Sunset Plaza Beach Resort & Spa

Set in a 15-story tower that looms over the narrow Las Glorias Beach, the Sunset Plaza Beach Resort and Spa fits the bill for the look and vibe of a luxury beach resort. Expect to see plenty of marble, granite, dark woods, and contemporary Mexican themes and colors, from deep reds to oranges. There are thoughtful details that are easy to miss, such as the mosaic medallions inset into the elevator floors. The lobby and entry set the tone for the rest of the resort, with marble floors accented by river rocks, high ceilings, rock walls, and contemporary furniture. The lobby bar offers a pool table and sports-bar vibe.

Just beyond the lobby are the gardens and grounds of the resort itself, and the various restaurants, pools, and beach. Landscaped areas are intersected by uninspiring concrete walkways, a somewhat sad note given the rest of the hotel’s attention to detail. There are ping-pong tables and other outdoor games set up on the lawns that wind down to the beach, which is narrow. The views, however, are amazing, and the water rarely sees large waves unless it’s storming. 

Thanks to the 80 rooms and spacious grounds, this resort rarely gets crowded and is generally quiet. Couples are drawn here for the stylish vibe, while families book the suites with full kitchens. 

Sunset Plaza is set on a narrow stretch of Las Glorias Beach. It doesn't have the pristine white sands of Cancun, but it suffices for those who just want a little bit of sand in their toes while on vacation. The hotel is located alongside two other Pelicanos properties on the end of a cobblestone block, just off the main highway. It's about a 12-minute drive to Puerto Vallarta's harbor and Malecón Boardwalk. Expect a 20-minute drive to the popular Los Muertos Beach and pier. The Puerto Vallarta International Airport takes about 11 minutes to reach by car.

A major draw of the Sunset Plaza is its spacious rooms and suites. Guests can choose from Deluxe Rooms at 550 square feet or One-Bedroom Suites at 1,200 square feet. As with the public spaces, rooms rely heavily on vibrant colors and a generous dose of natural stone elements like marble and granite. 

All Deluxe Rooms are furnished with two queen beds topped with rust-colored bed runners. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, iPod docking stations, small coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Marble bathrooms have walk-in showers and Almond & Olive toiletries. Every room comes with its own private balcony looking out over the property and the ocean beyond. These spaces are furnished with a small table and chairs.

The One-Bedroom Suites are ideal for families and those who want to do their own cooking, as these units have full kitchens. Each kitchen includes a stainless steel refrigerator, four-burner stove, cutlery, plates, glassware, toaster, coffeemaker, and blender for whipping up margaritas. Bedrooms in these units have king-size beds and add queen size sleeper sofas to the living rooms. These spaces also come furnished with glass dining tables that seat four and two-flat-screen TVs. Suite balconies are outfitted with wicker sun loungers, tables, and chairs. Suite bathrooms also upgrade their offerings with whirlpool tubs in addition to walk-in showers, plus separate toilet vestibules.

Every room comes complete with its own aromatherapy menu, which can be personalized depending on your mood. Butler service, available 24 hours, is also provided for all guests. Butlers can assist with everything from unpacking items to arranging beach chairs or providing concierge services. 

Features at the Sunset Plaza are appropriately luxe and extensive. At the heart of the resort are the three outdoor pools: the infinity family pool with a swim-up bar, the adult-only pool, and the children’s pool. All are heated for the winter months. The adult pool deck is lined with sun loungers and Balinese-style day beds. Follow the stairs up to the adult-only sundeck, and you'll find three more heated outdoor whirlpools, with incredible views out over the property and beach.

Sunset Plaza's narrow stretch of beach is quite pretty, but guests are often inundated by vendors. Still, the water is clean and safe for swimming, and water sports rentals are available. Sunrise views are especially lovely here for early risers. 

The resort's gym is a bit on the small side but features a full array of modern Technogym equipment lined up in front of floor-to-ceiling windows to take in views of the grounds. Those who prefer to break a sweat outside can make use of the property's tennis courts. For pampering, the Zen Set Spa has a full range of treatments available. 

Beyond that, there's a kids’ club, which has its own playground for kids up to the age of 12, plus activities for all ages, including arts and crafts, and video games. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property as is on-site parking.

Everything is on the optional all-inclusive meal plan here, and there are several venues to choose from: Mirador Bistro & Grill serves all day meals (buffet and/or a la carte) in a casual indoor or outdoor setting, with an open kitchen. La Trattoria di Luciano is open for dinner only and features a gourmet Italian menu. Poolside Aqua Bar offers drinks and spectacular ocean views. The Sunset Lobby Bar features live music on Fridays and karaoke on Saturdays. La Canela Deli has sandwiches, wines, snacks, and some small grocery items. (Note that groceries are not included in the all-inclusive plan.)

Some guests choose to do their own cooking in suite kitchens and skip the restaurants, or order a la carte. Room service is also available 24 hours a day. One caveat regarding the resort's dining: Past guests have occasionally complained about slow service.