Rock-bottom rates and a fabulous location are some of the few appealing aspects of the budget Vallarta Sun Suites & Hotel -- an otherwise dated condo complex with a difficult owner. Apartment-style units have full kitchens, small living rooms, and outdoor balconies, but decor and amenities are incredibly dated. There’s a small pool and outdoor lounge area, but the best part of Vallarta Sun Suites is its location in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica. The neighborhood’s atmosphere is always lively and upbeat, which is probably why many guests complain of noisy surroundings. Much better accommodations can be had for comparable rates at nearby Garlands Del Rio, a boutique hotel with charming decor, a nice pool, and excellent breakfast. It’s still within walking distance of downtown, but it’s a bit farther from the beach than Vallarta Sun Suites.
Rock-bottom rates and a fabulous location are some of the few appealing aspects of the budget Vallarta Sun Suites & Hotel -- an otherwise dated condo complex with a difficult owner. Apartment-style units have full kitchens, small living rooms, and outdoor balconies, but decor and amenities are incredibly dated. There’s a small pool and outdoor lounge area, but the best part of Vallarta Sun Suites is its location in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica. The neighborhood’s atmosphere is always lively and upbeat, which is probably why many guests complain of noisy surroundings. Much better accommodations can be had for comparable rates at nearby Garlands Del Rio, a boutique hotel with charming decor, a nice pool, and excellent breakfast. It’s still within walking distance of downtown, but it’s a bit farther from the beach than Vallarta Sun Suites.
Travelers looking to skip all-inclusive buffet lines and crowded pools will be delighted by Garlands Del Rio, a charming mid-range boutique hotel with genuine Mexican flair. Located in a residential neighborhood along the Rio Cuale, this 17-room property offers guests a taste of authentic Vallarta, with its cobblestone streets, mom-and-pop eateries, and gangs of giggly children playing soccer on the sidewalks. Rooms are individually decorated and vary in size, but feature brightly painted walls, eccentric artwork, and local accents like hand-woven rugs and hand-painted tile work. Guests rave about Garlands’ exceptional breakfast and bar snacks — the latter are delivered fresh from a local restaurant. Downtown Puerto Vallarta, the Malecon, and the beach are all within a 20-minute walk, but travelers who’d prefer a beachfront property with more amenities should check out Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway, though it’s pricier and lacks Garlands’ charm.
Travelers looking to skip all-inclusive buffet lines and crowded pools will be delighted by Garlands Del Rio, a charming mid-range boutique hotel with genuine Mexican flair. Located in a residential neighborhood along the Rio Cuale, this 17-room property offers guests a taste of authentic Vallarta, with its cobblestone streets, mom-and-pop eateries, and gangs of giggly children playing soccer on the sidewalks. Rooms are individually decorated and vary in size, but feature brightly painted walls, eccentric artwork, and local accents like hand-woven rugs and hand-painted tile work. Guests rave about Garlands’ exceptional breakfast and bar snacks — the latter are delivered fresh from a local restaurant. Downtown Puerto Vallarta, the Malecon, and the beach are all within a 20-minute walk, but travelers who’d prefer a beachfront property with more amenities should check out Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway, though it’s pricier and lacks Garlands’ charm.
This ruggedly charming boutique hotel offers sweeping views of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay, and the enticements of Old Town Puerto Vallarta are close at hand. Rugged is meant literally here: With two multistoried buildings climbing a steep hillside, labyrinthine stairways, and no elevators, it's a bit of work getting around -- especially if you add in the hike up from the beach. Ultimately, the place seduces with space. The 28 suites are generously scaled, with large decks, and the wonderful views place the city in the foreground against a background of sea and sky.
This ruggedly charming boutique hotel offers sweeping views of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay, and the enticements of Old Town Puerto Vallarta are close at hand. Rugged is meant literally here: With two multistoried buildings climbing a steep hillside, labyrinthine stairways, and no elevators, it's a bit of work getting around -- especially if you add in the hike up from the beach. Ultimately, the place seduces with space. The 28 suites are generously scaled, with large decks, and the wonderful views place the city in the foreground against a background of sea and sky.
Tucked into a hillside on Conchas Chinas Beach -- an exclusive southern area of Puerto Vallarta -- Lindo Mar in Spanish means "pretty sea." And this resort was aptly named, with stunning ocean views from every angle and offering some of the best sunsets around. The resort is a timeshare property, though, so it can book up quickly during high season. The entire resort is comprised of condominium-style suites -- featuring fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, dining areas, one to three bedrooms, and ocean-view balconies -- which is a nice change of pace from the megaresorts that are found dotting the area's Hotel Zone. The hotel's restaurant La Playita is worth a visit on its own; it's built onto the rocks directly above the sea -- so close that if you’re seated on the water side, you can almost touch the waves. At high tide, the hotel’s little beach simply disappears. But ample lounge space can be found at the nearby pool and decks.
