I have owned at the Pueblo Bonito Sunset for over 5 years. I bought my first executive week directly from the resort, and my second week at Redweek.com for 85% less, and I have seen them for cheaper on Ebay.
After picking up and reading Ernesto's autobiography, I now understand why I can't find a comparable Gold Crown resort using RCI. Pueblo Bonito's resorts are built to a quality not available in previously built time share resorts. That is why you must be satisfied with staying at Pueblo resorts, because you will be disappointed whenever you try to trade your week at RCI.
However....., the economy is effecting everyone and Pueblo Bonito is no exception. There were many issues with the services, and our suite that were inferior to previous visits, I have detailed them below and would add photo's but can't here. Upon calling for service, every issue was rectified, but unfortunately we could not stay in every room. To make matters worse, while checking out we discovered that they no longer gave out comment cards.
Our room:
* Upon turning in on the first night, we discovered that the sheets were pilled to such an extent to feel like sand paper, on both beds! We slept on the blanket the first night. The next day they changed the sheets, but why were they that way in the first place.
* I have seen them clean these units before and they seem to be very detailed, however there were many spots on the floor that upon using a wet cloth, I was able to clean off.
* The seat cover on one of the chairs had it's zipper torn and the foam filling was hanging out. We called and they replaced it.
* The paint on our balcony is pealing and looks very sub par.
* The light in the kitchen would not go on, upon looking at it, it was not attached properly. I called housekeeping and they repaired it.
* The towel rack on the patio had pulled away from the wall. Housekeeping also came and repaired it.
* The head rests were missing in the jacuzzi. I noticed that the patio to the right had them, and the one to the left did not. I called housekeeping and they brought new ones, but they were old and dirty, so I assume that they just took them from another unit.
The good news is that they fixed everything that I called them about, BUT, why were so many things wrong in the first place.
Also, we used to have turn down service with candies, that is all gone.
The Bistro and Lanao:
I am assuming that the all inclusive plans have effected the quality of the food in the restaurants. At the Bistro I ordered the french onion soup, as I have in previous years, and instead of the cheese being baked in the oven, there was just a square piece of cheese floating in the middle. My wife ordered the quarter chicken with mole which she ordered in the past. This time it was two small SLICES of chicken with a grotesquely thick sauce. To say the least, we will not be returning to the Bistro.
We always look forward to the seafood night at the Lanao. Unfortunately it was merely adequately, the great fish portions were a thing of the past. We had a reservation at the La Frida, but canceled it.
We are now forced to go into town to find a great meal.
Staff:
The front desk was as friendly as ever, but our waiter at the Lanao was very sour and needed to learn to smile.
The cart operators have been very friendly in the past, but not as much this trip. Even though the economy is in tough shape, it is all the more reason to keep up friendly service.
TV, Internet and Cell:
* There are no movie on demand services available, or local U.S. station, or even a DVD player in the room.
* Everyone hangs out at the Sunrise Cafe like refugees trying to get internet. It should be included in the cost, or at least in the all inclusive. The internet at the Pacifica, the sister resort was free and exceptional. The connection at the Sunrise was slow and frustrating.
* If you have a U.S. carrier for cell, like Sprint, you get next to no service at all, so plan ahead.
I still find the Pueblo resorts to be above average and will continue our yearly pilgrimage, however I hope that the services can be brought back to previous levels as soon as possible.
P.S. The airport has been completely renovated and is now a pleasure to fly into.