Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive Adults Only

Some upscale resorts focus on quiet and tranquility, but Grand Fiesta Americana isn’t one of them. The resort is undeniably laid-back and relaxing, but guests are here to have a good time. The resort sits on a lovely, if a little small, stretch of Playa Punta Negra, but resort life revolves much more around the pool than the beach. Days at Grand Fiesta Americana feel like an endless pool party -- and that’s true even when staff isn't hosting their official summer pool parties. DJ music and activities take place throughout the day and there always seems to be a volleyball game going, all next to the large swim-up bar that keeps the drinks flowing from morning till evening. Couples mingle with groups of friends, and everyone just seems to be having a great time.

The party doesn’t stop when the pool bar closes. There are five other bars open into the night, as well as live entertainment scheduled each evening, including a risque show on certain nights (another testament to the adult-only vibe). For those who are less about the party, there are plenty of other amenities on hand to complete the pampering experience, including cuisine from around the world, a lovely spa, and a modern fitness center. It’s clear that the resort wants its guests to feel special, and it seems that they’ve thought of even the smallest ways to make life easier, from wristbands that are removable and far more comfortable than the typical plastic bands, to tableside purse stands at all the restaurants. 

Perched between the Pacific Ocean and the lush green hills of the Sierra Madre mountains, Grand Fiesta Americana feels worlds away from city life while offering easy access to many of Puerto Vallarta’s top attractions. A 10-minute drive to the north brings guests to popular Playa Los Muertos in the Zona Romantica, the southern end of Puerto Vallarta’s old town, full of shops, restaurants, nightlife, and gay bars. Five minutes further to the north is the city center, home to the landmark Parish of our Lady of Guadalupe church, as well as the liveliest part of the Malecon, the city’s oceanfront promenade that features statues, food vendors, and shops. A 10-minute drive to the south takes visitors to Los Arcos national park, home to picturesque rock formations that are popular for snorkeling (the rocks can be seen from most rooms at the resort). Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport is about 35 minutes away by car.

Vibrant and modern photographs of people and city scenes add pops of color to the otherwise subdued decor in the polished rooms and suites at Grand Fiesta Americana. Air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and coffeemakers come standard. Closets are equipped with robes, slippers, irons, ironing boards, and safes. Large, sleek marble bathrooms offer walk-in rainfall showers, hairdryers, and luxurious L’Occitane toiletries, including toothbrushes, sewing kits, and shaving kits. One of the biggest draws of the rooms is the views -- every room at the resort features a furnished balcony directly facing the ocean and sunset.

The entry-level rooms are the Junior Suites, which include small sofas and dining tables and are located on lower floors. Deluxe Junior Suites have the same layout, but are on higher floors and offer slightly better views. Grand Junior Suites are even higher up and include Nespresso machines. Rooms at this level and higher also allow guests access to the posh Grand Club Lounge, where they’re given private check-in, breakfast, all-day snacks, and premium drinks. Upgraded Grand Junior Suites also add private hot tubs on the balconies.

Rooms above the Grand Junior Suite level are all one-bedroom units and include small upgraded touches like leather boxes for TV remotes and bathroom toiletries. Master Suites have separate living rooms, dining areas, larger terraces, and two full bathrooms. Guests in these suites also receive resort credit, priority poolside cabanas, and certain spa treatments. Party Master Suites have a similar layout, but also include minibars with premium spirits, as well as terraces that overlook Divina Sky Bar, where guests are guaranteed beds. 

The top-of-the-line rooms at Grand Fiesta Americana are the Governor Suites and the Presidential Suites. In addition to more living space, each of these suites also includes a massive private terrace with extra sun loungers and a private hot tub.

Grand Fiesta Americana offers lots of the high-end amenities that you might expect from an all-inclusive mega-resort. Guests have 10 eateries from which to choose. Located in the lobby, Sweet & Deli offers coffee, pastries, and light bites. D’Brick is the resort’s main buffet restaurant and is open for all meals. La Cevicheria serves seafood for lunch, while Foodies Shore Grill offers casual meals for lunch and dinner. Other dinner options offer cuisine from a round the globe -- Gulietta for Italian food, Yuu for Asian fare, Rojo Corazon for local Mexican specialties, and Serrano Station for Spanish-style tapas. All of these restaurants are part of the all-inclusive rate. There are also two dinner restaurants that come at an extra charge: Le Grand Bistrot (serving French fare) and The Steak House. Dinner reservations are required at both. Guests can order room service 24/7.

There are six bars scattered throughout the two towers of the property. Three are named after the kind of alcohol they predominantly serve: Martini lounge; Tequila lounge, featuring colorful Mexican decor; and Mojito lounge, which has fun swings at the bar and offers weekly Cuban nights. Divina Skybar is on a rooftop in the middle of the resort. Featuring its own pool, hot tub, and plush beds, it turns into a trendy nightclub at night. There’s also an airy bar in the lobby. The most popular bar is Sommer swim-up bar at one of the two outdoor freeform pools. Both pools are right next to each other, and the pool area is the center of life at the resort. A DJ spins party tunes all day, and there are ongoing activities, ranging from Spanish lessons to poker, and the water volleyball game never seems to stop.

The entertainment continues at night, sometimes by the pool, other times in the lobby. The schedule rotates every day, but regular performances include risque nights, circus performances, Michael Jackson nights, and tenor concerts. During the summer months, the resort hosts official pool parties on top of the already party-centric atmosphere.

For those who want a break from the pool party vibe, there’s a lovely beach area with plenty of sun loungers. While it’s a bit small for the size of the resort, it tends to be fairly peaceful as more guests opt for the pools and the swim-up bar. There’s also a modern fitness center with Life Fitness cardio machines and free weights. The large and lovely Haixa Spa offers a wide range of massages and wellness treatments (for an extra fee).

The hotel’s large convention center regularly hosts conferences. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Valet parking is also free.