Best Areas to Stay in Puerto Vallarta: a Quick and Easy Breakdown
Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods and their associated types of accommodations vary widely. This is one of the best reasons to choose Puerto Vallarta for your Mexico vacation – you get so many vibes to choose from.
Whether you wan ocean or mountain views from private balcony, authentic neighborhoods safe for tourists, serene beaches, secluded resorts or quiet jungle villas, you can have it all.
Depending what type of vacation you’re looking for will determine the best area to stay.
Puerto Vallarta is split up into zones/neighborhoods and they all have their different qualities, pros and cons and types of accommodations.
In this post, I’ll cover the best places and areas to stay for the following types of travelers:
- For Families
- For Couples
- For Adults
- For Singles
- Gay Travelers
- Budget Travelers
- Luxury holidays
- All Inclusive Seekers
We’ll start with the northernmost neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta and work our way south.
Nuevo Vallarta
Perfect for: families, golf vacations
Nuevo Vallarta is technically not part of Puerto Vallarta, but just north about 20 minutes from the airport.
Here you’ll find large all inclusive resorts and lots of condos – it’s almost like Puerto Vallarta’s version of the Cancun hotel zone.
This is where you’ll find the mega resorts and condo complexes, including many high end and upscale properties. Nuevo Vallarta is also an area with multiple golf courses.
The beaches are fantastic, but it hardly feels like Mexico since it’s only large hotels and resorts.
However, if you’re in the mood for a vacation to lounge by the pool for a week or two with a couple day trips thrown in the mix (or a couple rounds of golf), Nuevo Vallarta is an excellent choice.
Where to Stay in Nuevo Vallarta
Paradise Village: this resort has been a staple in Nuevo Vallarta for years. It’s a popular choice for families and weddings.
Marina Vallarta
Perfect for: snowbirds, retirees, couples and luxury seekers
At only 5 minutes from the airport, the Marina Vallarta neighborhood has a blend of upscale and mid-range accommodations, a beautiful promenade, and of course excellent views of the yachts, sailboats and charter boats moored here.
The Marina area is ideal for those who prefer to rent a condo or a longer term vacation rental because of its close proximity to grocery stores, shops and other amenities.
If you’re looking to get pampered on your vacation, there are a ton of spas in the Marina area. One of my favorites is Millenium Spa Puerto Vallarta offers 75 minute facials for less than $40!
Access to the beach isn’t the greatest from Marina Vallarta unless you’re staying at a beachfront resort. However, it’s a very residential feel, perfect for long term stays and daily walk with the dog.
Many people like staying here because it’s an excellent halfway point between downtown Puerto Vallarta and Bucerias.
Busses are easily accessible here and for about 50 cents you can get to the romantic zone. Taxis, Ubers and InDrivers are also always readily available.
The Thursday night market is lively and is a highlight of this neighborhood.
You will find mostly an older crowd and many families enjoy staying in the Marina Vallarta.
If you’re planning lots of boat excursions (fishing tours, Marietas Island, Rhythms of the Night, etc), Marina Vallarta is a great area to stay.
Restaurant Recommendations:
Visit Bacha’s for huge margaritas and complimentary guacamole. The food is decent, but the amazing service is what makes it special here.
Go to Victor’s for sunset and watch the sun go down over the yachts in the marina. Plus, it’s always a fun time here – you get a shot of tequila with every drink! I loved the pastor fajitas.
Meliá Puerto Vallarta is family friendly, offers good value and the All Inclusive package is optional.
If you’re not sure what to go with, read my guide on whether or not all-inclusives are a good deal.
Casa Velas is a smaller-scale adults only boutique resort, highly rated for couples. And located right on a golf course.
Rooftop Pool Condo. This quiet condo is perfect for 2 people, has panoramic views of the marina from the balcony and views of the ocean and mountains from the rooftop pool!