The best hotels in Puerto Vallarta

What are the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is a laid-back Pacific coast town with cobbled streets, colourful old buildings and golden beaches surrounded by lush mountains. There are heaps of seafood restaurants and beach bars, plus a lively old town that's great to explore on foot. The best places to stay range from romantic boutique hotels to luxurious adults-only resorts and tucked-away jungle retreats. Hacienda San Angel is our top pick for its beautiful colonial interiors, leafy courtyards and rooftop restaurant, while BellView Boutique Hotel is a lovely choice for couples, with charming rooms and gorgeous views across the bay.

There's plenty to do in Puerto Vallarta when you're not stretched out on the beach. Wander around the Zona Romántica, stopping at little cafes and artisan shops, or pop into Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish to admire its impressive architecture. The Malecón is the place to be at sunset, with sea views, street performers and plenty of bars for a drink afterwards. Spend a day out on the water snorkelling or looking for whales in season, or head inland for jungle ATV rides, canopy tours and horseback adventures. And if you fancy a taste of Mexico, make time for a tequila tasting before settling in for fresh seafood by the sea.

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Puerto Vallarta or, for a look at different areas, read our guide to the best places to stay in Jalisco.

The Best Places to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

For pure luxury

• Set high above Vallarta’s cobbled streets, Hacienda San Angel has elegant suites filled with antiques, carved wooden furniture and traditional Mexican details. Wander through lush courtyards, cool off by the pool and head to the rooftop restaurant for fine dining with spectacular views across the city and bay.

For a romantic break

• Casa Kimberly is decorated with warm whitewashed walls, exposed wooden beams and antique furniture. Absolutely elegant, the rooms look out onto the Bahia de Banderas and the restaurant serves sumptuous Mexican cuisine. Ideal for couples.

• Xinalani is a rustic-chic yoga retreat on the stunning coast 12 miles down from Puerto Vallarta. Only reachable by boat, limited connectivity, open-air bathrooms and daily yoga sessions guarantee that you will get in touch with nature. The food is health conscious and they cater for vegan and gluten-free guests.

• BellView Boutique Hotel- This intimate hideaway above Puerto Vallarta’s old town is made for romantic evenings, with antique furniture, carved wooden details and tiled terraces overlooking the bay. Cool off in the rooftop pool before dinner at La Cappella, where Italian cooking, live music and sweeping views set the scene.

• For couples after a little indulgence, Hotel Mousai is an adults-only retreat that has ocean-facing suites, gold-tiled bathtubs and plush jewel-toned furnishings. Spend the afternoon between the rooftop infinity pool and the world-class spa, then settle in for gourmet dining and cocktails overlooking the Pacific as the sun goes down.

For a private beach escape

• A private beach, tropical jungle and characterful Mexican interiors make Playa Escondida a lovely hideaway near Sayulita. Stay in thatched casitas or stilted bungalows with colourful ceramics and chunky wooden furniture. There’s a waterfall pool, open-air yoga, a jungle spa and fresh seafood served with ocean views.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• Fly to Mexico City International Airport, and get a connection to Puerto Vallarta, which takes roughly 1 hour.
• If you want to rent a car we recommend contacting our partner Rentalcars.
• Go anytime between November and May, when there is no rain and the temperature ranges between 17 and 30 degrees.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Jalisco,
• Explore our recommendations for the whole of Mexico,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.