Where To Stay In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (2026 Guide)
Where To Stay In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (2026 Guide)
Puerto Vallarta sprawls along Banderas Bay, split by a river and divided into distinct zones that feel like different cities.
Choosing where to stay in Puerto Vallarta determines whether you wake up to mariachi bands and taco stands or infinity pools overlooking jungle cliffs. The wrong hotel means 40-minute taxi rides. The right one puts you steps from what you came for.
This guide breaks down the best areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta so you can book confidently.
What to Expect in This Post
This guide to where to stay is built for quick scanning and real-world decisions. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Clear breakdown of the 5 main areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta for tourists
- Honest pros and cons for each zone
- Practical guidance on safety, walkability, and how to get around Puerto Vallarta
- Specific recommendations for couples, families, and solo travellers
- Direct answers about hotels vs vacation rentals
- Where NOT to stay if you’re planning a trip for the first time
Best Areas to Stay in Puerto Vallarta: Quick Overview
- Romantic Zone (Zona Romántica) – walkable, LGBTQ-friendly, restaurants, nightlife
- Centro/Downtown Puerto Vallarta – authentic Mexican character, Malecón boardwalk, budget-friendly
- Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) – all-inclusive resorts, beaches in Puerto Vallarta, families, less walkable
- Marina Vallarta – golf, yacht clubs, upscale, quiet, great for long stays
- Nuevo Vallarta – newer development north of airport, mega all-inclusive hotels, wide beaches
Romantic Zone: Best Hotel Area for First-Time Visitors
This is the place to stay in Puerto Vallarta if you want walkability and character.
The Romantic Zone sits south of the Cuale River and packs hundreds of restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops into a dense grid of cobblestone streets. Los Muertos Beach anchors the southern edge.
Who it’s for: Couples, solo travellers, LGBTQ travellers, anyone who wants to walk everywhere and skip taxis.
The zona feels safest after dark compared to other parts of Puerto Vallarta. You’ll walk past street tacos at 11 PM with zero concern. Most accommodations here are boutique hotels, small guesthouses, and vacation rentals.
According to Numbeo’s safety index, Puerto Vallarta scores moderately well for tourist safety, and Zona Romántica consistently ranks as the most secure zone for visitors.
Hotel options: Look for boutique hotels like Casa Kimberly (Elizabeth Taylor’s former villa) or Zona Z Boutique Hotel. You’ll also find mid-range hotels and beachfront suites with rooftop pools.
The south zone is also home to Los Muertos Beach, one of the best places for beach chairs, vendors, and easy ocean access right on the beach.
Downsides: Steep hills if you book too far uphill from the beach. Can feel crowded during high season (December–April). Some streets flood during summer rains.
Centro: Authentic Puerto Vallarta Hotels on a Budget
Centro is where locals actually live and work.
This is Old Town north of the river—less polished than the Romantic Zone but more authentic. You’ll find the iconic Malecón boardwalk, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the main plaza here.
Who it’s for: Budget travellers, culture seekers, people who don’t need beach access at their doorstep.
Safety is generally fine along the Malecón and main tourist streets. Walkability is excellent within the core. You’re also close to the main bus terminal if you’re planning day trips from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita or the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.
Hotel options range from converted colonial buildings to standard Mexican hotels in Puerto Vallarta. Expect better deals than Zona Romántica, especially outside the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta (November–April).
This small area also offers some of the best places to eat authentic Mexican food without tourist pricing.
Downsides: Beaches here are narrow and less appealing. The neighbourhood empties out earlier in the evening compared to the Romantic Zone. Some side streets feel sketchy after dark.
Hotel Zone: Best All-Inclusive Resort in Puerto Vallarta Territory
Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone is a 3-mile stretch of resorts lining the coast north of downtown.
This beach area exists almost entirely for tourists. You’ll find chain all-inclusive resorts, timeshare complexes, and beachfront hotels. The beach here is wider and calmer than Los Muertos.
Who it’s for: Families, all-inclusive fans, anyone prioritizing beach access over walkable neighbourhoods.
Safety is excellent inside resort complexes. Outside them, you’re walking along a busy highway with limited sidewalks. Most guests take taxis everywhere or stay at one of the hotels and resorts on property.
According to the U.S. Department of State, Jalisco state (where Puerto Vallarta is located) carries a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory, though Puerto Vallarta itself remains popular with American tourists.
Best hotels in Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone: Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, Secrets Vallarta Bay (adults-only), and Velas Vallarta (suite-style all-inclusive) are top picks. Many offer private beach areas and multiple pool areas.
