Are you looking for the best luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta?
Well, you’re in the right place. We’ve been living in Puerto Vallarta since 2022, and during high season, we’ve had non-stop visitors, which means we know a lot about the hotels here. This is a curated list of luxury hotels that are the best of the best.
Not all of them have luxury price tags. Some of them are all-inclusive (optional). Some are adults only. But they all have that little sumthin’ special that makes them stand out in a sea of hotels.
Without further ado… grab a glass of bubbly and dive into your next vacation in Puerto Vallarta.
Map of the luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta
This map will help you get a bird’s eye of where these luxury hotels are along the coast.
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In Puerto Vallarta
Casa Kimberly Boutique Hotel
- Best hotel for romantic getaways, luxury amenities, and cinephile bragging rights!
- Booking.com rating: 9.5
- Tripadvisor rating: 4.5 stars
- Price: $$
- Check rates and availability here.
Tucked away in Gringo Gulch, a hilly neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta, Casa Kimberly is a boutique gem that exudes an enchanting blend of historical allure and modern luxury.
However, it’s not only the luxury amenities that attract visitors to this opulent hotel. It was once the glamorous homes of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, two iconic Hollywood actors.
They had a scandalous love affair while he was filming Night of Iguana. Her villa was across the street from his. He built the Puente de Amor (The Bridge of Love), connecting the two homes so they could sneak between them without being spotted by the watchful eye of the paparazzi.
If you don’t know these two, set a date for a movie marathon now! But don’t watch Night of the Iguana; it’s super cheesy.
Today, the hotel has been transformed into a charming sanctuary with only nine exclusive suites. Each room is beautifully decorated while offering all the contemporary comforts you could wish for.
Pop for one of the upgraded rooms, and you can have your own plunge pool. Or better yet, the pink heart-shaped hot tub commissioned by Elizabeth.
The space also has breathtaking views of Banderas Bay, an on-site spa, and Iguana, a fine dining restaurant and tequila bar with roaming mariachis.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or want to relive the Golden Age of Hollywood, this spot should be on your list.
Casa Velas Adults
- Best hotel for premium all-inclusive features and all-out luxury without little ones running about.
- Tripadvisor rating: 5 stars
- Booking.com rating: 9.2
- Price: $$$
- Check rates and availability here.
Casa Velas is in the marina in the northern part of Puerto Vallarta.
This luxury all-inclusive 5-star hotel is for adults only because let’s face it, margaritas taste better without kids hanging onto your legs!
But if you want to bring your littles, there are family-friendly hotels on this list below.
Casa Velas offers 80 elegantly decorated suites, each featuring private terraces and luxurious amenities. Between the peacocks and koi ponds, you’ll feel transported to a timeless elegance.
If you want to hit the links, this is the place. It’s known for its golf course and is integrated into the Marina Vallarta Golf Club. Think palm trees and sweeping views of the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Golf courses don’t get better than this, or so I’ve read. I don’t play golf.
But if you’re more into spas (like me), head to the Abja Spa to get your pamper on. They base their services around ancient traditions and holistic healing practices, so not only will you feel spoiled, but you’ll get a sense of the Mexico of days gone by.
Alongside these gorgeous rooms, Casa Velas has Emiliano (an on-site AAA Four-Diamond restaurant), Aqua Bar (a festive pool and beach bar), and the iconic Tau Beach Club — a sublime spot for sunbathing, cocktails, and romantic sunset dinners.
Tau is undoubtedly one of the best beach clubs in Puerto Vallarta. Stop by for Bali beds, sushi, and pool concierges.
Pro tip: The talented Casa Velas bartenders can craft signature cocktails tailored to your taste. Don’t be afraid to ask!
Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
- Best hotel for a family-friendly vacation with top-tier amenities and beach access without being far from downtown.
- Booking.com rating: 8.0
- Tripadvisor rating: 4.5 stars
- Price: $$
- Check rates and availability here.
Imagine a getaway to a 5-star resort with a golden sand beach, a king-size bed, and a spa treatment or two? Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa is the place. It’s a modern beach resort ready to help you truly tune out from everyday stress.
Everything about Dreams is grandiose. It’s a luxurious resort on steroids. It has 327 luxury suites, eleven bars and restaurants, a 14,000-square-foot spa, multiple outdoor pools, concierge services, and it’s on the beach.
