Quinta Maria Cortez

Hidden on a tiny cobblestone street off the main road in Conchas Chinas, Quinta Maria Cortez and Casa Tres Vidas are a one-of-a-kind hotel experience that make guests feel like they’ve discovered a secret and entered a different world. Set in two adjoining former private villas, the properties have retained many of the original architectural features, including exposed brick walls, stone pillars, domes covered in mirrored glass pieces, and winding staircases. Combine that with memorable features in the various rooms, ranging from colorful artwork, to antique furnishings, to mounted trophy heads. There are even fireplaces (a rarity in the area).

The buildings are worthy of a movie set and have, in fact, been used in a few films. Yet despite their grandeur, the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. Drawing a largely adult crowd, Quinta Maria Cortez and Casa Tres Vidas offer seclusion, privacy, and a taste of the good life. The many loyal repeat customers who book their favorite units up to a year in advance are a testament to the hotel’s charm. For guests seeking a unique upscale hotel experience that’s the polar opposite of the generic resort, this is the perfect place.

Tucked down a narrow, winding cobblestone street off the main road running through the upscale Conchas Chinas area, Quinta Maria Cortez and Casa Tres Vidas offer a welcome sense of seclusion while still being close to some of the biggest attractions of Puerto Vallarta. A 10-minute drive to the north takes guests to the famous art, shops, and food vendors of the city’s Malecon, a bustling oceanfront promenade. This is also where you'll find the landmark Parish of Our Lady of Guadelupe church. The popular Playa Los Muertos in the Zona Romantica is even closer, at a seven-minute drive away. A 15-minute drive to the south brings guests to Los Arcos national park, home to scenic rock formations that are popular for snorkeling. Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport is a half-hour away by car. 

Every unit at Quinta Maria Cortez and Casa Tres Vidas has been lovingly crafted to create a welcoming lodging experience. The beautiful Quinta Maria Cortez side of the property houses seven gorgeous, individually decorated suites. Each features distinctly different decor, incorporating exposed brick, stunning tile work, antique furnishings, and charming touches like trophy heads, colorful artwork, and Mexican knick-knacks. Each suite comes with free Wi-Fi, an open-air living room, a lovely full kitchen, ceiling fans, and air-conditioning in the bedrooms (except for one unit, which isn’t available in the summer months). Stunning, massive bathrooms feature refined tile work and huge showers. The suites don't have TVs. Many of the rooms also have private terraces, ocean views, and/or fireplaces (a rarity in this area).

The three villas at Casa Tres Vidas are equally as impressive, incorporating more exposed brick and original architectural features. Refined archways, plush furnishings, four-poster beds, and private hot tubs make each of the three-bedroom, multi-level units a luxe oasis for families, groups, or anyone who just wants to feel pampered. Like the suites, the villas include open-air living rooms, lovely kitchens, ceiling fans, and air-conditioned bedrooms, but also feature TVs. 

The hotel feature plenty of upscale amenities designed to pamper guests. Each half of the property features a lovely outdoor pool that offers perfect views of the ocean. A third small outdoor pool can be found on the adjoining roof terraces, which provide panoramic views of the surrounding area and are outfitted with a bar and furniture for private events. Winding stairs wander down several floors through plants, colorful artwork, and local decor to eventually meet a secluded, rocky beach below. While technically public, it feels completely private and offers some sun loungers and umbrellas. The dramatic rocks make the stellar sunset views even more stunning. One of the best places to take them in is from the charming beachside patio, complete with the remnants of classic stone columns.

While there’s no full-service restaurant or bar on the property, each side offers guests different meal options. On the Quinta Maria Cortez side, free cooked-to-order breakfast is served six days a week in a homey lounge area overlooking the ocean. The villas on the Casa Tres Vidas side come with chef service, which includes a personal chef who does daily grocery shopping and prepares two meals a day, six days a week, according to guests’ wishes (the cost of the groceries is extra).

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Guests can park on the street outside for free. There are no spa or fitness facilities at the property.