It's a grand hotel, with a majestic lobby and immaculately maintained beautiful landscaping and grounds. You could imagine how impressive the resort would have been in 1999, when the resort was built. It's still beautiful but the rooms and furnishings could now use a bit of updating. Having said that, the rooms are spacious, especially the bathrooms with its double sinks and large soaker tub.

The staff is friendly and professional, and the food quite good with lots of variety. The resort has its own small private beach and lots of lovely serene, secluded swimming pools nestled amongst the tropical landscaping.

Aside from the daily buffet options, you get to dine in 3 of their more formal a la carte restaurants for which you need to make reservations. There's even a restaurant / disco which has a section that literally hangs above the water with lovely sea views. Theres great options for vegetarians and the food was really tasty, with a wide variety. There's nightly entertainment, which, although not exactly Broadway caliber, gets an A for effort and seems to please the little guests.

Guests are mainly a mix of Canadians and Mexicans and thankfully not rowdy, as one would have expected during a Spring Break vacation.

Wifi works well and through most of the hotel but there's a charge of about $45usd for 7 nights for 2 devices (however they also give you a 15% off coupon upon arrival which you can apply towards the internet fee)

Overall, the resort is a lovely, soothing place to relax and do nothing, and good value for money. If they do a major refurbishment with the rooms, then it would be a 5 star stay

Love this hotel: What makes it special?

#1 Great friendly people who work hard to please you. #2 Really nice junior suites including safes and mini-fridge with complimentary water beer, pop and snacks. #3 Good food options under all-inclusive for all meals. #3 Lots of pools for families and some adult options. #4 Small safe beach in protected cove. Note waves can be large in Manzanillo in Spring and perfect for kids. #5 Can interact with friendly Mexican guests who speak some English. #6 Couples and families can really relax here as resort is not too large and most guests were well behaved.

Now here are some hints for you:
-Don't come here during Easter holiday as Mexicans flood the area and hotel.
-Hotel does not offer free WIFI in rooms, nor is there free WIFI in resort foyer.
-WIFI is not cheap and the closest free WIFI I saw was Starbucks across from Walmart.
-Avoid paying more for premium rooms as many guests had problems. And you don't really need premium drinks or room service, which are part of this plan as everything is very accessible at this hotel.
-People get up early here (7:30 - 8:00 am) to put their towels on chairs by pools and on beach. Don't complain just play the game if you want your favorite spot each day.
-The property is very secure. When coming out of building on ocean side. There is a gate on left that security unlocks in morning until approximately 6:30 pm. You can leave there to walk to Walmart which is 15 minutes down. It is much faster than leaving resort in front and walking down street. Note there may see a few people living outside as you cross creek but they will not bother you. Good time to go is earlier in morning after breakfast as not to hot. Beautiful for walking but saw sand is harder on older people. Don't swim there as big waves and strong undertow.
-When you leave building facing ocean on right side is another gate which was locked. But we went down the big rock seawall to swim on a really nice beach. However, when there are waves be careful as the beach has sand and rocks and we both scrapped our toes. Don't recommend for kids.
-Nicest restaurant manager I met is Marco Alvarez at the Capri. We would go there in morning for breakfast. Egg white omelette for me! And at lunch. Plus you can book it for Italian a la carte dinner. Marco was working at night but what a nice guy!
-Many guest preferred the regular buffet restaurant with many food options and lots of salads and fruit. All food was well set on ice. And there is a small food bar in back corner near large outdoor seating area where a cook will make you chicken or fish or pork plus a pasta bar.
-On the way to the beach is a small towel station to pickup your towels by giving the deposit cards the hotel provides at check-in. At end of day you can take your towels there and exchange for fresh towels for the next day.
-Down by beach is a snack bar with fries, chicken strips etc. Plus they have excellent guacamole if you ask!
-If you are at the beach the closest washrooms are on either side of the back stairs up to the buffet restaurant adjacent to the outdoor theater. Will save you lots of walking!
-Don't be afraid to tip: We brought a stack of $1 U.S. dollar bills to tip staff. Note that most workers including waiters are earning 70 pesos a day or $5 Canadian or $3.70 U.S. It is not required but they certainly appreciate a little something extra.
-When in doubt ask the staff. Many speak a little English, while some speak more. Try to practice a little spanish:
Most popular is "Hola" or hello.
Good morning. = Buenos días.
Good afternoon. = Buenas tardes.
Good night./Good evening. = Buenas noches.
-Don't expect rowdy night life at this hotel or in the immediate vicinity. The lovely detached a la carte restaurant Agave (Mexican) overlooking the water becomes the disco at 11 pm. We loved the views there and enjoyed the food.
-The airport in Manzanillo is small but they are very nice and fast there. On your return you can buy beer and don't go through security early as there is nothing there. Wait for your incoming plane to land before you go through and only takes a few minutes.
-Lastly remember this is Mexico. Don't be too demanding and expect huge entertainment. The staff work hard to make your stay enjoyable.

Muchos gracias Icsallana Junes for arranging our lovely room at the Karmina where my wife and I celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary. And thank you to all the staff including Abraham who looked after the beach and towels.