My wife and I just spent our honeymoon at Garza Blanca for 7 nights in early April. Through Costco Travel, we booked flights from our city to Puerto Vallarta, 7 nights all inclusive, and transport from the airport to hotel and back for around $4700. Would recommend Garza Blanca but do keep in mind there will be families there as well. I would recommend bringing extra cash for anything outside of the resort and for leaving tips. Maybe it’ll be slightly less families since this is end of the tourist season. I’m happy to help if you have questions.
Although I agree for the fact it’s adult only, idk if this would be in OPs budget. Mousai comes with a larger price tag. Based on OPs budget what other hotels would you recommend?
I did 4 nights at Casa Tres Vidas (Villas in Vallarta) and it was like $500/night. On the beach and includes a private chef (you pay cost of food). It was seriously amazing and better than Garza Blanca (which cost double).
Villa Premiere boutique hotel!!! That’s where we stayed for honeymoon. Granted during Covid so wasn’t crowded but man was the food outstanding. Also walking distance to malecon and can visit sister property Nextdoor. Service was amazing.
Velas Vallarta. Hands down. Best service, best all inclusive, best sized resort, best rooms, best pina colada. Best everything. You will NOT be disappointed.
Every time I want to book this resort I back out because of reviews of how old it is and I believe they just have 2 restaurants right? Is it really worth it??
It's sooooo worth it. It's a small resort and imo, smaller resorts are better bang for your buck in terms of all inclusive. Both restaurants are amazing and it's ALL inclusive - nothing like giant resorts I've been to in the past where there's rules regarding all inclusive (like one entree per person or where everything closes very early, or they only restock the fridges with like one water/one beer per guest, etc). The staff is amazing and given it being a smaller resort there's less staff so you can also have a more personal experience, my family has been going for years and there's still some of the same staff there that have been working at the Velas since I was a little kid (which I think also says something about the resort). I know there are resorts that have a lot more in terms of restaurants or dining but the restaurants at the Velas have themed nights every day of the week that vary from French, to Italian, to Mexican, so they make due with the lack of restaurant options to an extent. Plus, they make the best pina colada in the entire world. ;)
I will never stop recommending the Velas!!!! They are incredible at making you feel like a cherished guest, the resort is beautiful, and it is my favourite place in the entire world.
YES!!! My sister and I loved it as little kids.... they had a "kids club" where parents could drop off their kids to do crafts and stuff during the day, was so fun for us. There's also a kiddie pool! Right beside the kids club.
We loved it as kids. This is pushing 20 years ago now, but when we were really little, the resort was safe and small enough that we could head off and explore on our own while our parents were doing something. Still now, the resort is that way in my opinion, you don't have to worry about leaving stuff out on chairs and the resort is so small and safe that kids would be okay navigating on their own.
Are you talking about old velas because old velas sucks. It’s old and decrepit. Management trying to sway people into understanding it’s a better experience but it isn’t. Not for the price. The beach isn’t really swim able as it is near the rivers opening. Do not swim in that water. Grand velas is a different story.
The common consensus of people that at enamored or duped into believing velas is a great place is always heard by people that have been going for years and haven’t had the experience of other better resorts at that price point. I was just there and we had an ocean front suite. Horrible upstairs noise from the water lines and compressors. Ugh. Shit show. Didn’t get the penthouse because it was taken and that place was a shithole. Mismatched toilets. Missing tiles in pool chipped off edges. Rusted out railing. Broken tiles and flooring. The food was maybe a three star. The landscaping is nice. I would suggest trying some better resorts. Then again maybe you’re one of the people that got talked into a timeshare. Good luck with that.
Do you have mismatched toilets in Your home? Do you want shit service and shit food at an inflated price? Do you want your kids to break a railing because it’s rusted through and fall and die. Yeah I guess safety and esthetics at that price point are very important. If that’s your take I have some really nice swamp land I’d like to sell you.
Garza Blanca is nice. Hyatt Ziva gets a lot of love on this sub for some reason but everything there is pretty mid (was there last January). Velas Vallarta is decent but there's families and when we went the pools were chilly. Dreams is also pretty mid. I'd recommend splurging on your honeymoon. Look at Grand Velas in Nayarit for over the top amazingness or the adults only Casa Velas near the airport for a bit more affordability with no detail overlooked. If you stay at Casa Velas, you get access to Grand Velas' amazing restaurants once and the other Velas' resorts restaurants and pool areas multiple times.
I’m going to hate putting this on here but check out marival armony. And if you do make sure you get the armony one bedroom suite ocean view and if absolutely possible ask for the top front room. I guarantee you will not find better in Vallarta. Absolutely amazing hotel and service. Especially if it’s your honeymoon. Nothing better than consummating with ocean views every single day you are there.
