Av de Los Cocoteros s/n, Lote Hotelero G, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico | 52 (322) 226-7250
Great Flamingos Beach location in Nuevo Vallarta
Spacious beach with plenty of palm tree-shaded lounge seating
Large adult-oriented pool with jetted areas, swim-up bar, and in-pool lounge chairs and bistro tables
Spacious children-oriented pool with three slides and volleyball net
Nice fitness center with TVs and assorted equipment
Spa with multiple treatment rooms and a Jacuzzi
Lively decorated theater with nightly entertainment
Multiple dining options, from casual to gourmet
Partial or full ocean views from every guest room and suite
Wi-fi in lobby areas only
Guest rooms and suites are blandly decorated and nothing special
Long drive to Puerto Vallarta
Short on in-room amenities
Wall-enclosed showers in some rooms feel a bit claustrophobic
The Spanish hotel company Riu offers three classes of all-inclusive (there's one of each in Nuevo Vallarta), with this one being the mid-priced option. Compared with its more budget-friendly sister property, Riu Jalisco, though, certain areas are lacking. For instance, the grounds aren't nearly as immaculate or impressive, and although the rooms have slightly nicer decor they're not much of a step up. Jalisco even has slightly more varied dining options, though the ones offered here are varied enough to prevent standard all-inclusive-dining boredom. But the expansive beach and the two large play-inducing pools (with in-pool lounge seating, bistro tables, swim-up bar, and slides) are clearly in a class above.
Scene
Commanding Art Deco-style building with basic grounds and fanciful interiors
The grand, white Art-Deco building keeps its era-specific design scheme consistent throughout public zones -- with surprisingly colorful decor popping up in unexpected places. The lobby, for instance, is a formal experience with its black-and-white checkered floors, stained-glass accents, and towering atrium with dazzling chandelier. The attention-grabber, though, is the regal-esque tufted-purple upholstered round bench -- which kids tend to love running circles around as they wait for their parents to finish check-in.This sort of formality-meets-playfulness continues throughout the property. Beyond the lobby, which is encased by the two guest wings, a deco-style fountain centers the hotel's plaza -- a lively designed central gathering place ringed with multiple restaurants, bars, and the Riu's signature live-performance theater. Further along, perfectly groomed garden paths lead guests to the resort's biggest draw -- the two pools. It's a constant party around these areas, for adults and kids alike, with features like a swim-up bar with nearby in-pool bistro tables, a pool volleyball net, and three large slides. For a more serene setting, guests can head to the expansive, clean beach, featuring plenty of shaded and sun-soaked lounge chairs for a little beach-side R&R.
Location
Located on pretty Playa de Flamingos in Nuevo Vallarta
Seemingly a world away from the bustling party destination of Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta is a sleepier resort locale with no real downtown -- just big resorts and upscale homes surrounded by a leafy enclave, pristine beach, or manicured golf courses. This is the area to head if you're on the hunt for a relaxing beach getaway with some golfing or spa treatments thrown in. To experience the culture, dining, nightlife, and shopping of Puerto Vallarta, you'll need to catch a cab for a 25-minute drive.- 15-minute drive to Puerto Vallarta Airport
Rooms
Basic rooms with full or partial ocean views
Only a slight step up from the economy Riu Jalisco a few doors away, the Riu Vallarta's rooms are clean and comfortable, but nothing special. All rooms come standard (even the pricey suites) with flat-screen TVs, basic mini-fridges, and handy liquor dispensers.Deck furniture is of the uncomfortable plastic variety, but every room features either full or partial ocean views, which is a plus.- Flat-screen TVs
Features
Two large pools and family-friendly entertainment
All-Inclusive / Food
24-hour room service and diverse dining option, from casual to gourmet
Double Room
Junior Suite
Ocean View Suite
Av de Los Cocoteros s/n, Lote Hotelero G, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
52 (322) 226-7250