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Your guide to the perfect hotel in Puerto Vallarta

by Vallarta Online Staff | published: 5/2/2006

When you plan your vacation to Puerto Vallarta, you have to decide what you expect from your hotel. Are you going alone or with your significant other, or with the family? Do you like relaxed hotels or hotels full of people and parties? Big or small? Luxurious and exclusive? Create your list of necessitates and select the one that best meets your vacation desires.

First, select a plan

You have two options: hotels with European Plans and all inclusive hotels. The first only includes the use of the room and they are in all hotel categories, three, four, and five stars, Grand Turismo, and luxury. They are excellent options for those that like to explore the city, beaches, and eat in the hundreds of restaurants that Vallarta has.

At the all inclusive resorts, the rates are per person, per night, include all food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner; ususlly buffet) all drinks, non-motorized water sports, shows, taxes, and tips; they are the best option if you want to enjoy the services and amenities of the hotel without worrying about anything. If you would like to learn more about all inclusive resorts, read the article All Inclusive or All indulgence.

Bed and Breakfast

There is a third option that includes breakfast during your stay. The Bed and Breakfasts are small, and clients experience personal attention, at times from the proprietors themselves. In the hills above the Romantic Zone you will find the charming Casa Isabel, one of the favorites for its location and excellent view, they serve a delicious gourmet breakfast each day. If you are searching for a home away from home, and they city, Villa Bella, in Bucerias, offers you small picturesque houses for couples, small groups, and families.

From three stars to luxury


The second step is to know the quality of the hotels, your needs, and budget. There is a gamut of options among the small economical hotels and the most luxurious resorts with secluded beaches and personalized service.

Three Stars

Three star hotels offer large decorated rooms and equipped with the basics (televisions, air conditioner, private bathrooms (we will let you know in the case of shared bathrooms)). They have simple lobbies. Our recommendations include Hotel Rosita and El Pescador, both very close to the Malecón and with a fabulous view of the city. If you desire a more cozy area of the city, consider Los Arcos Suites in the Romantic Zone. The three are very close to the most popular beach: Playa Los Muertos.

Four stars

Four star hotels are usually larger hotels with practical reception areas. The level of services and accommodations are above average and the rooms are comfortable and well equipped. One of the most visited is Club Embarcadero Pacifico, in the exclusive Marina Vallarta area. Ideal for active families is Hotel Flamingo Vallarta, with a complete activities program and excellent location. And if you want to relax for a bit, the Buenaventura Hotel and Beach Club has good facilities and an excellent spa.

Five stars

Five star
hotels offer a high level of services and accommodations. The majority of them are grand resorts, but there are some smaller (non-chain) ones that offer the intimacy and elegance that in you may not find in other larger resorts. Personal treatment and attention is given to guests. A good example is Hotel Meliá in Marina Vallarta, with a complete area for children, which the parents can let them enjoy without worries. Another example, away from the city, is Punta Serena Villas & Spa; luxurious and exclusive, only for adults, with a complete spa along with beautiful secluded beaches, and exuberant vegetation. If you prefer something livelier and more central Hotel Villa del Palmar is just five minutes from the Malecón, by taxi.


Gran Turismo

The name says it all. Gran Turismo hotels are large resorts that offer the highest level of services, accommodations, and facilities. The rooms are equipped with furniture and bedding of the highest quality. There is personal treatment and attention from the staff, and a concierge to assist you. Dreams Resort (formerly the Camino Real) is one of the most luxurious and complete; with their all-inclusive plan, you can indulge in unlimited meals in their variety of ala carte restaurants. Another recommendation is the beautiful La Jolla de Mismaloya, among the tropical jungle you will find the scenes of Hollywood films. And in the heart of Vallarta, Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa, a special place for romantic getaways and honeymoons, only for adults.

Luxury


Luxury hotels are intimate and exclusive with the absolute highest level in services, facilities, and accommodations. They are smaller properties with a refined style. The rooms are equipped with the highest level of furnishings and bedding and guests received personal attention, and a concierge is available.
Any luxury hotel is recommendable; if you are a golf lover, surely you should consider the El Tamarindo Golf Resort, and if you are seeking escape, Hotelito Desconocido, surrounded by natural beauty will return enjoyment to your life.

Select by zone

Another good tip, think about what activities you would like to do in Valalrta, and from that select the area with the hotel that adapts to your plans.

For the adventurous, looking for nighttime fun, shopping, and people watching: the North Hotel Zone, South Hotel Zone, Downtown, and the Romantic Zone.

Those that desire the ambiance of cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafes, on or very close to the most well know beach: the Romantic Zone and Conchas Chinas.

For those that prefer to enjoy their vacation in exclusive and modern hotels: Nuevo Vallarta and Marina Vallarta.

For those that want to escape the tourist areas and require tranquility and nature: the north coast and the south coast.

And for those that like to enjoy miles beaches, in simple hotels off the beaten path: Bucerias.

Ready?

Reserve the perfect hotel for your Vallarta vacation! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable concierge, who intimately knows each hotel and can help you with your selection.

More articles:
First time in Vallarta

To pack or not to pack
Taking the kids to Puerto Vallarta




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