Armada y Puerto de la Navidad s/n, Fracc. Pueblo Nuevo, Barra de Navidad, Mexico | (618) 248-8274
Peaceful property with lovely manicured grounds
Large outdoor pool with separate kiddy pool
10-minute walk to downtown and the beach
Guest rooms have flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning
On-site restaurant and bar open for all three meals
Massages available
Sundries shop
Tennis courts and volleyball net
Free Wi-Fi at pool and lobby
Free parking
Dated, worn rooms
Non-guests can use pool
Swim-up bar not always staffed
Tennis courts are in poor shape; charge to use at night
Massage room has see-through window
Wi-Fi not available in rooms
The Cabo Blanco Hotel is a peaceful value property in Barra de Navidad adjacent to a marina. Dated guest rooms and villas have beige wicker furniture, motel-style comforters, flat-screen TVs, and air conditioners. There's a large pool and separate kiddy pool with plenty of loungers, and the beach is a 10-minute walk from the property. There's also a restaurant and bar that's open for all three meals, and some rates include breakfast. Other on-site features include tennis courts, a volleyball net, playground, a massage treatment room, and event room. Note that Wi-Fi isn't available in the rooms, and there have been complaints of non-guests using the pool.
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Scene
Relaxed, family-friendly environment centered around the pool
After pulling up to the unassuming hotel, guests enter the open-air lobby with brown couches, sun wall decor, and tiled floors. The reception desk is behind a glass partition, where you're given a wristband to note whether you have food included in your rate or not. Manicured grounds are pretty, with palm trees, the occasional iguana, and an adjacent marina, but there's some definite wear and paint chipping throughout. The property is small, with just 59 rooms and 17 villas, and most guests congregate around the pool and adjacent restaurant. Staff receives rave reviews, and the vibe is friendly and relaxed. Some past guests have complained that non-guests are able to use the pool area.
Location
In a quiet neighborhood, a 10-minute walk to downtown and the beach
Located in the small beach town of Barra de Navidad, Cabo Blanco Hotel sits in a quiet residential area. It's a 10-minute walk to both the downtown area with plenty of restaurants, as well as the beach. There's free parking for those with a car, and cabs are inexpensive and plentiful otherwise. The Playa de Oro International Airport is 34 minutes away by car. The hotel is an hour away from the nearby resort town of Manzanillo, and three and a half hours from Puerto Vallarta.
Rooms
Dated, worn rooms with wicker furniture, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs
Accommodations range from Standard Rooms to Three-Bedroom Villas, spread amongst the two-story buildings. Dated furnishings are the same across the board -- beige wicker furniture, motel-style comforters, rust-colored tiling, and off-white walls. Flat-screen TVs, air conditioners, ceiling fans, and either balconies or porches are standard. In additional to the villas, many Standard rooms have a king bed and additional twin bed, making them suited for families. Bathrooms are adequate, but could use a deep cleaning; they come with a random assortment of toiletries, showers, thin towels, and two bottles of water. Coolers can be rented and ice is available from the on-site sundries shop. Villas have a kitchenette. Note that there was a stream of ants coming into our room during our stay.
Features
Large pool and adjacent kiddy pool, restaurant and bar, and sports facilities
Facilities aren't extensive at the Cabo Blanco, but there's more than you'd expect from this caliber of hotel. The main feature is the pool area, with a large main pool and adjacent kiddy pool. Surrounding them are plenty of plastic loungers, tables, chairs, and umbrellas. A volleyball net in the grass, two soccer goals, a billiards table, and two worn tennis courts are also available; note that there's a charge to light the tennis courts at night. A small kids' playground is just off the pool. The on-site, open-air El Pueblito restaurant and bar serves all three meals, and guests can order food poolside. There is a swim-up bar, but it's not always staffed. Some rates include a breakfast, which varies between buffet style and a la carte options. Snacks and sundries can be bought at the on-site gift shop. There's also a room for massages, but it has a glass wall, so guests can see inside. Next to it is an event room with a formal table setup.
