Pros

  • 2 huge pools, featuring a swim-up bar and a slide
  • Expansive beachfront with bar
  • Partial or full ocean and/or pool views from most guest rooms
  • Clean spa with sauna and Jacuzzi
  • Free Wi-Fi in lobby areas
  • Sports bar with multiple TV screens and pool tables
  • Good Kids’ Club with outdoor play equipment and wading pool
See More Pros

Cons

  • Standard rooms are small and short on amenities
  • No Wi-Fi or Internet in rooms
  • Mostly older tube TVs in rooms
  • Long drive to downtown
See More Cons

Bottom Line

The Spanish hotel company Riu offers three classes of all-inclusive (there’s one of each in Nuevo Vallarta), and the 700-room Jalisco is the economy option -- but you wouldn't guess that upon entry. The entry and lobby are grand, and the grounds are immaculate, with two sprawling pools, beautiful garden areas, and a large, pristine beach. The rooms, however, are small, lackluster, and short on amenities. There are plenty of restaurants, which is a bonus on any all-inclusive plan, plus a handful of fun bars (including a swim-up pool bar), and even a nightclub. The property is far removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Puerto Vallarta, but it remains an excellent option for a beautiful all-inclusive beach getaway.

See More Bottom Line

Oyster Hotel Review

Hotel Riu Jalisco

Scene

The exterior style and outdoor offerings are the real draw here

The grand, split-stairway entrance to the Riu Jalisco sets the tone for what follows -- towering white stucco buildings surround the property, the centerpiece being a sprawling outdoor plaza complete with statuesque gazebo hovering above a large fountain pool in the center. The grounds are immaculately landscaped and teeming with towering palms, babbling fountains, and seemingly limitless lounge seating. Ornate architectural elements like fanciful tile work, wrought-iron railings and garden benches, and random cobalt-blue accents exude a true Mexican-resort experience. The lobby fulfills that as well, but in a slightly cheesier way -- bright colors and lush palms are a nice touch, but the furniture appears dated in places, and the faux-flower arrangements cheapen the feel of the space.

The greatest draw, though, are the two sprawling pools (plus kiddy pool), and the large pristine beach, which dramatically exposes itself after a short, peaceful stroll through a "forest" of palm trees.

See More Scene

Location

On the beach in Nuevo Vallarta

Seemingly a world away from the bustling party destination of Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta is a sleepier resort locale with no real downtown -- just big resorts and upscale homes surrounded by a leafy enclave, pristine beach, or manicured golf courses. This is the area to head if you're on the hunt for a relaxing beach getaway with some golfing or spa treatments thrown in. To experience the culture, dining, nightlife, and shopping of Puerto Vallarta, you'll need to catch a cab for a 22-minute drive.

  • 15-minute drive to Puerto Vallarta Airport
  • 5-minute drive to nearby golf courses
  • 22-minute drive to downtown Puerto Vallarta
See More Location

Rooms

No-frills decor and bare-bones amenities

The luscious, luxurious grounds are by no means an indicator of what you'll find once you enter your room. Not spacious or particularly enticing, the guest rooms and suites here serve offer no more than a reasonably comfortable place to sleep. Compared with other all-inclusive hotels in this area, this one is short on amenities -- except for the great views from the small private decks, the liquor dispenser, and the restocked-on-request minibar. There is no in-room Internet, and the TVs are tube versions, with flat-screens in the master suites only. The [/puerto-vallarta/hotels/riu-jalisco-all-inclusive/photos/master-suite--v1220376-51/ |[furniture]] is functional, but the beds can be a bit too firm for some. And overall the decor feels far more drab than you'd expect based on the initial impression of this property.

  • Private decks in all rooms
  • Liquor dispenser minibar
  • Mildly stocked mini-fridge
  • Old [/puerto-vallarta/hotels/riu-jalisco-all-inclusive/photos/junior-suite--v1220376-51/ |[tube TVs]] in all but Master Suites
  • Standard rooms have shower only; suites have a bathtub
  • Master Suites have small Jacuzzi with peeking-ocean view
See More Rooms

Features

Good, standard selection of amenities and activities for most all-inclusive resorts

  • Two large pools, swim-up bar, and a kiddy pool
  • Wide, attractive beach
  • Spacious fitness center with a handful of cardio machines and weight equipment
  • Spa with Jacuzzi and sauna
  • Two floodlit tennis courts
  • Unlimited use of windsurfing equipment, catamarans, kayaks, and body boards
  • Nice plaza gathering place with theater and bars
  • Kids’ Club with outdoor playground
  • View Full List of Amenities
See More Features

All-Inclusive / Food

All-inclusve with full access to five restaurants and three bars

All-inclusive economy class features 24-hour room service, and a basic free-for-all in all the dining areas during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Don Emiliano: under the lobby, breakfast buffet, indoor and outdoor seating, Mexican/international/American cuisine
  • La Botana: Casual steakhouse by the beach, serves a nice international buffet at lunch and a grilled meat buffet dinner
  • Gran Dragon: Asian dining, buffet style, reservations required
  • Nayarit: Italian buffet at lunch, Rodizio Brazilian steakhouse in the evenings, reservations required
  • Dona Adelita: Mexican specialty, no reservations
  • Sports bar with multiple TVs, computer stations (for a fee), pool tables, arcade games, and foosball
  • Poncho and Villa: two bars by the theater in the plaza
  • Pacha Disco: nightclub bar
See More All-Inclusive / Food

