Nestling by the shores of the Bahia de Banderas lies the charming cobbled seaside resort town of Puerto Vallarta. Backed by mountains bearded with palm trees and teeming with cute cafes, artisans and some fascinating historic sites, Vallarta is the ideal destination for a laid-back seaside holiday. Our collection of the best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta range from chic boutiques to utterly luxurious hotels.

Puerto Vallarta is often overlooked in favour of the flashier resorts of Cancun and Cozumel, though unlike them it lies on the westernmost coast of Mexico, where the waves are rougher and sand is more golden. Boasting more retirees than young partiers, its laid-back vibe is the envy of the region and makes for a very pleasant sightseeing experience. The Old Town, full of charming cobbled streets, chic cafes and the town's renowned silver artisans, also boasts some beautiful churches like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, whose ornate steeple can be seen for miles around. Head over to the Cava Antigua, where you can learn about the production of tequila (and do some quality tastings while you're at it!)

Of course, people come to Puerto Vallarta for its beaches. Shining golden in the boundless sunshine, the beaches are lined with watersports vendors and sumptuous seafood restaurants. Owing to its untamed waves, surfing is exceedingly popular here, as is snorkelling and whale-watching. The boardwalk that lines the beach is a great spot for a romantic evening stroll - the sunsets are unbelievably enchanting. As the evening rolls in, the town takes on a livelier feel, owing to its status as the "gay beach capital of Mexico". Journeying out of the town you will find heaps of activities: you can do canopying tours through the jungle, ATV rides and horseback rides.

What not to miss

• Stroll along the boardwalk at sunset and drink in the views.
• Take an ATV tour through the depths of the jungle!
• Visit Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and marvel at her ornate design.
• Get lost in her charming old cobbled streets.
• Head over to Cava Antigua to learn about tequila-making and get a few tastings while you're there.
• Go on a canopying tour through the jungle.
• Ride the wild waves on a surfboard.

Puerto Vallarta is the perfect destination for a romantic break or a seaside holiday. Browse through our collection of the best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta to start planning your trip.

The best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta

Pure luxury

• Hacienda San Angel: high above Vallarta's cobbled streets, this magnificent example of colonial architecture boasts luxurious and elegant suites and a superb rooftop restaurant. Absolutely stunning!

Romantic break

• Casa Kimberly: utterly beautiful, this hotel is decorated with warm whitewashed walls, exposed wooden beams and antique furniture. Absolutely elegant, the rooms look out onto the Bahia de Banderas and the restaurant serves sumptuous Mexican fare. Ideal for couples.

• Xinalani is a rustic-chic yoga retreat on the stunning coast 12 miles down from Puerto Vallarta. Only reachable by boat, limited connectivity, open-air bathrooms and daily yoga sessions guarantee that you will get in touch with nature. The food is health conscious and they cater for vegan and gluten-free guests.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• Fly to Mexico City, and get a connection to Puerto Vallarta, which takes roughly 1 hour.
• If you want to rent a car we recommend contacting our partner Rentalcars.
• Go anytime between November and May, when there is no rain and the temperature ranges between 17 and 30 degrees.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Jalisco
• or Mexico
• or contact one of our Gurus for advice.