If you haven’t been to Puerto Vallarta yet, now is the time! Located on the border between the great states of Jalisco and Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta is perched on one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The old part of town, or Viejo Vallarta, hugs the south end of Banderas Bay. The streets are narrow and paved in brick and cobblestone; red tiled roofs dot the jungled slopes of the sheltering mountains. I had the pleasure of staying at The Marriott Puerto Vallarta, and compiled ten reasons of why you should too.
1. The Staff
The Marriott Puerto Vallarta is known for its personal touch. It’s not the beautiful beach or the comfortable hotel room that makes this beach hotel, it’s their employees. I truly felt this throughout my experience, and yes I know I was invited out there- so of course they were good to me! But over the course of my stay, sitting at the pool bar chatting with other guests, it was apparent that this sentiment is shared among all guests and clearly a main reason these people come back to The Marriott PV ever year. The staff goes above and beyond to greet and get to know every person, making the hotel feel like “your home away from home.” In fact, each day upon arrival to our cleaned room, there was a note left that read “welcome home.”
2. The Property has it all, so you never have to leave
At the Marriott Puerto Vallarta, you can do it all and nothing at the same time. It’s the perfect place to strike the healthy balance between vacation activities and complete relaxation. Go for a morning paddle board/surf session before you balance out with the insane breakfast buffet. Between the properties four+ restaurants, full spa, gym, cooking classes, sea turtle sanctuary, water activities, and much much more, you’ll never be at a loss for what the day holds in store.
3. The Spa
The Marriott Puerto Vallarta does more than just supply you with a room to stay in, while you visit the beach. They want to pamper you and make sure you get the most out of your vacation, which means helping to rejuvenate your body and mind. The Ohtli Spa (part of the Marriott property) offers a wide range of advanced spa treatments, plus a full-service salon, sauna, rejuvenating steam room, a relaxation room and a variety of aqua lounges. Also if you are looking to find some romance, the spa offers couples massages, followed by joint jacuzzi, and the “Strawberry on top” finale, chocolate covered strawberries and champagne. Now thats a couples activity I can get down with.
4. Tequila
Te-te-te, Tequila! Have you ever heard of a tequilier? I hadn’t either until I met one at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta’s tequila tasting.Yes, that’s right — a tequilier. Like a sommelier, but rather than knowing anything and everything about wine, a tequilier knows anything and everything about . . . you guessed it- tequila!
Out of 7,400 Marriott Resorts, the Marriott Puerto Vallarta is the only resort to produce its own line of tequila and the only one that can since tequila only comes from Jalisco. The label is Casamanga and you can arrange a tasting for the 5 types they produce from 72 hours aged through 5 years aged. Another special option is to book a chefs tasting menu where each course is paired with a specific tequila to highlight each ones unique character. Also available “Jalisco at Your Table” which I had the pleasure of enjoying, which highlighted recipes from their abuelas kitchens and inspired by different regions in Jalisco, and left me wanting to adopt my own abuela, and bring her home.
5. Excellent dining
Why travel out and away from the hotel for fine dining when you can get it right at the hotel? The Marriott Puerto Vallarta offers its guest multiple types of dining on the property so that you have your choice of food and dining experiences. There are actually 7 dining choices to choose from, including:
Mikado- Japanese restaurant, offering sushi and Teppanyaki. This girl loves some dinner entertainment 🙂
La Estancia – Mexican, home of the amazing breakfast buffet, which includes my personal favorite Chilaquiles. As well as dining at all other hours for a full service menu of traditional Mexican food.
Champions Sports Bar – No need to miss the game! Grab your friend, family, or go solo, and indulge on American Pub fare while watching your team.
Las Casitas – If you don’t want to move far from the pool, but want to leave your chair (you don’t have to- servers will come around and cater to you, addressing you formally, in my case “Senorita Cohen” which I thoroughly enjoyed) Las Casitas is the Marriott Puerto Vallarta poolside restaurant.
While I didn’t have the time to check them all out, there is also the Ceviche and Tequila bar, Deli Los Mangos, and the always “tried and true” room service. No matter where you to choose to eat, casual or elegant, you will have the best experience dining with this fine cuisine. Cooking classes are offered as well, of which I did have the pleasure of enjoying with the amazing Executive Chef, and I highly recommend.
6. The Rooms
Their newly renovated 433 ocean facing guest rooms have everything you need for a pleasant stay: large comfortable beds, bathrooms that are modern and clean, and thankfully big closets. Our balcony had breathtaking views, perfect for enjoying calm ocean waves and beach sunsets with the mountains in the background. Or slip into one of the comfy robes and slippers provided, and take in one of the many channels offered to you, or stream your own netflix, as each room has a smart tv.
7. Access To Championship Golf Course
For golf lovers, you will probably want to visit the Marriott Puerto Vallarta for the golf alone. When you stay at the Marriott, you gain access to the Marina Vallarta Golf Club, which offers you two 18-hole Joe Finger-designed championship golf courses.The course is literally across the street from the hotel, so you’re close by when you’re ready to head back for dinner and drinks after the game
8. Sea Turtles
One of the most special features of the Marriott Puerto Vallarta is the Turtle nursery they have on the premises. Every year from June- November turtles lay their eggs and these are collected and protected at the Marriott nursery. We were fortunate enough to be there as 2 little turtles hatched on our last day and we were able to release them into the ocean just before sunset. It was such an incredible experience! And while there are no guarantees with mother nature that you’ll be able to do the same, you can always tour the nursery, learn about the process and the good this program does to protect and save our turtles, and maybe you’ll even get lucky with a turtle of your own to release! We hope our turtles, Rhianna and Beyonce made it (what we named them)!
9. Everyone is Welcome!
Families, singles, gay, who cares- everyone can enjoy the Marriott Puerto Vallarta.
You probably already know that Puerto Vallarta is one of the premier gay tourist towns in the world, with a gay Riviera (a.k.a. Romantic Zone) located south of the river. Establishments with names like Spartacus Club for Men share the block with swanky cocktail bars, condom stores, gyms and spas, and even gay-oriented pizzerias and sports bars. Gay-friendly tours abound, offering everything from bar hopping to whale watching.
Have a kid and will travel? This is the place for you. From the moment we arrived in the hotel lobby, it was apparent that Marriott Puerto Vallarta welcomes families with both arms. In addition to the pool and a beach, there is a playground, a Kids Club, life sized chess, jenga, ping pong, and various activities for kids of all ages. Throughout our vacation we continually observed friendly staff showing their affinity for the youngest guests of the resort.
10. Convenience
The Hotel is centrally located in the Marina of Puerto Vallarta and a short 8 minute ride from the airport. You don’t really need a rental car since you’re walking distance to the Marina shops and restaurants, representing a variety of international and regional Mexican cuisine & goods. But should you choose to explore downtown PV the hotel has tour options and there is always Uber.
A vacation at the Marriott PV is truly a choose-your-own adventure destination. At the end of each fun or relaxation-filled day, you’ll melt into your mattress blissful, content, and maybe just a little bit sunburned. What are you waiting for? This winter, guests can book the “Sunshine in a Bottle” package which includes accommodations in the newly renovated rooms, a full bottle of CasaMagna Tequila Blanco, daily breakfast buffet for two and a daily $25 resort credit.
#puertovallarta #marriott #resort #beachfront #beach #spa #mexico #travel #solotravel #familytravel #gay