Where to Stay In Puerto Vallarta: TOP Areas + Hotels (From $52)

Located in Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta is a charming city on Mexico's coast. Boasting a family-friendly atmosphere (but locals that still party hard), this LGBTQ+-friendly city is a hub of food, nightlife, and ocean activities. From the minute I set foot in this charming city I felt at home, with friendly locals giving the warmest welcome and plenty of fiestas to keep busy.

Promising access to both the ocean and the city, Puerto Vallarta is perfect for travelers who like to kick back in the sun, but don't want to miss out on historic sights and things to do.

It's walkable for the most part, but there's a wide range of neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own personality. From the charming Zona Romantica to the uber-luxurious Conchas Chinas, choosing the right barrio to stay in Puerto Vallarta will ensure you have the best trip possible.

To help you make a decision, I've put together a list of the best neighborhoods for each type of traveler, with accommodations for all budgets to match.

6 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

Zona Romantica – Perhaps the most charming of all Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods, the Zona Romantica is the city's LGBTQ+ neighborhood, home to trendy bars and eateries as well as a large portion of the famous Malecón.

Centro – Located in the heart of everything, downtown Puerto Vallarta promises a good blend of entertainment and beach access, with many of the city's best family-run taco joints stationed here.

Hotel Zone – If a luxury sun-soaked vacation is your thing, head to Puerto Vallarta's Hotel Zone. Boasting designer shopping malls and plenty of entertainment venues, the city's best hotels are here, especially all-inclusive options.

Conchas Chinas – The Beverly Hills of Puerto Vallarta, this ultra-exclusive neighborhood boasts views over the ocean and an insight into how the other half live.

5 de Diciembre – This laid-back, budget-friendly neighborhood next to Puerto Vallarta's Centro is great for finding low-cost accommodation as well as authentic Mexican cuisine, while still being near the heart of it all.

Marina Vallarta – Located on the marina (as the name suggests), this area is great for beachfront access, ocean activities, and proximity to the airport.

1. Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta for First-Times: Zona Romantica

Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romantica (romantic zone) is probably one of the most charming neighborhoods I've ever visited. Popular with tourists and residents alike, this barrio is also popular with the LGBTQ+ community, with plenty of gay bars and pride-flag adorned stores making it a welcoming district for people of all backgrounds and sexual orientations.

This trendy area of Puerto Vallarta is full of places to eat and drink, ranging from trendy upmarket cocktail joints to more laid-back local-run dive bars. Cobblestone streets give this area a unique charm and its walkability means you can get around easily from your beachfront hotel to the friendly nearby bars.

Here you'll find Los Muertos Beach, popular with locals and tourists alike and the perfect spot to top up your tan. At night, the Los Muertos Beach Pier is lit up, while visitors pile into the beachfront restaurants to watch the sunset over dinner. In terms of hotels, you'll find almost every type of Puerto Vallarta hotel here, from upmarket boutique hotels to family-run hostels.

You'll also find a portion of Puerto Vallarta's famous Malecón (the main boardwalk) here, the perfect place to take a stroll along the beachfront, with souvenir shops that will draw you in by day and restaurants with outdoor sittings offering the ideal dinner spot by night.

Zona Romantica is, in my humble opinion, Puerto Vallarta's most picturesque area. Its charm makes it popular with visitors, but I didn't find it too touristic – there are enough authentic touches that the Zona Romantica still feels distinctly Mexican.

What makes this neighborhood so desirable for first-time visitors is the proximity to the beach as well as plenty of places to eat and drink. Despite the laid-back vibe you certainly won't be bored, and there are more than enough quirky independent stores to keep retail therapy lovers happy.

Things to Do in the Zona Romantica

One of the most popular ways to spend an afternoon in the Zona Romantica is at the iconic Los Muertos Beach, complete with soft sand and clear blue water. By night, visitors flock to see the pier lit up in all its glory. The Lazaro Cardenas Park is a popular spot for a morning stroll, complete with quirky sculptures and local art, reflecting the creative spirit of this charming neighborhood.

Zona Romantica is, of course, famous for food and drink, so head to one of its most popular bars such as Ofelia's Wine Bar or Monzon Brewing Co. for an evening tipple. For dinner, grab a seat at one of the area's many beachfront restaurants for seafood fresh from the ocean in front of you.

