The hype
Travelers love the peaceful pool and Marina location but consistently describe the rooms as 'clean but dated' and the on-site food as overpriced.
Mayan Palace Puerto Vallarta
$150-280/ night
Book this if You want a quiet, pool-centric escape within walking distance of the Marina's excellent dining, avoiding the mega-resort chaos of Nuevo Vallarta.
Why People Love It
- Walkable access to Marina Vallarta's restaurants and shops (rare for Vidanta)
- Much quieter and smaller footprint than the massive Nuevo Vallarta complex
- Massive, multi-tiered heated pool with a swim-up bar
Quick Take: A dated but spotless timeshare stronghold where the pool is the main event because the beach belongs to the crocodiles.
Reviewed by @Kjbland1: I stayed in the corner suite at Mayan Palace and honestly, the private pool on the balcony was a game-changer. The terrace is absolutely massive, giving us so much space to just hang out and enjoy the view away from everyone else.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are staying in a 1990s time capsule that is meticulously maintained, but don't expect modern luxury or a swimmable ocean.
- You prefer a calm, read-a-book vibe over a party atmosphere
- You want to walk to dinner at the Marina instead of taking taxis
- You are terrified of the sheer size and shuttle-bus logistics of the Nuevo Vallarta location
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable and thorough; guests consistently praise the 'spotless' nature of the grounds.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean grout and surfaces, though fixtures are dated (think 90s beige tile).
- Maintenance: Excellent. Gardens are manicured, and paint is fresh, despite the building's age.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality; clean but not luxurious. Pool towels are readily available.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh ocean air, though ground floor rooms near vegetation can smell 'earthy' or damp.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Jet noise from nearby PVR airport
- Maintenance carts on stone pathways
- Thin connecting doors in some suites
Before you book
Good to know
- This is the 'Marina' location, NOT the huge Nuevo Vallarta complex—double-check your booking.
- Parking is expensive (approx. $25/day or more for non-members); take Uber/taxis instead.
- The 'Purple Flag' on the beach means crocodiles are present—take it seriously.
What to pack
- Strong mosquito repellent (estuary nearby means bugs)
- Earplugs (for the morning flights)
- US Dollars for tips (though resort is cashless for food/drinks)
Room Genie
Best picks
- High-floor Ocean View units for sunsets and less noise
- Golf Course view rooms for absolute quiet away from the pool activity
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the 'garden ponds' (mosquitoes and potential wildlife)
- Rooms facing the main lobby entrance (bus/taxi noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a high-floor unit with a view of the ocean or golf course, specifically avoiding ground-floor units near the ponds due to allergy concerns.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Can I swim in the ocean here?
Rarely. The beach often flies Red (rough surf) or Purple (crocodiles) flags. It is for walking, not swimming.
Is breakfast included?
No, and the on-site buffet is pricey (~$20 USD/person). Walk 5-10 minutes to the Marina for better, cheaper options.
Is there a free shuttle to the Nuevo Vallarta location?
Yes, there is usually a shuttle if you want to visit the water park or other amenities at the sister resort, but it takes time.
How bad is the timeshare presentation?
Intense. They will offer 'welcome gifts' or discounts. If you aren't interested, a polite but firm 'No, thank you' at the desk is required.
Is Wi-Fi free?
Usually not in the rooms for non-members. It is often free in the lobby or at the nearby Marina coffee shops.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the main pool is heated and generally comfortable, unlike some other resorts in the area.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Happy Hour at the pool bar runs from 11 AM to 7 PM—seriously long.
- ✨
Walk out the front gate and turn right to hit the Marina boardwalk; 'La Terraza di Roma' offers great sunset views.
- ✨
Buy your water and snacks at the OXXO convenience store just outside the resort gates to save 50%.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Garden View' often means 'Pond View,' which comes with iguanas and mosquitoes.
💡You can spot crocodiles sunning themselves in the estuary nearby (safely from a distance).
💡The resort is cashless; you sign everything to your room, so track your spending.
💡The 'Master Room' is just a hotel room; you need a 'Suite' for a kitchen.
💡You are directly under the flight path, so plane spotting is great, but sleeping in late might be hard.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Mayan Palace Puerto Vallarta is located and what's nearby.