With plenty of sun and sand, Puerto Vallarta should be your ideal choice for a Mexican holiday. Situated on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, you’ll find some of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta on the beach. The city has an old-school charm to it that will take you back to a different era. With its cobblestone streets and small-town atmosphere, you’ll forget you’re in a popular resort town. But with a variety of cultural and nature activities, plus an amazing food scene, you’re in for a holiday treat. And the best way to experience it is by staying in one of the top hotels we selected for you.
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
The city is divided into different areas. In some, you’ll find the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta on the beach. Which one to choose depends on your preferable things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Let’s take a look at your options!
El Centro is the historic heart where the city’s best restaurants and beaches lie in this neighborhood. Marina Vallarta is a resort region where you’ll find lots of beaches and amazing marine attractions. It’s also a busy port for yachts and sailboats from around the world. North Hotel Zone is a quiet neighborhood, although the beaches here are excellent. Most of the local attractions are also situated nearby. Nuevo Vallarta is a luxurious area and is quite exclusive. It’s known for its fancy hotels and golf courses. Zona Romantica has a fascinating nightlife, and the streets are packed with trendy bars and clubs. The popular Los Muertos Beach is also located here.
If you’re here for the pride parade, consider some of the best gay friendly hotels in Puerto Vallarta, too!
Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta
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The family-friendly Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta is located in Nuevo Vallarta along the Bahia de Banderas beach. The beach is a shallow one and pretty famous for boogie-boarding. So try your hand at this quirky sport if you still haven’t! Two beachfront pools, lively bars, restaurants, and a spa make up the standard perks of this hotel. But the music-themed activities are the real attraction here. With the ‘Sound of Your Stay’ package, you can borrow guitars, record players, turntables, and awesome vinyl – everything you need for an all-night jam session.
The interiors of the hotel boast an edgy design that goes quite well with its rock-music theme. All the rooms have a Jacuzzi and a private balcony. The family suites are spacious and come with two bedrooms. And they have a larger option as well with three bedrooms. Traveling with kids? There’s plenty of stuff to keep them busy while you’re relaxing. The kiddy club has a fun pool and a waterslide. Then there’s another club that has arcade games, billiards, and music for teenagers. All in all, a complete package for all ages! Still wondering why it’s one of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta?
Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa
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Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta is another oceanfront property located on Banderas Bay. It’s within walking distance of the Marina and La Isla Mall. The hotel is actually quite well-known for its spick and span beach. It’s a great spot to enjoy some beach games or simply lounge under the sun.
The rooms are airy and spacious. Each room comes with a private balcony, so your evenings are sorted with fresh ocean air and sea views. The Nakawé Spa here is super versatile. You get access to facials, a sauna and steam room, and plenty of relaxing massages. There’s also a fitness center to keep you active. On-site, you’ll find two pools; one’s only for adults and the other for all ages. A kid’s club offers a play area plus beach and pool activities, while a teen club has foosball and awesome video games.
There’s an astounding number of bars and restaurants within the hotel premises, so you can pick your choice of cuisine any day you’re dining in. There’s Asian, Italian, and Mexican options plus great cocktails to go with all your meals.
Secrets Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
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Secrets Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa is a 5-star property located right along the Pacific Coast on Camarones Beach. It’s an all-inclusive hotel that’s only meant for adult folks. So if you’re traveling with kids, you might want to give this one a pass. But if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, Secrets Vallarta boasts a fantastic spa, gorgeous pools, and free-flowing premium alcohol. There are 271 suites in this resort. Each is roomy yet intimate and comes with a private Jacuzzi. The Presidential suite is even fancier with a plunge pool and whirlpool bath. The interior décor has a contemporary style and the floors entirely marble.
Restaurants here include both fine-dining and casual options. Though a lot of them are located at the sister hotel next door – Now Amber Puerto Vallarta. You also get access to an exciting nightclub and casino within the premises. On top of that, the famous El Malecon boardwalk is well within walking distance. If you’re interested in exploring the area, do try the Tequila & Coffee Factory Tour. The airport and the main town area of Puerto Vallarta are also just a few-minute drive away, making Secrets Vallarta quite popular as a couples’ getaway.
Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway
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Strategically located on Camarones Beach, Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway brings the chicness of a boutique hotel to beachfront property. The airport is just ten minutes away, and the Malecon boardwalk, downtown city, and most of the top eateries are within walking distance.
Also, all guests have to be 16 or older to book a stay in this 4-Diamond resort. You’ll be offered a glass of champagne and a complimentary massage on arrival. Now that’s what you call a welcome service!