This zone offers the widest range of familiar resort brands. Think Marriott, Hilton, Westin—properties with kids’ clubs, multiple pools, and structured activities.
Downsides: You’ll need taxis for restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and nightlife. It lacks neighborhood character. Mid-tier properties here can feel dated despite premium prices.
Marina Vallarta: Upscale Puerto Vallarta Hotels and Villas
Marina Vallarta sits north of the airport around a yacht harbor and golf course.
This is Puerto Vallarta’s upscale residential zone. It’s gated, manicured, and purpose-built. You’ll find luxury villas, a marina with yacht clubs, golf courses, and a small commercial plaza with restaurants and shops.
Who it’s for: Golfers, boaters, long-term renters, travellers prioritising quiet over action.
Safety and walkability within Marina Vallarta are both excellent. The area feels almost suburban. It’s a 15-minute taxi ride to Zona Romántica and 10 minutes to the airport.
Most accommodations here are vacation villas and condo-hotels. You’ll also find a few upscale resorts near the golf course.
Downsides: You’re isolated from authentic Puerto Vallarta culture. Dining and nightlife options within Marina are limited. You’ll rely on taxis or rental cars.
Nuevo Vallarta: All-Inclusive Resort Town North of Puerto Vallarta
Nuevo Vallarta isn’t technically part of Puerto Vallarta—it’s in Nayarit state, 15 minutes north of the airport.
This is a planned beach resort development built around wide beaches and mega all-inclusive resorts. The area feels newer and more spacious than Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone.
Who it’s for: Families who want all-inclusive convenience, travellers prioritising beach quality over cultural immersion.
You’re completely removed from downtown Puerto Vallarta energy here. Most visitors never leave their resort. The beach is beautiful—long, flat, and less crowded than Los Muertos or the Hotel Zone.
Safety inside resorts is top-tier. Outside resorts, there’s not much to see or do beyond a handful of shopping centers and chain restaurants.
Downsides: You’re 30–40 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta by taxi. No walkable neighbourhood to explore. Limited dining options outside your resort.
Best Puerto Vallarta Hotels for First-Time Visitors
If this is your first trip to Puerto Vallarta, stay in the Romantic Zone or Centro.
- Romantic Zone gives you beaches, walkability, safety, and dining all within 10 blocks
- Centro offers more authenticity and lower prices if you don’t need immediate beach access
- Hotel Zone works if you’re booking an all-inclusive and won’t leave the property much
- Avoid Marina Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta unless you have specific reasons (golf, mega-resort experience)
Best Area for Nightlife and Places to Eat
Zona Romántica dominates for nightlife and dining when you visit Puerto Vallarta.
You’ll find everything from mezcal bars to drag shows to rooftop cocktail lounges within walking distance. Travel + Leisure frequently highlights the zone’s restaurant density and quality.
For authentic local food, Centro offers better taco stands and neighbourhood fondas at half the price.
The Hotel Zone and Marina have limited independent dining. You’ll mostly find hotel restaurants and chains.
Best Resort in Puerto Vallarta for Families
The Hotel Zone and Nuevo Vallarta offer the most family-friendly infrastructure.
All-inclusive resorts here come with kids’ clubs, family pools, and organized activities. Beaches are calmer and more supervised than downtown.
The Romantic Zone can work for families with older kids who don’t need constant entertainment. You’ll find more variety in dining, but fewer resort-style amenities.
Avoid Centro with young children. It’s louder, more crowded, and lacks family-oriented services.
Adults-Only Hotels: Best Luxury Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta offers excellent adults-only options for couples seeking peace.
Hotel Mousai in the South Hotel Zone is one of the best luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta. This adults-only property features infinity pools that overlook Banderas Bay, suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a rooftop pool with bay views.
Other top adults-only picks: Secrets Vallarta Bay (Hotel Zone) and boutique hotels scattered throughout the Romantic Zone.
These properties give you the best opportunity to stay in Puerto Vallarta without the noise and crowds of family resorts.
Best Boutique Hotel Options and Villa Rentals
Boutique hotels dominate the Romantic Zone, particularly in the hillside areas that overlook the bay.
Casa Kimberly remains a cultural landmark—Elizabeth Taylor’s former home turned boutique hotel. You’ll also find contemporary boutique hotels in this area with 10–20 rooms, infinity pools, and personalized service.
