The hype
Travelers love the location and staff warmth but are divided by the construction noise and the stark contrast between old and new rooms.
Westin Resort Puerto Vallarta
$160-280/ night
Book this if You want a classic Westin bed and ocean views near the airport, and you don't mind navigating a property in the final messy stages of a massive transformation.
Why People Love It
- The legendary Heavenly Beds are still the best in the game
- Walking distance to the Marina's excellent dining scene (no taxi needed)
- The 'Pergolas' beach club offers a private, shaded escape from the vendors
Quick Take: It's a construction zone with a great mattress—book a renovated room or risk stepping into a 1990s time capsule.
Reviewed by @ScottsdaleTravelChick: I brought my laptop here to test the 'work from paradise' lifestyle and it delivered. The WiFi held up by the pool, the cabanas gave me perfect shade for my screen, and ending the workday with a beach walk was unbeatable.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
If you get an unrenovated room, you will feel like you overpaid; the 'classic' rooms are tired, musty, and have dangerous step-downs.
- You have an early flight and want to be 5 minutes from the terminal
- You prefer walking to local Marina restaurants over being stuck on a resort
- You are a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist chasing status nights
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Generally diligent, but fighting a losing battle against construction dust in hallways.
- Bathroom hygiene: Renovated bathrooms are sparkling; older ones have grout issues and 'tired' corners.
- Maintenance: Hit or miss. Renovated rooms are perfect; older rooms suffer from peeling paint and musty AC units.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp, and typically Westin-fresh.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of white tea (signature scent); older rooms can smell of humidity/mildew.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Active construction/demolition (10am-6pm)
- Low-flying aircraft (proximity to PVR airport)
- Thin walls in connecting rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel becomes 'The Westin Playa Vallarta' (All-Inclusive) in May 2026.
- Resort fee is ~$20/day and includes bottled water and gym access.
- Breakfast is NOT included for most rates; buffet is approx. $21 USD/person.
What to pack
- Noise-canceling headphones (essential for pool lounging)
- Water shoes (the beach is rocky and dark sand)
- US Dollars for tips (widely accepted, though Pesos are better)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Oceanfront Junior Suite (Renovated): These have plunge pools and modern finishes.
- Grand Suite: Duplex layout with a jacuzzi on the balcony, usually on high floors.
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Garden View rooms on lower floors (often unrenovated and noisy)
- Rooms near the 'demolition zones' (ask front desk for the quietest tower)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am aware of the renovations and kindly request a 'Recently Renovated' room in a tower furthest from active jackhammering. High floor preferred to minimize ground-level construction dust.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the construction really that bad?
Yes. Reviews from late 2025 cite jackhammers and dust. It's not a dealbreaker if you're out all day, but it kills the poolside relaxation vibe.
Can I swim in the ocean here?
Technically yes, but it's not the Caribbean. The water is darker, the sand is volcanic/brown, and it can be rocky. Most guests stick to the pools.
Is it all-inclusive?
Not yet. It transitions to an All-Inclusive model in May 2026. Currently, you pay à la carte for food and drinks.
How far is the Malecon/Downtown?
It's a 20-30 minute Uber/taxi ride depending on traffic. You are in the Marina district, which is separate from the romantic zone.
Is there a lounge for elites?
No. The club lounge concept is not currently active or consistent; don't expect free evening hors d'oeuvres.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. Dogs up to 18kg (40lbs) are welcome for a $30 USD/night fee. Max 2 pets per room.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk out the front door and turn left to hit the Marina boardwalk—dozens of restaurants are 5-10 mins away.
- ✨
The 'Pergolas' on the beach are rentable by the day and offer the only real privacy on the property.
- ✨
Fridays at 4pm often feature a free mixology class at the Flora Bar (check schedule).
5 things to know before you go
💡The iguanas are everywhere—literally falling out of trees near the pool. Cool for some, terrifying for others.
💡The 'ocean view' often includes a view of a cruise ship blocking the horizon if one is in port.
💡Humidity in the unrenovated rooms can make the carpet feel perpetually damp.
💡You can watch crocodiles in the wild at the nearby golf course ponds (don't get too close).
💡The 'resort fee' includes bike rentals—use them to explore the flat, bike-friendly Marina area.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Westin Resort Puerto Vallarta is located and what's nearby.