The resort is on the smaller side, but the rooms here are spacious with an ocean view. All of them feature eye-catching décor and come with standard amenities like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. But the personal butler service that comes with each room is the true highlight of this place. The spa here features a sauna, an oxygen bar, and a hot tub. You can also get massages, facials, and hydrotherapy treatments; all of which are enough to make you feel like royalty. One thing that stands out is the whimsical artwork you’ll see all across the hotel. In fact, a poolside ‘Draw Your Moment’ art station is one of the resort’s most fun elements. It’s safe to say that art lovers don’t need to look any further.
Hotel Casa Kimberly
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If you’re a Hollywood buff, you’ll love staying at Casa Kimberly. This white-stucco building was bought by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor sometime in the 60s. His own house was right opposite this one. Both buildings are connected by a bridge and have been turned into a hotel now. You’ll get to see a bronze statue of the couple placed right at the entrance. Being the former homes of celebrities, this property is as glamorous and dramatic as you’d expect. Each room is not just named but also designed after one of Elizabeth Taylor’s movies. And when we say they’re big, think HUGE! The suites have a décor that’ll remind you of Hollywood glitz mixed with Spanish charm. Massive balconies overlook the bay. Most even have hot tubs in the balcony itself. We suppose that’s about as glamorous as it can get.
Since it’s adults-only, you’ll have to leave your kids home for a getaway to Casa Kimberly. It’s located in El Centro, which means El Malecon and all of the city’s top restaurants and nightlife are within reach. The Iguana Restaurant is a must-try here. It serves delicious Mexican cuisine and attracts both guests and non-guests alike.
Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa
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Overlooking the Banderas Bay and Los Arcos Park, Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa sits on a white sandy beach near Mismaloya. It’s easily one of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta on the beach. It’s been built on a site that was once a party hub for Hollywood stars in the sixties. There are only 73 rooms here but each one is luxuriously spacious. The suites are even bigger. And each suite comes with a Jacuzzi and a full private kitchen. You get amazing ocean views from all rooms and plenty of fancy amenities, including a hammock! What’s more, kids get to stay and eat for free if you book the all-inclusive package.
One of the fanciest things here is the exquisite infinity pool. Lounging in this pool will almost make you feel like you’re drifting off to the sea. The private beach here even gives you a fun chance to indulge in ocean swimming. The resort is actually situated within a jungle mountain preserve, so you can also try a bunch of nature activities. There’s an awesome kids club here so your little ones’ can explore some nature hiking, tree-planting, kayaking, and lots of other fun stuff. If the on-site entertainment is not enough, try the Whale Watching Cruise through the Banderas Bay! Don’t forget to check out the Blue Blanca Restaurant when you’re here. It serves really good food but is best known for its amazing wine collection and tequila-tasting room.
Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa Riviera Nayarit
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One of the affordable luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa is located along the Banderas Bay. The main attraction of this resort is its location. You’ll find yourself strolling across some of the loveliest shores in the city when you stay here. Plus, the Old Town is just a 30-minute drive away, and the Pueblos Magica just a 15-minute bike ride away. Apart from that, it’s just as amazing amenity-wise.
Every suite features a Spanish Colonial décor with a maximum of three bedrooms. You get access to standard stuff like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV, plus a Jacuzzi and a private balcony. But you’ll probably look forward to the private kitchen where you can brush up on your cooking skills while on vacation. The other thing you may enjoy is the two-story pool here that literally oozes luxury. Then there’s the indulgent spa and the fitness center to give you the perfect combo of active hours and relaxation.
There’s a really good restaurant here called La Casona. It’s quite famous for its steak, so don’t forget to check it out. Overall, this is a pretty decent place if you’re traveling with family and looking for a quiet and peaceful place to stay.
Hotel Hacienda San Angel
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The sister property of Casa Kimberly, Hotel Hacienda San Angel has a lot going for it. For starters, it’s situated within the central town, well within walking distance of El Malecon and all other top nightlife and eating spots. And as the name suggests, it offers you a traditional Spanish hacienda experience. This one was also owned by Richard Burton once. You can still see a lot of his antique possessions at the property. The hotel itself consists of four colonial-style villas with a central garden courtyard. The garden features majestically tall date palm trees, a fancy fountain and so much greenery you’ll forget you’re in a hotel.
