Mexico is home to many beautiful beach destinations, but Puerto Vallarta is a resort town on the Pacific coast like no other. Unlike Cancun or even parts of Los Cabos, this isn’t the place to plant yourself at a resort, never to leave the grounds. Vallarta strikes the perfect balance between being easy to navigate for international tourists while remaining rich in authentic Mexican culture; this is the region where tequila and mariachi music originated, after all. There’s an impeccable art scene, and the nightlife is renowned (particularly—but not exclusively—for the LGBTQ+ community).
The beaches are not necessarily extraordinary, but the views more than make up for it—the sunsets in Puerto Vallarta are among the best you’ll see in your entire life, and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range is a stunning backdrop to Banderas Bay.
With these factors in mind, choosing the best place to stay is truly about personal preference. Proximity to the Malecon puts everything right at your fingertips, but the laid-back marina offers more serenity, while still being close enough to the city center for a visit. Read on for nine of the best Puerto Vallarta hotels for families, friend groups, girls getaways, solo travelers, and everything in between.
How we choose the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta
Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.