Pros of Staying in the Zona Romantica

• Proximity to Los Muertos Beach

• Great destination for LGBTQ+ travelers

• Tons of places to eat and drink

• Charming, colorful architecture

Cons of Staying in the Zona Romantica

• Can be expensive

• Busy in the high season

Best hotels to stay in the Zona Romantica

($$$) Casa Maria Hotel Boutique

($$) Hotel Pasada de Roger

($) Hotel Amaca

2. Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta for Entertainment and Nightlife: Centro

Centering around the Malecón (a boardwalk that runs down the side of the beachfront), the Centro is where you'll find the majority of places to eat, drink, and dance in Puerto Vallarta.

Downtown Puerto Vallarta retains a distinct Mexican spirit, despite the prevalence of tourists and expats. While The Hotel Zone feels a little more Gringofied, you'll still find plenty of Mexican families living in the center with the same traditions they've kept up for generations.

In terms of accommodation, there's a range of types to choose from. Offering plenty of Puerto Vallarta hotels, from laid-back hostels to luxury suites, you're unlikely to find a place with a private beach, but there are enough accommodations to fit all budgets.

By day, the Malecón buzzes with families enjoying ice creams, snacking on tacos, and strolling in and out of the many souvenir shops that can be found along the beachfront. By night, the Malecón becomes an entertainment hub, complete with street performers, nightclubs, and endless welcoming restaurants serving Mexican classics.

This area is particularly popular with groups of friends and backpackers as it offers plenty of nightlife options and is more budget-friendly than the likes of Conchas Chinas and the Hotel Zone. Since it's the city center, it's not exactly quiet, so it's not the best place to escape the crowds. But if you don't mind a few crowds and want to be in the heart of it all, head to Centro.

Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta Centro

Walking down the Malecón is the thing to do here – whether that's scouring souvenir shops for your next trinket by day or drifting in and out of friendly bars by night. For those of you who like to dance, La Bodeguita del Medio Vallarta is the go-to spot for salsa dancing with the locals.

The beach in the center isn't anything to write home about, but it's clean enough for a day of swimming and sunbathing. The Mirador el Cerro de la Cruz promises views over PV and the ocean, while Los Arcos is the perfect backdrop for a sunset Instagram picture. Architecture lovers should check out the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

Pros of Staying in Centro

• Located close to key sights

• Proximity to the beach

• Excellent spot to stroll the Malecón

Cons of Staying in Centro

• Doesn't have the best beaches

• Can be busy in the high season

Best hotels to stay in Puerto Vallarta Centro

($$$) BellView Hotel Boutique

($$) Blaze Hotel & Suites Puerto Vallarta

($) Hotel Rio Malecon

3. Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta for the Best Hotels and Shopping: The Hotel Zone

Puerto Vallarta is a tale of two cities. While areas like the Centro and Zona Romantica are authentically Mexican with charming cobblestone streets, The Hotel Zone is more polished, home to designer stores, luxury hotels, and wide, sprawling boulevards.

Boasting plenty of entertainment, from cinemas to shopping malls, the Puerto Vallarta Hotel Zone is the best spot to find an all-inclusive resort. It might not be budget-friendly but you won't be short on upmarket hotels. If you're looking for accommodation with a beach club, swim-up bar, or incredible views of Mexico's Pacific Coast, here's where you're most likely to find them.

The Hotel Zone is conveniently located near some of the city's best beaches, including Playa las Glorias and Playa de Oro. If you plan on spending your days indulging in a little retail therapy, topping up your tan by the beach, or exploring Puerto Vallarta's swankiest streets, this upmarket neighborhood should be your go-to destination. It's nearer to the airport than downtown PV, too, so it's more convenient for short trips or stopovers.

The Hotel Zone's luxurious feel and accommodation inevitably come with a price tag to match, so this isn't the best spot for budget travelers. However, if you plan on swapping out the backpacker hostel for a 5-star hotel, this will be the ideal spot for you.

Admittedly, it's not the area where you're likely to find authentic taco-run family joints, but for a sun-soaked beach vacation, it's one of the best spots in Puerto Vallarta.

Things to Do in The Hotel Zone

Since the Hotel Zone is awash with shops, indulging in some retail therapy is one of the best ways to spend a day here – La Isla Shopping Village is one of the best spots. After a long day of shopping, you'll likely want to relax by the beach, which is lucky because the Hotel Zone boasts access to some of Puerto Vallarta's most picturesque (Playa de Oro and Playa Flamingos are favorites of mine).

A boat tour leaving from the Hotel Zone is a great way to get to see the city from the water, while the nearby Marina is home to companies offering water sports and activities.