The rooms are quite dramatic with their blend of European and Mexican décor. You’ll also find complete marble flooring and French windows. There’s a total of 19 suites here and all of them are decorated differently. The Royal and Presidential suites even have a Jacuzzi on their outdoor terrace. A small chapel, three swimming pools, and a fine-dining restaurant are spread across the property. This is one of those places you’ll want to book way in advance since it’s quite popular for celebratory events.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
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The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit sits on the Nuevo Vallarta Beach, overlooking the Banderas Bay. This luxurious resort boasts 267 rooms and all of them are suites. Each of these suites offers a large living space, amazing ocean views, and a private balcony. The best part of the resort is that it’s family-friendly, so bring along anyone you want. The family suites even include a Jacuzzi terrace plus a complimentary 50-minute massage for each family member every day. It doesn’t matter what your kids’ ages are. There’s a baby concierge, a kids-only pool, and a kids’ club with nature and craft activities for your tiny ones. Then there’s the teen lounge with karaoke, video games, and a dancefloor for the older ones.
One of the best things here is the three-level infinity pool overlooking the beach. When you’re not soaking in the pool, you can try your hand at activities like scuba diving, kayaking, or guided meditation. Or maybe even spend a day at the spa that offers a variety of indulgent treatments. Make sure you check out the four in-house restaurants as well. The meals on offer are actually quite good and serve a variety of cuisines.
Casa Velas
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Located in Marina Vallarta, Casa Velas is perfect for a romantic retreat. And that means no kids allowed in this one either. It’s about five minutes away from the airport and within the vicinity of downtown Puerto Vallarta and the Malecon boardwalk. Beyond the fancy gates of Casa Velas, you’ll find a very typical hacienda-style resort. If you’re lucky, you can see peacocks lounging around the entrance. Inside, the hotel is decorated in a traditional Mexican style.
The 80 rooms are luxuriously furnished with marble bathrooms. The Presidential suites come with four bedrooms and have awesome amenities. This includes a complimentary massage and golfing at the golf course nearby. In the Wellness suites, you get a private plunge pool, a Jacuzzi, a massage table, and extra fitness perks.
And not to forget, apart from the main swimming pool, there’s also a beach club with an infinity pool. Do try the spa treatments as well, which use herbs from their own botanical gardens. There are just two restaurants here. But you also get access to the eateries at the sister property next door, Velas Vallarta. All in all, you may feel like everything is a little too fancy at Casa Velas. But the overall ambiance is pretty informal.
Hotel Mousai
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Situated near the village Mismaloya, Hotel Mousai lies close to the Puerto Vallarta Zoo and Los Arcos Park. It’s the first 5-Diamond hotel in Puerto Vallarta. But we believe it’s also one of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Hotel Mousai boasts an all-round 5-star service. But it’s the rooftop infinity pool overlooking the ocean that will blow your mind away. The rooms are stylish with a sleek, modern design. Every room includes a private terrace Jacuzzi for the ultimate luxury experience. You’ll get amazing views of either the 85-acre jungle preserve, the hills or the ocean from any room. But the best views and finest amenities come with the Ultra Suites.
This one is also adults-only. So you’ll have to leave the kids behind for a stay here. But on the brighter side, you can indulge in exciting activities like kayaking, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, and hiking. All of them can be booked from the hotel’s tour desk. Dining and drinks can be enjoyed within the hotel itself or at their sister property, Garza Blanca.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Puerto Vallarta:
- Café des Artistes – Overlooking the Malécon, this restaurant is considered to be one of the best fine-dining options in Puerto Vallarta. It offers a splendid combo of classic French food mixed with Latin flavors.
- Trio – Enjoy Mediterranean classics and handmade pasta in this Mediterranean-themed restaurant. The décor includes hand-painted frescoes and a lovely rooftop garden, which is also worthy of a mention.
- Cerveceria La Union – Some of the best seafood options in the city can be enjoyed here. Fresh oysters coupled with craft beer is the top choice worth trying.
- El Arrayán – This is the best place to try traditional Mexican fare. The menu is totally gluten-free and you also get vegetarian options.
- River Café – Try this café for awesome breakfast options like waffles and pancakes coupled with Mexican delicacies like machaca and chilaquiles. Dinner options include a variety of dishes from Asian and European cuisines.
Recommended Activities In Puerto Vallarta:
- Puerto Vallarta: Beaches, Botanic Garden and Bakery Tour – One of the best ways to explore Puerto Vallarta, this tour offers plenty of insight into Mexico’s produce.
- Puerto Vallarta Outdoor Adventure Zip Line and Speedboat Ride – This may be the best way to satisfy your inner adventure junkie. The activities pack in enough adrenaline, challenges, and fun to keep you entertained throughout the tour.
- Downtown Puerto Vallarta Food Tour – Since you can’t possibly eat at all the places in Puerto Vallarta, getting an expert food guide to take you to the best spots in the city would be your preferred choice.
