Canto Del Sol Plaza Vallarta All-Inclusive Beach & Tennis Resort Rating: 3.0 Pearls

South Hotel Zone, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Right in the midst of the busy Hotel Zone and one block away from a heavily-trafficked highway, this property is surrounded by shopping centers, apartments, and other resorts -- including a massive hotel headed skyward next door. With its 228 rooms and 160 timeshare units, along with tennis courts, restaurants, shops, and meeting rooms, this sizable resort occupies a fairly large chunk of terrain. Its considerable scale forms a buffer between guests and the bustling streets outside, especially in the serene pool area that is dotted with palm trees and overlooks the beach.

Activities abound at this all-inclusive, which features tennis, volleyball, dance lessons, water sports, and nightly shows. And Downtown Puerto Vallarta -- with its myriad of shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs -- is just a 10-minute drive away.

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The entrance to the hotel is on a non-descript cobbled street encircling the Plaza Vallarta shopping zone. One block away from a heavily-trafficked highway and surrounded by shopping centers, apartments, and other resorts, this spot is not so pretty. However, its Hotel Zone location is certainly convenient, as it is halfway between the airport and the northern end of the Malecon, Puerto Vallarta's bustling beachfront boardwalk and promenade.

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's most picturesque beach destinations, with historic white-washed buildings, and cerulean seas set against a rugged mountain skyline. The massive Banderas Bay alone offers over 25 miles of seashore. With all this ocean comes a variety of water sports, like scuba diving with manta rays off Islas Marietas, boating around Los Arcos' reefs, and parasailing off of the popular Playa Los Muertos.

Other popular daytime activities include shopping -- not just the annoying beach vendor kind -- at Puerto Vallarta's mazelike markets. One of the best, Rio Cuale Flea Market, has multiple vendors selling wood carvings, handmade jewelry, and glass and beadwork (among many other items). But be prepared to haggle down those prices!

Puerto Vallarta stays awake when the sun dips below the horizon. Steamy salsa clubs light up the streets, and rowdy local bars supply a steady stream of cerveza for the thirsty traveler. Downtown Puerto Vallarta is the most happening and diverse area.

• 10-minute drive to airport
• 10-minute drive to downtown/Malecon
• 15-minute drive to Old Town

All 228 rooms have free Wi-Fi, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and pool or garden views. Decorated in a contemporary Mexican style, they feature warm color schemes with gold and orange tones. Homey touches include artwork on the walls and welcome messages spelled out with pebbles on the beds. The furnishings look a bit cheap, but are comfy enough.

• 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels
• Free Wi-Fi
• Pool or garden views
• Air conditioning with individual climate controls
• Contemporary decor with gold and orange color schemes
• Homey touches include artwork on the wall and welcome messages on the beds

• Tennis club with 4 clay outdoor courts, 4 hard indoor courts
• All-inclusive packages include 1 free hour of daytime tennis
• Onsite tennis pro available for lessons
• Kids' Club with supervised activities
• Small fitness center with free weights and exercise equipment
• Kayaks, sailboards, and other water-sports gear available
• Plenty of poolside activities daily
• Free Wi-Fi in rooms and public spaces
• View Full List of Amenities

The hotel has the expected all-inclusive restaurant options: a couple of poolside bars, a three-meal international buffet, a more authentic Mexican restaurant, and a nearby Italian eatery at a sister hotel. Bear in mind that the a la carte dinner options at the more upscale restaurants here are available on a limited number of evenings, depending on the all-inclusive package.

• Buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the poolside Los Cantaros outdoor restaurant
• Authentic Mexican fare is offered nightly at the candelit Santa Maria restaurant. Reservations and casually elegant dress are required.
• All-inclusive guests also have the option of Northern Italian food at Venezzia, located at the property's nearby sister hotel, the Vista Vallarta.
• Beverages and snacks are available at Los Peces and at the Aqua Bar el Papagayo, which features a swim-up bar and nightly entertainment.
• There is also a lobby bar, and La Terrazza Grill (only open during winter season).