As a sizable city with several distinct areas, you must familiarize yourself with places to stay in Puerto Vallarta (“Porta Viarta”) before you can find the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta. Once you’ve found cheap car rentals in Puerto Vallarta, it’s time to decide where to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Porta Viarta Mexico hotels in the Marina Vallarta area, for example, offer a different experience from those in the Romantic Zone.
Having lived in Nuevo Vallarta (just across the border in Nayarit) for over a year, I got to know Puerto Vallarta well. In this post, I’m sharing my local knowledge about the best area to stay in Puerto Vallarta. I’m also highlighting the best place to stay in Puerto Vallarta, whether you want a budget-friendly hotel in Puerto Vallarta or the best Puerto Vallarta resorts. Your hotel will be your home base for enjoying the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, so choose wisely!
Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.
Best Puerto Vallarta Tours: Click here to check out the top Puerto Vallarta tours
Best Puerto Vallarta Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Puerto Vallarta
Best Puerto Vallarta Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Puerto Vallarta
Best Places to Stay Puerto Vallarta
Before you choose a hotel in Puerto Vallarta, I suggest researching the best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta based on your travel preferences. Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta depends on your plan and whether you travel alone, with a partner, or with kids. You don’t want to end up in a hotel miles from everything you’re interested in.
Best Place to Stay in Puerto Vallarta for Anyone: The Marina
The Marina is ideal for a solo vacation or a trip with your partner or entire family—there are activities for everybody! You will find yachts, luxury boutiques, a golf club, fancy restaurants, and my favorite Puerto Vallarta coffee shop, The Living Room. It’s a bookstore and coffee shop run by a lovely Canadian lady.
This area offers some of the best hotels Puerto Vallarta is home to. One bonus of staying in the Marinaa is being close to where all the sailing trips leave. It’s about 10 to 15 minutes from the Malecon and five to 10 minutes from the airport. You’ll have easy access to public transport that takes you into the heart of Vallarta or over the border to Nayarit, where you can visit Sayulita and other small coastal towns.
A word of warning: beware of the crocodiles!
The Marina Hotels Puerto Vallarta
San Trópico Petit Hotel & Peaceful Escape
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Where to Find the Best Resorts Puerto Vallarta: Hotel Zone
By the name of this area, you probably know what to expect. The Hotel Zone is famous for having some of the best Puerto Vallarta resorts. Otherwise, this area also has beautiful beaches and great food. Since the Hotel Zone has many large Porta Viarta Mexico hotels, it’s more touristy and expensive. That’s the price you pay for the best resort in Puerto Vallarta!
Puerto Vallarta Best Resorts Hotel Zone
Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa
Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta
Best Area to Stay in Puerto Vallarta for Couples: Old Town
Old Town is a MUST, especially if it is your first time in Puerto Vallarta or you want a romantic getaway. As one of the city’s most historic and beautiful areas, you can wander around for hours admiring the scenery. While Old Town is one of the most budget-friendly places to stay in Puerto Vallarta, it isn’t known for hosting the best resorts in Puerto Vallarta.
Old Town Best Hotels Puerto Vallarta
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife: Zona Romantica
This small area is challenging to pinpoint on maps but is easily accessible once in Mexico. It’s technically part of Old Town, located on the other side of Rio Cuale—if you reach Playa de Los Muertos, you’ve gone too far.
This bustling neighborhood has many hotels, restaurants, and great nightlife. Zona Romantica’s beach is also a fabulous place to watch the sunset. As one of the most friendly and welcoming Puerto Vallarta areas, Zona Romantica has much character and charm. You will find rainbow flags hanging proudly, plenty of drag shows, fun nighttime entertainment, not to mention the LGTBQ+ bars, restaurants, and hotels.
Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta Zona Romantica
La Iguana Vallarta LGBT Experience – Romantic Zone
Best Place to Stay in Puerto Vallarta for All Things Beach: Conchas Chinas
This stunning beach is only 15 minutes from Zona Romantica, and it’s worth every step of the journey there. Conchas Chinas is the perfect place to lose track of time while staring at the turquoise ocean water and dining on fresh-caught seafood.
Best Hotel Puerto Vallarta Conchas Chinas
Grand Miramar All Luxury Suites & Residences
Best Hotels Puerto Vallarta: Luxury
Villa Divina Luxury
I have nothing but good things to say about this hotel—it is gorgeous! The decor is fantastic, and the top rooms have ocean views, while the bottom rooms overlook lush vegetation.
While Villa Divina Luxury isn’t beachfront, it’s only one kilometer from the airport and 11 km from the cruise dock. The food is another highlight, and it offers everything you could crave. You’ll be completely spoiled at this luxury hotel in Puerto Vallarta!
Grand Miramar All Luxury Suites & Residences
The Grand Miramar is located near the beach, but you won’t want to leave the property because it’s such a beautiful place. This luxury hotel will exceed your expectations for a romantic getaway with a loved one.
Other hotels worth mentioning:
Hotel Mio Vallarta – Adults Only
Best Hotel Puerto Vallarta: Boutique
Hotel Boutique Luxury Patio Azul
The level of detail put into this boutique hotel is unbelievable. It’s a short distance from the ocean, so you can be pampered at the hotel before walking to the beach to watch the sunset.
Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway
This hotel offers everything—even cooking classes! It’s steps away from a private beach, so if you want ocean views, you can get them everywhere throughout the property. Villa Premiere is an adults-only place to relax and forget about life’s worries.
Best All Inclusive in Puerto Vallarta
Velas Vallarta Suite Resort All-Inclusive
Velas Vallarta is one of the best resorts Puerto Vallarta offers families. It has entertainment and activities for guests of all ages, including beach access. You can play tennis, go snorkeling, or try horseback riding while the little ones enjoy the resort’s kid club.
Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa
Google “Puerto Vallarta best resorts,” and Fiesta Americana will surely be at the top of the list. This unforgettable resort has not one but nine on-site dining options. Enjoy the oceanside while sampling delicious food and golfing on the property’s upscale course.
Quick Tip: View my full Mexico packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Mexico Essentials shopping list here.
Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta: Mid-Range
Hotel Posada De Roger
This is a more modest hotel, but it’s gorgeous and cheaper than other options. If you’re traveling to Puerto Vallarta with a family, Hotel Posada de Roger is an excellent choice. This hotel has a shared kitchen and hosts fun events like comedy nights. Ask at the front desk for activity recommendations, and they will share the best things to do in and around Puerto Vallarta.
City Plus Puerto Vallarta
City Plus is a good option for traveling professionals and free-spirited nomads. Its modern and minimalist style provides a peaceful computer work environment. Meanwhile, the inviting outdoor pool will help you unwind on vacation.
Best Hotel in Puerto Vallarta: Budget
Casa MaCASA MARÍA MALECÓN
This budget-friendly accommodation is a picturesque spot in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. The hostel offers private rooms, a shared kitchen, and a rooftop with relaxing hammocks. While it’s technically a backpacker’s hostel, it feels more like a hotel.
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
Watch My Puerto Vallarta Vlog on Youtube
Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide Planning
🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Puerto Vallarta?
Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Puerto Vallarta which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Puerto Vallarta on Amazon here.
🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Puerto Vallarta?
I strongly recommend using GottoGo. You can book almost all transport in the major Mexican tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Puerto Vallarta?
I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options!
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.
I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using eitherAirhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta: Final Thoughts
With this guide to the best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find a fantastic place to stay during your Mexico vacation. I’ve rounded up the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta and my picks for the best all inclusive in Puerto Vallarta to help you have an unforgettable trip. Enjoy your time in Puerto Vallarta!
