Where To Stay in Puerto Vallarta: The 11 Best Hotels and Areas

Puerto Vallarta is fast becoming Mexico’s most popular beach destination. With pristine beaches and its iridescent sea, Puerto Vallarta has something for everyone! Once voted the friendliest place on Earth, this destination has been welcoming tourists for decades. It has recently gained a reputation as the number 1 destination in the LGBT community. With hundreds of hotels, it can be hard to decide where to stay in Puerto Vallarta.

Located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful town that has both breath-taking natural beauty and fantastic tourist amenities. With the twinkling Banderas Bay to one side and lush mountains to the other, it is a tropical paradise perfect for a relaxing holiday.

Puerto Vallarta has an abundance of activities and attractions to suit all tastes. Aside from the beautiful beaches, one of the main attractions is the vibrant Malecon Boardwalk. The picturesque Old Town and Romantic Zone showcase traditional Mexican architecture on charming cobblestone streets. The tourist area of the Hotel Zone offers a variety of water sports. Here you can also find excursions to the jungle, snorkeling and whale-watching! Puerto Vallarta also has a number of golf courses.

With hundreds of hotels, choosing somewhere to stay overwhelming! However, from luxurious resorts to eco yoga retreats, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets. Our list of the best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta includes something for everyone!

Hotel Mousai

Hotel Mousai
Photo credit: booking.com

Our first Puerto Vallarta hotel is Hotel Mousai. It was the first adults-only hotel in Puerto Vallarta to boast a 5 Diamond star rating. With such an important award, this hotel is an oasis of style and luxury on the Banderas Bay. Right on the beach, this is all-inclusive at its best.

Hotel Mousai has 5-star facilities, including a roof-top infinity pool with breath-taking panoramic sea views. There is a state-of-the-art gym with views of the bay to inspire your workouts. There are also free tennis courts, water sports, and local hiking trails to keep you busy during your stay.

The hotel boasts a relaxing spa. As one the only Puerto Vallarta hotels to offer a Hydrotherapy Circuit, this is true relaxation. The spa is complete with steam room, sauna, six-cycle vitality pool, and pressure massage shower. What a great way to unwind after an exhausting day!

Hotel Mousai has 3 on-site restaurants and 3 located in the complex also included in their packages, all offering delicious gourmet food. Everything is on the menu, including Asian, Italian and Mexican.

Each room is finished to a very high standard. No expense has been spared with hardwood floors, a Nespresso machine and Venetian quartz bathrooms. Lastly, all the rooms have private terraces, where you can enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s stunning natural beauty in a private setting. Every room even has its own plunge pool!

Although Hotel Mousai has everything you need for a relaxing holiday, it is still well-located to explore Puerto Vallarta. The hotel is just a ten-minute drive from the downtown area. If you are unsure where to stay in Puerto Vallarta, this is an excellent choice.

Address: Carr. a Barra de Navidad Km. 7.5, Sur, 48390 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Best for: luxury-lovers

Rating: 9.1/10

Velas Vallarta Suite Resort All-Inclusive

Velas Valarta Suite Resort
Photo credit: booking.com

As a family, it can be difficult to choose where to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Everyone traveling with children knows it can be both fun and exhausting! Many of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta are adult-only. However, Velas Vallarta Suite Resort is a family-friendly resort with a focus on luxury. With a fully supervised children’s program to keep them occupied, you can sneak off and enjoy the spa!.

There is plenty to do here to keep you busy, including a private beach, 3 tennis courts, 2 swimming pools, and even a basketball court! There is also a picturesque 18-hole golf club within walking distance.

This Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive resort has 2 buffet restaurants on-site. For the fussy eaters, each room has its own kitchenette where you can cook food bought from the on-site supermarket. What makes the Velas Vallarta stand out are their thoughtful extras. There is even a book exchange for all the avid bookworms. It can be hard to find a resort that is both luxurious and family-friendly, and this is exactly what this Vallarta hotel offers.

Address: Av Paseo de la Marina Nte 585, Marina Vallarta, 48354 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Best for: Activity-loving families

Rating: 9.0

ZonaZ Boutique Hotel

Zonaz Boutique
Photo credit: booking.com

A recent addition, our third Puerto Vallera hotel only opened in August 2019. Since then, ZoneZ Boutique Hotel has pleased guests with its quirky charm, earning them a reputation as one of the best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta. The ZonaZ Boutique Hotel is a great option for those wishing to avoid the larger all-inclusive resorts. Located away from the Hotel Zone, it is in the heart of the Romantic Zone and Old Town which are both full of character. The hotel caters for those wishing to explore the local area and sample the local restaurants and bars.

