The Best Resorts in Puerto Vallarta for Every Budget

Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican destination spread along the sparkling blue Bahía de Banderas. My favorite part about Puerto Vallarta is the unbelievably picturesque mountain and sea views dotted with beautiful boutique hotels and larger resorts. There are plenty of things to do here, including boating, horseback riding, diving, and walking along the malecón (boardwalk). After sunset, Puerto Vallarta rivals Playa del Carmen and San Jose del Cabo with their nightlife scene.

Our list of the best resorts offers options for every budget. Check them out below!

 

Value Options

You don’t have to break the bank in order to enjoy a luxurious, all-inclusive vacation in Puerto Vallarta. Barcelo Puerto Vallarta is one of our favorite resorts for those looking to save a little bit of money, but not skimp on amenities. It sits on Mismaloya beach in south Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas on one side, and the Pacific Ocean on the other. It is on the smaller side, with 316 suites, but they still have several restaurants with a wide range of cuisines.

Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta (pictured above) is another relatively inexpensive all-inclusive resort. Here you will find stunning contemporary Mexican architecture and traditional Mexican decor. The building complements the surrounding Western Sierra Madre Mountains.

Lastly, Riu Palace Pacifico is another great option. If you want to escape from the bustle of the city center, this resort offers the very best to meet your needs. Here you can experience 24 hour room service, several buffet and theme restaurants, a free gym, and a luxurious spa.

 

Mid-Range Options

Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta is a slightly more expensive option compared to the first three resorts. This all-suite, AAA Four Diamond Resorts is family-friendly, but also great for couples and romance. The oceanfront property boasts a gorgeous beach on Banderas Bay, views of the Sierra Madre Mountains, and more.

Another great mid-level option in Puerto Vallarta is Hyatt Ziva (pictured above). This property is also family and kid-friendly, but great for couples also. This resort sits on a private beach called Las Estacas. Here you will find eleven unique restaurants, bars and lounges, plus the lobby is a great spot for whale watching.

Lastly, Secrets Vallarta Bay is a great mid-range option. This stunning property is within walking distance of the famous El Malecon boardwalk. Plus, enjoy full access to next door Now Amber Puerto Vallarta resort, which means more restaurants, more pools, and more beach! However, if you want to splurge, check out the two below options!

 

Splurge Options

For those wanting to go all out, we suggest one of two luxury all-inclusive properties which are located just north of Puerto Vallarta proper, in Riviera Nayarit. Marival Residences Riviera Nayarit is a great option. Here you will find spacious residences, gourmet a la carte international dining, and unlimited golf.

Finally, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (picturedabove) is another luxury property in this same area. Here you can experience the only all-inclusive property in the Mexican Pacific that has received Five Diamonds by AAA.

 

For more details and estimated prices: Top Resorts in Puerto Vallarta

 

Call us today and ask to speak to one of our Mexico specialists at 402-281-3022!

The city of Puerto Vallarta is split up into neighborhoods, called zones, spread out along Banderas Bay and beyond. PVR is a great place to visit because it is so easy to get around, and you can be explore the entire area in one quick trip.

 

1. Rhythms of the Night

This mini cirque du soleil/dinner theatre experience is a can’t-miss experience in Puerto Vallarta. When you book this experience, it starts out with an open-bar sunset cruise across Banderas Bay to the private cove of Las Caletas. The show is set in an outdoor auditorium, and depicts various stories of the ancient Hispanic civilization and Mexican folklore.

 

 

2. The Malecon

The Malecon (which means “oceanfront promenade”) runs about 1 mile. It is the best place in Puerto Vallarta to enjoy a quiet beachside stroll. With the ocean on one side, the other side is full of shops, restaurants, and bars. The best part: you can grab a $1 margarita or Corona on your way!

 

3. Los Muertos Beach

Located south of the Los Muertos Pier, this beach has so many activities to choose from. Swimming and surfing are very popular here, as are parasailing and boating. This is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening, with many beach restaurants and bars to pop in for lunch or dinner.

 

4. Old Town

Old Town in Puerto Vallarta is full of beautiful cobbled streets and colorful buildings. The unofficial “center” is the old church. From here, you will find rock steps leading up a large hill. If you take the steps it will lead you along the back roads to the Romantic Zone. The best view is at Mirador Cerro de La Cruz. It takes about 30 minutes (and is a bit strenuous!).

 

 

5. Free Walking Tour

To learn about PVR’s culture, history, and architecture, check out the free walking tour! These are led by knowledgeable guides every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The meeting point is the Municipal Tours Office, which is located in the Old City Hall building. The tour lasts about 2 hours. Reservations not required.

 

Let one of our Mexico specialists help you plan the perfect getaway! Call us at 402-281-3022. 

While our travel advisor Krete was in Punta de Mita and Nuevo Vallarta with Marival Resorts last week, he also had a chance to get to some of our favorite nearby resorts in Puerto Vallarta. Check them out below!

Puerto Vallarta Resorts Review 2022

We absolutely love staying at the resorts and hotels in Puerto Vallarta! Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has it all: gorgeous beaches, cool swim-up bars, as well as a friendly, relaxed attitude. Puerto Vallarta resorts are some of the best in Mexico – especially their selection of all-inclusive properties. Krete toured some of our favorite resorts during his last visit.

