Hotel Riu Vallarta
Family-friendly resort in Nuevo Nayarit.
Amenities
Traveler Insights(310 discussions)
Hotel Riu Vallarta is a classic large-scale Mexican all-inclusive that delivers reliably on the basics: solid beach, multiple pools, decent food, and enough entertainment to keep everyone busy. travelers positions it firmly in the 'good family value in the Puerto Vallarta corridor' category - it doesn't compete with the boutique luxury options north in Punta Mita, but at its price point it consistently delivers what families need. The beachfront Pacific location adds a drama to sunsets and scenery that Caribbean properties can't match.
The practical experience is exactly what you'd expect from a RIU property - large, busy, well-run at scale but not particularly personalized. The food earns more compliments than criticism, which puts it above the brand average. The biggest operational frustration is the age restrictions on pools that catch families with teenagers off guard - the main pool is 18+ and the kids' pool skews young, leaving a gap for the 14-17 demographic. Rooms work but are not the resort's strength.
Riu Vallarta makes the most sense for families with younger children, groups that want a high-energy all-inclusive atmosphere, and travelers prioritizing beach access and value over luxury finishes. The Nuevo Vallarta location gives you optional escape into the Puerto Vallarta dining scene when resort fatigue sets in, which Travelers with longer stays appreciate. Compare it against the Riu Jalisco next door and the Hilton Vallarta Riviera when shopping - they overlap on price but differ meaningfully on vibe.
Pros
- +Beachfront location on a long, wide stretch of Nayarit coastline north of Puerto Vallarta with reliable Pacific waves and dramatic sunsets
- +Large resort with multiple pools including kids areas and a main pool with swim-up bar - enough variety that you can stake out different spots each day
- +RiuLand kids' club provides structured entertainment for children, making this a genuine family resort rather than just family-tolerant
- +Food quality gets described as 'better than most all-inclusives' by travelers regulars, particularly the buffet variety on an average day
- +Flamingos area location means easy access to Nuevo Vallarta marina, golf courses, and the broader Puerto Vallarta dining scene if you want to explore
- +Nightly entertainment shows are professionally produced and genuinely enjoyable, not the low-budget versions you find at cheaper properties
- +Value for money is solid for the Pacific Mexico corridor where prices can climb quickly at boutique properties
- +Airport proximity makes this an easy arrival and departure - no long transfer drives through Mexican highways
Cons
- −Adults-only pool policy means families with teenagers 15-17 are stuck at the kids pool or the main pool - travelers families with older teens specifically call this out as frustrating
- −Rooms are dated and can feel cramped for families of four, especially the standard two-bed configurations with a poor-quality pullout sofa
- −Pacific side means rougher surf than Caribbean resorts - the beach is beautiful but swimming can be limited depending on swells and conditions
- −Noise from the entertainment programming carries across the resort well into the evening - light sleepers get disrupted
- −Timeshare sales pitches at check-in are part of the RIU experience here as at other properties in the chain
- −The main strip of Flamingos doesn't have the same character as downtown Puerto Vallarta - you're somewhat isolated unless you take a taxi or bus
- −Pool chair availability becomes competitive during high season - chair-savers start working at sunrise
- −Some travelers reviews cite indifferent or slow service at bars and restaurants during peak periods, which can feel jarring at an all-inclusive
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“Staying at this resort was great! I miss it everyday. Pros: -The staffs and the people were nice. -Location was great since the beach is pretty close by. I would recommend to walk during sunrise since it’s so beautiful and less people. -Foods were g...”
“This is a great resort. The food was all excellent- didn’t have a bad meal. We tried all the restaurants as there is no reservations. First come first served. Room was great- we had an ocean view and also could see the sunset from our room. But it’s...”
“We went for our first trip as a family with our almost 2 year old twins. The room was decent, balcony was bigger than expected, AC worked, mini bar and fridge were stocked. We spent every day at the beach and the pool in the morning. Dinner at the bu...”