14 Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta in 2023: Our Top Picks
Planning a trip to Mexico and looking for the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta? We’ve done all the research so you don’t have to. Keep reading to find the best boutique hotels in Puerto Vallarta.
As one of Mexico’s most popular resort towns, there’s no shortage of places to stay in Puerto Vallarta. The town itself, its nearby beaches, and boho chic gems like Sayulita, Boca de Tomatlan and Yelapa are all nearby and full of every type of accommodation you can imagine. On just one trip you can explore so many gorgeous spots in Banderas Bay.
As a resort town, Puerto Vallarta is known for its huge, (sometimes tasteless) resorts. But, if you’re not a fan and prefer, small and more intimate places to stay then you’ll be pleased to know there are other options, and great ones at that! This guide focuses on smaller, boutique hotels rather than large resorts making it an essential read for anyone looking for a boutique hotel over a large resort.
After living in Puerto Vallarta for two months and after having stayed in and visited many of these beautiful hotels, here’s our guide on the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta, the small, design-focused boutique options.
*This ‘best hotels in Puerto Vallarta Mexico’ post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top quality content for free.
Best Areas to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a long city that follows the coast from north to south. You’ll find the center and the most important areas in the city towards the southern end of Puerto Vallarta. The most popular areas where travelers stay are the Zona Romantica, El Centro, Puerto Vallarta North, Marina Vallarta, or Nuevo Vallarta.
What area you decide to stay in will depend on a few things. Firstly the type of accommodation you’re after, an all-inclusive resort, boutique hotel, etc as well as how close you want to be to the nightlife, restaurants, galleries, and Puerto Vallarta’s attractions.
Let’s take a look at each area in a little more detail.
El Centro
The center or ‘El Centro’ is a small neighborhood located between the Zona Romatica and 5 de Diciembre. This is the ‘old town’ and in this area, you’ll find many art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and shops as well as sights like the Mercado Rio Cuale, el Malecon and Mirador Cerro de la Cruz.
It’s a very central place to stay but it doesn’t have that many hotel options. What it does have, however, are some of the best options in Puerto Vallarta. As this neighborhood gradually creeps up the surrounding hills, most of these properties need some climbing to get to. Due to this they aren’t a good option for those with reduced mobility.
Zona Romantica
The Zona Romantica is Puerto Vallarta’s main central hub. It’s the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife and LGBTQI scene. Here you’ll find many hotels and some resorts as well as restaurants and Playa Los Muertos and the main pier. The Zona Romantica is where you want to stay to make the most of the town’s vibe and nightlife. This is also the hub of Puerto Vallarta’s most LGBTQI-friendly hotels.
Keep in mind however that it can get quite loud here as there’s all kinds of action all day long and well into the night. For those seeking a peaceful oasis or a connection with nature, this might not be the best place to stay.
Puerto Vallarta Norte (North)
Puerto Vallarta Norte or the Hotel Zone is a beachfront area in the north of the city, between the Center and the airport. This area is known for its more budget-friendly, all-inclusive resorts as well as Puerto Vallarta’s cruise port. There aren’t too many local restaurants in this area but there are quite a few large shopping malls.
Staying in Puerto Vallarta Norte gives you easy access to the center of the city and the Zona Romantica as well as northern areas like Marina Vallarta and Punta de Mita.
Marina Vallarta
Self-contained neighborhood Marina Vallarta is a lovely area full of both large resorts as well as budget-friendly boutique hotels, golf courses, local restaurants, and of course, Puerto Vallarta’s marina.
It’s a nice place to come for a stroll and admire all the yachts, have lunch at Mariscos 8 Tostadas, and hit the beach. In the evenings, twice per week, there’s also a night market here with food stalls with a really lovely vibe.
Staying in Marina Vallarta is a good option and you don’t need to go far to find good restaurants and some nightlife but it is a little further from Zona Romantica.
Nuevo Vallarta
On the other side of the Ameca River and into Nayarit State there’s Nuevo Vallarta, a village-like area full of beachside luxury resorts, restaurants, and golf courses.
Nuevo Vallarta doesn’t have too many small, boutique hotels but if you want to stay in a resort, this might be a good spot. Nuevo Vallarta is a little far from anywhere else in the city and it definitely helps to have a rental car when staying here to get around easily. That said, Uber is very assessable and common.