The star attraction of this hotel is the courtyard and outdoor pool. There is a unique rock wall swimming pool and a courtyard is decorated with colorful murals showing Frida Kahlo and Mexican scenes. It is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing drink before venturing out to sample Puerto Vallarta’s dining options and buzzing nightlife which is within walking distance.

ZonaZ Boutique Hotel has only 8 suites, giving the place an intimate feel. The simple rooms are decorated with traditional Mexican furnishings, giving it a local feel missing from many of the larger hotels. Each suite is allergy-free, with its own kitchenette, safe, flat-screen television, and luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets. If you are looking for a boutique hotel in a vibrant area, look no further than the ZonaZ Boutique Hotel.

Address: Paseo Díaz Ordaz 901, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Best for: Foodies

Rating: 9.4

Hotel Rosita

Hotel Rosita
Photo credit: booking.com

Number four on our list of hotels in Puerto Vallarta is located at the entrance of the Malecón Boardwark.  Packed with restaurants, nightlife and entertainment, it is one of the most buzzing areas of Puerto Vallarta. Placed just at the entrance, Hotel Rosita is a perfect starting point to explore everything Puerto Vallarta’s Boardwalk and Marina have to offer. You can then come home to the peace and quiet to enjoy a good night’s sleep!

Not everyone looking where to stay in Puerto Vallarta wants to stay in a large resort. Hotel Rosita is at the smaller end of the hotel spectrum, not that you will mind with so much to explore on your doorstep! There is a private pool, as well as access to the beach. As this hotel is so close to so many great restaurants, it’s unlikely you will want to eat here. However, for the days you are feeling lazy there is a good restaurant serving Mexican cuisine on-site.

While the rooms aren’t anything special here, they are clean and simple. There are no luxury gadgets here, but all the rooms do come with flat-screen TVs, AC and a safe. There is even a complimentary breakfast to set you up for a day of exploring Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town and Romantic Zone.

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Address: Paseo Díaz Ordaz 901, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Best for: Culture lovers

Rating: 8.4

Sunset Plaza Beach Resort

Plaza Beach Resort & Spa
Photo credit: booking.com

A tranquil beach hotel, the Sunset Plaza Beach Resort is all about affordable luxury. One of the cheaper Puerto Vallarta hotels on our list, it doesn’t feel like a budget hotel. Each guest is offered a free massage and extra treatments are available from the tranquil spa in the hotel. With 3 pools and access to the beach, you will be spoilt for choice!

What makes the Sunset Plaza Beach Resort stand out is they offer relaxation for a family vacation. Many of the resorts are adult-only. The jewel of the Sunset Plaza is the infinity pool, which is also family-friendly. There is even a swim-up bar so you can enjoy a drink without even getting out! There is plenty to keep you busy, with water sports and snorkelling available on the private beach.

Considering this is one of the cheaper hotels, the rooms are surprisingly luxurious. They proudly offer some of the most spacious rooms in Puerto Vallarta. No expense is spared with each suite fitted with marble bathrooms, private terraces and optional 24-hour butler service. Every room has a breath-taking view of the bay. Although it is in the Hotel Zone, Old Town is just 5 minutes away by cab.

Address: Diego Rivera 121, Zona Hotelera, Las Glorias, 48330 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Best for: Families

Rating: 9.3

Hotel Boutique Rivera Del Rio

Hotel Boutique Rivera Del Rio
Photo credit: booking.com

If you are looking to escape the modern resorts of Puerto Vallarta, Hotel Boutique Rivera Del Rio is like something from a movie. Designed by the famous interior designer “Silver” Maria Cortez, the hotel exudes Hollywood glamour and luxury. Staying here is guaranteed to make you feel like an A-list celebrity! You may even be treated with a cocktail on arrival! This Mexican villa is nestled in the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone. The interiors are opulent and sumptuous, every room looking like a film set (indeed it has been featured in Vogue and Elle!)

Each room is decorated in its own unique style, with suitably lavish names like ‘Candeleria’ and ‘Scarlett’. To add to the decadent feeling, the furniture is antique. It is hard to stay here and not leave thinking you are royalty! Everything is decorated in sumptuous colors, with exquisitely tiled bathrooms, marble fireplaces, and art adorning the walls.

It is not just the rooms that are beautiful here, but the whole hotel. You can enjoy spectacular views of the Sierra Madre Mountains while relaxing in their rooftop pool and jacuzzi. Trailing plants give the terrace a truly tropical feeling. When you are bored of lounging by the outdoor pool, the beach is only a 15-minute walk away. Unlike many of the hotels in Puerto Vallarta, there is no restaurant on-site, although breakfast is included. Luckily, a selection of Puerto Vallarta’s best bars and restaurants can be found 500m away.