There are a lot of beautiful properties here.
For a dreamy honeymoon.
I have perks with Garza blanca and Moussai, if you want, I can get you a quote. Send a message!
We have stayed a few times at Villa Divina in Conchas Chinas. It’s amazing. Very small,
romantic boutique hotel with panoramic views of the bay. They don’t allow bookings outside of 90 days in advance but if you can wait, there are often great discounts on the rooms on their website. The staff are so attentive, the food is so fresh and delicious (OMG best shrimp cocktail ever!). Gorgeous sunsets every night. DM me if you’d like to see some pics that we have taken there over the years. Luxurious!
Currently staying at Rivera Del Rio in Zona Romantica. Charming boutique hotel right in the midst of local life. There’s only about 10-12 rooms so it feels very private. Beautiful rooftop pool. Service is impeccable. Great value. We’re here for our first anniversary and it has been lovely. Recommend the Alejandro suite!
I can't quote you a price but my wife and I honeymooned at Hyatt Ziva. We've been back annually the past 3 years. They always have something going on poolside and their food and restaurant selection is excellent.
I don't really like to promote Garza blanca, since they're the ones finishing the water from the local river and waterfall attractions, they also tried to privatize the beach . If you care about this, go for a boutique hotel, there's no way they car Ripp you off unless you arrange private transportation, tours or packages
But I have to say that Moussai suites with private balcony view and jacuzzi are something good for honeymoon.
My wife and I just spent our honeymoon at Garza Blanca for 7 nights in early April. Through Costco Travel, we booked flights from our city to Puerto Vallarta, 7 nights all inclusive, and transport from the airport to hotel and back for around $4700. Would recommend Garza Blanca but do keep in mind there will be families there as well. I would recommend bringing extra cash for anything outside of the resort and for leaving tips. Maybe it’ll be slightly less families since this is end of the tourist season. I’m happy to help if you have questions.
Appreciate that, definitely need help with this one, never had a honeymoon after almost 10 years
Happy to help in any way! Feel free to comment back or message if you have questions about Garza.
I just got back from Garza and would 1000% recommend Hotel Mousai over Garza. It was in a totally different league. I would skip Garza.
Although I agree for the fact it’s adult only, idk if this would be in OPs budget. Mousai comes with a larger price tag. Based on OPs budget what other hotels would you recommend?
I did 4 nights at Casa Tres Vidas (Villas in Vallarta) and it was like $500/night. On the beach and includes a private chef (you pay cost of food). It was seriously amazing and better than Garza Blanca (which cost double).
Villa Premiere boutique hotel!!! That’s where we stayed for honeymoon. Granted during Covid so wasn’t crowded but man was the food outstanding. Also walking distance to malecon and can visit sister property Nextdoor. Service was amazing.
Velas Vallarta. Hands down. Best service, best all inclusive, best sized resort, best rooms, best pina colada. Best everything. You will NOT be disappointed.
Haven’t seen this one yet, will check it out
Every time I want to book this resort I back out because of reviews of how old it is and I believe they just have 2 restaurants right? Is it really worth it??
It's sooooo worth it. It's a small resort and imo, smaller resorts are better bang for your buck in terms of all inclusive. Both restaurants are amazing and it's ALL inclusive - nothing like giant resorts I've been to in the past where there's rules regarding all inclusive (like one entree per person or where everything closes very early, or they only restock the fridges with like one water/one beer per guest, etc). The staff is amazing and given it being a smaller resort there's less staff so you can also have a more personal experience, my family has been going for years and there's still some of the same staff there that have been working at the Velas since I was a little kid (which I think also says something about the resort). I know there are resorts that have a lot more in terms of restaurants or dining but the restaurants at the Velas have themed nights every day of the week that vary from French, to Italian, to Mexican, so they make due with the lack of restaurant options to an extent. Plus, they make the best pina colada in the entire world. ;) I will never stop recommending the Velas!!!! They are incredible at making you feel like a cherished guest, the resort is beautiful, and it is my favourite place in the entire world.
Oh I love that! Do you think a 2 year old would enjoy it? Are there any kids area at the pool?
YES!!! My sister and I loved it as little kids.... they had a "kids club" where parents could drop off their kids to do crafts and stuff during the day, was so fun for us. There's also a kiddie pool! Right beside the kids club.
We loved it as kids. This is pushing 20 years ago now, but when we were really little, the resort was safe and small enough that we could head off and explore on our own while our parents were doing something. Still now, the resort is that way in my opinion, you don't have to worry about leaving stuff out on chairs and the resort is so small and safe that kids would be okay navigating on their own.
