Verana Resort, Puerto Vallarta

Reviews, the Verana website & rates, led me to anticipate a rustic yet stylish, smart, artfully designed, wonderfully situated jungle lodge-type resort. Relaxed, unpretentious, original & together (eg quality). While much of the above, Verana is also in need of serious rehab/updating to offset a slide into funk. It comes across as a place that has not been significantly upgraded since opening, or scrutinized pre-season, (e.g., peeling paint/plaster, less than comfortable seating/mattresses, dated hippy funk light & plumbing fixtures, some stone patios/showers showing signs of mold, can of Raid in the bathroom.) When considering rates to value/expectations, the funk/neglect loses its charm and is offputting. The character/setting/concept of Verna is special, but it needs attention to live up to its reputation/website photos.