Its Unlimited Luxury motto brings a modern perspective to the concept of all-inclusive. No nickel and diming here. Everything is included, including top-shelf drinks and activities. Well, almost everything — not the spa — which is technically not on site because it’s at their sister hotel next door, Secrets.
They do have some unique activities if you can peel yourself off the beach or pool bar for a minute. Things like movies under the stars, a rock climbing wall, dance and yoga classes, and even Spanish classes if you want to learn while on vacay.
There’s also evening entertainment, a fitness center, kids’ clubs, free WiFi, and daily activities to keep you busy.
Unlike other luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta on this list (looking at you, Villa Lala and Garza Blanca), you won’t have to worry about long taxi or Uber rides into the city. Dreams is just south of the hotel zone, not far from downtown.
Hacienda San Angel
- Best hotel for an authentic colonial-style design with a unique luxury feel right in the city center.
- Booking.com rating: 9.3
- Tripadvisor rating: 5.0 stars
- Price: $$
- Check rates and availability here.
In the hills above Puerto Vallarta’s iconic Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, on a narrow cobblestone street, stands Hacienda San Angel, a boutique luxury hotel with a romantic, old-world ambiance.
But there is more than meets the eye to this glamorous hotel.
Rather than a modern hotel, Hacienda San Angel celebrates the city’s Mexican Colonial charm.
Each of the 12 air-conditioned rooms and suites is unique and packed with opulent turn-of-the-century furnishings.
The hotel might be small, but there are still three plunge pools, a chapel, relaxed courtyards, and a gourmet restaurant known for its roving mariachis. But no one would blame you if you ordered room service and ate on your jungle-enclosed balcony.
Hacienda San Angel’s main villa was a gift from Richard Burton to Susan Hunt, one of his wives. It’s just down the street from Casa Kimberly, Elizabeth Taylor’s gifted home. Seems like Richard had a thing for giving his love villas in Puerto Vallarta. Either that, or he liked to live dangerously.
This is one of the best hotels if you want luxury, stunning views of the city, and quick city access — it’s only a 10-minute walk from the Malecon (the famed boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta).
Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel
- Best hotel for an affordable, luxurious stay in the heart of Puerto Vallarta and the iconic Zona Romantica.
- Booking.com rating: N/A
- Tripadvisor rating: 4.5 stars
- Price: $
- Check rates and availability here.
Size isn’t everything! And the Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel proves this point.
This luxury boutique hotel has 17 chic guest rooms with vibrant colors, Mexican-inspired decor, and oodles of funky personality. Not a fan of the all-white minimalist aesthetic? You’ll feel right at home.
Sure, Villa Mercedes doesn’t have five restaurants and three pools. But it has a Mediterranean restaurant, a bar, and an on-site pool, not to mention its LGBTQ+ owned and pet friendly.
What really sets Villa Mercedes apart is its prime location. At this tiny but mighty hotel, you’re in the Zona Romantica, a trendy area filled with cafes, art galleries, and some of the best bars in Puerto Vallarta. And it’s right next to the famous Los Muertos Beach when you feel the need for sand in your curls between your toes.
Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway
- Best hotel for couples who want an award-winning adults-only vacation that’s close to Puerto Vallarta’s center.
- Booking.com rating: 8.8
- Tripadvisor rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
- Check rates and availability here
Do you, like me, carefully trawl through reviews and ratings before booking?
Well, Villa Premiere is a AAA Four-Diamond standard hotel and was honored with the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best in 2024. Doesn’t get much better than that.
But wait. There’s more.
This adults-only luxury resort is known for its personalized service and pristine suites. There are 80 rooms, including suites with private balconies and ocean views. And no matter which room you choose, you’ll get a pillow and aromatherapy menu to customize your zen retreat and make sleeping feel like a five-star experience.
You also get access to two outdoor swimming pools, three restaurants, a full-service spa, a gym, and private beach areas on Camarones Beach, not far from where I live in Cinco de Diciembre.
Another perk of this beautiful hotel is its proximity to the Malecon. You can bask in the resort’s serenity, walk a few blocks, and be surrounded by non-stop action. It’s the best of both worlds.
You can add on the all-inclusive package if you only want to relax and not think about a thing. But since you’re so close to downtown, I suggest you forgo it and experience the town. Puerto Vallarta is a safe place, so go out and explore it.