Pros of Staying in the Puerto Vallarta Hotel Zone

• Access to some of Puerto Vallarta's best hotels

• Proximity to the airport

• Close to many of Vallarta's best beaches

• Excellent shopping opportunities

Cons of Staying in the Puerto Vallarta Hotel Zone

• Not budget-friendly

• Less authentic than some of the downtown neighborhoods

Best hotels to stay in the Hotel Zone

($$$) Krystal Grand – All Inclusive

($$) Fiesta Inn

($) Hotel Mio Vallarta

4. Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta for Luxury and Ocean Views: Conchas Chinas

Luxurious, breathtaking, and promising a slice of paradise just a stone's throw from the center, Conchas Chinas in Puerto Vallarta's most prestigious zipcode.

While we stayed in the Centro for the majority of our trip, we did take a few days out to treat ourselves to a stay at the Grand Miramar in Conchas Chinas, a gorgeous luxury hotel with views over the Mexican coast and Puerto Vallarta's center. In the taxi on the way, the driver described the area as Puerto Vallarta's version of Beverly Hills, and that's a pretty accurate description.

Distinct luxury residences and hotels wind around hillside roads, promising views over the rest of the city, this swanky neighborhood is home to the Conchas Chinas Beach, which pulls in many tourists and residents alike.

Conchas Chinas isn't the best destination in Puerto Vallarta to stay in if you like sightseeing. It's fairly removed from the downtown area and there isn't much to do. But if you're happy to spend your days tanning by the beach or hotel pool and then grabbing a taxi to have dinner Downtown during the evenings, you'll love Conchas Chinas. Just be warned – it's not exactly budget-friendly!

Things to Do in Conchas Chinas

While there aren't tons of sights in Conchas Chinas, you'll never get bored of the views over the Pacific Ocean. Conchas Chinas beach is well worth a visit – it can be quieter than the beaches in the Hotel Zone but just as beautiful.

Playa Amapas is often even less crowded than Conchas Chinas, making it ideal for sun-seekers who enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. I stayed at the Grand Miramar Resort, but even if you don't, it's well worth visiting their on-site bar and restaurant for incredible views and tasty food.

Pros of Staying in Conchas Chinas

• Incredible views

• Stay in some of Puerto Vallarta's most luxurious hotels

• Live like the city's most affluent locals

• Access to Conchas Chinas Beach

Cons of Staying in Conchas Chinas

• Not many places to eat and drink

• Far from the center of Puerto Vallarta

• Requires a car/taxi to get around

Best hotels to stay in Conchas Chinas

($$$) Grand Miramar All Luxury Suites

($$) Hotel Luxury Patio Azul

($) Marboka Hotel

5. Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta on a Budget: 5 de Diciembre

Situated near Puerto Vallarta's center, 5 de Diciembre is a friendly, laid-back, affordable neighborhood, where you'll find a high population of locals as well as backpackers and groups of friends on vacation. If you want to live like a local, 5 de Diciembre is the best place to do so. This welcoming neighborhood boasts the same safety levels as the rest of the city with a more authentic feel.

You're far enough from the action to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowds, but close enough to still feel like you're part of it all. It's also an artsy neighborhood, home to PV's most hipster and artistic residents. Here you'll find street art, vegan cafes, and chilled bars serving up cheap Coronas. Boutique art galleries line the streets, but you're still close enough to the Malecón to soak up the sun and make the most of the nightlife.

Beach access is also on offer in 5 de Diciembre, making it perfect for those seeking a vacation with equal parts culture and cocktails. Don't be fooled by its low prices – 5 de Diciembre is still safe and boasts a few luxurious options of its own.

Things to Do in 5 de Diciembre

Playa Camerones is the stretch of beach located in 5 de Diciembre, and while it's not PV's most picturesque, it's less crowded than those in the Hotel Zone.

The unique Iglesia Biblica Cristiana Puerto Vallarta is well worth a visit for architecture lovers, while the Mercado del Mar 5 de Diciembre is probably the best place in the city to pick up seafood.

Craving some vegetables after all that seafood? The vegan taco joint 100% Vegana Taqueria is plant-based and delicious.

Pros of Staying in 5 de Diciembre

• Artsy, hipster culture

• Beach and Malecón access

• Walking distance to the city center

• Budget-friendly accommodation and eateries

Cons of Staying in 5 de Diciembre

• Little luxury accommodations on offer

• Beaches are better in other parts of Puerto Vallarta

Best hotels to stay in 5 de Diciembre

($$$) The Paramar Beachfront Boutique

($$) Hotel El Pescador

($) Loft Hotel Malecon

6. Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta Near the Beach: Marina Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Marina is the perfect spot for water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those staying for just one night or a stopover seeking proximity to the airport. What it lacks in proximity to downtown Puerto Vallarta, it more than makes up for in the abundance of activities on offer as well as proximity to shopping malls and entertainment.

