Vallarta Shores

Set apart from the rest of Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica by a private gate at the end of a cobblestone street, Vallarta Shores is close to all the activity of the city while feeling completely secluded. The stately brick entrance and the hotel’s subdued exterior make the property feel exclusive -- more like a private residential complex than the average Mexican resort. The building also seems like it should house far more than the 15 suites that it offers, which is a testament to the size of the homey units inside.While the hotel sits on bustling Playa Los Muertos, right in front of the popular Boy on a Seahorse statute, the property itself tends to be on the quiet side. Offering few amenities beyond a pool and a beachfront terrace, the hotel is more designed for guests seeking a home-away-from-home than a place to party and mingle. The action isn't far away, though, since there are several restaurants, bars, shops, and the Malecon all within a five-minute walk of the hotel. For guests who want a bit of calm in the center of the action, Vallarta Shores is a great option.

Tucked at the end of a cobblestone street running parallel to the beach in the Zona Romantica section of Puerto Vallarta’s old town, Vallarta Shores manages to feel secluded while being in the middle of one of the city's mostly lively areas. The hotel sits on a popular section of bustling Playa Los Muertos that features the Boy on a Seahorse statue that’s one of the symbols of Puerto Vallarta. The blocks around the hotel are made up of winding cobblestone streets full of hotels and nightlife, including many of the city’s gay bars. In less than 10 minutes, guests can walk to several restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as the southern end of the Malecon, the city’s energetic oceanfront promenade. The northern portion of the Malecon, home to picturesque statues, food vendors, dining, and nightlife, can be reached on foot in about 25 minutes, or by car in 10 minutes. It's also where visitors will find the landmark Parish of Our Lady of Guadelupe Church. Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport is about a half-hour drive away.

Modern convenience meets local charm in the lovely suites at Vallarta Shores. The eight Standard Suites are each individually decorated, but all feature colorful decor and authentic local touches like vibrant tile work, local textiles, and original artwork. One- and two-bedroom Standard Suites are available. Every suite features a full kitchen, a dining area, a living room, and a private furnished balcony facing the ocean and offering stellar sunset views. Air-conditioning, ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi come standard. Large closets are outfitted with safes, irons, and ironing boards. Tiled bathrooms feature showers (no tubs), hairdryers, and Serenity Pleasures toiletries. One of the suites, Suite 4, features a large private pool, which used to be the hotel’s main pool before it built its current pool directly on the beach.The six Sky Suites are a major upgrade. They're sleek and modern while still providing touches of local charm in the furnishings and textiles. The posh suites have three air-conditioned bedrooms and huge open-air common areas. Polished marble floors run throughout, and the open plan common areas feature full kitchens, living areas, large dining tables, and impressive private pools. Some units also include grills and whirlpool tubs. All of the Sky Suites offer panoramic ocean views and come with a personal chef who shops for groceries and prepares two meals a day (the cost of the groceries is extra).The top-of-the-line pick at Vallarta Shores is its Penthouse: a chic four-bedroom, five-bathroom suite that takes up the hotel’s entire top floor. Similar in set up to the Sky Suites, the Penthouse adds even more perks like a gorgeous private infinity pool and bedrooms that come with smart TVs, Netflix, Blu-ray players, and iPod docks. 

The amenities at Vallarta Shores are lovely, but limited. The hotel enjoys a prime location on Playa Los Muertos, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular beaches. The hotel’s private beach area, full of sun loungers and thatched palapas, is just a few feet from the iconic Boy on a Seahorse statue, which means there are always people wandering by (and, unfortunately, plenty of vendors, too). Overlooking the beach is the hotel’s infinity pool, which was built to replace a smaller main pool tucked back in a corner (now a private pool for one of the suites). Up a few steps above the pool is a hot tub.Also beside the beach is a nice terrace facing the ocean, outfitted with lounge areas and tables that are ideal for sunset viewing. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and the hotel has a small private parking area (also free), which is rare in the old town. he amenities pretty much end there. There’s isn't a restaurant or bar, and the hotel lacks a spa or a fitness center. The lobby is tiny and there are no indoor lounge areas, leaving guests to choose between their suites or the beachfront terrace if they’re looking to relax.