North of Puerto Vallarta
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
- Best hotel for luxurious accommodations with top-tier service, gorgeous interiors, and seven exquisite restaurants.
- Booking.com rating: 9.4
- Tripadvisor rating: 5.0 stars
- Price: $$$
- Check rates and availability here.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is a lavish all-inclusive resort in Nuevo Vallarta (Riviera Nayarit).
It’s about twenty minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport PVR (Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Airport).
This swanky resort defines modern refinement. Prepare to feel like an A-lister while strolling through this hotel.
The space holds 267 suites with pool or ocean views and dark Balinese teak details, some with private terraces, others with private plunge pools.
Grand Velas has seven restaurants on-site. From French fare to Mexican staples, trying new flavors is no issue here. There is something to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Other ways to indulge include the resort’s full-service spa, a dip in one of the three infinity pools, and sunbathing on the direct-access beach. And, of course, there’s free WiFi access.
Villa La Estancia
- Best hotel for couples who want first-class service with excellent gourmet cuisine and are happy to stick around the hotel’s grounds.
- Booking.com rating: 8.7
- Tripadvisor rating: 4.5 stars
- Price: $$
- Check rates and availability here.
Picture this: A beachfront resort with a swim-up bar, formal dining, buffet-style breakfasts, and an on-site market and deli. Good food and spectacular views every moment of the day.
That’s just what’s on offer from Villa La Estancia, an upscale resort with 250 suites, multiple outdoor pools, a hot tub, tennis courts, a fitness center, and direct access to a golden beach.
Villa La Estancia is a fantastic resort that is perfect for escaping the stress of daily life. Just don’t decide to visit Puerto Vallarta. Because it’s at least a 45-minute drive away and will likely induce stress as you sit in traffic during the high season.
This hotel is not for you if you want to spend time exploring Puerto Vallarta.
South of Puerto Vallarta
Hotel Luxury Patio Azul
- Best hotel for a slice of 4-star luxury without a hefty price tag.
- Booking.com rating: 8.9
- Tripadvisor rating: 4.0 stars
- Price: $
- Check rates and availability here.
Just a bit south of Puerto Vallarta, nestled in the hills of the exclusive Conchas Chinas area, you’ll find Hotel Luxury Patio Azul. It’s a modern boutique hotel inspired by the owner’s love for the sea and Mexican folklore.
With rich jewel tones throughout its contemporary design, this small hotel couldn’t be more different than the antique-driven Hacienda San Angel.
Each of the 18 rooms is uniquely themed with thoughtful decor. You can choose from five deluxe suites, nine ocean-view deluxe suites, and four ocean-view penthouse suites. The choice is yours.
The rooms aren’t the only A+ features here. Hotel Luxury Patio Azul also boasts two bars, three terraces, a restaurant, a gym, and a spa room.
Additionally, every floor has a different ocean-view pool or hot tub. Whether you’re a water baby or just want to show off your new bikini, you won’t want to miss these.
Visiting Puerto Vallarta on a budget? Hotel Luxury Patio Azul is one of the most affordable options on this list.
Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa
- Best hotel for a large, luxury 5-star (possibly all-inclusive) stay with everything you need in one place. No need to leave this beautiful area!
- Booking.com rating: 8.8
- Tripadvisor rating: 4.5 stars
- Price: $$$
- Check rates and availability here.
The Garza Blanca Hotel is the place to be for undisrupted views of Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
This hotel is a bit further south, so you’ll need taxis to get into town, but if you’re looking to escape the hustle, the distance is worth it. You can choose to go all-inclusive here, which is a good idea if all you want to do is recharge your batteries.
The rooms are just as fantastic as the views. This upscale resort has 156 spacious suites, ranging from Garden View Suites to Oceanfront Penthouses.
There’s no shortage of elegant aesthetics here! Each suite is meticulously designed, down to the smallest details. We’re talking chic color schemes, in-suite bars, flat-screen TVs, and soothing ocean sounds via private balconies.
Once you check in, you won’t want to leave. And you don’t have to! Ultra Suites come with in-suite breakfast, private chef dinners, and butler services.
Foodies, there’s something for you, too! Garza Blanca has four gourmet restaurants, ranging from innovative Mexican fare and traditional steaks to Japanese cuisine and Italian food. But as a guest, you can hop over to their sister property, Hotel Mousai (more on it below), and eat at their three restaurants.
