With a fabulous beach, several pools, and an inexpensive day spa offering a wide array of treatments, the Krystal has the potential to be a great budget pick. However, mediocre food, dated rooms (except for the contemporary Deluxe Rooms in the Tower building), and inconsistent maintenance make this a less desirable hotel than some of the neighboring properties in the same price range.
With a fabulous beach, several pools, and an inexpensive day spa offering a wide array of treatments, the Krystal has the potential to be a great budget pick. However, mediocre food, dated rooms (except for the contemporary Deluxe Rooms in the Tower building), and inconsistent maintenance make this a less desirable hotel than some of the neighboring properties in the same price range.
Club Regina is a lively, colorful 222-room resort in Marina Vallarta managed by Raintree Vacation Club, a time-share operator. While it’s less than a 10-minute drive from the airport, the trade-off is that it’s farther away from the lovely downtown. The resort’s standout feature is the expansive pool, which includes a swim-up bar, a large hot tub, and plenty of seating. Another highlight: Many rooms include a jetted hot tub on a private balcony that overlooks the ocean. The rest of the resort is pretty standard fare for an upper-middle-range property – with the exception of the small, rocky beach, which is a bit disappointing. For a comparable nearby property with an all-inclusive option, consider Vamar Vallarta.
Club Regina is a lively, colorful 222-room resort in Marina Vallarta managed by Raintree Vacation Club, a time-share operator. While it’s less than a 10-minute drive from the airport, the trade-off is that it’s farther away from the lovely downtown. The resort’s standout feature is the expansive pool, which includes a swim-up bar, a large hot tub, and plenty of seating. Another highlight: Many rooms include a jetted hot tub on a private balcony that overlooks the ocean. The rest of the resort is pretty standard fare for an upper-middle-range property – with the exception of the small, rocky beach, which is a bit disappointing. For a comparable nearby property with an all-inclusive option, consider Vamar Vallarta.
The luxurious Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta sets the bar high for its competitors. Expect sleek minimalist rooms, five gorgeous pools, varied dining options, a stunning indoor/outdoor spa, and an enviable location in picturesque Conchas Chinas. While adults can take advantage of the adult-only pool and special amenities like the romance concierge or tequila sommelier, families are the real focus at the Hyatt Ziva. Hotel staff members provide round-the-clock entertainment in the form of pool aerobics, cooking classes, beach volleyball tournaments, and nightly shows. There are also a kids' club and a special kids' corner at every buffet. There’s a lot of bang-for-your-buck value at the Hyatt Ziva, but travelers still wary of all-inclusive properties may prefer Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa, a luxury property with a stunning secluded location in Mismaloya.
The luxurious Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta sets the bar high for its competitors. Expect sleek minimalist rooms, five gorgeous pools, varied dining options, a stunning indoor/outdoor spa, and an enviable location in picturesque Conchas Chinas. While adults can take advantage of the adult-only pool and special amenities like the romance concierge or tequila sommelier, families are the real focus at the Hyatt Ziva. Hotel staff members provide round-the-clock entertainment in the form of pool aerobics, cooking classes, beach volleyball tournaments, and nightly shows. There are also a kids' club and a special kids' corner at every buffet. There’s a lot of bang-for-your-buck value at the Hyatt Ziva, but travelers still wary of all-inclusive properties may prefer Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa, a luxury property with a stunning secluded location in Mismaloya.
The upscale, 345-room Velas Vallarta is one of the most popular all-inclusive resorts in not only Marina Vallarta, but the region, thanks in part to its huge (if slightly dated and worn) rooms with kitchenettes, many of which can accommodate large families and most of which have ocean views. The gardens and grounds are charming (there's even a roaming family of peacocks), the pools (with a lazy river) and recreational options are excellent, and the restaurants have good quality food, especially for an all-inclusive. Those who prefer a location closer to town might prefer the smaller Fiesta Americana, which also has a nicer beach -- but its rooms aren't as big and there aren't as many pools.
