Puerto Vallarta Great Values

An atmospheric villa stay at a reasonable price can be had at this seven-suite villa-cum-bed-and-breakfast – a special sanctuary situated on a dazzling cove on Playa Conchas Chinas, just south of Mismaloya. The unique “Mexatarranean” inn, as it’s often described, offers tall doors with lattice terraces, a thatched-roof dinning room, and a pool with a sun-drenched terrace. Eclectic decorum – a mix of elegant European styles, quirky trimmings, and original art – fill the common spaces and guestrooms. A quaint living room with a cozy fireplace and trophy antlers mounted on the wall (one of the many surprising touches that make the place so memorable) serves as a welcoming gathering area, while the palapa dining room hosts breakfast Monday to Saturday from 9am-10am. A shorefront veranda with Roman columns has beach chairs for lounging and the massive rocks just offshore create calm pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. All seven charming suites, which occupy one of the seven floors, are completely original with a whimsical grandeur all their own. The lot comes complete with a kitchenette or full kitchen, air-conditioning, private baths, and balconies or terraces (with the exception of the Jessica suite which has no balcony and limited views). We love the Maria, all 12000 square feet of it, with its dramatic sumptuous style, rich colors, antique armoires, graceful canopied bed, and superb ocean views. The split-level Guadalupe suite is also fabulous with a fantastic beachfront spot right on the sand.

Enveloped by jungle and overlooking the Pacific, the mountains, and the thatched-roofs of Yelapa’s village, Verana is a destination on its own. Six fantastical little houses, all with a completely different style and ambience ranging from bohemian to minimalist, dot the lush hillside. Mango and lemon trees, an infinity pool (fed by natural spring waters), bar, and restaurant flank the tropical grounds while a posh spa offers soothing treatments. With steep stone walkways and the ever-present threat of scorpions (keep those shoes on!), a young hippie-chic, nature lovin’ set follows. A European chef prepares praiseworthy meals, mostly international-style cuisine with a touch of Mexican flair, twice daily. Verana also offers boat trips, walks to the waterfall, and yoga classes. Owners, Heinz Legler, former set director, and Veronique Lièvre, interior designer, often refer to Verana’s rooms as six movie sets. Pick from a palapa-style cottage with no walls, stone floors, eclectic furnishings, and gauzy drapes; a Mediterranean-style stone house with rustic adornments and warm colors; or a striking minimalist studio with polished cement.

Within walking distance of El Centro on Los Muertos Beach, the curved hotel's 171 rooms are decorated in Colonial Mexican style. Bonus: all rooms come with terraces or balconies.

Just a stroll away from the malécon and Los Muertos Beach, the Hacienda Hotel & Spa is set amid tropical gardens – waterfall and all – with fine villas that exude an upscale yet homey ambience. A meandering spa center, dotted with palm-roofed cabanas and connected by little bridges, is reminiscent of a milieu in the South Pacific. Check out the spa packages offered on the site; many include treatments and discounts and start from just over $100 a night. There’s a complimentary bus that will shuttle guests to the neighboring beach hotel where for the sand and water facilities. Two- and three-story haciendas house 155 rooms with wood ceilings, tiled floors, petite balconies, and a small table and chairs. Amenities include individually controlled air-conditioning; color Cable TV; direct-dial telephone; and hairdryers upon request. Guests can opt for an all-inclusive plan which includes all meals and extras.

South of the river, this hole-in-the-wall café may be hard to find, but it's well worth the...more