Insider Guide to the Puerto Vallarta Hotel Zone [2023]

Getting to the Hotel Zone from the airport

When you land at Puerto Vallarta International Airport, you’re just a short ride away from the bustling Hotel Zone. Here are your options for a hassle-free journey:

Taxis are readily available at the airport, but make sure to negotiate the fare before hopping in. Ubers are cheaper, but you have to walk across the pedestrian bridge to meet them.

For a seamless experience, consider booking a shuttle service in advance. Viator offers a reliable Airport-Hotel Shuttle service that you can reserve online. It’s convenient, especially if you’re new to the area or traveling with family.

If you’re on a budget, local buses are an option. They’re not luxurious but get the job done.

Where to stay in the Puerto Vallarta Hotel Zone

The Puerto Vallarta hotel zone is home to some of the best all-inclusive hotels in Puerto Vallarta, where you can enjoy unlimited cocktails in a swim-up bar.

🏨 Villa del Palmar Beach Resort is a solid choice in the area. It’s right on the beach with a huge pool, and you can go all-inclusive or not here.

🏨 Fiesta Americana is right around the corner and is where you’ll want to be if you’re looking for that all-inclusive treatment. There’s an infinity pool that’s adults only and a kid’s club for families.

🏨 Hotel Mio is an entirely adults-only hotel. It’s not on the beach and is right off the highway, but there’s a nice rooftop pool and a super convenient location at a good price.

Things to do in the Hotel Zone

Most people staying in the hotel zone take advantage of the all-inclusive amenities and spend most of their time at the hotel, making occasional trips into town or going on half-day tours.

If you’re staying in the hotel zone, the best tours are those that leave from the cruise port area.

Day Tours

Rhythms of the night

This includes the fantastic Rhythms of the Night (my personal fave). It starts with a scenic boat ride complete with an open bar that takes you to the remote Las Caletas for the performance.

It’s a bit like Cirque du Soleil with acrobatics, dancers, and fire jugglers. The venue is a mystical amphitheater set in the jungle, and it’s pretty incredible.

You also enjoy a nice buffet dinner and continue the open bar fun all night. Put this one high on your list of things to do in PV at night. It’s easily in the top three tours I’ve done in five years of living here.

The Pirate Ship

The pirate ship tour also leaves from the port, and it’s one of the most popular tours in the city. I’ve never personally done it, but it’s been on my list. It’s certainly fun watching the ship pull up to the Malecon and giving a fireworks show on a nightly basis!

Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach, in the Islas Marietas, is considered one of Mexico’s most unique beaches.

You need a permit to enter the beach, which is only accessible by boat. They sell out fast, so book your tour in advance if you want to visit hidden beach!

This is a great thing to do if you’re staying in the hotel zone, as the tours leave from the cruise port.

SkyDiving

If you’re feeling super adventurous, you could add skydiving to your Puerto Vallarta itinerary.

Skydive Vallarta has its office in the Hotel Zone and runs daily trips. This is definitely one of the most scenic places to go skydiving!

Spa Day

Many hotels in the zone offer top-notch spa services. Whether you want a relaxing massage or a full-day pampering session, you’ll find it here.

Shopping at La Isla

If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, you’re in luck. The area boasts a range of shopping centers, from high-end boutiques to local markets.

I hate going to the mall, and even I enjoy a stroll around La Isla. It’s a pretty cool open-air mall, and it’s fun doing some window shopping and catching a movie there from time to time.

Hotel Zone Beaches

The long stretch of beach in the Hotel Zone is public, although it can be difficult to access without going through the resorts.

It starts up by the port and goes all the way down to the Sheraton, with a few public access points. There is one behind the Secrets Resort.

Unlike the beaches in Old Town, there are few places to get a chair and umbrella or dine on the beach. This is mostly a DIY beach day if you come here, however, there are a few beach clubs you can visit.

It is definitely worth it to go to the beach in the Hotel Zone to experience a sea turtle release. These often happen between July and December when sea turtles show up by the hundreds to nest. Even outside of these months, it’s possible to catch one if you’re in town for a few days.

Restaurants in the Hotel Zone

Since much of the area is taken up by resorts and condos, there aren’t many restaurants here. There are plenty of them in the resorts, but you can’t just go eat in most of them.

You won’t go hungry or thirsty here, though. There are just far fewer options than in other neighborhoods.

Here’s a list of restaurants in the Hotel Zone to get you through a trip there:

• El Oasis del Holi: one of few beachside restaurants here with good seafood
• Food Park: awesome food truck park with lots of options and a full bar
• icu: one of the top-rated restaurants in the city with tasting menus
• Porfirio’s: fine-dining Mexican cuisine
• Monkey Business: cool new spot with a bar, food, live music, and karaoke
• Punto Mar: beach club with decent food and sun loungers/umbrellas
• La Leche: always comes up in “best restaurants in PV” lists
• Zeferino’s: tiny local pizza shop that’s good for takeout
• Imperial: new kitchen and bar just off the highway
• Cerverceria Chapultepec: my favorite dive bar with dirt-cheap snacks and drinks
• La Madalena: fancy place with gorgeous decor and an extensive menu

Pros and cons of staying in the Hotel Zone Puerto Vallarta

Convenience

The Hotel Zone is close to the airport, making it easy for travelers to get settled quickly upon arrival.

Variety

With a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and shops, you’ll never run out of options for dining, entertainment, or accommodation.

Safety

The area is well-patrolled and generally considered safe, even for solo travelers or those out late at night.

Family-Friendly

Many hotels offer amenities specifically for families, like kids’ clubs and babysitting services.

Drawbacks 👎

Pricey

The convenience and amenities come at a cost. Expect to pay a premium for most services and accommodations in this area.

Touristy

Because of its popularity, the Hotel Zone can get crowded, especially during peak seasons.

Limited Local Experience

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in authentic Mexican culture, you might find the Hotel Zone a bit too commercialized.

Traffic

The area can get congested, particularly during rush hours and high seasons, which might be a turn-off for some.

What it’s like living in the Puerto Vallarta Hotel Zone

The hotel zone is definitely an area geared towards tourists. There are so many massage parlors, pharmacies, and souvenir shops. Even when I lived in the area for six months, I still felt like a tourist walking around.

Final thoughts: Puerto Vallarta Hotel Zone

Choosing where to stay in Puerto Vallarta is a big decision, and the Hotel Zone offers a compelling mix of convenience, variety, and safety for tourists and short-term visitors.

From the moment you land at the airport, you’re just a short ride away from this bustling area. With a plethora of dining options, shopping centers, and activities, you’ll never run out of things to do. Plus, who doesn’t love a hotel balcony overlooking the beach?

However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons to decide if this area aligns with your travel goals.

Whether you’re a family on vacation, or a couple looking for an all-inclusive holiday, the Hotel Zone has plenty to offer. But if you’re seeking a less touristy experience, other neighborhoods might be more up your alley. Check out this quiz below to help you decide where to stay!