Planning to go away from 3/12-1/17, with my mom (65), my daughter (18) on break from college and myself (45). Daughter wanted to go to Cancun, but I have been there so many times. Interested in Puerto Vallarta, last there 15 yrs ago obviously she doesn't remember. Want to be near everything to shop and eat well. Willing to take cabs or get on bus. Like 4-5 star hotels with great beach. If AI is recommended let me know. Also, some nightlife for 18 y/o. Thanks for all suggestions.

All-inclusive is completely a personal choice in Puerto Vallarta. Because there are so many fabulous restaurants if you stay in Zona Romantica, El Centro, Hotel Zone, or even The Marina area.

Casa Magna Marriott is a beautiful hotel in the Marina.

Villa Premiere and the Buenaventura in the hotel zone offer all-inclusive and are walking distance to the downtown center.

Hotel Playa Los Arocs, Dona Susana, Los Arcos Suites (3 properties, shared ammenities) are right on Playa Los Muertos in Zona Romantica... but I doubt they are considered more than about 3/4 stars.

I find the "south-side" (also called Old Town or Zona Romantica) the most pleasant area. But the hotels are more small and authentic, not fancy resort properties.

The beaches are OK but none are "great" everywhere in Vallarta.

Just got back last week fr P.V. Suze is right the beaches are not that nice in P.V. but everything else makes up for it. Things have changed greatly in the last 15yrs, they now have Outback, Walmart, Sams club Chili's Starbucks definitely don't want to go to those places, I love the Marriott as a hotel,and their food there is excellent, they might have an all inclusive, it's located at the Marina which has a lot of shops and restaurants and you can walk to those from the hotel, but if you want to go onto town it's about 15-20 min cab ride. I go to the Sheraton which is within walking distance to town and just found out that they have an all inclusive plan. I don't do all inclusive too many restaurants I love to go to. I would recommend either hotel. Good Luck I'm sure you'll love whatever you decide.

We were in PV several weeks ago and ended up at the Presidente Intercontinental, south of PV on Playa Gemelas. We loved the location on a really beautiful beach, away from the hub bub, but handy to get into town by bus. I think they have an AI option, but we didn't use it.

We would stay there again.

MY

I agree with Suze regarding the beaches in PV. Not great.

I have stayed at the Marriott CasaMagna a number of times and will be going again in March. Great pool and rooms have just be redone. We typically walk over to the marina for breakfast, have lunch at the pool and take a taxi into town every night for dinner.

I absolutely would NOT want an all-inclusive hotel in Puerto Vallarta. Too many great places to eat.

I like the Krystal. Just don't get their all-inclusive, although I like their breakfast buffet.

It's a taxi ride into PV and has nice grounds and two really nice pools.

If you want a great beach, you are better off staying in Nuevo Vallarta. But you have to cab or bus (45 mins or more if traffic) into Puerto Vallarta city. Neuvo does have it's own shopping (Paradise Mall, or the town of Bucerias, 10 mins away). I recommend the Marival if you want to eat well. It is an all-inclusive, which I personally would do with a mom and daughter in tow.(you can walk to Paradise Village in 1/2 hour). Since your daughter is only 18, I think being too close to clubs where she will want to go herself would not be a good thing. The all-inclusives have lots of entertainment for all ages. The other good hotels are the Vallarta Palace or the RIU Palace (new). Dreams Puerto Vallarta, south of the old town area is also highly recommended.

True. It is a trade-off. You need to prioritize if being near local culture, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife OR the look of the beach is more important thing to you.