What’s the Best Area to Stay in Puerto Vallarta? A Neighborhood Guide

Need help figuring out the the best area to stay in Puerto Vallarta? I’ve got you covered! Since Puerto Vallarta has several neighborhoods or hotel zones to choose from, picking the right one can be challenging. When I planned my first trip to Puerto Vallarta, I had no clue where to stay either. Fortunately, after several visits and plenty of exploring, I’ve stayed in four of the five major hotel zones. Researching and knowing where to stay in Puerto Vallarta can save time and money because you’ll be in the best neighborhood for your needs. Here’s my suggestions.

 What Are the Hotel Zones in Puerto Vallarta?

There are five main areas or hotel zones in Puerto Vallarta. They are:

• Marina Vallarta
• The Hotel Zone
• Downtown
• The Romantic Zone
• The South Zone

SouthernerSays: depending on who you ask, some people will name more than these five zones. But from doing research and asking locals, there are only really five. Many people mistakenly name “colonias”, which are little areas, sections or even popular streets, within a neighborhood, and count those as a zone. You also might see maps of the zones that include Nuevo Vallarta but technically it isn’t Puerto Vallarta or even the state of Jalisco for that matter. Also, on some maps the Hotel Zone is divided into north and south. For simplicity, I have left it all as one zone.

Marina Vallarta

The Marina Vallarta zone includes the marina neighborhood and the area around the airport. This area also includes the main bus terminal and International Convention center. Even though they are the same zone, the accommodations in the marina are very different from the more chain like hotels around the airport.

Where to Stay in Marina Vallarta

The first time I went to Puerto Vallarta, I traveled by bus from Guadalajara. I knew I would be getting in late. At that point, I didn’t really know what I was going to do while I was there or if I would even like it. So I decided to look for something close by the bus station for the first night. That way if I was delayed – and I was – or really tired, I wouldn’t have to travel far after a long bus ride.

I decided on City Express for my first night in Puerto Vallarta. The hotel is on the airport side, or the east side of the main road, Mexico Hwy 200. It was perfect for what I needed that night, just getting into town. City Express is a chain of Mexican hotels geared more towards the business traveler. The hotel was reasonably priced and exceptionally clean. From my room facing the bay, I was even able to see the cruise ships come into the marina.

Even though it was convenient for the night I arrived, I probably wouldn’t stay there long term. Not because there’s something wrong with it but only because I want to be closer to the beach and the boardwalk/malecon. However, if you are planning on traveling around the region, are only in town a night or two, or just arriving, it’s a suitable spot with nice amenities like a pool, complimentary breakfast and free parking.

Another cute option on this side of the highway, close to the airport and bus station, is Container Inn.

Getting Around

City Express is just a quick ride from the airport or bus station and about a ten minute ride to downtown. It’s a practical area for travelers that have a car because most hotels in this area have free parking available onsite.

The Marina area around the airport is best for:

• travelers needing a room for a night
• someone exploring the region and areas north
• travelers with a car

The Marina Side

On the west side or the bay side of Mexico Hwy 200, is the actual marina of Marina Vallarta. This area is really it’s own little city. It has restaurants, shops, spas, hair salons, golf courses, a post office and much more.

Unless you stay at one of the resorts on the beach, there’s not much beach access. It’s still one of my favorite areas. Quiet tree lined streets with condos and private homes surround the marina and provide a place to get away from from the city but you are still close enough to the action of the marina.

My Hotel on the Marina Side

In this side of the highway near the real marina, I stayed at San Tropico Petit Hotel and it was everything I hoped for. The name says hotel but it’s really more of a condo. The grounds are beautifully kept, with several public areas to hang out. I’m usually a beach girl but their pool made cheating on the beach very easy. It’s even slightly heated for those cooler winter days.

My room had two bedrooms and a full kitchen. One of my favorite things is the entire wall in the living room opened up to a huge balcony so it was like having a whole other room.

For those that don’t want to cook, there’s a bar onsite that serves breakfast, drinks and beer through out the day. You could basically spend all day at the pool and never move. However, if you are looking for a bit of activity, the hotel offers yoga in the mornings.

The staff was super nice as well. When I checked in early, they not only kept my luggage, they let me go hang out around the pool even though it was early in the morning.