You’ll run out of days before you run out of dining options.
Alongside jaw-dropping rooms and dining, Garza Blanca has an insane spa where you can partake in hot and cold hydrotherapy sessions and cutting-edge facials, all with a 360° view of the ocean and jungle.
When you’ve had your fill of pampering yourself (is that even possible?), you’ve got choices.
Should you decide to do something other than lazing around this modern, luxurious property, you can head to the gym, go hiking and bird watching, try a tequila or wine tasting, take water sports lessons, go snorkeling, and take a river tour.
You can even book your Puerto Vallarta whale-watching tours from here! Just make sure you book from December to March (high season for whales) if this is your goal.
And yes, you guessed it. This is a 5-star hotel!
Hotel Mousai
- Best hotel for an ultra-modern, adult-only, VIP hotel experience. Feel like a celeb!
- Booking.com rating: 9.3
- Tripadvisor rating: 5.0 stars
- Price: $$$
- Check rates and availability.
Inspired by the nine muses of Greek mythology, Hotel Mousai is a chic resort designed for jet-setters and contemporary travelers. Like its sister hotel, Garza Blanca, you can choose to go all-inclusive.
Forget outdated interiors. Step into a world of cutting-edge style and innovative gastronomy.
It’s a AAA 5-Diamond Resort, so it edges out its sister hotel by one diamond. At this hotel, you will be pampered beyond your wildest dreams. I’m pretty sure you don’t even have to chew your own food if you don’t want to.
Key details of this resort include 72 luxurious suites, five restaurants, a rooftop bar with a stunning view of the city, and an infinity pool. You also have access to a private beach and a spa — naturally.
Pro tip: Hotel Mousai is across the street from the Garza Blanca. If you want to be ever so slightly closer to the ocean, Garza Blanca is your best bet.
Another difference between the two? Hotel Mousai is adults-only.
Villa Lala Boutique Hotel for Adults
- Best hotel for couples who want a romantic getaway in a highly-rated, adults-only oasis.
- Booking.com rating: 9.4
- Tripadvisor rating: 5.0 stars
- Price: $$
- Check rates and availability
This hotel is what dreams are made of. Villa Lala Boutique Hotel (adults only) is an idyllic alternative to large-scale resorts.
With only 12 suites, it provides a serene retreat, allowing you to seriously escape the go-go-go of real life. From kayaking to dinners under the stars, this is the perfect place for you and your love to recharge and experience the charm of Banderas Bay.
There is a private beach with a hammock and a few chaise lounges, but if you prefer a pool, there is an infinity pool as well.
There is a restaurant on-site, so you never need to leave the premises unless you want to.
Like others on this list, Villa Lala isn’t in the thick of Puerto Vallarta. But you won’t be bothered about being far from the hustle and bustle when it’s only you, your partner, and a perfectly mixed marg.
Stay in one of the seven ocean-view, private pool Love Nest Suites designed to blend into the jungle they are built in. With river rocks embedded into the floor and lamps made of shells, it blends the indoors and outdoors seamlessly.
If you’re not fussed by private plunge pools, there is a lower tier of suites that are still as luxurious and cost less than half. Check out the Master Suite, where you can stare at the ocean while sipping bubbly in your king-sized bed covered in 1800 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. You won’t be disappointed.
Pssssst… This resort has near-perfect ratings. Can’t go wrong with that.
The luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta wrap up
So there you have it. A solid list of the best luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta. Are you ready to book it?
If you’re unsure when to visit, this blog should help you sort that out.
So, tell me, which hotel(s) sparked your interest? Let me know in the comments below.
Well you had me with the 1st one! I would love to stay there but don’t think Ed would enjoy it as much as some of the other beach front ones! So many great choices!! Thanks for another great post👏👏
I know, Sally! We can sip tequila and eat at Iguana at Casa Kimberly and then stay in a Villa Lala treehouse. Decision made, Ed!
I love this list! I definitely need to keep it in my back pocket for when friends come for a visit. Thanks for this!
Thanks, Laura!
There are so many options here, Michael. I’m glad you’re happy where you are! And when I write about the best boutique hotels, yours might be on the list!
I’m in Puerto Vallarta right now, based on your recommendations! I’m staying in a funky little hotel on the Malecon, but next time I’ll check out these beauties. Thanks!