WOW!! This was absolutely "top shelf"!!! We travelled with our two children (12 and 8) and had the best time we have had in years.
Vallarta Shores is one of the best vacation spots we have ever visited. Though we travelled during high season (spring break), the staff at Vallarta Shores assured our vacation was a relaxing and safe break from it all. Because it is located on the south side of the main beach, we were far enough removed from the night life but close enough to get to it when we so chose. Nestled on the south side of Playa de Los Muertos, Vallarta Shores is literally a "stones throw" from the Pacific Ocean -- we just had to make sure we did not hit our private pool or personal cook with "that stone". Vallarta Shores is proof positive one can visit a high traffic area and still feel far removed from the hustle and bustle that can come from travelling that time of year.
We were walking distance from downtown and every other accomodation we needed during our 8-day stay. However, if we needed a ride, the staff was there to make sure we got it -- if a taxi was unavailable, they simply fired up their car and took us where we wanted to go. The property itself, is by far the nicest, most accomodating, and personable in Vallarta. We were fortunate to book one of their two penthouse suites (if you get the chance -- do so -- it is well worth the price) which came equipped with a cook and daily cleaning staff. The cooks (Dulce and Ruben), prepared some of the finest and cost effective meals we have had in years. It was almost like we had our own 5-Star chef at our disposal. Our first night was met with a personal greeting from the ownership -- an extremely nice touch. When asked why, they simply said that they were around and thought it would be nice to meet up with us and share some Mexican hospitiality.
We had our own private swimming pool, but the public pool was equally nice. When we arrived, though we did not request it, they had pool toys for the kids. Regardless, we would have been equally satisfied if we would have booked one of their basic rooms, which were very roomy and well maintained. On those days we wanted to just stay beach-side, Vallarta Shores has available personal palapas and beach chairs to ensure your time on the sand is comfortable. Not a day went by where the staff was not checking in on us to see if we needed anything.
In advance, the staff booked every excursion we desired. We took advantage of this and enjoyed the "jungle zip lines", "jet skis", "banana boat", and "ATV Jungle Tour". On all occasions, we were happy to see that the proximity of these tours was quite close to the property.
As far as accomodating our family lfestyle, we could not have been happier. The staff even volunteered to babysit our two children if we decided to venture out on an "adult only" evening. Funny thing is -- though we did not take advantage of their hospitality in this regard, we would have felt quite comfortable doing so.
All-in-all, if you are to visit Puerto Vallarta, and feel a hotel is not for you, Vallarta Shores International would be one of the finest choices you can make. On our last day, we chose to take them up on the offer to visit other properties they own and manage. The Villa living offers (Villa Azul and Villa Celeste) they maintain are absolutely the most beautiful properties we have ever seen. Let's just say, you can not go wrong contacting these guys the next time you are considering Vallarta. I'm sure you will feel the same -- give it a shot! Vallarta Shores es Muy Bien!!!!!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
People with disabilities
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Museums / Cultural / Historical sites, Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine, Shopping, Spa