Hotel Rio Malecon Puerto Vallarta

Guests at Hotel Rio spend most of their time on property hanging out in the small courtyard where a modest but nicely landscaped and clean pool is located alongside the Coexist Cafe. There are several sitting areas where guests can relax near the courtyard on balconies overlooking the pool. The small hotel lobby includes an interesting fishing boat display, but not much else. The space opens up directly to the busy street. This isn't a party hotel, though there is a bar, the vibe is low key and relaxed. Guests are a mix of families and couples, mostly international.

The Hotel Rio Malecon Puerto Vallarta sits on busy cross streets in downtown Puerto Vallarta near the pedestrian-friendly boardwalk (malecon in Spanish) in the Old Town district. It's an easy walk to Mexican restaurants, bars, and a craft fair, plus a Starbucks. The neighborhood is bustling and colorful, with the beach, Playa de los Muertos, about one block away. Parking isn't available at the hotel (which is common) so guests have to fend for themselves with street and parking garages in the area.

There are 47 rooms divided into three categories at Hotel Rio; all of them are clean and air-conditioned. The cheapest option are the Standard Rooms. These have painted cement headboards, tile floors, and sleep three. Bathrooms are done in pretty Spanish tile and the TVs are old-fashioned tube-style. It might be worth paying a little extra to upgrade to a Superior Room for a flat-screen TV and prettier decor. The walls are painted with swirled blue paint and decorated with circular mirrors above the bed. Luxe Rooms can include stocked kitchenettes with coffeemakers, black leather sofas, and sparkly chandeliers. Guests should note that some of the glass encased showers in the Luxe and Superior Rooms are directly inside the bedroom, without any privacy. The toilets are hidden behind a door. Rooms facing the street may pick up some traffic noise, though double-paned windows do a pretty good job of keeping things quiet. Wi-Fi in the rooms is free, but sometimes spotty. Small pets are allowed for a fee and with advance notice.

For a small property, the Hotel Rio offers some convenient features. The highlight of the hotel is the modest but pretty courtyard pool. It is accented with shooting water fountains and surrounded by wooden tables and chairs where guests can have a meal or a drink from the on-site Coexist Cafe. Room service is also available. Food gets high marks, but there are almost endless options just outside the hotel's front doors for those that want to explore. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, though it can be spotty.