Hotel Villa Del Mar

Sitting in a four-story brick building on a lively corner in central Puerto Vallarta, Hotel Villa Del Mar is ideal for guests who want a good, budget-friendly home base for exploring the city. The hotel itself is relaxed and quiet, while being surrounded by lively bars and restaurants dotted through the cobblestone streets of the old town. The property may not offer many amenities, but it’s full of local charm, from the bright colors and quirky decor touches in the rooms, to the funky knick-knacks in the relaxed lobby. Vibrantly colored murals are tucked into the hallways that jut off from the hotel's pretty central courtyard, depicting flowers, Spanish sayings, and even Frida Kahlo herself. The hotel serves as a great home base for guests who want to come and go as they please while they explore the city. 

Hotel Villa Del Mar enjoys a prime location in the center of old town Puerto Vallarta. There are several restaurants, bars, and shops in the surrounding cobblestone street blocks. A two-minute walk away via a small chain bridge is Isla Rio Cuale, a tiny island in the middle of the city that features restaurants, bars, and lots of artisan stalls selling crafts and souvenirs. Playa Los Muertos, one of the city’s most popular beaches, is a 10-minute walk away. That’s also where guests will find the Malecon, a bustling oceanfront promenade that runs the length of the city. Also a 10-minute walk from the hotel is the landmark Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The section of the Malecon near the church is one of the most lively, featuring modern statues, evening food vendors, and a high concentration of shops and restaurants. Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport is a 25-minute drive away. 

Vibrantly colored walls and fabrics combine with decor touches like quirky knick-knacks or stained-glass in Hotel Villa Del Mar’s large, but simple, rooms, creating an air of authentic local charm. Standard rooms face the hotel’s interior courtyard and come with basic amenities, including cable TV, ceiling fans, and free bottled water. Wi-Fi is free in all rooms. Some rooms feature flat-screens, but others still have old tube-style TVs. Standard rooms offer a choice of various bed combinations, ranging from two twin beds to two double beds, sleeping two, three, or four guests. Upgraded rooms face the exterior of the hotel and feature furnished balconies overlooking the streets below. Functional bathrooms offer showers and basic toiletries. The top-of-the-line units at the hotel are the Superior Suites. These one-bedroom units feature living rooms with sofa beds, large terraces, and kitchenettes with charming Mexican tile work, refrigerators, stoves, and microwaves. 

Part of the budget aspect of the Hotel Villa Del Mar is its lack of amenities that guests might find at other higher-end (and more expensive) hotels. One of the property’s greatest features is its sprawling roof terrace, which offers stunning 360-degree views of old town Puerto Vallarta, plus the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre mountains in the distance. It features a few sun loungers and a picnic table where guests can unwind. Up a spiral metal staircase there’s a tiny smaller terrace, which offers even more unobstructed views of the city. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The only option for parking is street parking, which can be difficult to find in the area. The front desk is on hand to assist guests who need taxis.