Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta

​If Puerto Vallarta has caught your eye as a Spring Break destination in 2025, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been traveling to Puerto Vallarta for the past 30 years and even lived there for nine months during college. So, suffice it to say, I know PV well. Also, as someone who’s been to Cancun and Playa del Carmen, I feel strongly that Puerto Vallarta is the better Mexico destination. Plus, the airport customs lines are way more efficient in PV than at Cancun airport. 

Okay, let’s jump into it with my top Puerto Vallarta hotels for Spring Break 2025. I want to emphasize that I’ve stayed at each of these spots during personal family trips, so I’m giving you my genuine, honest take on these places.

Learn More: Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in 2025
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Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta for 2025

 1. Buenaventura Grand Hotel and Great Moments - Best Downtown Puerto Vallarta Hotel

That's me having lunch at the Buenaventura Grand's beachside restaurant.

​My husband and I honeymooned here, and of all the all-inclusive resorts I’ve stayed at, this is my top pick in terms of food and location. Located in downtown Puerto Vallarta, just a 10-minute walk from the city’s famed Malecon, the Buenaventura is great for those who want the benefits of an all-inclusive with the vibrance of being in the heart of the city. 

As hinted above, the food here is unbelievable, though my favorite is their beachside restaurant, which makes for a delicious lunch spot by day and a romantic dinner at night. For reference, you have to make a reservation for dinner here since it’s one of their specialty options and isn’t open every night. However, it’s open each day for lunch. Plus, you’re right on the beach, overlooking the ocean, so the views are fantastic. 

While the nighttime entertainment at the Buenaventura isn’t the best, it’s not necessarily a dealbreaker since you can just walk around town to different bars and nightclubs.

Pros

• Convenient downtown location
• Fantastic food selections
• Friendly staff
• Great beach
• Beachside restaurant

Possible Drawbacks

• Minimal nightly entertainment
• Sometimes hard to find available poolside chairs (though there were always plenty of chairs on the beach)

Find out more in my full-length Buenaventura Grand Hotel and Great Moments Review
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2. Hotel Encino - Best Affordable Puerto Vallarta Hotel 

Out to dinner with my mom at one of the many local restaurants near the Hotel Encino in Puerto Vallarta

​The Hotel Encino is located in downtown Puerto Vallarta at the beginning of the city’s beloved romantic zone. A traditional hotel rather than an all-inclusive, this place is perfect for those who want to stay in Puerto Vallarta but prefer to eat at local restaurants. And since you’re right in town, there are lots of great restaurants to choose from. 

I stayed here with my parents, and while the hotel is older, it’s in immaculate condition and has a charming, authentic aesthetic. If you’re on a budget and looking for something other than a traditional ‘tourist’ experience, this is a fantastic hotel. There’s even a local cat who loves to hang out in the lobby. 

Pros

• Located in the romantic zone in downtown Puerto Vallarta
• Clean and authentic Mexican design
• Easy access to lots of local restaurants
• Bar and restaurant on the top floor
• Top floor pool
• More affordable than all-inclusive

Possible Drawbacks

• No option for unlimited food and drinks
• Older rooms
• The beds were pretty hard

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3. Hotel Friendly  - Best Puerto Vallarta Hotel for Families 

In the Hotel Friendly's lobby with some friends we made from Canada

The Hotel Friendly is an all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone, and I stayed here with my parents and my cousin, Nicha. The hotel zone is great for folks who still want to be around the ‘action’ but not necessarily downtown. That said, you can easily hop on a bus that takes you into town.

The Hotel Friendly Puerto Vallarta is a fantastic choice for families; their activities program always has plenty going on, both during the day and at night. This was the last resort I stayed at, where I had a full entertainment team that organized daytime activities and performed in elaborate nightly shows. I think kids and teens would enjoy the Hotel Friendly’s fun and vibrant atmosphere.

Pros

• Hotel zone location
• Fantastic daytime activities and nightly entertainment
• Entertainment team
• All-inclusive resort

Possible Drawbacks

• Might be too rowdy for couples without kids who want something more low-key
• The food was fine but not necessarily memorable

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Spring Breakers go to Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, absolutely! While Cancun might be considered a notorious spot for college spring breakers, Puerto Vallarta has the advantage of being fun for both college spring break and families. Plus, I consider Puerto Vallarta much safer than Cancun and easier to navigate.

How busy is Puerto Vallarta during Spring Break?
Puerto Vallarta can get busy during Spring Break, especially if your trip coincides with Semana Santa, when many families from nearby cities like Guadalajara vacation there.

Is March a good time to go to Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, March is a great time to go to Puerto Vallarta because it’s not during the unbearably hot and muggy rainy season. Prices might be slightly higher because it’s a busier time, but there are many accommodation options here, including Airbnb, so you’ve got plenty of choices. 

Transparency Disclosure — The opinions on this website are independent and based on my own personal experiences. I may receive a referral fee for stays booked through the links on this site.

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