Vamar Vallarta All Inclusive Marina and Beach Resort

Guests at Vamar Vallarta All Inclusive Marina and Beach Resort are a mix of international and local families and couples. There are unlimited drinks and organized entertainment (including nighttime music in an amphitheater) but the party doesn't get out of control and pools are reportedly less crowded than at other all-inclusive resorts.

The multi-story and multi-building complex is made up of Spanish Hacienda-style architecture. Accents include wrought-iron balconies, orange tiled roofs, and whitewashed walls. Vibrant lawns, flowering bushes, and tall palm trees add tropical touches to the pretty grounds. The semi-open-air lobby is spacious and looks fresh with white painted walls and wooden pillars. Steps lead up to an elevated living room space set with brown leather couches and a tangerine-colored wall. Paintings of Caribbean flags hang on the wall near a wooden sculpture of a ship's bow.

Part of the property is built directly on the Marina. Chairs are lined up on a walkway overlooking the water with views of anchored yachts.

This hotel is one of the only all-inclusive properties located near the scenic Marina outside the center of Puerto Vallarta. The location is nice for those who want to avoid the noise and crowds found in Puerto Vallarta's city center, which is about a 45-minute bus ride from the stop just outside the hotel's front doors. Shops, a strip mall, and restaurants are within easy walking distance, including a taco place next door. The International Convention Centre is about a seven-minute drive from the hotel. Parking at the hotel is free.

There are 253 different rooms and villas at Vamar Vallarta. Each comes standard with air-conditioning, a private (unfurnished but spacious) balcony, and flat-screen TV. Renovated Standard Rooms are spacious and decorated with bright white walls, bright fabrics, and abstract art. Some overlook the swimming pool and ocean beyond it, while others are closer to the amphitheater (and the noise from evening entertainment). Reclining shower/tub combos are a nice feature, but the toilet is close to the tub. Bottles of water and organic toiletries are on the sink.

Upgrade to a Superior Room for a living room area and kitchenette with a sink, wooden cupboards, and electric burners. Those that want to seriously cook should book a one, two, or three-bedroom villa. These units are the most spacious and include full refrigerators, though some of the furniture looks like its from the 70s such as olive green sectional sofas and beige drapes. Past guests have reported that Wi-Fi is non-existent in the rooms.

Features at Vamar Vallarta aren't as impressive as those found at more upscale properties, but there's still plenty to do on property, without added charges. The main draw are the outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars and adjacent, shallow kids' pools (these don't get much action). The Villas Pool is the smaller of the two pools and it has gorgeous views of the ocean and mountain. The Main Pool is larger and overlooks the marina. Both pools have manicured sun decks and ample cushioned sun loungers.

Staff organizes entertainment and activities throughout the day such as soccer, water aerobics, and volleyball. At night, there's an amphitheater with a live, family-friendly show. Tennis and soccer courts are available, too. Spotty Wi-Fi is free of charge in the lobby and there are meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment. Inside, guests can exchange money or buy local excursions including zip-lining, scuba, and parasailing. The most basic wedding package here is free, though add-ons and extras for the special day quickly add up.

Guests have a few all-inclusive dining options at Vamar Vallarta. The Italian restaurant, Magallanes, is open for dinner while Cafe Marina serves seafood for lunch. The Caracaol Snack Bar does casual fare like burgers and fries throughout the day. However, there are some restrictions on how many times guests can visit Magallanes and Cafe Marina based on the length of stay and reservations are required. Two swim-up bars are popular, but don't have crazy lines like some resorts. There's a buffet that gets high marks for breakfast -- the omelet bar is a favorite. Prices are low enough that most guests won't feel guilty eating off-property for a few of their meals.