For a resort experience on the beach in the Marina zone, the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa looks lovely. They recently underwent some upgrades and have one of the best pools in the area.

Getting Around

The marina is about ten minutes from the airport and ten minutes to downtown. While it is a popular area, it was a little more complicated getting a taxi to pick you up since these streets are residential and less commercial. Taxis aren’t just driving by.

Uber aren’t a problem although. I had to wait a little longer for someone to pick me up. In the actual marina, transportation is readily available. And if you don’t mind walking, you can walk to the marina and catch a local bus to take you downtown or to catch a bus north.

For those with a car, parking could be an issue in the marina and even on residential streets. Check with your hotel to see if they have parking available on the premises.

Marina Vallarta is best for:

• couples
• families
• snowbirds or long term
• someone who doesn’t mind walking

The Hotel Zone

One of the most popular areas of Puerto Vallarta is the hotel zone. Full of all inclusive hotels and resorts, it’s a great area for a first-timer and someone that wants a resort stay with plenty of amenities.

The hotel zone is located south of the marina and runs along the beaches of north of downtown. While there are hotels on the city side of the main road, the majority are on the beach side. So, if you are a beach lover, this area is one of the best areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta.

Unfortunately, it’s the one area I haven’t stayed in. Yet. The reason is, if I’m traveling solo, I prefer smaller more intimate places. Resorts are really not my thing when I’m alone.

Where to Stay in the Hotel Zone

However, if I was looking to book a room at one of the resorts in this area, I would check out:

• Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta – stunning ocean views in a larger resort setting
• Canto del Sol Plaza Vallarta – a smaller modern resort with Mexican touches
• Friendly Vallarta – all-inclusive with a beautiful palm tree beach front
• Sunset Plaza Beach Resort – an all inclusive resort and spa on the beach with family amenities

Getting Around

The Hotel Zone is just ten minutes from the airport. Transportation is plentiful in this area. There’s access to taxis, Uber and even public buses that take you downtown. If you are driving, hotels and resorts have parking available.

The Hotel Zone is best for:

• first time visitors
• beach lovers
• families
• couples
• girls trip
• solo traveler who wants to be around other tourists

Southerner Says: good news for travelers to Puerto Vallarta. The malecon is being extended about a kilometer, from Downtown north to the hotel zone. Soon, it will be easier than ever to walk into town from the Hotel Zone.

Downtown

If I ranked my favorite areas of Puerto Vallarta, then Downtown is my second favorite. Even though I didn’t have the best experience at my hotel there, I love the vibe of the neighborhood. It’s not as touristy and there aren’t as many resorts. It’s also the neighborhood where Puerto Vallarta’s famous – and fabulous –  Malecón or boardwalk along the ocean starts. The Malecón is a mile long and has exciting shops, restaurants, art and events. There is always something going on there.

My Downtown Experience

The very first time I visited Puerto Vallarta, it was February, around Valentine’s Day. The trip was last minute so by the time I wanted to book a a room, there weren’t many available.

However, I snagged a room at Hotel El Pescador in the 5 de Deciembre neighborhood downtown. The hotel looks nice on the outside. The common areas are really pretty and the pool is nice. Plus you can’t beat the location. The rooms leave a bit to be desired. They’re a bit plain and in need of some updating. Since I didn’t plan on being in the room much, plain was okay as long as it was clean.

But I ended up having a problem in three different rooms. First it was a white dusty substance that fell from the ceiling and covered everything. Then it was water. In the next room they gave me, I woke up to about an inch of water on the floor. I never even knew where it was coming from. Finally, the last room they gave me didn’t have air conditioning even though I paid for a room with AC. I’m just glad it was February and I didn’t need it.

I was so happy to be in Puerto Vallarta that all of this really didn’t bother me too much but I spent a good portion of my time waiting around for maintenance and then waiting around while they found a solution and then changing rooms. It was very frustrating to do that three times. They offered me nothing for my troubles. No apology, no discount, not even a meal at their restaurant. I was told I might be eligible for a discount on a future stay. I’ll probably pass.

Where to Stay Downtown

Even after that less less than desirable experience, I would still stay Downtown again. I loved 5 de Diciembre and I think that neighborhood is one of the best areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta for an more authentic, less touristy experience. There’s plenty of really good restaurants, shopping and even nightlife in this zone.

