Open only to guests ages 16 and older, the luxurious Villa Premiere offers the best of two Puerto Vallarta worlds: it’s both beachfront all-inclusive and urban boutique. One of the few beaches near town -- Playa Camarones -- is directly in front of the hotel, and downtown Puerto Vallarta is just seven blocks away. Even with its small size, the 80-room Villa has an attractive resort package -- a compact but still luxurious version of what you get at many of the mega-sized resorts several miles north, out of town, including a gym, spa, two pools, three restaurants (the all-inclusive plan is optional), and 24-hour room service. The contemporary, sophisticated rooms all have balconies with ocean views. Those looking for a family-friendly stay can look next door to sister property Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Spa.
Open only to guests ages 16 and older, the luxurious Villa Premiere offers the best of two Puerto Vallarta worlds: it’s both beachfront all-inclusive and urban boutique. One of the few beaches near town -- Playa Camarones -- is directly in front of the hotel, and downtown Puerto Vallarta is just seven blocks away. Even with its small size, the 80-room Villa has an attractive resort package -- a compact but still luxurious version of what you get at many of the mega-sized resorts several miles north, out of town, including a gym, spa, two pools, three restaurants (the all-inclusive plan is optional), and 24-hour room service. The contemporary, sophisticated rooms all have balconies with ocean views. Those looking for a family-friendly stay can look next door to sister property Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Spa.
This 280-room Westin is an older upscale beachfront resort within walking distance of the marina. It draws plenty of families, thanks to its two beautiful freeform pools (one with a swim-up bar) and kids' club. Other notable features include the spa (complete with a hydrotherapy pool) and spacious fitness center with a sauna and steam room. Most guests opt for the European plan but all-inclusive rates are also available, and food is decent. Spacious rooms have neutral modern decor, separate tubs and showers in the bathrooms (with peek-a-boo windows to the rooms), and balconies with at least partial ocean views. Just note that some have been more recently renovated than others. The beach here is on the small side and there are some pebbles in the sand. Extra fees for in-room Wi-Fi, in-room coffee, and the kids' club may leave some guests feeling nickel-and-dimed, but self-parking at least is free. Those seeking an all-inclusive option without the extra fees may prefer the Sunset Plaza Beach Resort and Spa.
This 280-room Westin is an older upscale beachfront resort within walking distance of the marina. It draws plenty of families, thanks to its two beautiful freeform pools (one with a swim-up bar) and kids' club. Other notable features include the spa (complete with a hydrotherapy pool) and spacious fitness center with a sauna and steam room. Most guests opt for the European plan but all-inclusive rates are also available, and food is decent. Spacious rooms have neutral modern decor, separate tubs and showers in the bathrooms (with peek-a-boo windows to the rooms), and balconies with at least partial ocean views. Just note that some have been more recently renovated than others. The beach here is on the small side and there are some pebbles in the sand. Extra fees for in-room Wi-Fi, in-room coffee, and the kids' club may leave some guests feeling nickel-and-dimed, but self-parking at least is free. Those seeking an all-inclusive option without the extra fees may prefer the Sunset Plaza Beach Resort and Spa.
Travelers on a tight budget will find excellent accommodations at Hotel Belmar, a value property within a 10-minute walk of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Some of the hotel’s 30 private rooms can accommodate up to eight people — all have private bathrooms and most have large outdoor balconies. Furniture is simple, amenities are few, and bathrooms are dreadfully tiny, but rooms are clean, and feature lots of colorful, bold artwork. Hotel Belmar offers free Wi-Fi and free breakfast, though the measly breakfast isn’t worth waking up for. Though the hotel doesn’t have any features like a pool, spa, or restaurant, there are tons of local shops and eateries in the immediate neighborhood, and the Malecon is an easy 10-minute walk. Travelers looking for something a bit nicer should check out Garlands del Rio across the street, which has better rooms and more amenities for slightly pricier, but still affordable, nightly rates.
Travelers on a tight budget will find excellent accommodations at Hotel Belmar, a value property within a 10-minute walk of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Some of the hotel’s 30 private rooms can accommodate up to eight people — all have private bathrooms and most have large outdoor balconies. Furniture is simple, amenities are few, and bathrooms are dreadfully tiny, but rooms are clean, and feature lots of colorful, bold artwork. Hotel Belmar offers free Wi-Fi and free breakfast, though the measly breakfast isn’t worth waking up for. Though the hotel doesn’t have any features like a pool, spa, or restaurant, there are tons of local shops and eateries in the immediate neighborhood, and the Malecon is an easy 10-minute walk. Travelers looking for something a bit nicer should check out Garlands del Rio across the street, which has better rooms and more amenities for slightly pricier, but still affordable, nightly rates.
The 121 room Comfort Inn is a pleasant budget option near Puerto Vallarta's airport and marina. Everything looks reasonably modern and pleasant throughout the hotel, including the simple rooms, which feature air-conditioning, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Still, we did spot a good deal of wear in some of the rooms that we visited. The free breakfast includes continental options, and hot dishes are available for a fee. An outdoor pool is an especially welcome feature, set under palm trees and next to green lawns, and there's a mostly well-liked restaurant serving drinks, lunch, and dinner. As an alternative, the Holiday Inn across the street is a newer, more fresh option that includes a gym and far better Wi-Fi, though rates will be higher.
The 121 room Comfort Inn is a pleasant budget option near Puerto Vallarta's airport and marina. Everything looks reasonably modern and pleasant throughout the hotel, including the simple rooms, which feature air-conditioning, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Still, we did spot a good deal of wear in some of the rooms that we visited. The free breakfast includes continental options, and hot dishes are available for a fee. An outdoor pool is an especially welcome feature, set under palm trees and next to green lawns, and there's a mostly well-liked restaurant serving drinks, lunch, and dinner. As an alternative, the Holiday Inn across the street is a newer, more fresh option that includes a gym and far better Wi-Fi, though rates will be higher.