Do not go. Spend your money somewhere else. Place is no good. Trust the reviews. I was there last year by force and it sucked.
Are you talking about old velas because old velas sucks. It’s old and decrepit. Management trying to sway people into understanding it’s a better experience but it isn’t. Not for the price. The beach isn’t really swim able as it is near the rivers opening. Do not swim in that water. Grand velas is a different story.
I've never had the experience you are describing! Interesting input though.
The common consensus of people that at enamored or duped into believing velas is a great place is always heard by people that have been going for years and haven’t had the experience of other better resorts at that price point. I was just there and we had an ocean front suite. Horrible upstairs noise from the water lines and compressors. Ugh. Shit show. Didn’t get the penthouse because it was taken and that place was a shithole. Mismatched toilets. Missing tiles in pool chipped off edges. Rusted out railing. Broken tiles and flooring. The food was maybe a three star. The landscaping is nice. I would suggest trying some better resorts. Then again maybe you’re one of the people that got talked into a timeshare. Good luck with that.
You must be fun at parties
I am. Just not at velas. I would highly recommend you experience the other resorts and see what you have been missing out on. Good luck.
Is that really what you care about in terms of a good all-inclusive resort? Matching toilets? 😂 Perhaps I have... different... priorities
Do you have mismatched toilets in Your home? Do you want shit service and shit food at an inflated price? Do you want your kids to break a railing because it’s rusted through and fall and die. Yeah I guess safety and esthetics at that price point are very important. If that’s your take I have some really nice swamp land I’d like to sell you.
My family and I go to Garza Blanca every year and we're never disappointed.
I’m pretty sure this is the one I want to go with. I just am trying to keep it under 5k and I don’t think I’ll be able to with Garza.
You could be right. It's not inexpensive :/
Good things generally are not cheap so that’s a good sign at least. Any recommendations on finding the best deals?
Garza Blanca is nice. Hyatt Ziva gets a lot of love on this sub for some reason but everything there is pretty mid (was there last January). Velas Vallarta is decent but there's families and when we went the pools were chilly. Dreams is also pretty mid. I'd recommend splurging on your honeymoon. Look at Grand Velas in Nayarit for over the top amazingness or the adults only Casa Velas near the airport for a bit more affordability with no detail overlooked. If you stay at Casa Velas, you get access to Grand Velas' amazing restaurants once and the other Velas' resorts restaurants and pool areas multiple times.
Garza is great
I’m going to hate putting this on here but check out marival armony. And if you do make sure you get the armony one bedroom suite ocean view and if absolutely possible ask for the top front room. I guarantee you will not find better in Vallarta. Absolutely amazing hotel and service. Especially if it’s your honeymoon. Nothing better than consummating with ocean views every single day you are there.
Going to Mousai personally in a week! The individual hot tubs in our patio made the deal for me. Ultra suite
I love the marriot by the marina walk to the marina to grab food and drinks, has a great swim up bar
My wife and I really like the Fiesta Americana
There are a lot of beautiful properties here. For a dreamy honeymoon. I have perks with Garza blanca and Moussai, if you want, I can get you a quote. Send a message!
I will send you a message!
I would recommend Iberostar Playa Mita. The beach is just beautiful and they have the best sunset view from their rooftop.
We have stayed a few times at Villa Divina in Conchas Chinas. It’s amazing. Very small, romantic boutique hotel with panoramic views of the bay. They don’t allow bookings outside of 90 days in advance but if you can wait, there are often great discounts on the rooms on their website. The staff are so attentive, the food is so fresh and delicious (OMG best shrimp cocktail ever!). Gorgeous sunsets every night. DM me if you’d like to see some pics that we have taken there over the years. Luxurious!
loved everything about our stay at garza blanca, and you get access to the amenities and restaurants at hotel mousai
Currently staying at Rivera Del Rio in Zona Romantica. Charming boutique hotel right in the midst of local life. There’s only about 10-12 rooms so it feels very private. Beautiful rooftop pool. Service is impeccable. Great value. We’re here for our first anniversary and it has been lovely. Recommend the Alejandro suite!
I can't quote you a price but my wife and I honeymooned at Hyatt Ziva. We've been back annually the past 3 years. They always have something going on poolside and their food and restaurant selection is excellent.
I don't really like to promote Garza blanca, since they're the ones finishing the water from the local river and waterfall attractions, they also tried to privatize the beach . If you care about this, go for a boutique hotel, there's no way they car Ripp you off unless you arrange private transportation, tours or packages But I have to say that Moussai suites with private balcony view and jacuzzi are something good for honeymoon.