Tucked into a hillside on Conchas Chinas Beach -- an exclusive southern area of Puerto Vallarta -- Lindo Mar in Spanish means "pretty sea." And this resort was aptly named, with stunning ocean views from every angle and offering some of the best sunsets around. The resort is a timeshare property, though, so it can book up quickly during high season. The entire resort is comprised of condominium-style suites -- featuring fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, dining areas, one to three bedrooms, and ocean-view balconies -- which is a nice change of pace from the megaresorts that are found dotting the area's Hotel Zone. The hotel's restaurant La Playita is worth a visit on its own; it's built onto the rocks directly above the sea -- so close that if you’re seated on the water side, you can almost touch the waves. At high tide, the hotel’s little beach simply disappears. But ample lounge space can be found at the nearby pool and decks.
The most exclusive property in the Garza Blanca Preserve, Hotel Mousai is a luxury hotel with 74 contemporary suites plus panoramic views of the coastline below. Everything is sleek and sharp, if a bit reminiscent of W Hotels style-wise (think: oversized chess pieces and lots of gilded Buddhas). All-inclusive rates are popular, and may be worth it given the fees that can otherwise add up, and the hotel doesn't allow anyone under 18. A restaurant plus two bars are on-site, but the entire Garza Blanca development is at guests’ disposal, including the beach (a 10-minute walk downhill). The sexy rooftop infinity pool, dazzling views from the Imagine Spa, and fully-equipped gym all make this a wonderful package. Those traveling with families should consider the Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa down below.
The most exclusive property in the Garza Blanca Preserve, Hotel Mousai is a luxury hotel with 74 contemporary suites plus panoramic views of the coastline below. Everything is sleek and sharp, if a bit reminiscent of W Hotels style-wise (think: oversized chess pieces and lots of gilded Buddhas). All-inclusive rates are popular, and may be worth it given the fees that can otherwise add up, and the hotel doesn't allow anyone under 18. A restaurant plus two bars are on-site, but the entire Garza Blanca development is at guests’ disposal, including the beach (a 10-minute walk downhill). The sexy rooftop infinity pool, dazzling views from the Imagine Spa, and fully-equipped gym all make this a wonderful package. Those traveling with families should consider the Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa down below.
Garza Blanca Preserve is one of the leading luxury options in the region, and stands out for its 165 massive, elegant rooms (all with ocean views), as well as its location on the lush, jungly private preserve that gives the resort its name. There are three pools (two near the beach and one up the hillside), three restaurants (an all-inclusive package is optional and reservations are required), and a pretty cove with great snorkeling. Just note that the resort has towers on both sides of Route 200, and trolley service is needed to get around. Thankfully there's plenty to do on site, as the resort is around a 45-minute drive from the airport and 15-minute drive from downtown. The resort is family-friendly, so those looking for an adult-only experience should consider adjoining sister resort Hotel Mousai -- though note it is up the hill, farther from the beach.
Garza Blanca Preserve is one of the leading luxury options in the region, and stands out for its 165 massive, elegant rooms (all with ocean views), as well as its location on the lush, jungly private preserve that gives the resort its name. There are three pools (two near the beach and one up the hillside), three restaurants (an all-inclusive package is optional and reservations are required), and a pretty cove with great snorkeling. Just note that the resort has towers on both sides of Route 200, and trolley service is needed to get around. Thankfully there's plenty to do on site, as the resort is around a 45-minute drive from the airport and 15-minute drive from downtown. The resort is family-friendly, so those looking for an adult-only experience should consider adjoining sister resort Hotel Mousai -- though note it is up the hill, farther from the beach.
The luxury Sunset Plaza Beach Resort provides an intimate and high-end hotel stay right on Las Glorias Beach. The entire resort reflects a contemporary and stylish vibe that focuses heavily on natural stone elements and vibrant colors. A sheer vastness defines the property as well, throughout its public and private spaces. All 80 rooms and suites feature oceanfront views and come with butler service and a customizable aromatherapy menu. There are three outdoor pools (including one for adults), a kids' club, and the decadent Zen Set Spa with treatment rooms. All-inclusive packages are available at the two restaurants and two bars. The Sunset Plaza is a bit pricier than the next door Plaza Pelicanos, which has less polished decor but a similar stretch of beach and amenities.