Across the street from El Hotel Pescador is Hotel Portonovo. It’s listed as a 4 star on Google and has really good reviews on there and on Booking.com. It’s not on the beach but there’s no problem accessing beaches in this neighborhood. Playa Camarones is a bit more rocky than some of the beaches in Puerto Vallarta but it’s one of my favorites. Spend the day at Mango’s Beach Club or rent a chair and umbrella from local vendors.

Hotel Rosita is another no frills, classic Puerto Vallarta hotel I’ve read good things about online. It’s a little further south a couple of blocks. Even better because that means it’s closer to the Malecón.

For a more upscale experience, Villa Premier Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway is 5 star property located right at the southern end of the hotel zone, where downtown begins. It’s right on the beach and some of the rooms have Jacuzzis.

Getting Around

Downtown is, give or take, fifteen minutes from the airport. Public transportation, Uber and taxis are plentiful and as long as your hotel has parking you would be fine if you have your own car. It’s also a great walking neighborhood and as I mentioned, just a short distance from the start of the boardwalk.

Downtown is best for:

• solo travelers
• couples
• snowbirds
• exploring the center city
• beach lovers
• returning visitors

The Romantic Zone

If you are looking to capture a piece of old Mexico on your vacation in Puerto Vallarta, then look no further than the Romantic Zone – La Zona Romantica – or Old Town as it was originally known. This is my favorite area to stay in Puerto Vallarta.

Situated south of the Rio Cuale, which divides the downtown area from the Romantic Zone it’s full of smaller, budget friendly hotels, boutique hotels, inns, condos and even a hostel or two. There are a few larger hotels but no mega resorts like in the hotel zone. It also has the highest concentration of restaurants and bars in all of Puerto Vallarta. All of that in a relatively small space gives is a very intimate neighborly feel. A word of warning: the neighborhood can get a bit loud depending on where you stay. I personally have never had an issue with noise but I have read complaints online.

READ MORE: Where to Eat in Puerto Vallarta

The beautiful Los Muertos beach, the iconic Puerto Vallarta pier and Malecón are all just steps from the Romantic Zone.

Where to Stay in the Romantic Zone

I’ve stayed at two properties in the Romantic Zone. Both are on the small side but perfect for the solo traveler. In a typical Mexican style, the rooms face inside to courtyards. These types of properties are very safe since the gate to the courtyard is locked at night. Don’t worry if you come back after it’s locked, there is always someone there to let you in.

Small Hotels in the Romantic Zone

Hotel Posada de Roger is the first property I stayed in the Romantic Zone. It’s an adorable little inn with rooms that are built around a courtyard full of flowers and one of my favorite swimming pools. Some of the rooms are on the small side but perfect for the solo traveler or a couple. For families, there are larger rooms and even a few suites. It’s a simple style hotel but very clean and it has air conditioning. For those that want to cook, there’s a communal kitchen. For those that don’t, there’s also a restaurant onsite.

Hotel Yasmin is the other hotel I’ve stayed in the Romantic Zone. (Unfortunately, as of April 24, 2021, Hotel Yasmin is temporarily closed) The hotel is next to my favorite restaurant, Cafe de Olla. I started going to the restaurant, and loved it. When I found out they owned the hotel, I decided to give it a try too.

The hotel is the cutest property. It’s decorated with bright cheery furniture and plants in a typical Mexican hacienda style. All the rooms face the inner courtyard that has the most inviting pool. Even though it’s an older style hotel with smaller rooms, it’s very clean. Couples would find it comfortable and it’s perfect for the solo traveler. All the rooms have ceiling fans and air conditioning as well.

Southerner Says: If you pay at the hotel, Hotel Yasmin is cash only.

Large Hotels in the Romantic Zone

For couples, families or larger groups, another one of my favorite hotels in the Romantic Zone is Hotel Los Arcos. This property is directly on the beach and has recently undergone some upgrades, including one of the trendiest new restaurants in all of Puerto Vallarta, Mar y Vino. It has great food options, amazing pools and is in a stellar location close to the pier and the malecon,

Getting Around

The Romantic Zone is about fifteen minutes from the airport. If you are driving or have a rental, parking is limited in this area. Unless your hotel or condo has designated parking, it will be hard to find a spot. There is a public, pay for parking lot, across the street from the Parque Lazaro Cardenas.

