Hotel Suites la Siesta

Hotel Suites la Siesta’s 22 rooms are spread out over six floors in a tall tower facing the ocean, every room is quiet and private -- guests just might feel like they’re the only ones there. Public spaces have an authentic Mexican look, thanks to colorful tile work, arched doorways, and local touches. While the property is family-friendly and many of the suites are large enough to accommodate bigger groups, there aren’t a lot of amenities that would appeal to small kids, making it more popular with couples and adult travelers. The pool and restaurant have ocean views, creating the perfect front row seat for the city’s fabulous sunsets.

Hotel Suites la Siesta is in a prime location for guests who want to discover the artistic side of Puerto Vallarta. Sitting on a steep cobblestone street in the city center, the hotel is a short walk to several top attractions. The Mirador Cerro de La Cruz panoramic lookout is a four-minute walk further up the same steep street, away from the water. The blocks below the hotel, between it and the ocean, are lined with fascinating art galleries, and this is where the city’s regular Art Walks take place. The start of the Art Walk is a block below the hotel, and a series of switchbacked walkways makes the two-minute walk down the hill much easier. The northern portion of the Malecon, the city’s lively oceanfront promenade, full of public artwork, evening food vendors, restaurants, shops, and bars, is a five-minute walk from the hotel. The landmark Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church can be reached on foot in seven minutes. Walking a few minutes further and crossing a small chain bridge takes visitors to Isla Rio Cuale, a tiny island in the middle of the city that features restaurants and several stalls selling crafts and souvenirs. Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport is about a 25-minute drive away.

The rooms at Hotel Suites la Siesta seem as though they were designed around their views, and one look at those views explains why. Large double sliding glass doors open up an entire wall of each room to face the buildings and the ocean below, making it feel is if there’s nothing between guests and the city other than some quaint flower beds and a small railing. Even rooms without balconies have this feature, and the breezes that come in are divine (which is great, since there’s no air-conditioning).

There are two entry-level types of room, which offer different features for guests to choose from. Studios include colorful kitchens with stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, and dishware, but no balconies. Superior Suites offer balconies, but no kitchens. Upgraded suites combine the best of both worlds, including both kitchens and balconies. Junior Suites have one bedroom, while Master Suites offer two bedrooms.

All rooms are outfitted with lovely Mexican tile work, arched doorways, and colorful decor touches that create a strong sense of local charm. The upholstery on the furniture and the linens on the beds are a bit dated, but they’re clean and add to the rooms’ charm. Every room comes equipped with an industrial-strength ceiling fan, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a comfortable living area, a big closet, and a large jug-style water dispenser. Bathrooms feature more tile work, colorful sinks, and some toiletries. 

The amenities offered at Hotel Suites la Siesta take full advantage of the property’s amazing sunset views. Sitting on the top floor is El Panorama, a homey restaurant that’s been offering upscale fare since 1973 and has some of the best views in the city. It also has a full bar for guests who just want drinks. In addition to the panoramic views from the main dining room level, there are two levels of outdoor terraces above, which are available for private events. Room service is offered. There are no on-site options for breakfast or lunch.

Off the lobby is a small but lovely outdoor pool with a handful of sun loungers. Thanks to the hotel’s position up a steep hill, it offers great views of the ocean and the sunset even though it’s on the ground floor. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Guests can park for free in the hotel’s own private lot right in front of the entrance (a rarity in central Puerto Vallarta).