Grand Miramar Club & Spa Rating: 3.5 Pearls

Conchas Chinas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

With construction on the new 80-unit tower completed, you may be able to find some sun-soaked relaxation here without the construction commotion (though sales pitches continue). Thanks to its hillside location perched above Conchas Chinas (the "Beverly Hills of Puerto Vallarta"), views of Bahia Banderas are stunning from nearly every angle. Three pools prevent any one area from becoming too crowded, and a spa offers further reprieve -- all a nice getaway from some of the crazier party-centric spots in Puerto Vallarta.

Because the property occupies the side of a mountain, you'll likely be riding an elevator almost everywhere on-site. And now that the new tower is completed, there will be many more sites to visit -- another restaurant, an infinity-edge pool, a sundeck, and new rooftop gym -- and thus many more guests to fill the once quiet spaces.

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Conchas Chinas is a small, pretty beach on Vallarta’s south shore -- and it is also the name of this posh, verdant neighborhood of condos and homes on the hilly southern edge of town. It's an older, wealthy neighborhood, with mature plantings, well-tended streets, and plenty of lovely homes to admire as you wind uphill to the hotel entrance. To trek between the hotel, the beach, and downtown, the hotel offers a scheduled shuttle service.

• 30-minute drive to Puerto Vallarta Airport
• 5-minute drive to Playa Los Muertos
• 5- to 10-minute drive to Downtown Vallarta
• 25-minute drive to Marina Vallarta
• 25-minute drive to the nearest golf course

Currently the property contains just 38 rooms (ranging from one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, as well as a studio and a few penthouses). The suites all come furnished with the same softly colored contemporary furnishing against pale marble and light finishes. There is plenty of space in every suite, including a good-size balcony overlooking the pools or a garden and beyond across Bahia Banderas.

The lower-level rooms overlook a green hillside, much quieter than those above the pool. The 80 new standard rooms in the adjacent tower were finished in late December 2011.

• Flat-screen TVs
• Large tiled walk-in showers; no tubs
• Pillow menu
• Free Wi-Fi
• Kitchenettes with electric cooktops, microwaves, mini-fridge, and tableware with service for up to eight people
• Washer/dryer in suites
• Larger suites offer separate dining room areas

• Modern fitness center with view, and steam and sauna rooms
• Beauty salon with manicure and pedicure stations
• Spa with full-service treatment menu
• Three pools (one heated) and a Jacuzzi
• Shop on-site for gifts and sundries
• Free shuttle to town and beach
• Yacht membership allows for cruises on various ships and boats
• Golf Club membership allows for discounts at area courses
• View Full List of Amenities

• 24-hour room service in high season
• Poolside snack bar
• Gourmet restaurant has two levels, both also used for timeshare selling
• European and all-inclusive options
• New rooftop restaurant opened in December 2011