Compared to its massive neighbors, the upper-middle-range Samba Vallarta — All Inclusive is pleasantly small scale. While it doesn’t offer the same over-the-top amenities as the Hard Rock or the Grand Velas, its atmosphere is quieter, its pool and beach are less crowded, and its pace is more relaxed. Plus, Samba still has plenty of family-friendly features, like a kiddie pool with water slides, a kids' club, and an outdoor theater with nightly performances. Its 183 rooms are clean and spacious, but decor seriously lacks style, which is true for most of the hotel. There are three on-site restaurants, but food quality gets mixed reviews at the a la carte and buffet options. Travelers looking for a small all-inclusive that’s a bit more upscale might prefer Bel Air Collection Resort & Spa Vallarta, which is pricier but is a bit more stylish and has better food.
Compared to its massive neighbors, the upper-middle-range Samba Vallarta — All Inclusive is pleasantly small scale. While it doesn’t offer the same over-the-top amenities as the Hard Rock or the Grand Velas, its atmosphere is quieter, its pool and beach are less crowded, and its pace is more relaxed. Plus, Samba still has plenty of family-friendly features, like a kiddie pool with water slides, a kids' club, and an outdoor theater with nightly performances. Its 183 rooms are clean and spacious, but decor seriously lacks style, which is true for most of the hotel. There are three on-site restaurants, but food quality gets mixed reviews at the a la carte and buffet options. Travelers looking for a small all-inclusive that’s a bit more upscale might prefer Bel Air Collection Resort & Spa Vallarta, which is pricier but is a bit more stylish and has better food.
Situated in a small cluster of hotels at the far north end of Nuevo Vallarta, the upper-middle-range Reflect Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta stands out from the competition, with three stunning pools, a beautiful spa, a well-equipped gym, and a number of dining options including four a la carte restaurants and an international buffet, with all-inclusive options available. The 410 rooms are bright and modern, and many past guests have noted it's worth upgrading to one of the Junior Suites with direct swim-up access. The property has a fantastic ambience, with spacious, elegant gardens and lots of attention to design details. However, it is a bit out of the way and there's not much in the area besides hotels; for something closer to dining options and shops, it's worth considering Occidental Nuevo Vallarta.
Situated in a small cluster of hotels at the far north end of Nuevo Vallarta, the upper-middle-range Reflect Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta stands out from the competition, with three stunning pools, a beautiful spa, a well-equipped gym, and a number of dining options including four a la carte restaurants and an international buffet, with all-inclusive options available. The 410 rooms are bright and modern, and many past guests have noted it's worth upgrading to one of the Junior Suites with direct swim-up access. The property has a fantastic ambience, with spacious, elegant gardens and lots of attention to design details. However, it is a bit out of the way and there's not much in the area besides hotels; for something closer to dining options and shops, it's worth considering Occidental Nuevo Vallarta.
The Spanish hotel company Riu offers three classes of all-inclusive (there’s one of each in Nuevo Vallarta), and the 445-room Palace Pacifico is the top dog. This is mostly evident in the common areas, which elegantly blend pre-war European opulence with luxury oceanfront resort (the lobby alone exudes more of a palace-like formality than a sandy-feet and beach-shorts sort of vibe). The grounds are immaculate as well, sprawling with lush, towering palms and perfectly manicured garden walkways dotted with high-end lounge seating -- and the expansive pool, with swim-up bar, and in-pool lounges and bistro tables, isn't too shabby either. The rooms, though, are a different story. Decor, while nice, is nothing special -- even dated in some places -- and in-room amenities are no different than those at the more budget-friendly sister Riu properties nearby. Although the dining options are plentiful (always a plus at an all-inclusive), overall this property has no better bang for the buck than its "lower-end" sisters, Riu Jalisco and Riu Vallarta.
The Spanish hotel company Riu offers three classes of all-inclusive (there’s one of each in Nuevo Vallarta), and the 445-room Palace Pacifico is the top dog. This is mostly evident in the common areas, which elegantly blend pre-war European opulence with luxury oceanfront resort (the lobby alone exudes more of a palace-like formality than a sandy-feet and beach-shorts sort of vibe). The grounds are immaculate as well, sprawling with lush, towering palms and perfectly manicured garden walkways dotted with high-end lounge seating -- and the expansive pool, with swim-up bar, and in-pool lounges and bistro tables, isn't too shabby either. The rooms, though, are a different story. Decor, while nice, is nothing special -- even dated in some places -- and in-room amenities are no different than those at the more budget-friendly sister Riu properties nearby. Although the dining options are plentiful (always a plus at an all-inclusive), overall this property has no better bang for the buck than its "lower-end" sisters, Riu Jalisco and Riu Vallarta.
The luxurious Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa Riviera Nayarit is a beachfront condo resort with a quiet atmosphere. La Estancia’s main attraction is its massive freeform pool, where guests gather throughout the day to swim, sunbathe, and sip cocktails at the swim-up bar. Also on-site are a beautiful beach, two restaurants, a well-equipped gym, and a lovely spa. Its 245 condo units are spacious and traditionally decorated, and most have full kitchens, separate living spaces, and large private balconies. This is not a traditional all-inclusive, but all-inclusive rates are available. Travelers looking for similar property with a more contemporary feel might prefer Marival Residences & World Spa, an upscale all-inclusive property nearby.
The luxurious Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa Riviera Nayarit is a beachfront condo resort with a quiet atmosphere. La Estancia’s main attraction is its massive freeform pool, where guests gather throughout the day to swim, sunbathe, and sip cocktails at the swim-up bar. Also on-site are a beautiful beach, two restaurants, a well-equipped gym, and a lovely spa. Its 245 condo units are spacious and traditionally decorated, and most have full kitchens, separate living spaces, and large private balconies. This is not a traditional all-inclusive, but all-inclusive rates are available. Travelers looking for similar property with a more contemporary feel might prefer Marival Residences & World Spa, an upscale all-inclusive property nearby.
Villa Del Palmar Flamingos is an upscale beachfront condo resort with a family-friendly atmosphere. The resort’s main attraction is its massive freeform pool, where guests gather throughout the day to swim, sunbathe, and take part in aquatic activities. It also has a beautiful beach, four on-site restaurants, a well-equipped gym, and a beautiful spa. The 275 condo units are spacious, and most have full kitchens, separate living spaces, and large private balconies -- but the Mexican-inspired earth-tone decor is slightly dated. Travelers looking for similar property with a more contemporary feel might prefer Marival Residences & World Spa, an upscale and all-inclusive property, though it's not on the beach.
Villa Del Palmar Flamingos is an upscale beachfront condo resort with a family-friendly atmosphere. The resort’s main attraction is its massive freeform pool, where guests gather throughout the day to swim, sunbathe, and take part in aquatic activities. It also has a beautiful beach, four on-site restaurants, a well-equipped gym, and a beautiful spa. The 275 condo units are spacious, and most have full kitchens, separate living spaces, and large private balconies -- but the Mexican-inspired earth-tone decor is slightly dated. Travelers looking for similar property with a more contemporary feel might prefer Marival Residences & World Spa, an upscale and all-inclusive property, though it's not on the beach.