Puerto Vallarta has long been a favorite holiday destination of North Americans and Europeans, as it has an abundance of beautiful sandy beaches and almost year-round good weather. It also has a fantastic range of accommodation options, meaning there is something for every style and budget. Read our list of the best hotels to stay in Puerto Vallarta.
This quirky hotel is situated on one of the climbing, windy side streets that gives Puerto Vallarta its distinctly Mexican flavor beyond the main malecón and hotel zones, allowing you to truly appreciate the culture and scenery that Vallarta has to offer. Nestled in the jungle that makes Vallarta so unique as a beachside holiday destination, it also has excellent ocean views. Casa Cupula, located on the aptly named Callejón de la Igualdad (Equality Street), is very popular with gay tourists and the informative and welcoming staff are knowledgeable about the surrounding area. For a romantic getaway, Casa Cupula would be perfect.
If culture to you means celebrities, first class pampering and relaxation, Garza Blanca is the perfect Vallarta hotel. This sprawling haven is regularly frequented by Hollywood’s elite and was even built on the site of an old Puerto Vallarta hotel that was just as frequently visited by stars of the ’60s. Offering some of the most spacious suites in Vallarta, Garza Blanca is a modern classic: dark wood and high-tech features, set off by orange and turquoise pops of color. Best of all, most of the rooms offer ocean views, which means you might catch a glimpse of the whales’ migration in late spring.
Perfectly located in the center of town, putting the guests right in the midst of the action, artsy Hotel Catedral Vallarta is a great budget option for those operating with a smaller price range. Don’t let the budget price tag deter you however, as this quaint, quiet spot has an abundance of cute Mexican details; from the vividly colored tiled wall accents, to the traditional hand-sewn pillowcases that adorn the beds, Hotel Catedral Vallarta isn’t fussy or over-the-top but is exquisitely and thoughtfully decorated, injecting Mexican culture into every corner. For fans of Mexican art and artesanías, it’s a must-visit.
Technically, this pick isn’t actually in Puerto Vallarta, instead situated in the bordering town of Yelapa, however it is worthy of a place on our list due to the high concept design and wonderful execution. Sitting high on the cliff tops, Verana is a small boutique hotel in which every room offers a different and uniquely wonderful experience. The decoration is minimalist, with a focus on simplicity, white decorations and flowing curtains, as the real draw is the secluded and jaw dropping location. The overall aesthetic of Verana is breathtaking; jutting out from the jungle backdrop to provide stunning views over the bay, it can’t be rivalled. Take it all in from one of the numerous balconies and viewing points that this superb design hotel offers.
Luna Liquida Boutique Hotel is all twisting staircases, fresh and airy rooms, and simple design touches, with the added extra of being located up the windy side streets, in the very heart of Puerto Vallarta. Homey and welcoming, it offers views over the ocean, which also take in the magnificent and ornate cathedral tower, a stunning view in the evening for sure. Enjoy the rustic touches, such as wooden bridges and quirky, brightly colored giraffe ornaments, while also benefiting from being situated away from the noise of the sometimes loud malecón. The vibrant colors and plants that are dotted around the place really add character to the place, and the infinity pool on the rooftop provides the perfect relaxation spot.
No one under 18 is allowed in this boutique, upscale villa, making it the perfect place to escape to without the kids in tow or for a romantic honeymoon celebration. One of two properties owned by the Villas in Vallarta company, the other being the equally recommendable Casa Tres Vidas, Quinta Maria Cortez is a sprawling spot with everything you could possibly need under one roof. Old world elegance in a contemporary setting, it is located right on one of Vallarta’s most exclusive beaches and within walking distance of the center. You can rent anywhere from one to ten bedrooms at a time, and each of the three floors has its own pool and Jacuzzi. There is also an on-hand private chef available to cook up to two meals a day for the guests.
Gourmet Restaurant | courtesy of Hacienda San Angel
Luxury and authentic Mexican architecture combined, Hacienda San Angel is a cultural treasure trove with some interesting history. Richard Burton, who so famously filmed Night of the Iguana in Vallarta in the sixties, was apparently so charmed by the property that he bought it for his final wife as a Valentine’s Day present. Perhaps not so doable nowadays, why not settle for a romantic Valentine’s Day retreat there instead? Aside from the cultural history, Hacienda San Angel Gourmet Restaurant is an excellent and critically acclaimed on site dining venue. As if that weren’t enough, Conde Nast just gave it their seal of approval as one of the top ten best hotels in Mexico.
Another budget option in Vallarta, and one that is perfect for backpackers looking to unwind in Vallartan paradise after weeks of slumming it in sub-par hostels. Oasis Hostel is actually situated in the home of a Mexican family who decided to expand their house in order to host weary travelers. As basic as you would expect for the incredibly low price, the beds are comfortable, the rooms are clean, and the water is hot. In addition, the rooftop terrace complete with sun loungers offers some incredibly striking views over Vallarta, and there is a light breakfast in the morning from 8am-10am. If you want to embrace Mexican culture on a budget, then what better option than staying in a Mexican’s home?
Another luxury option with a Richard Burton connection, Casa Tabachin is actually a holiday rental as opposed to a hotel. Set on the hillside, it was rented by Night of the Iguana director John Huston during the filming period, and is another great cultural find for film fans. However, this is perhaps the least economically friendly on the list, and is well deserving of its luxury price tag, although the sprawling nature of it is well worth the expense. Complete with its own heated pool, Casa Tabachin also has stunning views out onto the Bahía de Banderas, as well as being close to the center of Vallarta and the Catedral de Guadalupe. Remodeled to embrace outdoor living, it also showcases the owners’ spectacular art collection.
A quiet and peaceful mid-range option in the center of Puerto Vallarta, Hotel Posada de Roger is a long-time favorite amongst frequent visitors to the region. Giving an Old Town Mexico feel, but also boasting a great location in the midst of all the action this hotel is a gem of a find in Vallarta. The brightly lit, orange hued central courtyard which can be seen from the internal balconies is incredibly picturesque, with its wrought iron furniture, central water fountain and leafy detailing. One of the best breakfast spots in all Vallarta is also conveniently located in this affordable and authentic posada, so make sure to get in early and grab a table in the morning.
