Best Beach Resorts in Puerto Vallarta: Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

For as many times as I’ve been to Puerto Vallarta, there are still sections of the city that remain a mystery to me. The marina, for example, is one of them. I often find myself staying south, closer to downtown, whereas the marina is located in the north, not far from the airport. It’s not that I’m *against* the marina, it’s more that I’ve always stayed downtown and that’s where my haunts are.

However, a recent trip to Puerto Vallarta afforded me the opportunity to stay at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, which is located in prime marina real estate, a short walk from the many restaurants and bars, as well as the slips. The Puerto Vallarta resort itself has a lovely bay-front location, with views out over the skyline of downtown Puerto Vallarta, the towering jungle-covered mountains, and the sea.

It was my very first time staying at this Puerto Vallarta resort, which is one of the oldest in town, though they underwent a massive renovation about four years ago, which included the rooms, public spaces, and added a beachfront bar/restaurant. For me it was a great opportunity to stay in a new location and experience one of the best resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 

If you’re looking for a familiar brand in a beautiful, safe location, with all of the amenities you’ll need at your fingertips, then the Marriott Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful option. Read on to see my full review of Marriott Puerto Vallarta. And if you find yourself inclined to book a trip for yourself, you can book one of the best resorts in Puerto Vallarta right here.

The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa Overall Score: Above Average

Puerto Vallarta Resort: The Vibe of Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

For me, it's not so much about the rooms or the views that can make or break a hotel (though both at the Marriott are great). For me so much of it comes down to the overall vibe, which includes the service, design, and whether or not the resort is social. The Marriott Puerto Vallarta gets an Extremely Memorable in my book for all three.

First of all, the service was extraordinary. Everyone was beyond helpful, friendly, and always had smiles on their faces. From the pool staff to the front desk, the bartenders, and the gym attendant, the overall vibe at the resort was happy, upbeat, and great to be around. 

I loved the design of the resort, too, which was essentially all open air, with views out over the expansive pool area and the bay. The rooms overlook the pool and the beach, so no one has a bad view no matter where they are on property.

At night the lobby bar was always packed with people, and the pool has a swim-up bar, which is always an A+ in my book when it comes to making friends, which you know we (David) love to do when we're traveling.

Best Beach Resorts Puerto Vallarta: The Amenities at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

There's a lot to love about the amenities at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. Let's start with the location. Admittedly, the marina is not a place I typically stay. It's usually overrun with people going out on day trips or with cruisers coming into port, and I always found the restaurants and shops to be much more expensive. Plus, it's kind of far from all the things I love about Puerto Vallarta, which are mostly downtown.

However, I welcomed this opportunity to try a new area and I will be the first to admit that I really enjoyed it. I don't typically recommend people stay at resorts in Puerto Vallarta, because so much to love about the city is in town. That said, if you are looking for a resort experience, the Marriott is a really wonderful option because you have the spectacular views of the Bay of Banderas, the mountains, and the skyline of Puerto Vallarta. The Marriott is also walking distance to the restaurants of the marina, if you want to get off property.

The resort also has one of the largest infinity pools in Puerto Vallarta, if not *the* largest infinity pool, and the views are pretty stellar. The beach is really nice here, too, which is a big selling point because the beaches downtown are not my favorite. But this beach is sandy with calm water, plenty of beach chairs and cabanas.

Best Resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: The Rooms at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

Overall Score: Above Average

The rooms at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa were renovated about four years ago. We stayed in a standard room, which was perfectly comfortable, albeit on the small side. Every room has a furnished balcony that overlooks the pool area and the bay, which is a nice touch.

All rooms have air conditioning and outlets, as well as nice televisions and good lighting. But other than that, they are pretty basic. Bathrooms have walk-in showers and are also on the small side. Still, I don't think you'll be spending much time in your room.

One area where the rooms do excel are the beds. The beds at the Marriott are among the most comfortable I've ever experienced. The sheets are particularly soft, too. I truly loved these beds.

Puerto Vallarta Resort: The Dining at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

It started with room service after a harrowing day. We were absolutely exhausted and all we wanted was to cozy up in the room and have dinner brought to us. We were not disappointed. The salmon caesar salad in particular was excellent.

But it didn’t stop there. From the ceviche at the Ceviche & Tequila Bar to the seared tuna salad at Las Casitas, the sushi and bao buns at Mikado, and the egg white omelet at La Estancia, the food at Marriott Puerto Vallarta is top-notch.

While we did not stay as part of an all-inclusive plan, there is an all-inclusive package you can purchase. Someone asked me if the food was good enough to consider the package, and I say definitely. Besides, the resort is located within the marina where restaurants tend to be really expensive, so unless you’re taking the taxi 30 minutes downtown, you’re probably going to do most of your eating at the resort.

Best Beach Resorts in Puerto Vallarta: The Wellness at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

Overall Score: Above Average

As an avid hotel gym user, I can say that this gym was really well-equipped. It had enough cardio equipment and weight machines, but it was lacking in the free weights department and did not have a few of the necessary weight machines that you see at other hotel gyms, like no Smith machine.

The spa was wonderfully relaxing and I highly recommend booking a spa treatment during your stay.

Stay at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

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