For the best rates for car rental in Puerto Vallarta check out Rental Cars or Discover Cars.
Beyond
For those wanting to get outside town a little more and find a tropical gem off the beaten track, staying beyond the city is also a great option. South of Puerto Vallarta you’ll find Boca de Tomatlan and further south still, Yelapa. This stretch of coast is full of stunning beaches and there are so beautiful boutique properties here ideal for getting off the beaten path.
To the north, the hip-surf town of Sayulita and the surrounding area also attract a younger, more boho crowd as well as digital nomads and they too have a good share of boutique hotels to stay at.
If you’re just interested in seeing the main sights of Puerto Vallarta in a day and spending the rest of your vacation time relaxing and doing yoga to the sound of the waves, then you might want to consider going a little further outside Puerto Vallarta. It’s definitely worth it.
Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
For those looking for a beautiful, boutique, or design-forward stay you’ve come to the right place. Here are our top picks for the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta.
Can’t wait? Here’s our quick summary of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta:
Best Overall Boutique Hotel: Hacienda San Angel
Top Resort-style Hotel: Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel or Hyatt Ziva
Best Hotel for Couples: Casa Kimberly or Hacienda San Angel
Best Option for Wellness: Xinalani for yoga, Casa Ritual for spa
The Best Luxury Small Hotel: Casa Kimberly
Best Budget Hotel: Casa Ritual or San Trópico
Top Hotel for Quiet & Nature: Villa Lala or Xinalani Hotel Boutique
Best Hotel for Families: Maxwell Residences at Indah or Las Alamandas
You can also search for more options for the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta using the map below.
Casa Kimberly Boutique Hotel
Casa Kimberly Boutique Hotel is located inside the former Puerto Vallarta home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. This in itself makes it one of the most unique stays in Mexico. The hotel is actually located on both sides of the road, and connecting it, the Puente de Amor or Love Bridge.
The hotel has only nine beautifully put together suites, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, its highly sought-after restaurant La Iguana as well as a fully stocked tequila bar. Rooms are beautifully decorated with antique furniture, exposed rafters, hanging chandeliers and many also come with a private balcony or veranda with incredible city and ocean views.
Casa Kimberly is one of the most romantic places to stay in Puerto Vallarta and it truly feels like an escape in the middle of the city. It’s the perfect spot of couples wanting to retreat, wake up slow and just be in each others presence in the most intimate of settings. After all, Casa Kimberly’s history invites you to continue its love story.
Check rates and availability here
Hacienda San Angel
Another strong contender for the best hotel in Puerto Vallarta title- and this one might just get it- is Hacienda San Angel. Based on the typical Mexican hacienda, this time in the middle of the city, Hacienda San Angel is an oasis of calm.
The hotel has swoon-worthy, colonial architecture and stunning decor throughout. It has just 12 suites which allows staff to be there for your every need- the service here is truly exceptional. In each suite you’ll find stunning wooden, traditional furniture and art, exposed beam ceilings and timeless pieces.
Most suites also have a veranda and sublime city and ocean views. Our favourite is definitely the Angel’s View Suite that also has a beautiful terrace for outdoor dining.
The gourmet restaurant here creates some delicious local and international meals that are perfect for a night in after exploring Puerto Vallarta.
Hacienda San Angel is the perfect place to wake up slowly and take a real vacation. The staff here will spoil you and you’ll never want to leave.
Check rates and availability here.
Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel
Located in the 5 de Diciembre neighbourhood, just north of the Center, Villa Premiere is another great, yet large option in Puerto Vallarta town. With its 80 suites and spacious rooms, beachside location and on site facilities, Villa Premiere blurs line between a boutique hotel and resort.
The guest rooms here are modern, comfortable and bright. Many suites have a full kitchen too for those that prefer to entertain during their stay. Our favourite is the Honeymoon Suite with an ocean facing veranda with outdoor hot tub- ideal for enjoying a glass of bubbly and a soak in the evening or at sunset. There’s also on site dining as well as a pool and beach club with bar.
This is the ideal solution for adults looking for a large boutique hotel or small resort style hotel without the resort facilities. It’s central location means it’s very close to restaurants and the best places to visit in Puerto Vallarta.
