Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure
Family-friendly resort in Nuevo Vallarta. Green, Mid-Range.
Atmosphere
Room Upgrades
Amenities
Traveler Insights(28 discussions)
Marival Emotions occupies an interesting middle ground in the Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive market - better than the bargain resorts in food and facilities, not as polished or comprehensive as the Hard Rock or Hyatt Ziva, and priced accordingly. travelers's take is that it delivers solidly on the basics: a nice beach in Nuevo Vallarta, decent food, family-friendly facilities including multi-bedroom suites, and an atmosphere that doesn't skew too heavily party or too heavily geriatric. The LGBTQ+ friendliness is a genuine point of difference that gets mentioned approvingly.
Where Marival Emotions falls short is in the details that make or break a resort stay. The lack of poolside food service - something even budget resorts often manage - is cited frequently as a frustrating omission. Some guests report charges for room safes and other items that feel out of place at a true all-inclusive. The resort's size means the restaurant variety and entertainment roster don't match what the Hard Rock down the road offers. For Canadian families looking at the $6k bracket for four people over March break, it's a viable option, but the gap between it and the Hard Rock Vallarta has tripped up travelers who thought they were getting comparable quality.
Where it absolutely shines is for families wanting multi-bedroom suites without paying Hard Rock prices. Two and three bedroom ocean-front suites are available at Marival Emotions at rates significantly below what comparable configurations cost at premium properties. For dietary restrictions including celiac, the property gets genuine praise for how they handle it. For seniors or low-key couples who prioritize beach and food over nightlife, the vibe fits well. It's a good resort; it's just competing in a crowded market where expectations are set by exceptional neighbors.
Pros
- +Nuevo Vallarta location is 15-20 minutes from the airport and on a genuinely nice beach - easy and beautiful
- +Multi-bedroom suites (2 and 3 bedroom options) make it one of the better family or group value plays in the PV area
- +Food quality gets solid reviews, particularly for a mid-range property where food often disappoints
- +Celiac and dietary restriction accommodations are handled thoughtfully - guests get an explanatory letter for restaurant staff
- +Kids pool with a small water slide keeps the youngest guests occupied without requiring a full water park
- +LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere noted by guests who specifically asked and reported positive experiences
- +Very competitive pricing in a market where Hard Rock and Hyatt Ziva can run significantly higher
- +Access to multi-bedroom ocean front suites at rates well below comparable suites at Hard Rock Vallarta
Cons
- −Lack of poolside food service is a consistent complaint - you have to leave the pool to get food, which gets annoying fast
- −Some guests report a minibar charge policy and paid room safe that feel nickel-and-dime for an all-inclusive
- −Smaller resort scale compared to Hard Rock or Hyatt Ziva means fewer dining and entertainment options
- −Reviews are inconsistent enough that some travelers switched to Hard Rock Vallarta after disappointment
- −Located in Nuevo Vallarta rather than Puerto Vallarta proper, so the 'PV vibe' requires a taxi or shuttle to access
- −Less exciting nightlife on-property compared to Hard Rock or the livelier resorts on the hotel strip
- −Mid-range positioning means it competes against properties like Velas Vallarta which have stronger reputations
- −Some guests find the resort doesn't differentiate itself enough from cheaper alternatives to justify full booking
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“We had a lovely stay at Marival Emotions! It was our first time here (not our last) and we didn’t know what to expect, but were happily blown away by the beautiful lobby and bars/restaurants, great food, and kids and adult activities throughout the d...”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had a wonderful stay at this resort and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Everything was clean, comfortable, and well organized, but what truly made the difference was the hospitality. A very special thank you to Elizabeth, who went...”
“Rooms are good. 1 br suite is very spacious. Good for a family of 4. 2 double beds. The shower in the 2nd bathroom doesn't have a door or anything so half of the shower is exposed and the water from the shower head will splash into the main bathroom...”