There are lots of gay-friendly hotels in Puerto Vallarta, but Casa Cupula is the only upscale option with a predominately gay clientele. Its cliffside location offers fantastic views of the ocean and the surrounding Sierra Madre mountains. This adult-only property has a quiet atmosphere, but there’s a slightly risqué vibe thanks to its clothing-optional pool. The 18 stylish rooms are individually decorated, and most have private outdoor balconies. The on-site restaurant, Taste, is popular with guests and locals alike, especially for Sunday brunch. Casa Cupula is within a 15-minute walk of downtown Puerto Vallarta and Playa de los Muertos, the most popular gay beach in the area. However, its clifftop location requires steep walks up and down the hill. Travelers who’d prefer to be in the center of Puerto Vallarta might prefer Garlands Del Rio, another boutique property with a gay-friendly atmosphere.
There are lots of gay-friendly hotels in Puerto Vallarta, but Casa Cupula is the only upscale option with a predominately gay clientele. Its cliffside location offers fantastic views of the ocean and the surrounding Sierra Madre mountains. This adult-only property has a quiet atmosphere, but there’s a slightly risqué vibe thanks to its clothing-optional pool. The 18 stylish rooms are individually decorated, and most have private outdoor balconies. The on-site restaurant, Taste, is popular with guests and locals alike, especially for Sunday brunch. Casa Cupula is within a 15-minute walk of downtown Puerto Vallarta and Playa de los Muertos, the most popular gay beach in the area. However, its clifftop location requires steep walks up and down the hill. Travelers who’d prefer to be in the center of Puerto Vallarta might prefer Garlands Del Rio, another boutique property with a gay-friendly atmosphere.
Though it isn’t on the beach, Hacienda Buenaventura Hotel Spa & Beach Club is an excellent bang-for-your-buck all-inclusive close to the airport. The hotel is meant to resemble a traditional Mexican village, and its manicured grounds and colonial architecture deliver. The guests rooms, done up in pink bedspreads and dark wood furniture, can feel a tad dated, but some bathrooms have been renovated with ornamental travertine vanities and glass-enclosed showers. The property is centered around its freeform pool, but guests who want to hit the beach will have to walk five-minutes to the hotel’s off-site beach club. Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments All Inclusive provides a beachfront option, though its rates are pricier.
Though it isn’t on the beach, Hacienda Buenaventura Hotel Spa & Beach Club is an excellent bang-for-your-buck all-inclusive close to the airport. The hotel is meant to resemble a traditional Mexican village, and its manicured grounds and colonial architecture deliver. The guests rooms, done up in pink bedspreads and dark wood furniture, can feel a tad dated, but some bathrooms have been renovated with ornamental travertine vanities and glass-enclosed showers. The property is centered around its freeform pool, but guests who want to hit the beach will have to walk five-minutes to the hotel’s off-site beach club. Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments All Inclusive provides a beachfront option, though its rates are pricier.
The mid-range Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa is the more affordable, and less upscale, sister to Villa Del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort & Spa -- though this property has the more central location, right in the Hotel Zone and close to downtown. It caters to families with its 395 spacious rooms (including one- and two-bedroom options with kitchens), small waterslide, kid-friendly activities at the pool and beach, and cheesy evening shows. There are three pools -- one for activities, one for kids, and one for quiet -- as well as a simple day spa (opt for the beachside massages) and a spacious fitness center. There are four restaurants, though the all-inclusive option may not be worth it as the a la carte prices are reasonable. Rooms have modern, colorful decor as a result of a 2014 makeover, but while some do overlook the beach, others overlook the parking lot and highway. Despite the updates, the resort still feels older throughout.
The mid-range Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa is the more affordable, and less upscale, sister to Villa Del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort & Spa -- though this property has the more central location, right in the Hotel Zone and close to downtown. It caters to families with its 395 spacious rooms (including one- and two-bedroom options with kitchens), small waterslide, kid-friendly activities at the pool and beach, and cheesy evening shows. There are three pools -- one for activities, one for kids, and one for quiet -- as well as a simple day spa (opt for the beachside massages) and a spacious fitness center. There are four restaurants, though the all-inclusive option may not be worth it as the a la carte prices are reasonable. Rooms have modern, colorful decor as a result of a 2014 makeover, but while some do overlook the beach, others overlook the parking lot and highway. Despite the updates, the resort still feels older throughout.
The Tropicana is a large, traditional Mexican-styled beachfront hotel at the edge of the Romantic Zone in downtown Puerto Vallarta. It enjoys an excellent beachfront location and many of the 203 rooms feature a balcony with great ocean views, though the rooms themselves are bland and somewhat dated. Updates to the rooms are also not uniform, and many still sport dingy tile or old tube TVs. Still, this family-friendly property offers two pools, a bar, and restaurant, amounting to a rather typical, low-key mid-range property that’s popular with Mexican families and tourists alike. A smaller, more intimate option could be the Hotel Posada de Roger.
The Tropicana is a large, traditional Mexican-styled beachfront hotel at the edge of the Romantic Zone in downtown Puerto Vallarta. It enjoys an excellent beachfront location and many of the 203 rooms feature a balcony with great ocean views, though the rooms themselves are bland and somewhat dated. Updates to the rooms are also not uniform, and many still sport dingy tile or old tube TVs. Still, this family-friendly property offers two pools, a bar, and restaurant, amounting to a rather typical, low-key mid-range property that’s popular with Mexican families and tourists alike. A smaller, more intimate option could be the Hotel Posada de Roger.