept, though the discontinued shuttle service means you now pay out of pocket to get there.
Decameron Isla Coral is the right choice for travelers who specifically want a low-key, affordable Pacific Mexico beach vacation in an authentic Mexican coastal town. It suits budget-conscious travelers, couples looking for a quiet getaway, and anyone who finds large mega-resorts overwhelming and impersonal. Compare it to an average mid-range all-inclusive and you'll be disappointed; compare it to staying in a local Mexican beachside hotel and you'll likely be charmed. The bay is the star and it delivers every time.
Pros
- +Rincón de Guayabitos offers one of Riviera Nayarit's most stunning calm bays - the water is sheltered and swimmable in a way that most Pacific Mexico beaches simply are not
- +Genuinely quiet and small-town atmosphere that travelers fleeing overcrowded Puerto Vallarta specifically seek out - the area has preserved its authentic Mexican fishing village character
- +Decameron's exchange privilege policy lets guests use facilities at the other two Decameron properties in town, effectively tripling your dining and amenity options
- +The calm, protected water in the bay is consistently described as warm and clear, making it excellent for snorkeling and casual swimming without surf anxiety
- +About an hour from Puerto Vallarta International Airport - accessible without a painful long transfer, making it practical rather than an expedition
- +Significantly more affordable than comparable Puerto Vallarta all-inclusives, delivering value for budget-conscious travelers who want a Pacific Mexico beach without the resort corridor premium
- +Staff warmth and personalized service that comes naturally to a smaller property where you're not just one of thousands of guests
- +Proximity to the actual town of Guayabitos means easy walking access to local seafood restaurants, markets, and an authentic slice of Mexican coastal life
Cons
- −Buffet dining quality falls well short of western all-inclusive standards, with limited variety and food that travelers describe as basic rather than inspired
- −During low occupancy periods the main buffet dining room has been closed for days at a time, forcing guests to eat every meal at the smaller, more limited snack bar
- −Entertainment is minimal - live music may only play for an hour in the evening, leaving guests who expect a full activity program noticeably underwhelmed
- −The resort itself has little Mexican ambiance within its walls - the design is generic and functional, with no gardens, trees, or architectural character that reflects the location
- −Shuttles to the other Decameron hotels in town that were previously provided have been discontinued, making the much-advertised exchange privilege require paying for your own transport
- −Basic amenities that international travelers take for granted - toasters, bacon at breakfast, condiment variety - are often absent, reflecting the limited provisioning of a smaller property
- −Very limited entertainment and nightlife beyond the single short music set - travelers wanting evening social energy will be disappointed
- −The resort's star rating and marketing overpromise relative to what's actually delivered, creating a gap between expectation and reality for guests expecting a polished 4-star experience
Common Questions
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Google Reviews
“I had an amazing stay at this hotel! Everything was spotless — the hotel was constantly being cleaned, and the staff worked so hard to keep every corner shining. From the very first door to the ocean beach, everything felt welcoming, friendly, and al...”