Things You Should Know About Hotel Riu Jalisco

Also Known As

  • Riu Jalisco All-Inclusive
  • ClubHotel RIU Jalisco

Room Types

  • Double Room
  • Jacuzzi Suite
  • Junior Suite

Address

Avenida De Los Cocoteros, S/n, Lote K, Nuevo Vallarta 63732, Mexico

Phone

52 (322) 226-6600

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Hotel Riu Jalisco

Scene

The exterior style and outdoor offerings are the real draw here

The grand, split-stairway entrance to the Riu Jalisco sets the tone for what follows -- towering white stucco buildings surround the property, the centerpiece being a sprawling outdoor plaza complete with statuesque gazebo hovering above a large fountain pool in the center. The grounds are immaculately landscaped and teeming with towering palms, babbling fountains, and seemingly limitless lounge seating. Ornate architectural elements like fanciful tile work, wrought-iron railings and garden benches, and random cobalt-blue accents exude a true Mexican-resort experience. The lobby fulfills that as well, but in a slightly cheesier way -- bright colors and lush palms are a nice touch, but the furniture appears dated in places, and the faux-flower arrangements cheapen the feel of the space.

The greatest draw, though, are the two sprawling pools (plus kiddy pool), and the large pristine beach, which dramatically exposes itself after a short, peaceful stroll through a "forest" of palm trees.

See More Scene

Location

On the beach in Nuevo Vallarta

Seemingly a world away from the bustling party destination of Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta is a sleepier resort locale with no real downtown -- just big resorts and upscale homes surrounded by a leafy enclave, pristine beach, or manicured golf courses. This is the area to head if you're on the hunt for a relaxing beach getaway with some golfing or spa treatments thrown in. To experience the culture, dining, nightlife, and shopping of Puerto Vallarta, you'll need to catch a cab for a 22-minute drive.

  • 15-minute drive to Puerto Vallarta Airport
  • 5-minute drive to nearby golf courses
  • 22-minute drive to downtown Puerto Vallarta
See More Location

Rooms

No-frills decor and bare-bones amenities

The luscious, luxurious grounds are by no means an indicator of what you'll find once you enter your room. Not spacious or particularly enticing, the guest rooms and suites here serve offer no more than a reasonably comfortable place to sleep. Compared with other all-inclusive hotels in this area, this one is short on amenities -- except for the great views from the small private decks, the liquor dispenser, and the restocked-on-request minibar. There is no in-room Internet, and the TVs are tube versions, with flat-screens in the master suites only. The [/puerto-vallarta/hotels/riu-jalisco-all-inclusive/photos/master-suite--v1220376-51/ |[furniture]] is functional, but the beds can be a bit too firm for some. And overall the decor feels far more drab than you'd expect based on the initial impression of this property.

  • Private decks in all rooms
  • Liquor dispenser minibar
  • Mildly stocked mini-fridge
  • Old [/puerto-vallarta/hotels/riu-jalisco-all-inclusive/photos/junior-suite--v1220376-51/ |[tube TVs]] in all but Master Suites
  • Standard rooms have shower only; suites have a bathtub
  • Master Suites have small Jacuzzi with peeking-ocean view
See More Rooms

Features

Good, standard selection of amenities and activities for most all-inclusive resorts

  • Two large pools, swim-up bar, and a kiddy pool
  • Wide, attractive beach
  • Spacious fitness center with a handful of cardio machines and weight equipment
  • Spa with Jacuzzi and sauna
  • Two floodlit tennis courts
  • Unlimited use of windsurfing equipment, catamarans, kayaks, and body boards
  • Nice plaza gathering place with theater and bars
  • Kids’ Club with outdoor playground
  • View Full List of Amenities
See More Features

All-Inclusive / Food

All-inclusve with full access to five restaurants and three bars

All-inclusive economy class features 24-hour room service, and a basic free-for-all in all the dining areas during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Don Emiliano: under the lobby, breakfast buffet, indoor and outdoor seating, Mexican/international/American cuisine
  • La Botana: Casual steakhouse by the beach, serves a nice international buffet at lunch and a grilled meat buffet dinner
  • Gran Dragon: Asian dining, buffet style, reservations required
  • Nayarit: Italian buffet at lunch, Rodizio Brazilian steakhouse in the evenings, reservations required
  • Dona Adelita: Mexican specialty, no reservations
  • Sports bar with multiple TVs, computer stations (for a fee), pool tables, arcade games, and foosball
  • Poncho and Villa: two bars by the theater in the plaza
  • Pacha Disco: nightclub bar
See More All-Inclusive / Food

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Beach

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Cribs

  • Fitness Center

  • Free Breakfast

  • Gameroom / Arcade

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.