Sprawled across seven acres, the 620-room Royal Decameron Complex is the epitome of the term mega-resort. Colorful low-rise buildings are centered around five massive pools, and seven different bars and restaurants are scattered across the property, which is so large, it’s split in half by a public road. Fun is the name of the game at this always-crowded all-inclusive, and a round-the-clock activities schedule provides constant entertainment for adults and kids. Rooms are plain and slightly dated, the food is mediocre, and Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby, but these drawbacks don’t seem to stop guests from coming. Travelers looking for a smaller all-inclusive with a quieter atmosphere might prefer Samba Vallarta — All Inclusive, though it has fewer amenities and entertainment options.
Sprawled across seven acres, the 620-room Royal Decameron Complex is the epitome of the term mega-resort. Colorful low-rise buildings are centered around five massive pools, and seven different bars and restaurants are scattered across the property, which is so large, it’s split in half by a public road. Fun is the name of the game at this always-crowded all-inclusive, and a round-the-clock activities schedule provides constant entertainment for adults and kids. Rooms are plain and slightly dated, the food is mediocre, and Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby, but these drawbacks don’t seem to stop guests from coming. Travelers looking for a smaller all-inclusive with a quieter atmosphere might prefer Samba Vallarta — All Inclusive, though it has fewer amenities and entertainment options.
The three-story, 30-room Starbay is a bland time-share property sandwiched between a noisy highway and the tranquil waters of Banderas Bay on Mexico's Pacific coast. Aside from the enormous, traditional-style palapa rising high above the lobby and reception area, there is little about the look of this U-shaped hotel that says "Mexico" -- but the nearness of the beach and the great ocean views from every room help compensate.
The three-story, 30-room Starbay is a bland time-share property sandwiched between a noisy highway and the tranquil waters of Banderas Bay on Mexico's Pacific coast. Aside from the enormous, traditional-style palapa rising high above the lobby and reception area, there is little about the look of this U-shaped hotel that says "Mexico" -- but the nearness of the beach and the great ocean views from every room help compensate.
Affordable rates are the main attraction at Bungalows Princess, a family-friendly hotel on the beach in Bucerias. Bare-bones decor is a mainstay across the property’s multiple room types, which include studio and apartment-style units. Bungalows Princess has two outdoor pools (one with a waterslide), a restaurant with unreliable hours, and free Wi-Fi, but its biggest draw is its direct access to a pristine stretch of Banderas Bay. Travelers looking for a bit more charm might prefer Bungalows Unelma, which has nicer decor but fewer amenities and pricier nightly rates.
Affordable rates are the main attraction at Bungalows Princess, a family-friendly hotel on the beach in Bucerias. Bare-bones decor is a mainstay across the property’s multiple room types, which include studio and apartment-style units. Bungalows Princess has two outdoor pools (one with a waterslide), a restaurant with unreliable hours, and free Wi-Fi, but its biggest draw is its direct access to a pristine stretch of Banderas Bay. Travelers looking for a bit more charm might prefer Bungalows Unelma, which has nicer decor but fewer amenities and pricier nightly rates.
The Unelma Bungalows is a small property with just three rooms on a lovely little beachfront spot in Bucerias, a small town 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Bucerias itself is an attraction, with beautiful beaches, colorful markets, and a taste of quaint small-town life. Unelma is right on the beach, but lacks a pool or other amenities. It does share space with a lovely café that has live jazz music in season. This property is a gem for those looking for a quiet, laid-back self-catering beach vacation away from the loud, busy city. Rooms are simple yet clean, lacking TVs but including features like kitchens and plenty of open-air space.
The Unelma Bungalows is a small property with just three rooms on a lovely little beachfront spot in Bucerias, a small town 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Bucerias itself is an attraction, with beautiful beaches, colorful markets, and a taste of quaint small-town life. Unelma is right on the beach, but lacks a pool or other amenities. It does share space with a lovely café that has live jazz music in season. This property is a gem for those looking for a quiet, laid-back self-catering beach vacation away from the loud, busy city. Rooms are simple yet clean, lacking TVs but including features like kitchens and plenty of open-air space.