The 218-room Friendly Vallarta Resort is an all-inclusive three-pearl property on the beach. Prices are on the high side, especially when you factor in the crowds, noisy rooms, and reported sanitary issues with the buffet food. College kids and young families like the three on-site restaurants and two bars -- one of which is located near the sandy beach. There are nice ocean-facing pools and hot tubs, including one pool just for adults. The Costa Sur Resort and Spa offers many of the same amenities with larger suites in a quieter location, though it's farther from the airport.
The 218-room Friendly Vallarta Resort is an all-inclusive three-pearl property on the beach. Prices are on the high side, especially when you factor in the crowds, noisy rooms, and reported sanitary issues with the buffet food. College kids and young families like the three on-site restaurants and two bars -- one of which is located near the sandy beach. There are nice ocean-facing pools and hot tubs, including one pool just for adults. The Costa Sur Resort and Spa offers many of the same amenities with larger suites in a quieter location, though it's farther from the airport.
Once an old Holiday Inn resort, the Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa opened in 2015 after extensive remodeling and rebranding. This upper-middle-range, all-inclusive, family-friendly option isn’t fancy, secluded, or exclusive, but it’s well-run and offers a beach front location in Puerto Vallarta’s hectic Hotel Zone. Its 320 rooms and suites are contemporary and spacious with private terraces or balconies, most with ocean views. There’s a massive main pool with a swim-up bar, a pool-grill island, direct beach access, beach volleyball, two tennis courts, a kiddy pool, and supervised kids’ and teens’ clubs. The resort has 10 bars and eateries, though not all restaurants are open for every meal or every day of the week. Nearby alternatives include the Crown Paradise Club or it’s adults-only sister property, Crown Paradise Golden.
Once an old Holiday Inn resort, the Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa opened in 2015 after extensive remodeling and rebranding. This upper-middle-range, all-inclusive, family-friendly option isn’t fancy, secluded, or exclusive, but it’s well-run and offers a beach front location in Puerto Vallarta’s hectic Hotel Zone. Its 320 rooms and suites are contemporary and spacious with private terraces or balconies, most with ocean views. There’s a massive main pool with a swim-up bar, a pool-grill island, direct beach access, beach volleyball, two tennis courts, a kiddy pool, and supervised kids’ and teens’ clubs. The resort has 10 bars and eateries, though not all restaurants are open for every meal or every day of the week. Nearby alternatives include the Crown Paradise Club or it’s adults-only sister property, Crown Paradise Golden.
Though it isn’t on the beach, Hacienda Buenaventura Hotel Spa & Beach Club is an excellent bang-for-your-buck all-inclusive close to the airport. The hotel is meant to resemble a traditional Mexican village, and its manicured grounds and colonial architecture deliver. The guests rooms, done up in pink bedspreads and dark wood furniture, can feel a tad dated, but some bathrooms have been renovated with ornamental travertine vanities and glass-enclosed showers. The property is centered around its freeform pool, but guests who want to hit the beach will have to walk five-minutes to the hotel’s off-site beach club. Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments All Inclusive provides a beachfront option, though its rates are pricier.
Though it isn’t on the beach, Hacienda Buenaventura Hotel Spa & Beach Club is an excellent bang-for-your-buck all-inclusive close to the airport. The hotel is meant to resemble a traditional Mexican village, and its manicured grounds and colonial architecture deliver. The guests rooms, done up in pink bedspreads and dark wood furniture, can feel a tad dated, but some bathrooms have been renovated with ornamental travertine vanities and glass-enclosed showers. The property is centered around its freeform pool, but guests who want to hit the beach will have to walk five-minutes to the hotel’s off-site beach club. Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments All Inclusive provides a beachfront option, though its rates are pricier.
The mid-range Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa is the more affordable, and less upscale, sister to Villa Del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort & Spa -- though this property has the more central location, right in the Hotel Zone and close to downtown. It caters to families with its 395 spacious rooms (including one- and two-bedroom options with kitchens), small waterslide, kid-friendly activities at the pool and beach, and cheesy evening shows. There are three pools -- one for activities, one for kids, and one for quiet -- as well as a simple day spa (opt for the beachside massages) and a spacious fitness center. There are four restaurants, though the all-inclusive option may not be worth it as the a la carte prices are reasonable. Rooms have modern, colorful decor as a result of a 2014 makeover, but while some do overlook the beach, others overlook the parking lot and highway. Despite the updates, the resort still feels older throughout.
The mid-range Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa is the more affordable, and less upscale, sister to Villa Del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort & Spa -- though this property has the more central location, right in the Hotel Zone and close to downtown. It caters to families with its 395 spacious rooms (including one- and two-bedroom options with kitchens), small waterslide, kid-friendly activities at the pool and beach, and cheesy evening shows. There are three pools -- one for activities, one for kids, and one for quiet -- as well as a simple day spa (opt for the beachside massages) and a spacious fitness center. There are four restaurants, though the all-inclusive option may not be worth it as the a la carte prices are reasonable. Rooms have modern, colorful decor as a result of a 2014 makeover, but while some do overlook the beach, others overlook the parking lot and highway. Despite the updates, the resort still feels older throughout.