I have spent a lot of time wandering the cobblestone streets of this beautiful city.
After years of exploring every nook and cranny, I have learned a thing or two about finding the right place to stay.
If you are looking for this gorgeous spot called Sueño, you have come to the right place!
I love this city more than I can put into words.
The energy, the food, and the people are just AMAZING!!
But if you really want to do it right, you need to know the local secrets.
Why Amapas is the Absolute Best
Most people talk about Old Town or Zona Romantica.
They are actually the same exact neighborhood, just different names.
I love that area, but my real secret is Amapas.
Amapas is tucked right next to the heart of everything, but it feels like a different world.
It is hilly, lush, and SOOO beautiful.
I think Amapas is the best place to stay because you get the views without the constant noise of the bars.
You can walk down a few stairs and be right at the beach in minutes.
It is the perfect balance of jungle vibes and ocean breezes.
I always tell my friends that if they want to feel like they are truly on vacation, they need to book in Amapas.
Picking the Right Spot for You
When you start looking at a cozy place like The Nest, things can get overwhelming fast.
There are so many options out there!
I always suggest staying at a place that feels like a home, not just a hotel room.
You want a kitchen where you can make coffee in the morning while looking at the bay.
You want big windows that let in all that bright Mexican sunshine.
I really believe that where you sleep changes your entire mood for the trip.
If you wake up and see the ocean immediately, your day is going to be GREAT!!
The Magic of the Views
One of my favorite things to do is just sit on a balcony and watch the sun go down.
In Puerto Vallarta, the sunsets are legendary.
I mean, they are seriously life-changing!
When you are hunting for this quick guide to booking smart, make sure you check the view from the unit.
You don't need a huge building to have a great view.
Sometimes the smaller, more intimate buildings have the best angles of Banderas Bay.
I love seeing the orange and purple sky reflect off the water.
It makes every penny spent on the rental feel totally worth it.
I never get tired of it, even after all this time.
Don't Forget the Practical Stuff
Okay, let's talk about the boring but important things.
You need good air conditioning.
PV can get very warm, and you want to be able to cool down after a long day of walking.
I also look for a place with a good workspace if I need to send a few emails.
Having a bright, clean kitchen is also a huge plus.
Even if you eat out every night (which is tempting because the tacos are SOOO good), you want a place to keep your drinks cold.
I like to buy fresh fruit from the local markets and have it for breakfast on my balcony.
It is the little things that make a stay special.
If you want a smooth experience, check out this helpful stress-free guide.
It really helps to have a plan before you land!
The Local Vibe
Living like a local means knowing where to walk.
The hills in Amapas can be a bit of a workout, but I love it.
It keeps me fit so I can eat more guacamole!
The greenery in this part of town is incredible.
You might see colorful birds right outside your window.
It feels like you are living in a treehouse but with modern comforts.
The people in the neighborhood are so friendly too.
A quick "Hola" goes a long way here.
I find that the more I smile, the more the city smiles back at me.
It is such a welcoming place for everyone.
Whether you are a solo traveler or with a big group, you will feel at home.
My Personal Favorites
I have seen inside a lot of these condos.
Some are okay, but some are just AMAZING.
I really like the places that have local art on the walls.
It reminds you exactly where you are.
I once stayed in a place that had a huge mural of the church in the living room.
It was so cool and felt so authentic.
I also look for places with "papel picado" decorations.
Those colorful paper flags just scream "Mexico" and make me feel SOOO happy.
When you book your stay, look for those little artistic touches.
It makes your photos look better and your memories feel warmer.
Walking the Streets of Old Town
Even if you stay in Amapas, you will spend a lot of time in Old Town.
I love walking through the cobblestone streets.
There is always something happening.
You might hear a mariachi band playing in the distance.
Or you might smell the delicious scent of grilled corn on the street corner.
Everything is so close together.
You can go from a cool art gallery to a beach club in five minutes.
It is the soul of the city.
I love that you don't really need a car to get around.
Walking is the best way to see the details of the buildings.
The bright pink and orange walls are everywhere!
Making Your Choice
So, how do you finally pick?
I always say go with your gut.
Look at the photos and see which one makes you say "Wow!"
If you find a place with a balcony that looks out over the trees and the ocean, grab it.
Places in Amapas and Old Town go fast because everyone wants to be there.
I have seen people wait too long and lose their favorite spot.
Don't let that be you!
Book your dream spot early so you can spend your time dreaming about the beach.
The water is waiting for you!
I am so excited for you to experience this place.
It truly is one of the most special spots on earth.
Final Thoughts
I could talk about Puerto Vallarta all day long.
There is just so much to see and do.
But the most important thing is having a comfortable place to come back to.
A place where you can relax, take a nap, and get ready for another night of fun.
I have found my happy place here, and I know you will too.
Just remember: Amapas is the winner for views and peace.
Old Town is where the action is.
Combine them both, and you have the perfect trip!
If you follow my advice, you are going to have an AMAZING time!!
I honestly can't wait for you to see that first sunset.
It will blow your mind.
For anyone looking to visit, this experience is highly recommended.
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