Address: Rivera del Río 104, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Best for: art-loving couples

Rating: 9.4

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta

Hyatt Ziva
Photo credit: booking.com

Our eighth Puerto Vallarta hotel is a familiar face. Hyatt is a famous name in the hotel world, so it is hardly surprising that they feature on a list of the best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta!

Located in the Hotel Zone, Hyatt Ziva has everything you need for a perfect stay. There is a wide range of places to eat and drink, with 5 restaurants offering Mexican, American, Italian and Asian menus. The superb Blaze restaurant offers American and Mexican cuisine in a stunning ocean view setting. There are also 5 bars to choose from, offering coffees, cold beer and cocktails! There is also 24-hour room service for those late-night cravings! The food and drink on offer are high quality, with a focus on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.

To burn off those calories there is a fully-equipped fitness center, water sports and daily classes. There are 5 infinity pools to keep you busy! There is even a kids club to give you a chance to relax. The hotel also offers daily activities and live entertainment. There are even live cooking demonstrations for all the budding chefs!

The rooms are stylish with classic décor. Each comes with a daily stocked mini-bar, coffee machine, Wi-Fi, and a Bluetooth speaker. Some suites even come with swim-up access to a semi-private pool! For those feeling particularly extravagant, the more exclusive suites come with private pools. If you are looking for a place to stay in Puerto Vallarta which ticks every box, Hyatt Ziva is the hotel for you!

Address: Carretera A Barra De Navidad Km. 3.5 Zona Hotelera Sur, Zona Hotelera, Sur, 48390 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Best for: Families

Rating: 9.0

San Tropico Petit Hotel & Peaceful Escape

San Tropico Petit Hotel & Peaceful Escape
Photo credit: booking.com

Puerto Vallarta is famous for its sandy beaches, but there is so much more to see! Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood behind the Marina Vallarta, San Tropico Petit Hotel & Peaceful Escape is all about peace and quiet. Located right next to the golf course, you can spend your days on the green and your evenings enjoying the sunset on your private balcony.

While there is no on-site restaurant, there is an excellent breakfast included in the room rate. Each of the 14 suites come with a fully fitted kitchen, but it is also close so you can spend your evenings tasting the gourmet treats on offer at the Marina Vallarta which is within walking distance. They even supply bicycles for you to explore the local area at your own pace! They also have a discounted rate for the Sabal Beach Club. Reached by taxi, you can enjoy their top-class facilities for only $15 per day.

The hotel has its own pool and hot tub, with each room having its own private balcony perfect for a quiet evening after a day on the sunny golf course! The beach is only a 10-minute walk or bike-ride away! Away from the Hotel Zone, this is an intimate hotel for anyone wanting to truly relax and switch off. Only a 3-minute drive from the airport, there are no long transfers which we all hate!

Address: Flamingos 161, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Best for: Golf lovers

Rating: 9.5

Oasis Original Hostel

Oasis Original Hostel
Photo credit: booking.com

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Puerto Vallarta on a budget, our tenth hotel is by far our cheapest. For those watching their budget and wishing to experience true Mexican hospitality, prices at the Oasis Original Hostel start as low as $10 a night with breakfast. As the first hostel in Puerto Vallarta, they know what they know how to cater to backpackers and anyone on a strict budget. Family run, their aim is to bring travelers together and show you the real Mexico.

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Oasis Hostel offers private double rooms and both single-sex and mixed dorm beds for anyone on a tight budget! Both options come with a free breakfast, which is highly rated by guests. The hostel has everything a backpacker needs, including a kitchen, BBQ and laundry. There is also a common room and games room for when you want to make friends. There is a 24-hour shop next door, as well as a snack bar for the days you don’t want to venture to the busy areas. Finally, the terrace is complete with hammocks and a breath-taking mountain view.

Oasis Hostel is run by a local Mexican family, offering an authentic Mexican feeling unlike many of the larger resorts. You can even help out on the local barrio (neighborhood!) for those wanting to learn about real local life in Puerto Vallarta. The hostel is situated in a quiet Mexican neighborhood, so it offers a truly immersive experience. The Old Town is only a short cab ride away.

Address: Av.Luis Donaldo Colosio #222, Col.Benito Juarez, 48389 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Best for: Budget travelers and backpackers

Rating: 8.8

Xinalani Yoga Retreat

If you truly want to escape modern life, Xinalani Yoga Retreat is a perfect place to relax. This resort is only reached by boat! This is the place to stay if you want to get away from it all!

Xinalani Yoga Retreat
Photo credit: booking.com

The focus at Xinalani is yoga and wellness in a natural setting.

There are six yoga spaces, some open air. Rooms come with 2 free classes daily. The rooms also come with 3 meals a day. These are locally sourced and vegetarian. They are also happy to cater for any other diets. Don’t worry, there is also bar serving cocktails, wine and beers! Make sure you take a trip to their ancient sweat lodge. Here you can sweat out all the toxins!

