The 17 Best hotels in Puerto Vallarta: My Selection

Are you planning to visit Puerto Vallarta and looking for the best hotel for your stay?

You are at the right place!

Puerto Vallarta is a large city, with many hotels of all kinds (small hotels, big resorts, etc.). With so many options, it can be hard to choose where to stay, especially for a first visit!

In this guide, I will help you find the best hotel for your needs, whether you want a romantic and quiet hotel, an all-inclusive family hotel or a gay-friendly hotel.

I will show you the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta for all budgets and explain which areas are the best to stay in.

I will also give you my tips and suggestions on good cheap hotels in Puerto Vallarta and where to stay with kids in Puerto Vallarta.

To make it easier for you to decide, I have also included a comparison table of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta at the end of the article.

Where is the best area to stay in Puerto Vallarta?

The tourist area of Puerto Vallarta is very large and each area offers a different experience. Here are the best areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta:

• Zona Romantica (Old Vallarta)
• Centro / 5 de Diciembre (Downtown)
• Marina Vallarta
• Conchas Chinas
• Puerto Vallarta’s southern beaches

To give you a quick summary: near the airport, you will find Marina Vallarta. South of that, along the coast, you will find Colonia 5 de Diciembre, and then Centro.

Further south, after crossing the Cuale River (a small river that is easy to spot), you will reach the Zona Romantica.

If you take Highway 200 for a few minutes, you will get to Conchas Chinas. You can also walk from the Romantic Zone to Conchas Chinas along a small road by the sea, as it is very close to downtown Vallarta.

And finally, what I have called the “southern beaches of Puerto Vallarta” is a very wide area that you can reach by following Highway 200, such as Boca de Tomatlan, and other beaches that can only be reached by boat (e.g. Quimixto, Yelapa).

To help you choose the best hotel for your vacation, I have included a brief description of each area/neighborhood with its attractions and activities to do.

So, what is the best place to stay in Puerto Vallarta?

Zona Romantica

The Zona Romantica (Romantic Zone), also known as “Old Vallarta”, is the best place to have fun in Puerto Vallarta, with great restaurants, bars and nightclubs, boutiques and cozy cafes.

This is also the gay-friendly area of Puerto Vallarta, which is known as the gay capital of Mexico.

Things to see and do in the Romantic Zone:

• Playa los Muertos, the most popular beach in Puerto Vallarta
• Enjoy a drink at a beach club
• Visit the Muelle de Playa Los Muertos, the city’s iconic sailboat-shaped pier (it’s a perfect spot for photos!)
• Olas Altas Beach, which is more peaceful than Los Muertos Beach
• Go to Parque Lázaro Cárdenas on Saturdays (9am-1pm) to explore the Olas Altas craft market
• Refresh yourself with a craft beer from Monzon or Los Muertos
• Treat yourself to the best ice cream in town at Sabores Helados

Staying in the Zona Romantica is ideal if you like to go out, party, be close to everything and don’t mind the noise when you sleep. But, luckily, there are also hotels that offer some tranquility.

Posada de Roger – From 57 $usd

This is an affordable hotel in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta.

It is near the beach, restaurants and shops, but provides a quiet oasis with a green inner courtyard with a fountain, a rooftop terrace and a pool.

With access to the kitchen, a restaurant, good wifi and very friendly staff, it’s a great deal hotel!

Joint Coworking Hotel and Cowork – From 88 $usd

This hotel and coworking space in the Zona Romantica is a great choice for digital nomads and entrepreneurs who want fast and stable internet and a cozy place to work in Puerto Vallarta.

It is a sleek and tidy space with a gym, massage service, terrace, and free access to the shared coworking areas for hotel guests.

Amapas Apartments – Adults Only – From 60 $usd

These are self-contained studios and apartments with full kitchens, just steps away from Los Muertos Beach and Puerto Vallarta’s iconic pier on the Malecon.

They are spacious, very clean, air-conditioned, and have a rooftop terrace with a small pool.

