Mayan Palace Puerto Vallarta

The Mayan Palace pays homage to its namesake with large Mayan stone carvings in the cave-like entrance to the lobby. Once inside, the space opens up to a bright and contemporary open-air seating area furnished with a brown circular settee and clusters of white slipcovered chairs. A large pond stretches behind the lobby and leads to the gorgeous and well-tended garden grounds set with flowering plants and palm trees. It's unusual to find this level of landscaping in Puerto Vallarta. Iguanas are a regular sight. Guests are a mix of older couples and young families. Though there's organized entertainment and three bars, the overall scene is quiet and usually serene -- timeshare pitches are more likely to be a problem than loud partiers.

The hotel is located near the end of the dead-end road that curves through the Marina district, with many other hotels nearby. The street is busy with tourists walking to the nearby Marina which has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops. The Mayan Palace is about halfway between the airport and downtown Puerto Vallarta, so it's a relatively quick car ride to both destinations. Expect to pay for parking at the hotel.

There are 212 rooms and suites at the Mayan Palace and each of them is spacious and clean. Decor includes an ocean-inspired color palette, tiled floors, and white walls. Simple furniture is made of light wood with silver handles; small armchairs are upholstered with brown fabric. Flat-screen TVs and private balconies are standard, though there's a fee for Wi-Fi. Master Rooms have shower stalls and single sinks. Luxe toiletries and a bottle of water are provided. Upgrade to a Suite for more space and a kitchenette with burners, a mini-fridge, microwave, and all the appliances and dishes needed to prepare a meal. Bathrooms in the Suites include shower/tub combos and private water closets. Some rooms have gorgeous ocean views while others overlook the street.

Features at the Mayan Palace are dedicated to sun and food. The real highlight is the expansive pool, with several levels connected by waterfalls, stepping stones, and islands planted with palm trees. There's a poolside bar and snack area along with a swim-up bar for sipping cocktails in the water. The area is adjacent to the beach, which has thatch umbrellas and comfortable sun loungers along with outdoor showers and a volleyball net. Open air booths provide a spot for massages with the ocean breeze. Organized entertainment includes bingo, live music, and jugglers.

On-site restaurants are pricey. Bakal Restaurant and Cafe has indoor and outdoor seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sunset Beach Club offers a chic sand-floored lounge and bar set with luxe sofas and chairs overlooking the water (this is an adults-only space).

Computers are available for guests to use, though there's a price for Wi-Fi. The on-site fitness center is spacious and well-lit. There are cardio machines and strength-training equipment there. An on-site boutique sells clothing and gifts.