In Puerto Vallarta you can get any type of lodging you want at nearly any price. The location sets the tone, however. The relaxed, relatively tranquil but charming neighborhood south of the Río Cuale (especially around Avenida Olas Altas) has many budget and moderately priced hotels, apartments, and condos within easy walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and services.

Virtually all hotels welcome guests regardless of race, religion, or sexual preference. A very few do not accept families with young children.

Many of the best-buy small hotels are very close to, if not right on, lively Playa los Muertos. While no strict dividing line separates the types of available lodgings, hotels generally offer rooms with maximum service (front desk, daily cleaning, restaurant, pool) but no kitchens for shorter-term guests, while apartments and condos virtually always offer multiple-room furnished kitchen units at greatly reduced daily rates for longer stays.

If you’re staying more than two weeks, you’ll save money and also enjoy more of the comforts of home in a good apartment or condo rental.