The luxury Sunset Plaza Beach Resort provides an intimate and high-end hotel stay right on Las Glorias Beach. The entire resort reflects a contemporary and stylish vibe that focuses heavily on natural stone elements and vibrant colors. A sheer vastness defines the property as well, throughout its public and private spaces. All 80 rooms and suites feature oceanfront views and come with butler service and a customizable aromatherapy menu. There are three outdoor pools (including one for adults), a kids' club, and the decadent Zen Set Spa with treatment rooms. All-inclusive packages are available at the two restaurants and two bars. The Sunset Plaza is a bit pricier than the next door Plaza Pelicanos, which has less polished decor but a similar stretch of beach and amenities.
The upscale, 316-room Barcelo Puerto Vallarta is one of the best family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in the region, and towers above the beautiful Mismaloya Beach. It features several blue-tiled pools with beautiful bay views and groomed jungle grounds, as well as a jam-packed activities schedule -- aerobics, water sports, ping-pong tournaments, beach volleyball, archery, and basketball are all on the menu (though the animation team might be less present during the off season). Other kid-friendly features include the kids' club for ages 5 to 12, games room, and nightly theater shows. Couples might not appreciate that the pool and swim-up bar can be surrounded by screaming tots, however. The beach is generally more peaceful, though vendors can be a nuisance. Spacious rooms all have balconies with at least partial ocean views, and the property is a bit secluded, which is a positive for many. Those looking for something in the Hotel Zone might consider the Sunset Plaza Beach Resort and Spa.
The upscale, 316-room Barcelo Puerto Vallarta is one of the best family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in the region, and towers above the beautiful Mismaloya Beach. It features several blue-tiled pools with beautiful bay views and groomed jungle grounds, as well as a jam-packed activities schedule -- aerobics, water sports, ping-pong tournaments, beach volleyball, archery, and basketball are all on the menu (though the animation team might be less present during the off season). Other kid-friendly features include the kids' club for ages 5 to 12, games room, and nightly theater shows. Couples might not appreciate that the pool and swim-up bar can be surrounded by screaming tots, however. The beach is generally more peaceful, though vendors can be a nuisance. Spacious rooms all have balconies with at least partial ocean views, and the property is a bit secluded, which is a positive for many. Those looking for something in the Hotel Zone might consider the Sunset Plaza Beach Resort and Spa.
The 259-room, all-inclusive Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort is priced at the higher end of resorts in the Hotel Zone of Puerto Vallarta, and it scores on some counts but fails on others. The rooms are modern and spacious with some gorgeous ocean views (plus coffeemakers and minibars). Restaurants are varied from an above-average buffet to fine French dining. The infinity edge adults-only pool and a luxe spa are havens from the family-centered kids' club. However, with charges for spotty Wi-Fi and short staffing at the bars, the high price point can be hard to justify.
The 259-room, all-inclusive Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort is priced at the higher end of resorts in the Hotel Zone of Puerto Vallarta, and it scores on some counts but fails on others. The rooms are modern and spacious with some gorgeous ocean views (plus coffeemakers and minibars). Restaurants are varied from an above-average buffet to fine French dining. The infinity edge adults-only pool and a luxe spa are havens from the family-centered kids' club. However, with charges for spotty Wi-Fi and short staffing at the bars, the high price point can be hard to justify.
Secrets Vallarta Bay is a luxurious, adult-only, all-inclusive resort right on the beach in tourist-friendly Puerto Vallarta. With 271 suites, it's not the biggest resort around -- the smaller size means less of a wait and better service. This property does a lot of things right: luxe rooms with butler service, unlimited premium alcohol, and gorgeous pools -- however, the vibe can get rowdy (blame the combination of all-inclusive booze and a swim-up bar). Guests should also note that some of the restaurants and daily entertainment are next door at the family-friendly Now Amber Puerto Vallarta. Still, Secrets is a quick drive to the airport and downtown, making it a convenient spot for an upscale couples getaway on the beach.
Secrets Vallarta Bay is a luxurious, adult-only, all-inclusive resort right on the beach in tourist-friendly Puerto Vallarta. With 271 suites, it's not the biggest resort around -- the smaller size means less of a wait and better service. This property does a lot of things right: luxe rooms with butler service, unlimited premium alcohol, and gorgeous pools -- however, the vibe can get rowdy (blame the combination of all-inclusive booze and a swim-up bar). Guests should also note that some of the restaurants and daily entertainment are next door at the family-friendly Now Amber Puerto Vallarta. Still, Secrets is a quick drive to the airport and downtown, making it a convenient spot for an upscale couples getaway on the beach.