The food quality at the a la carte restaurants is slightly better than the buffet, but it certainly won’t knock your socks off. Samba has two a la carte restaurants, Venezia and Mexicana, which serve (if you haven’t already guessed), Italian and Mexican cuisine. Both of the a la carte restaurants require reservations, which can sometimes be a hassle to obtain. Venezia is located indoors, but Mexicana is a beautiful open-air space with ocean views. One night might be Italian, the next Mexican, and the following Brazilian or American. The buffet food isn’t the best, and there aren’t a ton of options, but the hotel tries to keep things interesting by serving themed menus each night for dinner. This venue can sometimes feel like a busy cafeteria - where everyone arrives at once and plows through the buffet with gusto. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and has both indoor and outdoor seating. There are only three restaurants on-site, so variety can feel stale after a few days. Samba Vallarta’s all-inclusive dining is mediocre at best. Suites also have tiny kitchenettes, with mini-fridges (also holding a handful of drinks), microwaves, and coffeemakers. Suites are much larger than standard rooms, and are equipped with separate bedroom and living areas, along with large outdoor balconies. The hotel has several interconnecting standard rooms, for families or groups traveling together. Standard rooms are typical studio-style rooms with one king or two double beds. There are two room types at Samba Vallarta - standard rooms and suites. Some of Samba’s rooms, and all of its suites, have outdoor balconies that overlook the pool and beach.

Samba provides soap, shampoo, and lotion, along with other thoughtful amenities like sewing kits, shower caps, and tiny first-aid sets. The tile is in desperate need of new grout and fixtures, like chained drain plugs, give off a motel vibe. Only suites have coffeemakers and microwaves. Rooms have flat-screen TVs, lightly stocked minibars with a few free soft drinks, electronic safes, and ironing equipment.

Beds are backed by faux leather headboards and are dressed in white sheets and aqua bed skirts and runners - which add a little pep, but not enough.

Plus, popcorn ceilings and gold-flecked tile floors show signs of age. Pale yellow walls and blonde wood furniture create a monochrome palette that leaves a lot to be desired. Samba Vallarta's rooms are clean and spacious, but like the hotel’s common spaces, they lack style.

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