For villa rentals, focus on Marina Vallarta or the hillside neighbourhoods south of Puerto Vallarta toward Conchas Chinas. These villas often come with private pools and staff.
Hotel vs Villa: What's Better in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta has strong options for both hotels and villas.
Hotels make sense if you want daily housekeeping, on-site restaurants, and front desk support. Most tourists choose to stay in hotels in the Hotel Zone or boutique properties in the Romantic Zone.
Villas and vacation rentals work better for stays over a week. You’ll save money cooking some meals and get more space. Marina Vallarta and hillside Zona Romántica have the best rental inventory.
Booking platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are widely used here. Just verify the exact location—some “Zona Romántica” listings are actually a 20-minute uphill walk from the beach.
Day Trips and Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta
Staying in the right zone of Puerto Vallarta makes day trips easier.
Centro’s location near the bus terminal is your best bet for trips to Sayulita, San Sebastián del Oeste, or the Sierra Madre mountains.
From the Hotel Zone or Marina, you can easily reach Los Arcos Marine Park for snorkeling or Mismaloya beach (film location for “Night of the Iguana”).
South of Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find beach clubs and exclusive beach towns like Punta Mita in the Bay of Banderas. The zone also offers easy access to Playa Las Animas and other secluded beaches.
Hotels in this area often arrange tours to these spots, making Puerto Vallarta a strong base for exploring the Banderas Bay region.
Where NOT to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
Avoid anything labeled “South Shore” beyond Conchas Chinas unless you have a rental car.
These southern neighborhoods (Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlán) are beautiful but isolated. You’ll spend 30+ minutes and significant taxi fare getting anywhere without a beach vacation mindset.
Skip accommodations on the inland side of the highway in the Hotel Zone. You’ll cross dangerous traffic just to reach the beach.
Don’t book based solely on low prices in Centro without checking the exact location. Some budget hotel options sit in areas that feel uncomfortable after sunset.
Key Takeaways
- The Romantic Zone offers the best balance of beaches, walkability, safety, and dining for most visitors
- Centro provides authentic character and better value if you prioritize culture over beach access
- The Hotel Zone works for all-inclusive stays but lacks neighborhood walkability
- Marina Vallarta suits golf enthusiasts and travelers wanting quiet, upscale surroundings
- Nuevo Vallarta delivers wide beaches and mega-resorts but removes you from Puerto Vallarta proper
- First-timers should stay in Zona Romántica or Centro to maximize walkability
- Hotels and resorts dominate the Hotel Zone; vacation villas are common in Marina Vallarta
- Adults-only resorts like Hotel Mousai offer luxury experiences with Bay of Banderas views
FAQ
What is the best area to stay in Puerto Vallarta for first-time visitors?
The Romantic Zone is the best area for first-time visitors. It offers walkable access to beaches, restaurants, bars, and shops while maintaining good safety and a clear sense of place. You can explore on foot and easily taxi to other neighborhoods.
Is it safe to walk around Puerto Vallarta at night?
Yes, it’s generally safe to walk in the Romantic Zone and along the Malecón in Centro at night. These areas have heavy foot traffic and visible security. Avoid isolated side streets in Centro and always use official taxis or Uber for longer distances after dark.
Should I stay in an all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta?
Stay at an all-inclusive resort if you prioritize convenience, family amenities, and don’t plan to explore the city much. Skip all-inclusive hotels if you want to experience local restaurants, bars, and neighborhoods—you’ll miss Puerto Vallarta’s best dining and culture.
How far is Nuevo Vallarta from Puerto Vallarta?
Nuevo Vallarta is about 15 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta International Airport and 30–40 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta by taxi. While they share similar names, they’re separate destinations with different vibes.
What's the difference between the Romantic Zone and Old Town?
The Romantic Zone is the southern part of Old Town, located south of the Cuale River. Centro (or Downtown) is the northern part of Old Town. The Romantic Zone is more touristy, walkable, and LGBTQ-friendly, while Centro feels more authentically Mexican.
Do I need a car in Puerto Vallarta?
No, you don’t need a car if you’re staying in the Romantic Zone or Centro. Taxis and Uber work well to get around Puerto Vallarta. Consider a car only if you’re staying in Marina or planning frequent day trips outside the city.
Where should I avoid staying in Puerto Vallarta?
Avoid isolated areas south of Conchas Chinas, accommodations on the inland side of the highway in the Hotel Zone, and budget hotels in less-trafficked parts of Centro. Stick to established tourist neighborhoods for your first visit to Puerto Vallarta.
