The hype
Travelers adore the staff and the massive rooms but consistently mention the property feels 'tired' and needs a refresh.
Velas Vallarta Suite Resort
$260-450/ night
Book this if You want a hassle-free, traditional Mexican family vacation where the airport transfer takes 5 minutes and the guacamole is endless.
Why People Love It
- Roaming peacocks and lush koi ponds create a genuine hacienda vibe
- Suites are massive condos with full kitchens, not just hotel rooms
- Staff service is consistently rated as 'family-like' and warm
Quick Take: A charming, well-maintained grand dame that feels like visiting your wealthy Mexican aunt's 1990s estate—impeccable hospitality, but the decor and building bones are showing their age.
Reviewed by @JillWTravels: I booked the massage on the jetty and it was the highlight of my trip. Hearing the waves crash right under the table while Isela worked her magic was pure bliss. Honestly, I've never felt more relaxed. You have to try this.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will hear airplanes. Constantly. Until the flight path closes late at night.
- You are traveling with a multi-generational family and need space
- You prefer 'old Mexico' charm over glass-and-steel modernism
- You hate long shuttle rides (it's 5 mins from PVR)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable and thorough; 'towel art' is a common delight.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but dated. Grout is scrubbed, but tiles are old-school marble that shows age.
- Maintenance: Exterior paint is drab and shingles are aging, but interiors are kept functional. AC units can be noisy.
- Linens & towels: Clean and plentiful, though not high-thread-count luxury. Pool towels can run out by late afternoon.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, though some ground-floor rooms have a faint 'tropical musty' smell due to humidity.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Low-flying aircraft (major flight path)
- Hallway echoes in older tile-floored buildings
- Pool activity if facing the inner courtyard
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Deluxe Studio' is the entry-level trap—upgrade to a Suite for a balcony.
- Thursday nights in season (Oct-May) feature a fantastic Art & Market at the Marina, a short walk away.
- Bottled water is provided and necessary; do not drink the tap water.
What to pack
- Noise-canceling headphones (for the pool deck plane spotting)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (they are strict about this in the bay)
- Pesos for tips—staff prefer cash over credit card gratuities
Room Genie
Best picks
- Building 2 (Center), Floor 6+ for the best ocean views and less pool noise
- One-Bedroom Suites for the guaranteed balcony and ocean/pool view
Rooms to avoid
- Deluxe Studios (no balcony, often dark)
- Ground floor pool-facing rooms (zero privacy, noisy)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a One-Bedroom Suite in Building 2 (Center Building), on the 6th floor or higher, for an unobstructed ocean view. Please ensure we are NOT in a Deluxe Studio as we require a balcony.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the airport noise really that bad?
Yes. You are practically on the runway. It stops late at night, but during the day, conversation pauses when a jet lands.
Is the beach swimmable?
Technically yes, but it's dark sand, often rocky, and the Pacific undertow can be strong. Most guests stick to the pools.
Are the drinks watered down?
Surprisingly no. Reviews consistently praise the bartenders, though top-shelf liquor may require a specific request or upgrade.
Is there a resort fee?
No hidden resort fee, but expect a small environmental sanitation tax (approx. $3-4 USD/night) payable at check-in.
Do I need dinner reservations?
Yes, for the à la carte dinners at Andrea and La Ribera. Book them with the concierge immediately upon arrival.
Is it walkable?
Yes! You can walk to the Marina Vallarta boardwalk in 10-15 minutes for shops, Starbucks, and local dining.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'lazy river' isn't actually a moving river; it's just a long, winding pool connecting the main areas.
- ✨
Ask for a 'Miami Vice' (strawberry daiquiri + piña colada) at the swim-up bar—it's the house specialty.
- ✨
The roaming peacocks are beautiful but loud; don't leave food on your balcony or they will invade.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Deluxe Studio' often faces a concrete wall or a dark corridor.
💡The tennis courts are surprisingly high-quality and often empty.
💡You can watch the sunset directly from the lobby bar, which has a better view than some rooms.
💡The room service menu is included in the All-Inclusive and is actually decent for late-night cravings.
💡The elevators can be slow and hot; taking the stairs is often faster if you're on a lower floor.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Velas Vallarta Suite Resort is located and what's nearby.