Look, I've spent enough time in Puerto Vallarta to know that where you stay completely changes your vacation experience.
And if you're considering luxury condo rentals in this stunning beach town, you've got two neighborhoods that everyone talks about: Amapas and Old Town.
I'm going to be straight with you. Amapas is my top pick, hands down. But let me explain both so you can make the right choice for your trip.
Why Amapas Wins Every Time
I'll cut right to it: Amapas is the best neighborhood for vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta.
The hillside location gives you these incredible ocean views that you just don't get anywhere else. Every morning, I wake up to the Pacific stretching out in front of me, and honestly? It never gets old.
The vibe here is quieter and more relaxed than downtown. You're close enough to everything but far enough away that you're not dealing with the late-night noise.
Plus, the beaches in Amapas are phenomenal. Less crowded, cleaner, and you've got easy access to some of the best beach clubs in the area.
When I'm looking at condo rentals puerto vallarta mexico, I always check Amapas properties first. The quality of the buildings here is just higher. Better construction, better maintenance, better amenities.
The pools are stunning. The common areas are well-kept. And the security is tight, which matters when you're on vacation.
Getting Around from Amapas
Here's the thing about Amapas: it's on a hillside.
That means you'll probably want to use taxis or Ubers to get down to the main areas. But honestly? It's not a big deal. The rides are super cheap and quick.
I actually love that it forces me to be more intentional about my day. Instead of just wandering out constantly, I plan my beach time, my dinner reservations, my shopping trips.
And when I'm ready to head back to my condo, I've got this peaceful sanctuary waiting for me. The sunset views alone make the location worth it.
Old Town: The Heart of Puerto Vallarta
Now, Old Town (which locals call Zona Romantica) is a completely different experience.
This is the historic center of Puerto Vallarta. Cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and that classic Mexican charm that you see in all the photos.
If you want to be in the middle of the action, Old Town delivers. You can walk to restaurants, bars, galleries, and Los Muertos Beach in minutes. Everything is right there.
The neighborhood has this energy that's hard to describe. Street vendors, mariachi bands, locals going about their day, tourists exploring. It's vibrant and alive.
I recommend checking out our Los Muertos Pier tips if you're staying in this area. The pier is the heart of the beach scene here.
The Old Town Trade-Off
Here's what you need to know about staying in Old Town: it's loud.
Especially on weekends. The bars stay open late, people are partying, and sound carries in those narrow streets.
If you're a light sleeper or you want peace and quiet, Old Town might drive you crazy. I'm not saying this to discourage you, just being real.
The other thing is that parking can be a nightmare. The streets are narrow and there's limited space. Most condo rental puerto vallarta mexico options in this area don't include parking, or if they do, it's tight.
But if you love being able to walk everywhere and you want that authentic Mexican neighborhood feel? Old Town is fantastic.
Morning Coffee Vibes
One thing I absolutely love about Old Town is the coffee scene.
We've got a whole guide on Zona Romantica coffee spots because there are SO many good ones. Walking to get your morning coffee and watching the neighborhood wake up is special.
In Amapas, you're more likely to make coffee in your condo and enjoy it on your balcony with those ocean views. Different vibes, both great.
What to Look for in Your Condo
Whether you choose Amapas or Old Town, here's what I always check:
Air conditioning. Non-negotiable. Puerto Vallarta gets hot and humid.
Kitchen setup. Even if you eat out most of the time, having a kitchen for breakfast and snacks is clutch.
Balcony or terrace. This is where you'll spend your mornings and evenings. Make sure it's actually usable space.
WiFi quality. If you need to check emails or stream anything, confirm the internet is solid.
Beach proximity. How far is the walk to the water? Do you need to take transportation?
The Amenities That Matter
In Amapas, most buildings have pools that are actually worth using. The common areas are designed for relaxation.
In Old Town, you're trading those amenities for location. Some buildings have pools, but they're usually smaller. You're paying for the walkability factor.
I also look at things like security, on-site management, and how well the building is maintained. These details make a huge difference in your day-to-day experience.
My Final Take
If I'm being totally honest? I choose Amapas almost every single time.
The combination of views, quality buildings, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to beautiful beaches just can't be beat. It's the perfect balance of being close to everything while still feeling like a retreat.
Old Town is amazing for the right person. If you want to be in the thick of it, walking to everything, and you don't mind the noise, go for it.
But for me and most of the people I recommend places to? Amapas is where it's at.
The luxury condo rentals in Amapas give you that vacation feeling from the moment you walk in. And at the end of the day, isn't that what you're paying for?
Whether you pick Amapas or Old Town, you're going to have an incredible time in Puerto Vallarta. This town has a way of getting under your skin in the best possible way.
Just make sure you book early, especially during high season. The good places go fast.
Check us out on Facebook for more Puerto Vallarta tips and updates!
About the Author
