As soon as guests pull up to the hotel entrance, they'll be greeted with a sign that reads "El Hotel de Los Pirates" and a skull and crossbones banner to showcase the theme. This continues into the small, dated lobby featuring a small seating area and a corner with life-size figures that resemble Captain Hook and Davy Jones from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies; there's also a pool with a pirate ship, and pirate-themed animation theater. Oddly, Barney and Winnie the Pooh trash cans are by the pool and seem out of place. The animation team has activities at the main pool, so it's quite loud and not conducive to relaxing. Guests are typically local families who spend their days at the pool, across the street at the beach, or watching the evening entertainment. 

The Hotel Vista Playa de Oro is a 10-minute drive from the tourism hub of Manzanillo, where you'll find Las Hadas Golf Course, the Barcelo Karmina Palace Deluxe, and La Audiencia beach. Manzanillo's main plaza, adjacent to where the ships dock, is about a 35-minute drive from the hotel. The hotel is actually across the street from Playa Miramar, a public beach filled with vendors. To get to the beach, guests have to cross a busy road, but there's typically a cross guard there. There guests will find chairs and umbrellas for use. Note that the water is often too rough for swimming; flags of different colors are posted to alert beachgoers of the safety level. The Playa de Oro International Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the property. 

There are four room categories: Standard King, Standard Twin, Standard King and Sofa, and Family Room with king bed and bunk beds. All are decorated in the same style, featuring beige tile, concrete platform beds with blue motel-style comforters, and small wooden desks. Other amenities include air-conditioning units, in-room safes, and old tube-style TVs. Expect stains on the sofas or chairs. The bathrooms are simple, with showers, shampoo, and soap. Some rooms have a balcony or terrace with concrete chairs.

There's plenty to keep guests busy at the hotel, especially children and teenagers. The main pool is surrounded by white concrete loungers and a stand to buy toys. Other kid-friendly areas include a kiddy pool with three slides, a water park with pirate ship and castle structure, and a kids' club. For active guests, the sports facilities are extensive: two multipurpose courts, rock climbing wall, zip-line that goes through the park, soccer field, mini-golf, and a playground. For adults, there's a dilapidated gym with free weights and a few machines. Additionally, the animation team provides activities by the pool during the day and performs shows at the theater in the evenings. 

The hotel is all-inclusive, so all meals, snacks, and drinks are included. El Perla Negra is the main buffet restaurant located by the pool; the large space has a thatched roof and plenty of seating. The food here receives mixed reviews. La Goleta is an Italian a la carte restaurant by the waterpark; reservations are required and food receives better reviews. Adjacent to the main pool is La Palapa, a snack bar that serves fare like hamburgers, nachos, and pizza. There's another snack bar on the beach. There are three bars spread across the property, but guests of all ages will likely be waiting in line to get a drink. There's one by the main pool and another at the water park. The Taberna de los Bucaneros has pool tables.