International-Class Hotels

The Puerto Vallarta [1] region offers many beautiful, well-managed international-class resort hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. A number of others dot the pristine southern Jalisco coastline between Puerto Vallarta and Barra de Navidad. Most are in Puerto Vallarta, however, where they line the Bay of Banderas’s crystal strand north of the old town.

The resorts’ plush amenities, moreover, need not be overly expensive. During the right time of year you can vacation at many of the big-name spots—Sheraton, Westin, NH Krystal, Fiesta Americana, Holiday Inn—for surprisingly little. While high-season tariffs ordinarily run $100–300, low-season (May–Nov., and to a lesser degree, January 6–Feb. 1) packages and promotions can cut these prices significantly. Shop around for savings via your Sunday newspaper travel section, through travel agents, and by calling the hotels directly at their toll-free numbers.

Other Luxury Options

Puerto Vallarta–region visitors enjoy a pair of increasingly common variations on the international-class hotel theme. One of these is the all-inclusive resort that offers all lodging, food, and beverages and entertainment (usually with plenty for kids to do) included at one price. High-season tariffs customarily run $100–150 per person, double occupancy ($70–100 low season). Kids stay for half price or less. This choice appeals to folks who like company and prefer a hassle-free week of fun in the sun on a beautiful beach. On the other hand, don’t choose an all-inclusive resort if you want to do lots of outside local exploring, entertaining, and wining and dining downtown. At least a dozen such all-inclusive resort hotels operate, nearly all on Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta beaches.

The other increasingly common international-class hotel variation is the small- to mid-sized luxury, or “boutique” hotel. Although only a handful are located in Puerto Vallarta itself, several have opened on splendidly isolated beaches sprinkled north and south along the Jalisco and Nayarit Coasts. Most lodgings in this category have less than 20 rooms, and all have gorgeous locations and a plethora of deluxe amenities and services, including at least one fine restaurant and bar. Rates customarily run $200 and up for two.