Offering incredible views of the seafront and the best spots in town to eat seafood, Marina Vallarta is the perfect spot to stroll down the promenade and check out the impressive docked yachts. Lining the boardwalk is a selection of souvenir shops and activity centers offering water sports, boat rides, and other ocean-based experiences.

While we didn't stay in this area, we did visit to release baby turtles into the sea, which was the experience of a lifetime. If you visit Puerto Vallarta and have the time, I'd recommend signing up for a sea turtle release. It's not only super cute (they are so tiny!) but it's a great way to protect an endangered species, too.

Things to Do in Marina Vallarta

Nature lovers, this is the perfect neighborhood for you. As well as the baby turtle release program (we chose this trip on Viator), there's a croc-viewing area for those braver than I am! A walk down the boardwalk is a must in Marina Vallarta, and there are plenty of spots for fishing if that's your thing.

As well as meeting turtles and spotting crocodiles in the wild, more adventurous travelers can go snorkeling or scuba-diving on the nearby beach. For golf lovers, the Marina Vallarta Golf Club is the perfect spot to practice your swing while the Galerias Vallarta Shopping Mall will keep shopaholics busy.

Pros of Staying in Marina Vallarta

• Access to plenty of water-based activities

• Proximity to the airport

• Excellent views of the sea and Marina

• Great seafood restaurants

Cons of Staying in Marina Vallarta

• Not very budget-friendly

• Far from the downtown area

Best hotels to stay in Marina Vallarta

($$$) Hotel Inn & Suites

($$) Holiday Inn Express

($) Flamingo Vallarta Hotel & Marina

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta – Frequently Asked Questions

☀️ When's the best time of year to visit Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is hot all year round, but it does have a rainy season, so to avoid wet weather and super high humidity, visit from December to April for the best chance of good weather. Naturally, this is also the busiest time of year, so if you don't mind high humidity and rain and would rather skip the crowds, visit from June to October.

I visited from December to January and it was hot, mostly sunny, and very humid. This is a place for a lot of sunscreen and cool, loose-fitting clothing (plus a ton of bug spray!).

📍 What part of Puerto Vallarta is best to stay in?

There's no one best neighborhood to stay in Puerto Vallarta – it depends on your personal needs. If being centrally located in a safe neighborhood with plenty to do is your thing, the Zona Romantica or Centro are the best choices.

For luxury accommodation, head to the Hotel Zone or Conchas Chinas (although the latter is a little further away from the main sights). To be near the beach and water sports, opt for the Marina, or choose 5 de Diciembre if staying on a budget with friendly local restaurants is your priority.

📅 How many days is ideal in Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta isn't a sightseeing hotspot but there is plenty to do. If you're coming for attractions, you can see everything you need to see in 3-5 days. If you're looking for a more laid-back holiday spent by the beach and sipping cocktails in the evening, you might prefer to stay for a week or two.

If you want to extend your trip, there are plenty of nearby places you can visit with just a short car journey or bus ride from Puerto Vallarta, including Nuevo Vallarta and the iconic Guadalajara.

❓ Is Puerto Vallarta safe for tourists?

Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest destinations in Mexico. Welcoming, tourist-friendly, and suitable for families with children, the crime rate is relatively low here and you can walk around with minimal risk. I walked around in the evenings (in a group), too, but if you feel uncomfortable doing so, Ubers are relatively affordable.

As with all Mexican cities, it's best to keep flashy items to a minimum and avoid walking around with your phone on show in your hand. The biggest crimes here are petty crimes, so if you take steps to reduce the chances of theft, you'll have a good chance of staying safe.

✔️ Is Puerto Vallarta a good destination for families?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for families! It's safe, walkable, and there's plenty to do to keep little ones happy. Mexican culture is very centered around the family, so you'll feel at home with the locals.

As well as being popular with families, Puerto Vallarta is a great vacation destination for couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers. There's plenty of nightlife and entertainment if you look for it, but it's possible to go and have a slow, laid-back trip, too. There's also a large population of expats and pensioners (especially from the USA and Canada), making it a popular travel destination for seniors and retirees.

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta – Final Words

Puerto Vallarta is a charming gem of a city tucked away on Jalisco's coast. Boasting beautiful beaches, year-round high temperatures, and an authentic yet tourist-friendly culture, it's impossible not to fall in love with this vibrant destination.

One of the best things about Puerto Vallarta is the range of neighborhoods, from the swanky Hotel Zone to the laid-back, foodie paradise of 5 de Diciembre. Know what type of holiday you want then choose the neighborhood most suited to your plans and budget to make your trip a success. From beach bums to luxury lovers, there's something for everyone!