Puerto Vallarta is one of the top Mexico beach vacation destinations, and there are hotels for just about every taste there. In my latest travel video, I provide one of my signature unfiltered hotel tours of one of the city’s best-known all-inclusive hotels: the Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa resort.
I had stayed at the Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta (which is part of La Colección, a group of hotels and resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic) a couple times several years ago and really enjoyed it. But things have changed since then, and my recent stay allowed me to experience the latest renovations and newest services, and I was quite pleased with the improvements.
This lovely Mexico beach resort has undergone several upgrades and renovations in recent years, and in the video you’ll get a first-person peek at a stylishly redecorated hotel room, refurbished hotel restaurants and the fabulous, adults-only rooftop pool area, where the cabanas are equipped with everything you need for a day of relaxation.
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The giant thatched roof palapa, which houses the hotel lobby and reception area, still provides a dramatically beautiful setting for the arrival experience. A gentle fountain and stream runs through the lobby, and soothing ocean breezes from the open-air public area bathed my face as I checked in. But there are lots of new things to enjoy now.
The past three years have witnessed a variety of changes and upgrades at the Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta. Here are some of the top reasons to love this hotel now.
- The new rooftop pool. One of the most recent additions to the Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta is Sonné, the adults-only rooftop pool and lounge area, which is graced with multiple seating areas and a long infinity pool that offers beach and ocean views. Perched above the rest of the pool area and beach, it provides an elegant and stylish oasis in which to relax. A row of decidedly modern pool cabanas line one side, and on two consecutive days, I retreated into one to relax and even work. These cabanas are so well equipped that you could practically spend your whole stay there — they’re furnished with a double day bed, hanging lounge chair, a large, wall-mounted television, multiple electrical outlets, a lovely wooden credenza with safe deposit box and curtains that can be drawn for extra privacy. I found myself relaxing and working. An ample menu of food is served for lunch and snacks. (As a family-friendly alternative, day beds in the main pool area are $35/day.)
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2. Redecorated guest rooms. Upon checking into room 825, I found an impressively refreshed guest room design. Renovations this year include new beds and bedding with lovely embroidered accent pillows, new cabinets, seating, and attractive lighting – complemented by handsome, minimalist wood tones that imbue the room with a much more contemporary style that its previous look. Gone are the bulky, space-hogging armoires that once housed the television and minibar have been replaced by much more attractive (and less imposing) cabinets, with larger wall-mounted televisions hanging above. I liked the attractive, modern lighting, the eye-catching headboard and the matching wood ceiling fan. The seating area features new chairs, a comfy, modern sofa, a large piece of nautical themed photography and a gigantic round mirror that makes it easier to appreciate the spectacular ocean view even when lying in bed. The balcony has two chairs.
3. Beautiful restaurants. I savored a tasty pan-Asian dinner at Tiantang, the recently restyled Asian restaurant, as well as a sumptuous Italian dinner (salmon fettucine, to be exact) from Rosato, the Italian restaurant, served on a beautiful new pergola that sits atop a platform in the large swimming pool, providing a new and unique setting that’s especially photogenic. There is also a lovely Mexican restaurant and a buffet restaurant. The VIP chef’s table is another way to create a memorable dining experience Dinner reservations are required at most of the venues, but are easy to make during the day at the pool kiosk.
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4. The lovely spa and fitness center. You can indulge yourself in a treatment at the Nakawe Spa, which offers massage, hydrotherapy and other treatments, and is graced with a lovely outdoor treatment and relaxation area. The adjacent hotel fitness center is also noteworthy, with its well-maintained equipment and large windows so you can admire the lush vegetation as you work out.
5. Free entertainment. You’ll find a full agenda of entertainment options at the hotel, and it’s all included. It’s a great hotel for family travel, thanks to the Fiesta Kids Club, which is designed for children ages four to 12, and the Teens Club, which has a range of activities for ages 13 to 16. There are lots of activities during the daytime, including dance lessons, volleyball and bingo, to name a few, while live entertainment is a common diversion after dark (I saw a great mariachi band perform during my two-night stay). There’s also a lively lobby bar that’s a fun place for drinks and socializing after dinner.
6. The large swimming pool and beach. Also worth noting is the expansive main swimming pool, which is surrounded by lush landscaping, and the expansive beach area is right in front of the property, just steps from the main hotel building. There’s lots of room, both at the pool and on the beach, to stake out your place in the sun (or the shade) and spend a day relaxing and enjoying Puerto Vallarta’s year-round warm temperatures.
7. The great location. There are lots of things to do in Puerto Vallarta, and the Fiesta Americana offers a decidedly convenient location, just a few minutes by car from downtown Puerto Vallarta, and it’s also a quick walk to La Isla (an upscale shopping mall), as well as multiple restaurants and Plaza Caracol, a shopping mall with a supermarket. Some hotels in the Puerto Vallarta area are located quite far from shopping, dining and other diversions, so if convenience is important, then the Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta is a good choice.
Overall, I’d recommend the Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta for couples, groups of friends and families looking for an all-inclusive beach hotel in a prime location and with a variety of features and culinary options. With its extensive amenities, services and features, this Puerto Vallarta hotel is good for family vacations as well as grownups-only getaways. I found it easy to find peace and quiet as well as more lively fun, making it easy to create my own perfect Mexico beach ambiance.
I’m a travel writer, travel blogger and Mexico travel specialist, and I love sharing travel tips to make your next vacation or business trip better. Please feel free to share your comments, experiences and questions about Mexico travel and Latin America travel and vacations!
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