South Hotel Zone, United States
Excellent location near downtown and airport
Spacious pool with infinity edge and swim-up bar
On the beach, with modern cabana beds
Outdoor tennis court
Spacious fitness center
Beautiful gardens
Game room with pool table
Beach is tiny, and appears dirty
Fee for Wi-Fi
Dated, dingy rooms short on amenities
No balconies in many guest rooms
Timeshare selling on-site
Some rooms have street and parking lot views
Most of the 100 rooms in this mid-range oceanfront hotel are drab and dated -- with the best-looking ones being the 15 on-site timeshares located in the tall tower. Of course, only a few of those are available at any given time, so you'll likely be stuck with the standard rooms -- and the on-site sales pitches to purchase a timeshare can feel invasive. But other features, such as the beachfront location with quick walking access to downtown; the beautifully groomed gardens; the spacious pool with infinity edge and swim-up bar; and an outdoor tennis court make this a great option for the price. Be warned, though, not all rooms have balconies, and some face the noisy street at the entrance of the property.
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Scene
Lackluster rooms, but decent features
As with most close-to-town properties, the Pelicanos Grand is outdated and basic, though it is definitely grander than the nearby Club version -- beautiful grounds surround a sprawling pool (and a not-so-thrilling kiddy pool) close to the beach, there are more dining options that at its sister property, and some rooms have ocean views. There is also plenty of sun-bathing space both pool and beachside, as well as comfy modern cabana beds along the shore.Of course, on the other hand, the beach is about six feet wide at high tide -- if you’re lucky -- and feels dingy and dirty compared with more pristine beaches of Puerto Vallarta's other shores. But that’s the price you pay when you are this close to town: skinny little beaches, some traffic noise, and fewer amenities than what you would expect up the road in Nuevo or Marina Vallarta.
Location
Close to downtown, on a cobbled street that leads from the highway toward a dead-end, and on the beach
At the end of a cobbled dead-end street, Pelicanos shares its busy, loud entrance with several other hotels. Because of this, the noise levels out front are more urban than relaxing-beach-getaway. The noise levels do quiet down when you head to the beach side of the property. And with such close proximity to downtown, this is an ideal location for anyone who wants quick-and-easy access to Puerto Vallarta dining, shopping, and nightlife.Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's most picturesque beach destinations, with historic white-washed buildings, and cerulean seas set against a rugged mountain skyline. The massive Banderas Bay alone offers over 25 miles of seashore. With all this ocean comes a variety of water sports, such as scuba diving with manta rays off Islas Marietas, boating around Los Arcos' reefs, and parasailing off of the popular Playa Los Muertos.- 15-minute drive to the airport
Rooms
Clean, basic rooms with tube TVs
Fairly standard for a close-to-city mid-range hotel, the rooms at the Plaza Pelicanos Grand Beach Resort fill your basic "I'm here to play and party" beach needs -- while leaving much to be desired for the luxury seeker. Beds are comfortable, but decor is minimal and drab in places, technology is dated (old tube TVs), and the bathrooms could definitely use an update.Many guest rooms don’t have balconies, in spite of the fabulous beachfront location. While some overlook the street (and are thus noisier), others have pretty views of the pool or slice of beach.The nicest of the rooms happen to be the timeshares -- which on-site agents will try to push on you during your stay. You can rent one, if it's available, but they're hard to come by in the high tourist season.- Wi-Fi for a fee
Features
An infinity pool with a swim-up bar and a skinny slice of beach
All-Inclusive / Food
Basic hotel offerings, but close proximity to in-town dining options
Standard King
Standard Two Doubles
United States