Check rates and availability here
San Trópico Petit Hotel
For those on a budget looking for a beautiful design-focused tropical stay, San Trópico would be my first choice. Located in a very quiet area of Marina Vallarta, this lovely hotel has a beautiful outdoor pool and tropical corners. The spacious suites are modern and bright and many face out onto the beautiful pool or the jungle inspired garden.
There’s also a lovely restaurant serving tasty breakfasts each morning and the bar is available for sundowners before getting ready for dinner. The hotel is located a short taxi or Uber ride away from Centro, however Marina Vallarta is also a lively area to be in, especially in the evening.
Check rates and availability here
Casa Ritual Hotel Boutique
Another gorgeous, budget option in Marina Vallarta, Casa Ritual is the perfect escape. This beautiful, hacienda style house with it’s terracotta brick floors and roof and floor to ceiling windows is an adults-only oasis. The hotel is small with just a handful of rooms- all of them simple yet tastefully decorated.
Outside you’ll find a lush garden with a large pool, ideal for relaxing in during the afternoon. The hotel also has one of the best spas of any boutique hotel in Puerto Vallarta. The spa offers a variety of different massages and therapies as well as facials. There really isn’t a better way to relax.
Inside Casa Ritual you’ll also find Shibui Sushi, one of the best sushi spots in Puerto Vallarta. All their ingredients are organic and locally sourced giving you a superior dining experience.
Hotel Luxury Patio Azul
Make the most of the best beaches close to Puerto Vallarta with this fun hotel in Conchas Chinas. This hotel offers 5-star accommodation just south of the city close to some of the best beaches. Rooms here are large, brightly coloured and fun and each come with a lovely terrace to enjoy the sea views.
The boutique hotel also has a small spa and fitness centre, small outdoor pool and shared terrace from which to take in the views. There’s also an on-site restaurant.
Getting to Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica is easy from here- just a few short minutes in an Uber.
Check rates and availability here
Maxwell Residences at Indah
Maxwell Residences at Indah is one of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta for facilities and views. Set just 300 metres of Amapas Beach in Conchas Chinas, it’s just a 20 minute walk along the beach to the heart of the Zona Romatica. The 5-star hotel offers a variety of different suites and rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, a common terrace, bar and free parking- ideal for those with a rental car to explore the local area.
One of the things we love the most about Maxwell Residences is its fitness center. There might be no spa but the gym certainly makes up for it. Large, bright and very well equipped its the kind of place that makes you look forward to your morning workout.
Choose between a lovely rustic suite with private plunge pools, a deluxe king room, or for large groups that prefer to self-cater, their gorgeous three-bedroom apartment with sea view.
Check rates and availability here
BellView Hotel Boutique
A gorgeous, traditional Mexican property with incredible views of the city, the Pacific Ocean and the bell tower of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church. This delightful colonial-style hotel takes you back a few centuries through it’s traditional decor and furnishings. Rooms are adorned with classical Mexican textiles too giving a luxurious, local touch.
The BellView Hotel Boutique has just a few suites, each with king size beds, free wifi, flat-screen TV, antique furniture, and unbeatable views. Many of the luxurious suites also have balconies with delightful views and some, even a wrap-around corner veranda.
On site, you’ll also find La Cappella Restaurant, a place where guests can enjoy drinks and dinner with a view as the sun goes down over the ocean. Each evening there’s also live music that perfectly sets the tone of the evening. The fine dining restaurant focuses on Italian and international cuisine.
Check rates and availability here
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Just south of Puerto Vallarta right on the Pacific coast, you’ll find the Hyatt Ziva, one of the best chain hotels in the city. This large hotel has everything you’ll need in order to have yourself a fun and relaxing vacation. With many suites and rooms to choose from and an abundance of facilities and activities on site, this all-inclusive hotel will mean you rarely have to leave.
Hyatt Ziva has multiple on-site restaurants, a beach bar and club, a swimming pool with swim-up bar, and 24-hour room service. Due to its location just south of Puerto Vallarta, it rarely feels crowded, even in high season.
Check rates and availability here.
Best Hotels Outside Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta definitely does have a few hotel gems to choose from if you’d like to stay close to the city, it’s beaches and restaurants. However, some of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta do happen to be in the Puerto Vallarta area just outside the city and it’s almost impossible to not take these into account.
