Family-friendly resort in Mexico.
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Traveler Insights(420 discussions)
Las Palmas by the Sea is Puerto Vallarta's most charming budget all-inclusive, and the key to enjoying it is booking it for exactly what it is: an older, well-located property where the staff and the setting do the heavy lifting. The resort sits right on the beach in the Hotel Zone, within an easy walk of the Malecon, the famous Los Muertos pier, and some of Puerto Vallarta's best restaurants and bars. For travelers who view the resort as a base rather than a destination, this location is genuinely hard to beat at the price point. The beach itself is the central attraction, and the beachside pool setup with a swim-up bar creates a pleasant daily rhythm.
Food is a reliable three on a five-point scale - the buffet is plentiful and displayed nicely, and the oceanfront seafood restaurant with live music elevates dinner into an experience rather than just a meal. Rooms are the weakest point: they're clean and housekeeping is consistent, but the decor and infrastructure haven't kept pace with newer Puerto Vallarta properties. If you're used to outlets everywhere and a fridge in your room, the lack of both will become genuinely annoying by day two. The staff, however, are the resort's biggest asset - veteran employees go well beyond what's expected, and multiple travelers return specifically because of relationships built with particular team members over the years.
This resort is best suited for budget-conscious travelers, families with younger kids, and couples in their 30s-50s who want beach access and Puerto Vallarta's nightlife and culture within walking distance without spending Marriott or Hyatt prices. Compared to the Westin and CasaMagna nearby, Las Palmas costs significantly less but trades modern rooms for genuine warmth and a lower-stress atmosphere. Nearby, the Malecon, Los Arcos amphitheater, Zona Romantica restaurants, and day trips to Yelapa beach or Marietas Islands round out an easy vacation itinerary.
Pros
- +Prime beachfront location in Puerto Vallarta's Hotel Zone puts you five minutes on foot from the Malecon - one of Mexico's most vibrant and walkable coastal promenades
- +Genuinely warm, personal staff culture that travelers consistently single out by name - this is the resort where hospitality is the star of the show, not the facilities
- +Two pools including a beachfront pool with a swim-up bar, with enough chairs for the resort's modest 225-room size so you're rarely fighting for space
- +Three on-site restaurants including a romantic seafood spot with live music right at the ocean's edge that guests describe as a highlight of their trip
- +All-inclusive price point is one of the most accessible in Puerto Vallarta, making it a smart base for travelers who plan to explore town rather than stay resort-bound
- +Free kids' club with organized activities including a small kids' pool and playground, plus indoor games - solid for families who want some structured time
- +Snorkeling, kayaking, and beach volleyball are included in the all-inclusive package with equipment available directly on the beach without additional fees
- +Spa menu is extensive for the resort's size - hot stone massages, facials, and aromatherapy available with professional therapists, at prices well below Puerto Vallarta's larger luxury resorts
Cons
- −Rooms are genuinely outdated - the decor reads early 2000s throughout, with minimal electrical outlets, aging fixtures, and no mini-fridge in standard rooms, which frustrates guests who want to keep drinks cold
- −WiFi disconnects constantly throughout the day and is particularly unreliable in rooms furthest from the lobby, making remote work or consistent streaming impossible
- −Timeshare solicitations happen at breakfast and through 'welcome meetings' - saying no firmly is necessary but the pitches are persistent and reported across many reviews
- −A river running along the property doesn't connect to the sea and can become stagnant and odorous, especially in warmer months when airflow is limited
- −Only three dining venues means variety gets repetitive by day three or four, and guests who stay a full week report eating the same rotation of dishes
- −Beach can get crowded with chairs from non-all-inclusive guests who purchase day passes, reducing the sense of exclusivity that some travelers expect from an all-inclusive
- −Service consistency from younger staff has received some criticism - the experienced senior staff get glowing marks, but newer hires are noted as less attentive and occasionally dismissive
- −No in-room mini-fridge in standard rooms means drinks from the bar can't be easily stored - a frustrating gap for those used to stocking up overnight
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Google Reviews
“We were very happy with our stay at this hotel! The staff were wonderful — always friendly, attentive, and ready to help. The sea was amazing: clean, calm, and beautiful. There were always plenty of sunbeds available, which was a big plus. The room w...”
“My favorite place other than home. The people are amazing. We come here often. Starting from the top all the people make our visit a wonderful experience. From Cristina the manager to Martha our room lady they are fantastic people making our visit a...”
“It's a Beautiful place and they did everything to make me have a nice holiday. Guadalupe always at my service.Migel, very sweet person,always attentive. Saul and Ramone ,so sweet. !And the restaurant service was excellent. ( A la carte). David, Hugo...”