I have spent so much time walking the cobblestone streets of this beautiful city, and let me tell you, I LOVE it here! Puerto Vallarta has a magic that you just can’t find anywhere else. But if you are coming for a visit, finding the right place to stay can feel a bit overwhelming.
There are so many options out there, but I want to share my local secrets with you. I want your trip to be absolutely AMAZING, so I’m going to tell you exactly how to find the best spot. Trust me, once you know these secrets, you’ll never want to leave!
The Amapas Secret
Everyone talks about Old Town. And don't get me wrong, I love Old Town! Just so you know, people also call it Zona Romantica. They are the exact same place! It is the heart of the action, full of energy and amazing food.
But my absolute favorite secret is Amapas. Amapas is located right next to Old Town, tucked just a little bit higher up on the hill. It is the BEST place to rent, and I tell all my friends to look there first.
Why do I love it so much? Because it is so quiet! You are only a five-minute walk away from all the tacos and dancing in the Romantic Zone, but you get to sleep in total peace. Plus, the views from the hills in Amapas are just incredible. You get to see the whole bay!
Look for the "Soul" of the Condo
When you are looking at puerto vallarta rentals condo options, don't just look at the furniture. Look for the soul of the place! I always tell people to look for condos that feel like Mexico.
I’m talking about bright colors, hand-painted tiles, and beautiful murals. I once stayed in a place that had a giant mural of the Guadalupe Cathedral right in the living room! It made me feel so connected to the city every single morning.
You want a place that feels open and airy. Puerto Vallarta is tropical, so you want those big windows that let the sunlight pour in. It makes such a huge difference when you wake up and see the bright blue sky right from your bed.
Why We Skip the Rooftop Pools
Here is a real local secret: you don't need a rooftop pool. I know, I know, they look cool in pictures! But honestly, when you are in PV, you want to be at the beach or on your own private balcony.
The beaches here are so much fun, and the water is so warm! Why would you want to be stuck on a roof when you could have your toes in the sand?
Also, many of the best, most authentic condos focus on having amazing private spaces. I prefer a large balcony where I can drink my coffee and watch the pelicans fly by. It feels way more personal and relaxing than a crowded shared space.
Avoid the "Party Blocks"
If you are a solo traveller or a couple looking for some romance, you really want to be careful about which street you choose in the Zona Romantica. Some blocks are known as "party blocks."
These areas have bars that play loud music until very late at night. While that’s great if you are out dancing, it’s not so great when you are trying to get some beauty sleep!
This is why I always lean toward Amapas or the quieter streets on the edge of Old Town. You still get all the fun, but you control when the party ends for you. If you want some smart booking tips, always check the map to see how close you are to the main nightclub strips.
The Magic of the View
There is nothing: and I mean nothing: like a Puerto Vallarta sunset. It is a spiritual experience! The sky turns orange, pink, and purple, and the whole ocean glows.
When searching for puerto vallarta old town condo rentals, make sure you check the view from the balcony. You want to see the ocean if you can, or at least the beautiful lush green mountains.
Being up a little higher in Amapas gives you that "bird's eye" feeling. You can see the red tile roofs of the city and the sparkling blue water of Banderas Bay. It is sooo beautiful!
Kitchens and Local Flavors
One of the best things about staying in a condo instead of a hotel is having your own kitchen. I LOVE going to the local markets and buying fresh mangoes, avocados, and warm tortillas.
Look for a condo with a kitchen that feels inviting. Even a small breakfast bar can be the perfect spot to sit and plan your day. I really enjoy places that have a colorful tiled backsplash: it just feels so cheerful while you’re making your morning smoothie!
Walking is Part of the Adventure
In Puerto Vallarta, we walk everywhere! It is a very walkable city, especially in the Old Town area. But remember, Amapas has some hills.
I actually love the hills! It's like a built-in workout that lets me eat more guacamole later. The views get better with every step you take. But if you aren't a fan of walking uphill, you can always catch a quick yellow taxi or an Uber for very little.
If you want to know more about why I think this area is the absolute winner, check out why Amapas is my favorite spot in the whole city.
Space to Breathe
When you are looking at photos, look for "open-plan" layouts. You want the living area, dining area, and kitchen to feel like one big, happy space. This allows the ocean breeze to flow through the entire condo.
I stayed in one place recently that had floor-to-ceiling glass doors that opened all the way up. It felt like the jungle was right inside my living room! The green leaves and the sound of the birds were so peaceful.
Final Thoughts for Your Search
Finding the perfect spot doesn't have to be hard. Just remember to look for a place with character, focus on the Amapas area for the best vibes, and make sure you have a balcony for those sunsets!
Puerto Vallarta is a place that stays in your heart forever. I am so grateful that I get to share these tips with you. I want you to have the best time ever and fall in love with this city just like I did!
If you follow these local secrets, I know you will find a place that is absolutely perfect. You deserve an AMAZING vacation!
I highly recommend taking your time to look at the photos and really get a feel for the space. Look for those artistic touches and that bright, natural light. It makes all the difference in the world!
Have the best trip ever!
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