Where to Stay

This once tiny fishing village is now a Mecca for international visitors. The city offers visitors numerous things to see and do, but before you can begin your journey, you'll need to reserve yourself a place to stay. If you're new to the area (and even if you aren't), choosing the right hotel or resort can be a bit challenging. In order to reserve the right type of accommodations, take the following things into consideration: what your needs are and what you want to do during your stay. These factors will determine the area in which to reserve your accommodations and will also help to cut down on a lot of unnecessary travel.

Business travelers should look to the larger resorts to have their needs met. Many of the smaller hotels do not have the accommodations or facilities you may require. Instead, the staff at the smaller hotels will direct you to the local Internet cafes for computer and online services. Most of the resorts that can and will fit the needs of the business traveler tend to be along the river and beachfront or listed as luxury resorts. These resorts are larger than those found inland and have business and large conference facilities on their premises.

Beachfront and Waterfront Accommodations Beach lovers and waterfront property seekers will find a variety of hotels around the Marina Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Banderas Bay and River Cuale areas of this port city. There are a number of properties in these locations that have rooms available for less than USD 100. The Hotel Alagre, Hotel Buenaventura, Paradise Village Resort and Spa, Marbella All Suites Resort and the Sierra Hotel Nuevo Vallarta are just a few of the accommodations available in these waterfront areas. Places to stay near the water that newcomers might overlook (but shouldn't) include waterfront apartments, condominiums and houses. Many of these require at least a five to seven-day stay, but also offer discounts for extended visits. The La Casa del Puente apartments and the Andale Hotel (which also has apartments available) offer discounts for extended stays. One thing to remember with these types of accommodations is that typically there isn't any maid service offered.

Business and Luxury Accommodations Sometimes everyone needs a little taste of the good life, whether it's for you or to entertain a client. Those visitors who prefer to live (or entertain) in the lap of luxury while on a trip should look to the north of the downtown area. Almost all of Puerto Vallarta's five-star resorts, luxury hotels and suites are found in and around the Marina Vallarta area. This region is, for the most part, a city in itself with shopping centers, restaurants, bars, condominiums and golf courses at your disposal. With all the amenities available in this area, visitors may never have to go in search of anything unless they want to explore all that this area has to offer.

The resorts within this northern area starting under USD 125 per night include: Marriott Casa Magna, Melia Puerto Vallarta, Omega Las Palmas Beach Resort, Premiere Hotel Gran Turmiso, Sierra Hotel Nuevo Vallarta and the Velas Vallarta Grand Suite Resort, to list just a few. Most of these resorts and hotels offer facilities and services to accommodate the business traveler. Some offer additional services such as cellular phone rental (in case you forget yours at home).

The deluxe luxury resorts starting at more than USD 150 per night include: Westin Regina, Sierra Plaza Golf and Spa Hotel, Krystal Vallarta, La Jolla de Mismaloya, Presidente Inter-Continental Puerto Vallarta and the Qualton Club. It's safe to assume many of these resorts will run you into the USD 200 per night range, depending on the season (rates are higher during winter months). Some of these hotels incorporate an “all-inclusive plan” into their prices, especially during high season. Typically that plan includes three meals a day, all drinks (sodas and call brands), resort activities (on sister properties, as well) and limited water sports. Some resorts offer 50 percent off for water sports with the all-inclusive packages. Also, it is not uncommon to see a hotel charging an additional 5-15 percent for lobster, shrimp and fine cuts of meat if you choose those items from the menu. Most of these “all-inclusive” packages are the same, however, and special deals for honeymooners and those on anniversary and birthday trips are available. If you are interested in the all-inclusive packages, be sure to specify your needs when making your reservations.

Moderate Range Accommodations Hybrids between moderate and luxury resorts (less than USD 110 per night) are the Mayan Palace and the Omega Las Palmas Beach Resort. Each hotel offers many (if not all) of the same amenities and facilities that the bigger luxury resorts do. The only real difference, in most cases, is the standard room size. These rooms may be a bit smaller in square footage (but not substantially). Of course, the price is smaller too, usually half that of the luxury resorts.

If you're not into the high-end resorts and prefer something a little more down to earth, there are still plenty of accommodations to choose from. Many of these offer luxury perks without the luxury price. The Hacienda Hotel, Hotel Rosita, Hotel Buenaventura and the Marbella All Suites Resort are a few of the places you may want to consider if accommodations less than USD 80 per night are more suited to your budget.

If you're looking for something a little more untraditional, say perhaps a unique bed and breakfast, then Casa Kimberly is highly recommended. This B&B used to be the home of Elizabeth Taylor and is a real treat for would-be starlets, movie buffs and nostalgia seekers.

Budget Travel Accommodations Those traveling on limited means needn't look far for accommodations. There is a large selection of hotels and motels within city limits for less than USD 35 a night. The Hotel Alegre, Hotel Frankfurt, Andale Hotel, Posada de Roger Hotel and the Yasmin Hotel are the most commonly selected and recommended for the budget-minded. Some of these hotels will provide guests with discounts if they're staying for extended periods of time, usually longer than a week.