Some of the best hotel visits I’ve had were to properties I had been a guest at years before and returned to find the property virtually unchanged.
The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta is such a hotel.
MORE Hotel & Resort
The last time I visited was just over a decade ago, on a short weekend trip. It was the same modus operandi on my most recent visit too: get to the resort quickly for maximum relaxation during a short stay.
It was convenient that the hotel is in Marina Vallarta, but a ten-minute taxi ride from the airport. Should guests wish to venture into town, it’s another ten to fifteen minutes, making the hotel conveniently located, regardless of one’s vacation objectives.
Time seems to slow upon entering the soaring lobby with ocean breezes drifting in from the Pacific. The buildings are of a mid-century concrete construction with Aztec-style flourishes. They’re beginning to show their age, but in a rather lovable way, similar to a sweater that’s gotten more comfortable the more it’s worn.
Venturing around the property, there was a lot of talk among guests of “this year” or “last year” as frequent repeat customers notice tiny differences on subsequent visits. Repeat guests and staff seemed to know each other well from past visits. With the warm, friendly service the staff gives, it wasn’t difficult to see why: guests are treated like new friends.
Staff was quick with recommendations on things to see and do, and the hospitality is gracious. It’s a bit less automated than some properties in the United States, so registration and cashiering seemed to happen at a rather leisurely pace, but part of the joy of visiting new places is getting used to their inherent rhythms. Even with corporate standards to meet, the pace of the community seeps charmingly through.
During check-in, my room was never just “your room”. It was always “your beautiful room”. Just a minute, let me check to make sure your beautiful room is ready for you.
Beautiful it certainly turned out to be, and just as I had remembered: cooling tile floors, generously sized baths with soaker tubs and step-in showers, balconies and sweeping views of Banderas Bay. Although I wasn’t celebrating any sort of special occasion, the bed was lovingly decorated with towel animals and balloons, and a marzipan candy had been carefully placed atop the laid out bathrobe.
There are enough restaurants and bars on the resort to occupy a few full days entirely on site.
Arrecifes Seafood & Steakhouse, once occupying a large beachfront building, seems to have moved entirely outside, with a scattering of tables set up on the beachfront terrace. Although available for dinner service, the building itself is empty. The kitchen still turns out tasty meals for lunches at the beach bar (I dined on Acapulco-style shrimp cocktail and fresh tuna tostadas washed down with Pacifico Beer).
Guests can also dine in El Palmar for reasonably priced (for a resort hotel) a la carte Mexican cuisine with a focus on premium steaks and fresh seafood (I enjoyed skirt steak served piping hot in a stone molcajete), or enjoy familiar international bar food upstairs at La Cascada.
There are two resort pools—one geared more towards families with children, which did not appear well-patronized, and the main pool, which seemed popular with everybody, even families with children. While popular, it didn’t feel particularly crowded. In addition, there’s frequent poolside food and beverage service, plus a swim-up bar.
Between the pool, jacuzzi, and the in-water stone loungers and raised daybeds, it’s difficult not to spend an entire stay here under the swaying palms.
Guests purchasing Westin Club level rooms will find a lounge with a view (SPG/Marriott Platinum members also have access) and a full breakfast, hot appetizers in the afternoons, and desserts in the evenings. It was advertised as a “continental” breakfast at check-in, but it was delightful to arrive and find a whole spread of Mexican and International pastries, cold cuts, smoked fish, cheeses, and hot entree items with fresh-squeezed juice and organic coffee.
After a short stay, it was difficult to say goodbye, almost as much for the staff as for myself. Your stay has been too short, you must come see us again soon!
Hopefully it won’t be another several years before I return, but when I do, I’m confident it will be just as lovely as the last time.
The Takeaway
Convenience, value, and spectacular hospitality. There’s not much else to ask for on a quick beach getaway.
The Math
I’ve seen rates hovering around $100 USD per night outside of peak travel periods.
Instagrammable Moment
The sunset shots I posted on my Instagram feed got some good attention. Guest room views are also particularly share-worthy.
Loyalty
Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott Rewards, which will have a single combined brand name in 2019.
Good To Know
Mexico limits the amount of U.S. cash hotels can accept, so plan to pay in local currency or by credit card.
It’s not well-explained, but there are two identical buildings that appear to be part of the same hotel. The Westin only comprises the tower in which registration is located. The neighboring building and resort grounds, although similar, is a private club not part of the hotel.
The beach is swimmable, but the currents can be strong during some periods of the year. Observe the condition indicator flags at the entrance to the beach.
