Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort

The Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort does a commendable job on making couples, families, and business travelers happy under one roof with a variety of facilities to accommodate everyone. The resort was built in 2013 and has a modern design aesthetic. Indoors, a spacious and airy white lobby is accented with a canoe-shaped water fountain, neon green pillars, and ocean breezes. Rounded walls and tropical plants add a fresh feel. White leather settees provide a place to sit, but most guests are coming or going from the tropical inspired pool deck and beach. Patches of manicured lawns adorned with tall palm trees and blooming bushes add natural beauty.

The Hilton is squeezed onto a prime spot of white sand on Banderas Bay between two other resorts. Most guests don't step a single flip-flop clad foot off the property while staying at the all-inclusive, but it's only a 10-minute drive to downtown Puerto Vallarta. There are a shopping mall and Walmart close to the hotel. Puerto Vallarta International Airport is about a five-minute drive away. Valet parking is free and there isn't a self-parking option.

There are 259 rooms and suites at the Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort and each one is clean and quiet, though they vary in terms of size, layout, and view. Decor is modern and pretty standard for the brand: tile floors, beige walls, and wood grained furniture. Ergonomic desk chairs are pushed into a wooden desk. Flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and small minibars are nice touches. Bathrooms include a private water closet and square sink on a large vanity. Peter Roth toiletries are set on a silver tray. Most rooms have furnished balconies -- the best ones overlook the ocean. Expect to pay a daily fee to use spotty Wi-Fi in any of the rooms.

The white sandy beach area has a wooden deck with sun loungers overlooking the water and there are cabanas and loungers directly on the sand, too. The blue water is calm enough for swimming and kayaking. Security guards help keep vendors at a comfortable distance. There's a huge curlicue shaped swimming pool overlooking the ocean. The sixth floor has an adults-only infinity edge pool with more great ocean views.

Spa Ki has everything: a flotarium, solarium, steam room, whirlpool, and private treatment rooms, as well as a retail shop. There's a nice-size fitness center with Precor cardio equipment and strength-training machines. The kids' club offers supervised entertainment for little ones while their parents enjoy the facilities. Lively entertainment is presented nightly in the main restaurant, including music and dance performed by local talent. There's a full business center, but expect to pay a charge for undependable Wi-Fi.

While there are loads of options to choose from here, the restaurants have varying hours and ability depending on staff and how busy the hotel is. Some restaurants require reservations a day in advance. FOGO serves grilled Brazilian meats on the beach for dinner. La Bonita Cafe and Deli is a casual spot for take-away salads, coffees, and sandwiches throughout the day. La Catrina offers traditional Mexican dinner on a terrace overlooking the gardens. La Delice serves formal French cuisine for dinner. O West Sunset Lounge, adjacent to the adults-only infinity pool, provides martinis and sushi. Sea Fire is open all day, with buffet options. The Beach Snack Bar offers cocktails and burgers, but the bartenders are often backed up and understaffed. Private dining can be arranged on the beach and room service is available 24 hours a day for a service charge. Finally, Rhythms Nightclub stays open late for dancing and drinking.