There are many reasons why Puerto Vallarta continues to grow as a vacation destination — natural beauty, exciting activities and tasty cuisine are just a few. The city’s diverse hotel offerings are certainly a big draw, as well.
During a recent visit, I inspected and experienced several noteworthy hotels, each of which offers its own unique selling points for various types of travelers. These are some of the newest and best options.
Garza Blanca Resort & Spa
A member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts, Garza Blanca Resort & Spa combines luxurious amenities with a variety of nature-focused activities, including guided hikes and bird watching on the 85-acre property. A spa, multiple upscale restaurants and panoramic suites with stunning ocean views make this hotel a great option for adults and families looking to indulge while they connect with the region’s natural beauty.
www.garzablancaresort.com
Grand Park Royal Puerto Vallarta
A $50 million renovation completed in January 2019 has not only spruced up existing accommodations but also added 123 brand-new hotel rooms. The new lobby and reception area offers an ocean view, while a new second swimming pool and a new sports bar provide more space for relaxing. It’s an especially good all-inclusive property for families, thanks to its new children’s club, which has its own swimming pool.
www.parkroyal.com.mx
Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort
The newest section at the all-inclusive Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort, The Hacienda, is an adults-only sanctuary, with 192 spacious rooms that are attractively decorated with traditional Mexican elements. Guests can savor the cuisine at two restaurants and relax in two swimming pools set in a lush courtyard. Created out of what had previously been part of the adjacent Krystal hotel, this handsomely reimagined resort area also has a rooftop bar that’s wonderful for sunset cocktails.
www.hiltonpuertovallarta.com
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Some $18 million of renovations wrapped up a few months ago at this upscale Puerto Vallarta hotel. Guestroom decor celebrates the region’s natural and cultural beauty, with custom-designed wallpaper that blends a representation of the agave plant with a houndstooth design. The lobby sports a fresh new look, too, and guests can make use of the new raised pool deck, where “cocoon” day beds sit around the infinity pool. A new pool bar, as well as a new ceviche and tequila bar, round out the latest food and beverage offerings, while renovations have refreshed the Mikado Japanese restaurant and Champions sports bar.
www.puertovallartamarriott.com
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa recently completed an extensive renovation.
Credit: 2019 Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & SpaHotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta
Set within the Garza Blanca Reserve, this all-inclusive, adults-only Puerto Vallarta hotel does an admirable job at catering to style-conscious upscale travelers, with sleek accommodations and a spectacular rooftop pool and restaurant that's a sky-high oasis. The spa offers an extensive menu of services, and guests have access to multiple on-site dining options as well as other venues located throughout the Garza Blanca complex.
www.hotelmousai.com
Hotel Rosita
Budget-minded travelers who love Puerto Vallarta’s waterfront Malecon (boardwalk) will find an ideal location at Hotel Rosita, a 115-room property that sits at the northernmost tip of the popular promenade. A casual, decidedly family-friendly vibe makes this a great place to relax and a good base for strolling around town, and the hotel’s bulletin board is a helpful resource for finding free and economically priced activities around town.
www.hotelrosita.com/en
Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center
A major renovation has brought fresh style to this attractive beachfront property, which sits conveniently closer to downtown Puerto Vallarta than most large-scale hotels. New features include the beautifully upgraded Maiave Spa (make an appointment in one of the garden casitas for an especially memorable experience) and a pizzeria that crafts tasty pies. The views from the 473 guestrooms are also noteworthy. This property is an especially good choice for vacationers looking for lots of large-scale amenities as well as proximity to Puerto Vallarta’s downtown.
www.marriott.com
The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta
This 14-acre beachfront resort has lots to love: a sizeable spa, multiple dining options, tennis courts, two swimming pools and lovely beachside pergolas. But Westin’s experiences are just as big a draw; guests can sign up for yoga and Zumba classes that are free for both all-inclusive and European-plan guests. The early-morning beachfront yoga class is truly revitalizing. All guestrooms have balconies with ocean views, and the property is pet-friendly — even offering a “Heavenly Dog Bed” for traveling pooches.
www.marriott.com