Tres Marias Luxury Suites – Adults Only – From 200 $usd

For more comfort, I suggest this hotel that offers great value for money in the Romantic Zone and stunning views of the city and the mountains from its rooftop terrace.

The suites are bright and spacious, with very comfortable beds, a rooftop pool with a grill, and excellent service.

Downtown / 5 de Diciembre

Actually, 5 de Diciembre and Centro are two different neighborhoods that are next to each other, but they have a lot in common and that’s why I group them together

5 de Diciembre is mostly residential, with a more local vibe, while Centro is both residential and commercial, with many shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, and more

This area is more authentic than the Romantic Zone, but not very quiet. You can hear street vendors, church bells, parties and even roosters.

That’s the charm of Mexico! Noisy, but lovely. 😊

Staying in downtown Puerto Vallarta is ideal if you want to be close to everything, but you’re not into the party scene and you prefer a slightly quieter place than the Romantic Zone.

However, if you’re a light sleeper, I suggest bringing earplugs, just in case.

Things to Do in 5 de Diciembre and Centro:

• Walk along the seaside promenade (with sculptures, entertainment)
• Explore the Plaza de Armas, the main square of the city that hosts various events
• Visit the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the symbol of the city
• Take the tourist bus (the departure is next to the colorful letters of Puerto Vallarta). Book your bus tickets here!
• Join the free 2-hour guided tour at the Tourist Office (Tuesday and Wednesday at 9 am and 12 pm, Saturday at 9 am)
• Go to Playa Camarones and Playa Rosita
• Visit the Mercado del Mar to find local produce and seafood at a good price
• See the many works of street art (see map here)
• Make your own Mexican chocolate bar at the Choco Museo – Book the chocolate workshop here!

Suites Plaza del Rio – From 99 $usd

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay in downtown Puerto Vallarta, this is the perfect place for you.

The hotel may look a bit old-fashioned at first glance, but it’s neat and very clean.

The location is great, with a rooftop terrace and pool, and the suites are spacious and have kitchenettes. They can fit 3 to 6 people.

You won’t find a better deal than this!

BellView Hotel Boutique – From 193 $usd

The BellView is a perfect choice for a romantic getaway in Puerto Vallarta.

This elegant hotel sits on a hilltop in the heart of Old Vallarta, in the charming area known as Gringo Gulch.

It features La Cappella, a famous Puerto Vallarta restaurant with a stunning view of the city, the iconic Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, and the ocean. At night, you can enjoy the violin music while dining.

Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway – From 299 usd

Villa Premiere is a small resort that lets you enjoy the all-inclusive option without missing out on the downtown Puerto Vallarta experience.

Unlike most all-inclusive hotels that are far from the city center, Villa Premiere is within walking distance of everything you want to see and do in Puerto Vallarta.

You can also relax at the lovely pool with a beachfront bar, work out at the gym, pamper yourself at the spa with Jacuzzi, sauna and treatments, and savor the cuisine at two restaurants.

Conchas Chinas

Conchas Chinas is a different world from the Romantic Zone, even though it is very close. It has two sections divided by Route 200: the mountain and the beach.

If you stay at a hotel in the upper area, you will enjoy amazing views, but you will need a cab or a car to get around.

If you choose a hotel on the beach side, you can walk to Playa los Muertos (5 minutes) through Playa Amapas. There are several spots for beautiful pictures, such as the Mirador Punto Muerto.

Playa Conchas Chinas is a small beach with hotels and vacation homes, calm waters and many rocks.

Conchas Chinas is ideal for couples or families who want a peaceful place. There are no beach clubs or bars. This is where I stayed in Puerto Vallarta and I would love to go back. It has the best of both worlds: accessibility and tranquility.

Another advantage of Conchas Chinas is that it is right on the highway to the southern beaches, so it is very convenient for exploring the area!

Patio Azul Luxury Hotel – From 127 usd

This is a cozy hotel, nestled in the hills of Conchas Chinas.

The rooms are very clean and stylish, and the patio with a pool has a stunning view of the surroundings and the sunset. It is perfect if you have a car, but otherwise you will need to call for cabs to go to and from the center, as it is a bit far away.

On the plus side, because of its location in the hills of Vallarta, it is very quiet and intimate!

Maxwell Residences at Indah – From 389 usd

This is my favorite hotel in Puerto Vallarta, which I found very romantic. It also has apartments for 4, 6, 8 and 10 people, so it is great for a trip with friends.

The rooftop terrace has the best view of Puerto Vallarta, over the city, the mountains and the ocean. It has a restaurant and an infinity pool with a bar.

The hotel also has a large gym with sauna, good wifi, indoor parking, and a great location. It is only a 2 minute walk to the beach. You can easily walk to Playa Amapas and Playa Los Muertos along the small road by the sea.

• To see all the details of this hotel (with my photos) where I spent 3 nights, you can read My opinion about Maxwell Residences!

Puerto Vallarta’s southern beaches

The beaches of Puerto Vallarta are nice, but the beaches around Puerto Vallarta are even better.

South of the city, you will find a green and mountainous landscape with small hidden beaches that are stunning. Some are untouched, others are more (or less) developed by tourism. There is something for everyone.

Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlan are two beaches with small seafood restaurants, popular with local families. They are also the departure point for boat tours (private or by water taxi) to the nearby beaches.

Things to Do in the area:

• Hike to the tiny Colomitos Beach (1h) or to Playa Las Ánimas (2h30-3h) from Boca de Tomatlán. You can also take a boat there.
• Quimixto Beach
• Snorkel in Majahuitas and then visit the charming village of Yelapa – Book the tour here!
• Las Caletas, a paradise with hammocks, zip line and kayaking – Book the experience here!

Staying south of Puerto Vallarta is ideal for enjoying a tropical atmosphere. Here you are away from the city noise, so it is the best option if you want to relax.

Casa Garcia (Yelapa) – From 80 usd for 4 people

This is a cozy house with two bedrooms and a stunning view of the Yelapa Bay!

It has a full kitchen, a covered terrace with a hammock facing the ocean, and a homey atmosphere.

Hotel Boutique Villa Lala – From 237 usd

This is a small boutique hotel with a pool on the hillside, overlooking the ocean.

It has spacious luxury suites, perfect for a romantic getaway in Puerto Vallarta, with a delicious breakfast and cocktails on the terrace.

Xinalani Retreat (Quimixto) – From 495 usd

This is a small and exclusive hotel with a spa and temazcal, a pool and a bar, right on the beach of Quimixto.

It has an all-inclusive package with 3 meals and one yoga class per day, as well as various activities such as kayaking and surfing.

Marina Vallarta

Marina Vallarta is an elegant and very safe area of Puerto Vallarta, only 5 minutes away from the airport.

It is separated from downtown by the hotel zone, so you need a cab or a car to get there (about 15-20 minutes to the Malecon).

It has several restaurants, shops, an 18-hole golf course and luxury hotels.

The Vallarta Marina can host boats from 30-150 ft, and some of them are impressive!

Many boat tours leave from the port (e.g. whale watching, fishing, snorkeling tours to Yelapa) and you can even rent a boat to party with your friends.

There is also the wonderful Farmers Market on Thursdays, with crafts, music and food.

Marina Vallarta is ideal for travelers who want a clean, well-maintained place and access to high-end services. It is popular with retirees and families with children.

San Trópico Petit Hotel & Peaceful Escape – From 95 usd

San Trópico is a small oasis of peace very close to Marina Vallarta, with a bar and a pool.

It has spacious and nicely decorated studios and apartments with kitchens, for 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 people.

With a delicious breakfast included, the hotel offers excellent value for money in its category.

Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa – From 255 usd

The Puerto Vallarta Marriott is a beachfront hotel with a beautiful private beach, very close to Marina Vallarta.

It is a fairly quiet hotel, with spacious and very clean rooms, all with a balcony or terrace.

It has a large oceanfront infinity pool, a full gym and a tennis court, 4 restaurants and a bar with panoramic ocean views.

• Note: You can book the hotel with or without the all-inclusive package. Having all meals included is always convenient, but there are also several restaurants in the marina!

The Ohtli luxury spa offers treatments and massages, with an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and steam bath.

Finally, if you are traveling to Puerto Vallarta with your family, there is also a kids club and a children’s pool with slides.

The best all-inclusive hotels

Hilton Vallarta Riviera Riviera All-Inclusive Resort – From 405 usd

The Hilton is a new hotel, with a modern decor, in a very quiet location between downtown and the southern beaches, overlooking Los Arcos, a famous rock formation in Puerto Vallarta.

It has several excellent restaurants and bars, with a very varied breakfast buffet.

This is a good option to consider for a family trip to Puerto Vallarta, as there are shows and many activities: kayaking and paddle boarding, yoga, ping pong, etc.

The rocks in the water create a natural barrier for calm swimming, and there are also several infinity pools facing the ocean.

On weekends, there is music in the lobby, and it’s the best place to have a cocktail in front of the sunset!

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta – From 485 usd

This is a hotel with 5 oceanfront pools and a private white sand beach, perfect for relaxing and swimming.

You can enjoy various activities (yoga, volleyball, zumba, etc.) and, in season, you can even witness the release of baby turtles on the beach!

It also has a gym, a tennis court and a full-service spa.

You can choose from 5 restaurants, one of them with 24-hour room service, and a stand that specializes in fresh fruit juices and smoothies.

Secrets Vallarta Bay Resort & SPA – Adults Only – From 617 usd

This is one of the best all-inclusive hotels in Puerto Vallarta, rated 4 Diamonds, and perfect for a romantic getaway. It is one of the most popular hotels for couples celebrating their wedding anniversary in Puerto Vallarta!

The rooms are spacious, with ocean views, shower and Jacuzzi. The minibar is restocked daily and room service is available 24 hours a day. There is a spa with a large hydrotherapy circuit, and you can also book a massage on the beach.

As Secrets guests, you also get free access to the Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa, which is right next door. You can choose from 10 restaurants and several bars!

Casa Velas – Adults Only – From 750 usd

Casa Velas is a luxury hotel in Puerto Vallarta, located in the Marina Vallarta Golf Club.

It is an all-inclusive hotel for adults only, perfect for a romantic getaway in an elegant and intimate setting.

It is a beautiful hacienda-style building with a large tropical garden, a pool and a beach club with another pool facing the ocean.

And you should know that the cocktails and meals here are excellent, which is not always the case with all-inclusive hotels in Mexico!

The Best Cheap Hotels in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta can be a bit pricey, but you can still have a great vacation on a budget.

Here are my top recommendations for cheap places to stay in Puerto Vallarta:

• Hostel Vallarta: A hostel in Puerto Vallarta just steps away from the beach, with a colorful rooftop terrace, ping pong table, good wifi, kitchen access and a friendly welcome. Breakfast included, dorm starting from only 19 usd!
• Casa Rio Cuale: This hotel by the Cuale River is a true oasis surrounded by the mountains, only 10 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. You can hike in nature, enjoy the garden with barbecue, use the kitchen, from only 39 usd per night!
• Hotel Rosita: The hotel is very well located on the boardwalk facing the ocean, with a retro style typical of Vallarta, pool with ocean view, rooms with balcony, good restaurant on site, from only 52 usd per room!

The best gay-friendly hotels

Puerto Vallarta is the most gay-friendly destination in Mexico and, without a doubt, one of the most gay-friendly in the world.

Here are the best gay hotels in Puerto Vallarta that sport the colors of the rainbow:

• Jet’s Gay Youth Hostel: This is a very simple hostel, but well located near the gay bars and clubs, with clean and comfortable dorms. From only 19 usd in a shared dormitory.
• La Iguana Vallarta LGBT Experience: For more comfort, here is a gay hotel in the Romantic Zone, very close to the best gay nightclubs, rooftop terrace with pool and lounge chairs, rooms with kitchenette, restaurant on site, from only 84 usd per night!
• Almar Resort Luxury LGBT Beach Front Experience: For a romantic and luxurious stay, this is an LGBT hotel with beach club in the Romantic Zone, two pools, nice rooftop terrace, spacious rooms, gym, bar and very good restaurant. from only 203 usd per room!

Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta: the best hotels chart

To give you a clearer idea of the best hotels to stay in Puerto Vallarta, here is a table summarizing all the hotels I have mentioned in this article.

You can sort them by price or by area:

Hotel	Area or Type	Price
Posada de Roger	Zona Romántica	57 $
Amapas Apartments	Zona Romántica	60 $
Joint Coworking Hotel	Zona Romántica	88 $
Tres Marias Luxury Suites	Zona Romántica	200 $
Suites Plaza del Rio	Centro / 5 de Diciembre	99 $
BellView Hotel Boutique	Centro / 5 de Diciembre	193 $
Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel	Centro / 5 de Diciembre	299 $
Hotel Luxury Patio Azul	Conchas Chinas	127 $
Maxwell Residences at Indah	Conchas Chinas	389 $
Casa Garcia	South of Puerto Vallarta	80 $
Villa LaLa Boutique Hotel	South of Puerto Vallarta	237 $
Xinalani Retreat	South of Puerto Vallarta	495 $
San Trópico Petit Hotel	Marina Vallarta	95 $
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa	Marina Vallarta	255 $
Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort	All Inclusive	405 $
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta	All Inclusive	485 $
Secrets Vallarta Bay Resort & SPA	All Inclusive	617 $
Casa Velas	All Inclusive	750 $
Hostal Vallarta	Budget-Friendly	19 $
Casa Río Cuale	Budget-Friendly	39 $
Hotel Rosita	Budget-Friendly	52 $
Jet's Gay Youth Hostel	Gay-Friendly	19 $
La Iguana Vallarta LGBT Experience	Gay-Friendly	84 $
Almar Resort Luxury LGBT Beach Front Experience	Gay-Friendly	203 $

The tourist map of the best hotels

Here are all the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta listed in this article, to help you find them easily:

Rent a car in Puerto Vallarta

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Puesto Vallarta and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Booking.com Cars, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

Find a cheap airplane ticket to Puerto Vallarta

The Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta is a large airport that receives many domestic and international flights.

You can fly directly to Puerto Vallarta from places like Montreal, Toronto, London, Madrid and all over the United States. You can also look for flights that have a layover in Mexico City, which might be cheaper.

To find the best prices on flights to Puerto Vallarta, as well as the best domestic flights in Mexico, I suggest you to use our flight comparator in collaboration with Skyscanner. It is the best way to save time and money!

How to get to your hotel from Puerto Vallarta airport

• By cab: you can take an official cab at the airport or (to pay less) cross the pedestrian bridge and take a cab on the street or an Uber.
• By private transportation: booking a private transfer (click here!) is the easiest and most comfortable way to get to your hotel, with air conditioning and a professional driver
• By car: If you plan to rent a car when you arrive, you will find that the airport is conveniently located. It is 10 minutes to Marina Vallarta or 30 minutes to Downtown/Romantic Zone/Conchas Chinas along Highway 200.

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• TOP 35 Things to Do and Must See Attractions in Mexico – All the best places to discover

• Puerto Vallarta: Top 35 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Staying in Puerto Vallarta: my experience at Maxwell Residences at Indah
• 1 Day in Puerto Vallarta – A Complete Day’s Adventure
• 2 Days in Puerto Vallarta – Your Ultimate Weekend Guide
• 3 Days in Puerto Vallarta – The Essential Travel Itinerary

• Sayulita: the 15 Best things to discover
• The 6 best hotels in Sayulita (Nayarit): Where to Stay?
• The 7 Best Hotels in Punta Mita
• Guadalajara (Jalisco): Top 40 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Ajijic (Lake Chapala): Best Things to Do + Tips
• Tlaquepaque (Guadalajara): 16 things to do and must-see attractions

• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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