4 Best Hotels in Zona Hotelera, Puerto Vallarta

This storied resort rises above a deep-blue pool that flows beside palm oases. The ocean-view rooms have a modern neutral color scheme, beige marble floors, balconies, and tile baths with powerful showers. The beach is small but bustles with activity and equipment rentals, and the breakwater forms a sheltered nook that's nice for swimming. It's in the Northern Hotel Zone, about halfway between the Marina Vallarta complex and downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Secrets is a fancy all-inclusive, adults-only resort set in the heart of the Hotel Zone. The rooms offer wide, ample space and plenty of little details and luxuries (such as a Jacuzzi on the balcony). Some ground-floor suites include access to a swim-up pool. Public areas include two swimming pools and a large Jacuzzi, seven international restaurants, and a series of top-notch bars.

Marking the start of the Hotel Zone, the Sheraton was the first of the big-name resorts built in Puerto Vallarta, and ever since it has maintained its status as a Vallarta household name. Even though the building is a few decades old, rooms are renovated constantly to keep up with the times. Sometimes it can feel very business-like, as its convention center is one of the busiest in town.

Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa is a big, family-friendly, all-inclusive resort that has a bit of everything without excessive luxury. Rooms offer ample space and colorful Mexican decor. Among other amenities, Villa del Palmar includes a well-appointed fitness center, a spa with a diversity of services, three swimming pools, a kids' club, four restaurants, one cantina, and a couple of delis.