The upscale, 345-room Velas Vallarta is one of the most popular all-inclusive resorts in not only Marina Vallarta, but the region, thanks in part to its huge (if slightly dated and worn) rooms with kitchenettes, many of which can accommodate large families and most of which have ocean views. The gardens and grounds are charming (there's even a roaming family of peacocks), the pools (with a lazy river) and recreational options are excellent, and the restaurants have good quality food, especially for an all-inclusive. Those who prefer a location closer to town might prefer the smaller Fiesta Americana, which also has a nicer beach -- but its rooms aren't as big and there aren't as many pools.
The 212-room Mayan Palace is one of the nicer four-pearl options in Puerto Vallarta. Rooms are large and pleasant, the grounds are beautifully landscaped, the beach is quiet, the pools are enormous, and there are several great bars and restaurants on-site (including an adults only lounge and bar overlooking the water). Guests can walk to the nearby marina for shopping and restaurants, and the airport and downtown are quick car rides away. That said, prices are high and the overall vibe is a bit staid. This is one of the few properties in Puerto Vallarta with both sunrise and sunset views from the beach.
The 212-room Mayan Palace is one of the nicer four-pearl options in Puerto Vallarta. Rooms are large and pleasant, the grounds are beautifully landscaped, the beach is quiet, the pools are enormous, and there are several great bars and restaurants on-site (including an adults only lounge and bar overlooking the water). Guests can walk to the nearby marina for shopping and restaurants, and the airport and downtown are quick car rides away. That said, prices are high and the overall vibe is a bit staid. This is one of the few properties in Puerto Vallarta with both sunrise and sunset views from the beach.
The 225-room Las Palmas by the Sea is an all-inclusive hotel on the ocean in Puerto Vallarta's South Hotel Zone, but this isn't the type of place where you can relax in the sand and have staff bring you endless cocktails with little umbrellas in them. With the right expectations, this older two-and-a-half pearl property can be good value and a convenient home base. The no-frills rooms are clean, quiet, and spacious. There are two ocean-facing pools, an organized kids' club, and handful of decent restaurants. Though food and drinks are included, there are charges for in-room Wi-Fi, the electronic safe, and water sport rentals, plus annoying time-share pitches.
The 225-room Las Palmas by the Sea is an all-inclusive hotel on the ocean in Puerto Vallarta's South Hotel Zone, but this isn't the type of place where you can relax in the sand and have staff bring you endless cocktails with little umbrellas in them. With the right expectations, this older two-and-a-half pearl property can be good value and a convenient home base. The no-frills rooms are clean, quiet, and spacious. There are two ocean-facing pools, an organized kids' club, and handful of decent restaurants. Though food and drinks are included, there are charges for in-room Wi-Fi, the electronic safe, and water sport rentals, plus annoying time-share pitches.
The 327-room Now Amber Puerto Vallarta is a family-friendly, four-and-half-pearl oceanfront property. The location is right on the beach and 15 minutes from the airport and downtown Puerto Vallarta. Seven restaurants and bars are all-inclusive, including premium alcohol. All of the spacious, sleek rooms are suites with private balconies. There's a huge spa, gorgeous pools, and separate clubs for kids and teens. The hotel doesn't nickel-and-dime guests with extra charges: everything from parking to Wi-Fi to towels and minibars are included. Note that some of the hotel's facilities (a few restaurants and the spa) are actually located next door at the sister property, Secrets.
The 327-room Now Amber Puerto Vallarta is a family-friendly, four-and-half-pearl oceanfront property. The location is right on the beach and 15 minutes from the airport and downtown Puerto Vallarta. Seven restaurants and bars are all-inclusive, including premium alcohol. All of the spacious, sleek rooms are suites with private balconies. There's a huge spa, gorgeous pools, and separate clubs for kids and teens. The hotel doesn't nickel-and-dime guests with extra charges: everything from parking to Wi-Fi to towels and minibars are included. Note that some of the hotel's facilities (a few restaurants and the spa) are actually located next door at the sister property, Secrets.
