Go Boutique in Puerto Vallarta

While Mexico is home to all of the top resort names, its boutique hotels give the destination a distinct personality and flair. In Puerto Vallarta, the boutique scene is popping. Here are the ones you need to know.

For the rooms with the views, look into Hacienda San Angel, which is one of the destination’s more historic hotels. the hotel sits in the Conchas Chinas zone of Puerto Vallarta, overlooking the Señora de Guadalupe Church and the Bay of Banderas. 

The Hotel Rosita is another great boutique option for travelers who wish to travel like a local. The hotel was built in 1948 and is considered to be Puerto Vallarta’s oldest hotel. Decked out in murals from the 1960s, this hotel is right at the Malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s buzzing social center. 

For a more modern feel, check out Puerto Vallarta’s artist community in Zona Romantica (think cobblestone streets, galleries, boutiques and beach access). Hotel Catedral and Posada de Roger Hotel are two boutique hotels that grasp the spirit of the neighborhood. Hotel Catedral is classic Rosa Mexicano pink, while the Posada de Roger has a fountained courtyard and exposed brick. 

Heading just outside the city into the Sierra Madre Mountains, Puerto Vallarta’s surrounding towns are tops for eco-friendly travelers. Casa Pericos, in the town of Yelapa, is only accessible by boat and is a great secluded destination for romantic getaways. In San Sebastian, the Hacienda Jalisco was built into a Spanish structure that is 225 years old. If it’s eco-luxury you crave, visit Villa Azalea Inn & Organic Farm

LGBT travelers will feel most at home at Casa Cupula, which is constantly rated as one of the top boutique hotels in Puerto Vallarta. Another great LGBT-friendly hotel is Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel (a Travel Agent favorite!), which uses Mexico’s classic colors in cubist paintings across the colonial architecture. 

Looking for something fun to do in Puerto Vallarta? There are tons of activities, from the obvious beach scene to fine dining and food tours to hiking and other eco-tourism options. For something laid back, check out Puerto Vallarta on bike. Every Wednesday night there is a bike ride organized to explore Puerto Vallarta. Travelers meet at the Marina Vallarta whale sculpture at 8:45 pm. From there the group rides toward the Malecon’s Arches and then follows the same route back to the meeting point. On Sunday the center lanes of Francisco Medicina Ascencio Avenue are open for cyclists from the Krystal Hotel to the Sheraton Hotel from 8 am to 12 pm. For bike rental options look into Bicita Vallarta, Aequilibrium or Japodrillo’s