 

Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta

This property has one of the best locations in Puerto Vallarta. Fiesta Americana is located directly in the Hotel Zone and is great for family vacations, group getaways, and couples’ stays. The suites at Fiesta Americana are stunning, designed with an upscale contemporary Mexican style. Guest rooms feature marble floors as well as private balconies and open-air terraces. This property also has great dining options, from fresh seafood to Asian specialties, Mexican dishes, and more.

Fiesta Americana is a kid-friendly property with Fiesta Kids Club activities and a Teens Club for young adults. Adults looking to get away from the kids for a while can relax at the SONNE Beach Club infinity pool where you must be 18 years or older. For an even more tranquil escape, visit the Nakawè Spa. Although you may never want to leave the property, there are many attractions near the resort such as diving in Los Acros Marine Park as well as a craft market.

 

Secrets & Dreams Vallarta Bay

These AMResort properties never disappoint! Secrets Vallarta Bay and Dreams Vallarta Bay are sister properties. Secrets is an adults-only resort and spa in Puerto Vallarta. Guests of the Secrets property have full access to Dreams, but not vice-versa. It is possible for Dreams guests to purchase a day pass to the Secrets side, but children are not allowed.

Secrets Vallarta Bay has access to seven on-site restaurants. All 271 rooms at the Secrets Vallarta Bay have private balconies and deep soaking tubs. You’ll also find three heated outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court, a fitness center, as well as the Secrets Spa by Pevonia.

Dreams Vallarta Bay (formerly Now Amber Puerto Vallarta) is a family-friendly resort and is a bit less expensive than Secrets. Dreams guests have access to most of the seven restaurants that the properties share. In addition, you’ll find a ton of outdoor amenities and activities here including waterslides, pool games, water aerobics, and yoga paddle boarding – just to name a few!

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta

This property is absolutely stunning! Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is located on the exclusive Las Estacas beach, surrounded by cliffs. All the suites at the Hyatt Ziva have ocean views and your taste buds will never get bored with 10 unique restaurants, bars, and lounges. The lobby bar at Hyatt Ziva is one of the best places to whale watch from mid-December to mid-April every year. In addition, it is just 30 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, making it the perfect destination for a quick getaway.

 

Secrets & Dreams Bahia Mita

Secrets & Dreams Bahia Mita are located north of Puerto Vallarta in Punta de Mita. Like the Secrets & Dreams properties in Vallarta Bay, these two are sister properties and the same adults-only rules apply.

Both properties are situated on the breathtaking Banderas Bay on a near-perfect sand beach. Either beach resort is perfect for those looking for sand & surf, a relaxing spa getaway, or the perfect photo-op on the rooftop infinity pool with breathtaking views. Secrets Bahia Mita has access to four adults-only restaurants as well as seven additional gourmet restaurants in the adjoining kid-friendly Dreams property.

Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort mixes luxurious accommodations with exciting daily activities for the ideal family-friendly vacation experience in Punta de Mita. Younger children will love the Explorer’s Club and kids ages 13-17 will love the Core Zone. There are also tons of great areas for families to enjoy time together, such as around one of the fire pits overlooking the beach. There are also three pools, surf lessons, diving lessons, motorized water sports, kayaks, and more.

Don’t miss our recent blog post on Marival Resorts, linked below:

 

Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Destination Travel | All-Inclusive Resorts

Call us today to speak to one of our Cancun specialists. You can reach us at 402-390-9291. In addition, you can get started here.

 

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is one of our favorite all-inclusive resorts in Mexico! Our travel advisor Marissa stayed here earlier this month with her husband and had an amazing time. She took some incredible photos for us and definitely recommends this resort for couples, family, or a friend group.

A Review of Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta

All-Inclusive Dining at Hyatt Ziva

Guests of the Hyatt Ziva will never go hungry with 5 restaurants, a deli and coffee shop, AND 24-hour room service!

Marissa’s favorite restaurant on the property was Blaze, an oceanfront steak and seafood grill. She notes that it is especially great for dinner, where they have a violinist performing.

Amazing Location Close to Downtown & Airport

In addition to amazing food and drinks, Hyatt Ziva also has an ideal location. It is just 30 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, making it the perfect destination for a quick getaway. Plus, Marissa loved that it is so close to town so it was a quick, cheap Uber ride to dine, shop, and explore the downtown area.

If you do venture downtown, make sure you check out Gaby’s Restaurant Bar for the best fresh guacamole and shrimp tacos! Marissa and her husband enjoyed a meal here and then walked along the Malecon one afternoon. Sounds like an absolutely perfect day!

Stunning Beach

Hyatt Ziva is located on the exclusive Las Estacas beach in Puerto Vallarta. The property is surrounded by cliffs and every suite has an ocean view! Marissa noted that the beach is beautiful and the sunsets are amazing.

Great Excursions in the Area

Puerto Vallarta has a ton of amazing excursions to try. Your Enchanted Travel advisor can assist you in booking these in advance. Marissa and her husband enjoyed a cruise and candlelit dinner show during their trip. They took a boat ride across the bay to a private, secluded island with gorgeous walkways lit up with candles and torches. Here they had dinner and took in the stunning views. After dinner, there is a theatrical show with music and dancing.

 

Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Destination Travel | Puerto Vallarta

Call us today to speak to one of our Destination Wedding Specialists. You can reach us at 402-390-9291. In addition, you can get started here.