Fiesta Americana is a smaller, older resort that still manages to be one of the best upscale all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta. It stands out for having one of the nicer stretches of beach in the North Hotel Zone, as well as superior customer service, with many guests raving about their favorite staffers. This is an extremely family-friendly resort, with a kids' and teens' club, plus playgrounds, water sports, and fun activities such as cooking classes. The heated pool is sprawling and has a swim-up bar and kiddy area, and food is good for this caliber of resort, with multiple a la carte options and no reservations required. Velas Vallarta is another great kid-friendly all-inclusive and has larger rooms, but it's a bigger property, the beach isn't as long, and it's in the marina area, farther from town.
Fiesta Americana is a smaller, older resort that still manages to be one of the best upscale all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta. It stands out for having one of the nicer stretches of beach in the North Hotel Zone, as well as superior customer service, with many guests raving about their favorite staffers. This is an extremely family-friendly resort, with a kids' and teens' club, plus playgrounds, water sports, and fun activities such as cooking classes. The heated pool is sprawling and has a swim-up bar and kiddy area, and food is good for this caliber of resort, with multiple a la carte options and no reservations required. Velas Vallarta is another great kid-friendly all-inclusive and has larger rooms, but it's a bigger property, the beach isn't as long, and it's in the marina area, farther from town.
Formerly the private home of legendary Puerto Vallarta artist, “Silver” Maria Cortez, Rivera del Rio is an upscale boutique hotel with eight eclectic rooms. Bold colors, extravagant decor, and wild artwork give Rivera del Rio an “Alice in Wonderland” feel, and the property’s narrow hallways and winding staircases only help the cause. Rooms and suites vary in every way imaginable — size, shape, decor, and amenities — but suites are larger than rooms, and some have full kitchens. Guests rave about the hotel’s delicious (and free) homemade breakfasts, and many enjoy spending time at the hotel’s tiny pool and beautiful rooftop terrace. Rivera del Rio’s residential neighborhood is perfect for travelers who want to experience authentic Vallarta. The unconventional decor and layout of Rivera del Rio isn’t for everyone — especially for travelers who have a hard time with stairs. Garlands del Rio, Rivera’s nearby sister property, has more traditional decor and fewer stairs, but rooms are much smaller.
Formerly the private home of legendary Puerto Vallarta artist, “Silver” Maria Cortez, Rivera del Rio is an upscale boutique hotel with eight eclectic rooms. Bold colors, extravagant decor, and wild artwork give Rivera del Rio an “Alice in Wonderland” feel, and the property’s narrow hallways and winding staircases only help the cause. Rooms and suites vary in every way imaginable — size, shape, decor, and amenities — but suites are larger than rooms, and some have full kitchens. Guests rave about the hotel’s delicious (and free) homemade breakfasts, and many enjoy spending time at the hotel’s tiny pool and beautiful rooftop terrace. Rivera del Rio’s residential neighborhood is perfect for travelers who want to experience authentic Vallarta. The unconventional decor and layout of Rivera del Rio isn’t for everyone — especially for travelers who have a hard time with stairs. Garlands del Rio, Rivera’s nearby sister property, has more traditional decor and fewer stairs, but rooms are much smaller.
This upper-middle-range, family-friendly resort is one of the most affordable all-inclusive options in the Marina Vallarta area. The 318 rooms have balconies, and many have views out onto the ocean. However, it's the amenities that really shine here, and there are all sorts of daily activities available along with a pool, tennis courts, an archery range, and a mini-golf course, plus unexpected extras including a rock-climbing wall and a children's spa. Though the Melia is an all-inclusive, guests may be surprised to find extra fees for Wi-Fi and room service. The beach is a bit narrow and not the highlight. Those looking for a location closer to downtown should compare rates with Villa del Palmar and Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments.
This upper-middle-range, family-friendly resort is one of the most affordable all-inclusive options in the Marina Vallarta area. The 318 rooms have balconies, and many have views out onto the ocean. However, it's the amenities that really shine here, and there are all sorts of daily activities available along with a pool, tennis courts, an archery range, and a mini-golf course, plus unexpected extras including a rock-climbing wall and a children's spa. Though the Melia is an all-inclusive, guests may be surprised to find extra fees for Wi-Fi and room service. The beach is a bit narrow and not the highlight. Those looking for a location closer to downtown should compare rates with Villa del Palmar and Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments.