PUERTO VALLARTA HOTELS

On this page, we'll try to help you decide what hotel you would like to stay in.  Puerto Vallarta has several distinct hotel zones filled with world class all-inclusive and european style resorts, as well as countless vacation rentals, hostels, and budget hotels. No matter how you like to vacation, Puerto Vallarta has the hotel for you. Below, we'll give you an introduction to the various hotel zones that Puerto Vallarta offers (from North to South).

Puerto Vallarta Hotels
CasaMagna Marriott Hotel

   

PUERTO VALLARTA HOTEL ZONES

NORTH COAST  

The North Coast area runs from Punta Mita at the far Northwestern tip of Banderas Bay along the bay until it turns southward. Punta Mita is about 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. The north coast is a tranquil place featuring some fantastic resorts such as TripAdvisor's Best of Puerto Vallarta winner for 2004, the Four Seasons Punta Mita.  Other excellent hotels on the north coast include the 5-star Palladium Vallarta and the Villa Bella Bed & Breakfast.  The North Coast is a rural area, so you'll want the all-inclusive package if it's available.  If you want nightlife and the bustling atmosphere of Puerto Vallarta, the North Coast is probably not the best choice for you.

BUCERIAS  

Bucerias is a small town about 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta.  As you drive into town, you'll be shocked by the poverty along the main road and wondering "what was I thinking?". Don't despair, though.  There is a lot more to the area than this.  Some of the finest resorts in Puerto Vallarta are here, as are the best beaches in the Vallarta area.  In town, there is a flea market and several excellent beachfront cafes with very friendly people to explore. You'll still want the all-inclusive package here, as the selections are not numerous, and Puerto Vallarta is still a $20 (each way) cab ride away. The selection of excellent hotels in Bucerias includes the Royal Decameron Costa Flamingos, Casa Blanca, and Starbay Suites. 

NUEVO VALLARTA  

Nuevo Vallarta is the newest hotel zone in Puerto Vallarta.  It is about 20 minutes from here to the Malecon - keep that in mind - it's about a $15 cab ride each way.  The beaches are better than those in Puerto Vallarta, but are often closed to swimming due to riptides. This is the place you can come to relax at your all-inclusive resort while taking a couple of side trips into Puerto Vallarta. Some of the 5-star hotels you'll find in this area are the Mayan Palace, Villa Del Palmar Flamingos, Grand Velas Vallarta, Paradise Village, Occidental Allegro, Marival Grand, Pueblo Bonito Samba, and the Playa Del Sol Grand. 

MARINA VALLARTA  

Marina Vallarta is located very close to the airport, and is only about 5-10 minutes from the Malecon. You'll still need to take a bus or cab to get there. The Marina area is the largest hotel zone in Puerto Vallarta, and is conveniently located next to the marina if you're looking at doing any fishing or bay tours. Wal-Mart and Sam's Club are very close by for those of you who just can't bear to leave the states behind.  There are restaurants and clubs here within walking distance too, so the all-inclusive plan isn't necessary if you don't want it.  Some of the top hotels in this area include the Casa Magna Marriott, Melia, Mayan Palace, Westin Regina, Velas Vallarta, Embarcadero, Flamingo, and Nautilus. 

PUERTO VALLARTA HOTEL ZONE (NORTH)  

The North Hotel Zone runs from the Maritime Terminal to Plaza Caracol in Puerto Vallarta. This area features large beachfront hotels and a location just a couple of minutes to the Malecon. You can walk, but most people will spend the few bucks to take a cab. All-Inclusive packages at this point start to be pointless, as you're far enough into town that all the great dining and nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is at your fingertips.  Some of the finer hotels in this area would include the Krystal, Holiday Inn, Villa del Palmar, Fiesta Americana, Qualton, Golden Crown Paradise, and Las Palmas. 

PUERTO VALLARTA HOTEL ZONE (SOUTH)  

The South Hotel Zone runs from the North Zone to Downtown, it's southern terminus being the north end of the Malecon.  This area has large, beachfront hotels, and great access to the finest dining, nightlife, and culture that Puerto Vallarta has to offer. We advise against the All-Inclusive package here, as there are so many great places to sample! Some of the hotels you'll find in this stretch include the Sheraton Bouganvilias, Villa Premiere, Plaza Pelicanos, and several condominium complexes. 

DOWNTOWN  

This area consists primarily of authentic Mexican hotels. There are not really any resorts here, but the local hotels have almost immediate access to the Malecon, and are within walking distance of pretty much everything in Puerto Vallarta. There are no all-inclusives here because there is a restaurant on every street corner, and the Malecon is only steps away. Hotels you'll find here include Hotel Suites La Siesta, Casa Claudia, and Hotel Rosita.

ROMANTIC ZONE  

Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone is located on the South side of downtown, on the south side of the Rio Cuale. This is old town Puerto Vallarta - where the cobblestone streets are thriving with restaurants of all kinds, bars, beachfront cafes, and authentic Bouganvilias of all colors. The hotels here are older and totally Mexican. If you want to truly experience the culture Puerto Vallarta has to offer, this is the place. Some of the better hotels here include Vallarta Shores, Playa Los Arcos, Los Arcos Vallarta, Los Arcos Suites, and Molino de Agua. 

CONCHAS CHINAS  

Continuing south now, out of Puerto Vallarta proper, you arrive at Conchas Chinas, the heart of the condominium and vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta. These villas are often perched on the hillside and have access to an excellent beach. Minutes away from downtown, this is an area favored by relocated Gringos from all over the world. Some of the featured hotels in Conchas Chinas are Casa Isabel, Playa Fiesta, and Playa Conchas Chinas. 

MISMALOYA  

Made famous in Night of the Iguana, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, the Mismaloya area is home to beautiful scenery and a few isolated resorts.  All-inclusives become the norm at this point, as it is still a 15 minute cab ride into town. The beach is crowded but excellent.  Some of the best hotels in Mismaloya include the Dreams Resort, Playa Del Sol Costa Sur, La Jolla de Mismaloya, and the Presidente Intercontinental. 

COSTA ALEGRE  

Costa Alegre (Happy Coast) is the name given to the 57-mile stretch of spectacular coastline that starts about 75 miles south of Puerto Vallarta and runs to Cihuatlan. If you want to stay at these exclusive resorts, you may find that flying into Manzanillo is actually closer for you. The stretch includes wonderful Mexican villages with cobblestone streets, but no restaurants or facilities to speak of.  Come to this fantastic place if you want to relax in style or play world-class golf, but don't expect many trips into Puerto Vallarta. It's a 1.5 hour drive. Some of the featured hotels in the area include El Tamarindo Golf Resort, Hotelito Desconocido, Careyes Beach Resort, Wyndham Isla Navidad, and the Punta Serena Villas & Spa. 

Other Resources

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