We own a timeshare in Puerto Vallarta and this was the first time we did an exchange through Interval so we were dissappointed when the Resort didn't match the other resorts we've stayed at. Although we stayed in a renovated Studio, it didn't have a closet and the bed linens were very, very old --I was shocked that they would have not replaced the bed linens, although there were 2 beautiful and new robes for our use. The kitchen appliances were all new and full size, great if you plan on cooking during your vacation - I didn't but it was a nice kitchen. Very slow and small elevators, dingy floor tiles in the lobby, front desk staff not very friendly. The new BBQ were very nice and the pool area would be nicer it they would add more umbrellas or trees for shade. No food on-site except the hotel offers a Wednesday night Hawaiin dinner for $10 per adult -- good, I would suggest increasing the price and adding table linens and china instead of the paper plates. Needless to say we didn't spend a lot of time in our room because there is so much to see in the surrounding areas but when we were in the room we rented movies from their large assortment--very good.

We loved the Avila Beach town--it's very quaint and very family friendly; nice walkways, restaurants, street vendors [hot dogs, cotton candy, etc.]. The restaurants were a bit pricey but that's expected-I would recommend the following: Avila Beach; Custom House, good calamari strips; Hula Hut, coffee and a quick bite; the Deli/
Market serves great sandwiches, Farmer's market --great ice cream. Pismo; Del's Pizza, the Cracked Crab, McClintocks -- All in all, great vacation because of the area.

Spectacular oceanfront location, and great friendly staff, but somewhat creaky infrastructure. We stayed three nights in an oceanview 1BR with kitchen, that was booked thru Redweek.com. The first night cable TV and wireless were out, (from local cable company) although staff did comp DVD's. Internet access, when available, currently only in lobby area, was $10. per day. (I understand that they're trying to put wireless throughout the Inn.. Hint...there's free wireless access outside a nearby suite hotel, and also outside the Custom House restaurant. )
The next two days one of the two elevators was out of order. The pool, spa, and fitness room were all lovely. We stayed in a renovated room, which was very clean and well-decorated, however some of the kitchen equipment was spotty; no pizza cutter, or cookie sheet. There is no room service, but lots of terrific local restaurants; try the outside patio at Novo in downtown SLO, or breakfast at Splash in SLO or Pismo. Otherwise plan to bring groceries /snacks from grocery stores in SLO, (Costco, Ralph's) or Arroyo Grande (Albertson's)
There's also an adjacent, and very scenic golf course.
As mentioned previously, there is a lot of hallway noise from children running, and a musty hallway smell often found near the ocean. But the locale, and the local attractions are fabulous, and if the Inn isn't quite yet up to normal Gold Crown standards, it appears that they're working hard on the updating to get there, and there are other lovely compensations. I would definitely return here.

I am an owner at the San Luis Bay Inn both in Club Sun and with a regular floating week. I lived in the area for many years and like this resort both for the location and staff. Overall, the rooms are nice, but the views are great and that is what makes my stay every time! This is not really a five star but I do personally consider it a gold crown. I have never had a dirty room or experienced some of what the other reviews describe. When I sent my parents here and they stayed in a corner oceanview 2BR, they said their rooms were stunning. I do wish there was a deli or restaurant in the building but the beachfront area has any food and beverage needs filled, grocery or restaurant. I stay in the studios rooms most often, and on this recent trip I had a newly updated kitchen which was very nice. I consider this home away from home and I always see and hear about updates and maintenance when I get to the resort (which is almost every year). This last visit the pool deck was redone and there were new BBQ grills along with the upgrading of the studio units being in process. Since this is only one of two timeshare facilities on the central coast and I like Avila better than Pismo, I find it really reasonable to pay my maintenance fee and stay there, I love it -- even if it is not perfect.

The views are gorgeous and the water sounds terrific at night crashing against the rocks. The timeshare said we had a studio yet when we arrived our reservations said efficiency. We were promised a whirlpool tub only to be welcomed to a shower tub combination just enough for one. The front desk clerk was very nice and switched us to the studio. The 90 minute tour was over 2 ½ hours and the managers are so inconsiderate the lady just said well it does not appear as though you want anything so we are done. We were done when they expected me to sign something for 30,000 dollars with 10 minutes of thought. I know things may be expensive in the area but search for a better deal. This place did have a golf course on the property and it was very nice.
Trutina Maria
Long Beach, CA