Xinalani Yoga Retreat is committed to local communities and development. This is often forgotten in the bigger resorts. Only local and natural products were used to construct the buildings and local crafts have been used to decorate the rooms. If this is the future of Mexican tourism, we love it!

To help save the planet, there is no AC here. Instead, all the rooms are open and they are cooled naturally using the refreshing sea breeze. This makes you feel like you are really staying in the jungle.

If you are feeling adventurous, they offer tours of local fishing villages, as well as water sports and activities. The hotel focus on doing everything in an eco-friendly way. Therefore, Xinalani is the best place to stay in Puerto Vallarta to travel if you are worried about the planet!

Address: South Shore, Playa Xinalani, Quimixto, 48399 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Best for: Wellness and Eco-Tourism

Rating: 8.5

Casa Kimberly

Casa Kimberly
Photo credit: booking.com

Our last hotel in Puerto Vallarta is the most famous. Puerto Vallarta has long been popular with Hollywood stars wishing to enjoy a relaxing vacation. With so much history, Casa Kimberly is like stepping back into the golden age of Hollywood.

This hotel’s most famous guest was Elizabeth Taylor. In 1962, she came to visit Richard Burton while he was filming in Puerto Vallarta. Both still married to other people, he stayed at the casita opposite and built a bridge linking the two hotels.  He could then visit Elizabeth without being seen by the paparazzi. She loved the hotel so much that Richard bought her the hotel as a birthday present. What a perfect hotel for a romantic getaway in Puerto Vallarta!

With such a prestigious history, Casa Kimberly doesn’t disappoint. Renovated in 2010, there are only 9 suites. One suite even has the original heart-shaped tub originally made for Elizabeth! The rooms are beautifully decorated in a simple glamour. They all have private terraces with jacuzzies and plunge pools. The charm of this hotel is the details. Chandelier and hand-painted tiles finish the rooms perfectly.

If you can bring yourself to leave the room, there is a spa offering a range of treatments. The Iguana restaurant serves Mexican food in a relaxed outdoor setting. There is even a tequila bar for the more adventurous! This is one of the best hotels to stay for romance!

Address: Calle Zaragoza 445, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Best for: Romance

Rating: 9.9

Where Is the Best Area to Stay in Puerto Vallarta?

The best area to stay in Puerto Vallarta is the Hotel Zone. This area has lots to do with beaches, water sports, live entertainment and restaurants. The Hotel Zone is the most popular area with tourists and is a safe place to stay. Many of Puerto Vallarta’s biggest hotels are in this area, so finding a good hotel won’t be difficult! It is the perfect location for exploring as it is in between the Romantic Zone to the south and Marina Vallera to the north.

Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta for solo travellers?

The best area to stay for solo travellers is Downtown. Puerto Vallarta has been gaining in popularity as a safe place for solo travellers and there is lots to explore in the downtown area! The top sites are the steepled Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, the oldest church in Puerto Vallarta, and the Plaza des Armas, which has live performers. There are a number of hostels in this area offering dorm beds from as little as $9 in Downtown.

Downtown Puerto Vallarta
Image Credit: Alonso Reyes on Unsplash

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta for Families?

Marina Vallarta is the best area to stay for families. It is one of the newer areas in Puerto Vallarta and incredibly safe. Built with the modern tourist in mind, it ticks every box for a family vacation! You can find a wide variety of water sports, restaurants and activities here. There are also 2 waterparks, a fishing tour and even a pirate-themed dinner show! You can also see the impressive yachts of the rich and famous! The nearby Boardwalk has a range of restaurants and shops.

 

Puerto Vallarta family
Photo credit: Kylo from Unsplash

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta for Couples?

The most romantic area to stay for couples is Conchas Chinas. Conchas Chinas is away from the busy tourist areas and is where Puerto Vallarta’s richest residents live. With fewer families staying here, the beaches are quieter and more adult-friendly! This gives it a feeling of luxury and calm.  Many of the higher-end spa hotels are in this area.

For couples on a smaller budget, the Romantic Zone is a fantastic area is stay. It is located in the heart of the Old Town with cobblestone streets, restaurants and charming old buildings. As the name suggests, romantic backdrops are around every corner! This area is famous for its lively bars and clubs. Many are open until the early hours, so this isn’t for the people who love peace and quiet! Many of the smaller hotels and apartment rentals are located here so it is easier to find cheaper hotels here.

James

James Ardimento has spent the last 12 years journeying around the globe ! With its precious experiences and tips he gained around Asia, South America, Europe and the US he is a precious asset for this blog and for its readers