For the best luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta, the best thing you can do is actually stay in nearby Punta Mita, where you’ll find the likes of the Four Seasons, W Punta de Mita and St Regis Hotels– the best in luxury accommodation that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.
For those looking for quiet and a disconnection from city life and a reconnection with nature- you’ll find the most beautiful rural hotels outside the city too. In fact, some of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta are located south of the city, in places like Boca de Tomatlan and towards Yelapa and this is also where you’ll find some of the most incredible nature and wellness focused stays.
Punta Mita
W Punta de Mita
On a section of beautiful coastline between Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita, you’ll find W de Punta Mita. The large. colorful hotel is surrounded by nothing by jungle and sea. With a variety of rooms and suites each with their own distinguishing features, the hotel is the ideal spot for a Mexican escape.
Food and drinks here are top-notch and so are the facilities. There’s a large outdoor pool with sun loungers and bar, fitness center, spa and hairdresser as well as the hotel’s signature restaurant Venazú. When staying here it’s worth renting a car to make the most of the area and the hotel also provides free parking.
For those wanting to get active, many different kinds of watersports and tours can be organised leaving you with little need to ever leave this dreamy paradise.
Check rates and availability here.
Conrad Punta de Mita
Another great alternative to W Punta de Pita is the Conrad. The Conrad Punta de Mita is a large resort-style hotel sitting just north of Punta Mita along the road towards Sayulita. It’s a little further away from Puerto Vallarta but provides a great in-between location for those wanting to get the most out of the gems of the whole area and not just Punta Vallarta.
This 5-star property is beautifully designed, modern and tasteful with local touches throughout. Various suite options will cater to every need and budget but it’s hard to beat the oceanfront King Suite with panoramic ocean views and double-sink bathrooms.
At Conrad Punta de Mita, you’ll also find a fine dining restaurant, three swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center as well as an outstanding breakfast. A great option for those seeking a larger, luxury, beachfront hotel.
Check rates and availability here
South of Puerto Vallarta
Villa Lala Boutique Hotel
If you’ve already been to Puerto Vallarta before and you’re looking for a different experience then this might be it. Staying at Villa Lala Boutique Hotel is also perfect for those wanting to prioritize paradise beaches, nature and calm over being in the center of the city.
Villa Lala is an exceptional property located right on the coast just before Boca de Tomatlan. The hotel is surrounded by nature and hidden amongst the jungle foliage, allowing you to have the most private of stays.
The hotel has a lovely outdoor pool, ocean views all around, room service, a bar and a private beach. Suites are colorful, spacious and made for resting. For ultimate privacy and a retreat into nature, opt for the Jungle Love Nest.
Xinalani Retreat
Located on the stunning coast south of Boca de Tomatlan, this place is a true escape and a space to relax and retreat. Accessible only by boat, you can ensure the most serene and restful of stays at Xinalani Retreat. Xinalani is one of Mexico’s best yoga retreat centers. It’s a space to escape and get inspired by nature and those around you.
Suites are private and rustic with palapa roofs, the cuisine is local, fresh, and healthy and there’s a private beach, pool, and of course, yoga shala. Xinalani also organizes yoga retreats throughout the year too so make sure to check their website here for more information.
All rates include three meals a day- there isn’t anywhere else to eat so it’s essential. The retreat can also organize lots of different excursions and eco-tours in the area including whale watching, wild dolphin swimming, jungle trekking, and bird watching. For the welllness-focused traveler this is one of the best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta.
Check rates and availability here.
Las Alamandas
Even further away from Puerto Vallarta, tucked into the southern coast of Jalisco state is the hidden gem of Las Alamandas. This stunning colorful retreat offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of ‘real life’. With many different ocean-facing and garden suites to choose from, La Alamandas is a boutique, design-forward resort that’s worth looking into despite it’s distance from Puerto Vallarta.
With a spa, gym, basketball and tennis courts, restaurants, and beauty center on-site the resort is perfect for families or couples that want to connect and get away from the noise. Their ocean-front villas for example are the ideal solution for families and large groups.
Check rates and availability here
So which one of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta will you choose for your trip? Let me know all your questions and comments below.
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