The good news is you really don’t even need a car if you are staying in the Romantic Zone. It’s very walking friendly, with plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping in a small area. If you don’t want to walk or can’t, then there are always taxis and Ubers available in the neighborhood. It’s also easy to catch a public transportation. Both hotels mentioned here are less than five minutes from the Malecon and the beautiful Puerto Vallarta sunsets.

The Romantic Zone is the best for:

• couples
• girls trip
• LGBT
• snowbirds
• first time visitors
• returning visitors

The South Zone

The South Zone of Puerto Vallarta is the area along the coastal road that takes you south towards Mismaloya. This area is known for it’s spectacular views. The jungles seem to spill into the ocean. It’s also where some of the biggest, most luxurious resorts and hotels are located. Many of these properties are perched high on the hillside and have stunning views of the Bay of Banderas. If you like resorts and a quieter vacation, then this might be the best area to stay in Puerto Vallarta for you.

Where to Stay in the South Zone

I didn’t stay overnight but I had the opportunity to spend the day and dine at the 5 star, Garza Blanca, an all inclusive, gorgeous luxury resort set in the jungle.

For an adult only option in the South Zone, consider the Grand Fiesta Americana All-Inclusive. It’s a beautiful property with a stunning beach and swimming area.

Most of these resorts in the South Zone have restaurants on site, offer spa options and can even arrange tours or a driver for you. Besides the spas, the water and beaches are gorgeous here so anyone interested in water activities would love it. You can snorkel or dive the nearby Los Arcos Marine Park.

Getting Around

Since the South Zone is the farthermost zone from the airport, check with your hotel to see if they offer a shuttle. If not, a private shuttle, taxi or Uber can help you get around. Hotels should have taxis on call to take you back to town or you can make arrangements with your Uber driver if you like their service. In addition to ride shares, public buses are frequent in this zone.

The public buses stop at a few of the resorts on their way to Boca de Tomatlan so you could easily ride a bus to the Romantic Zone or Downtown. You can catch a south bound orange and white bus in the Romantic Zone for around forty cents one way.

This area is best for:

• resort lovers
• romantic getaways
• beach lovers
• visitors who have a car
• someone that doesn’t mind skipping the city center

Homestays in Puerto Vallarta

Because Puerto Vallarta is popular with ex-pats and snowbird communities, there are plenty of of condos and apartments for rent in the city. There’s a lot of advantages to renting a home or condo. Especially if you are planning on staying awhile.

One of the biggest advantages is having access to a kitchen and in many cases, a private pool. VRBO – Vacation Rental By Owner – has a huge list of properties in every neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta. As does Airbnb. I have a list of my favorite properties. I just don’t post it publicly. If you would like the list, feel free to email me or leave a comment.

Southerner Says: the longer your stay, the better rate you should be able to negotiate. Also, it’s advantageous to pay in pesos.

When is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is practically perfect anytime of the year. I’ve visited in winter, spring and early summer but I wouldn’t hesitate to go any time of the year. Even in the more humid, late summer, you can get some great deals. However, there are times that are more popular than others.

High Season

November thru mid April is considered high or busy season in Puerto Vallarta. This is when many snowbirds head south to escape winter in their home countries. The weather is Vallarta is wonderful with clear days and nights. Average temperature hover around 82F and no rain.

Easter Week or – la Semana Santa – is a busy time for Puerto Vallarta. Many people take the entire week and use that time to vacation with their families.

Low Season

By May, things have really slowed down. Weather wise, it’s still a great time to visit and you can find good deals on lodging then too. It’s warm but not so humid yet.

June means the beginning of the rainy season. Expect hotter and more humid weather. The average temp is 88F. This continues through about mid October. Fortunately, when it rains it usually only rains in the evening and at night so your days shouldn’t be affected too much. Although it could be a little overcast during the day even when it’s not raining. July through October is still rainy and hurricane season.

The Best Area to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

Honestly, when it comes to where to stay in Puerto Vallarta, I don’t think there’s a bad location. Each neighborhood has it’s own unique vibe, features and advantages. Wherever you decide to stay, I know you will love Puerto Vallarta as much as I do. Are you ready to book your trip?

READ MORE: 5 Easy Beachy Day Trips From Puerto Vallarta

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