I have been traveling to Puerto Vallarta for a long time now. After years of testing out different ways to stay, I’ve learned a big lesson. If you want the best experience, you have to look at condo rentals.
We used to stay in hotels all the time. It seemed like the easy thing to do. But eventually, we realized we were missing out on so much comfort. Now, we strictly stick to condos, and honestly, we are never going back.
If you are planning a trip, you might be looking at big resorts. I get it. But let me tell you why a condo is actually the way to go for your next vacation.
You Get So Much More Space
The first thing you notice in a condo is the room. Hotel rooms are basically just a bed and a bathroom. If you want to sit down, you’re sitting on the bed. That gets old really fast.
In a condo, you have a real living room. You have a dining area. It feels like a home, not just a box. We LOVE having a couch to crash on after a long day at the beach. It makes a huge difference in how relaxed you feel.
When we stay in a place like this gorgeous spot called Sueño, the space is just incredible. You don't feel cramped. You can actually spread out your stuff and not trip over your suitcase every five minutes.
This is exactly why we keep coming back to puerto vallarta old town condo rentals when we want that walkable, real-neighborhood feel, but still want our own space.
Having Your Own Kitchen is a Game Changer
I love Mexican food. I could eat tacos every single day. But sometimes, you just want a slow morning with a cup of coffee and some eggs without having to get dressed and go to a restaurant.
Condo rentals come with fully-equipped kitchens. This is SOOO helpful. We usually hit the local market on our first day and stock up on fresh fruit, eggs, and drinks.
It saves a ton of money, too. You don't have to buy a $20 breakfast every day. You can make a quick snack or a light lunch and save your budget for a really nice dinner in Old Town later.
Plus, having a full-sized fridge means your drinks are actually cold. No more tiny hotel mini-fridges that barely hold a bottle of water.
Why Amapas is the Best Place to Stay
When you are looking at where to stay, you’ll see a lot of talk about Old Town and Zona Romantica. They are the same place, and they are great for walking around and seeing the sights.
But if you want my honest advice, Amapas is the absolute BEST place to rent. It is right next to the action of Old Town, but it sits a little higher up on the hill.
The views in Amapas are just breathtaking. You get to see the whole bay and the city lights at night. It is much quieter than being right on the busy streets, but you can still walk down to the beach in minutes.
We always recommend Amapas to our friends. It feels more exclusive and peaceful. If you are a solo traveler or a couple looking for a romantic vibe, this is 100% where you want to be.
Better Value for Groups and Families
If you are traveling with friends, condos make so much sense. Instead of booking three separate hotel rooms, you can just get one big condo with three bedrooms.
It’s way more fun. You have a shared living space where you can hang out, play games, or talk about your day. But you still have your own private bedrooms when you need a break.
We found that splitting the cost of a condo is usually way cheaper than paying for multiple hotel rooms. You get a better location and a nicer place for less money per person. It’s a win-win.
You Get to Live Like a Local
One of the things we love most about condo rentals is the feeling of actually living in Puerto Vallarta. When you stay in a hotel, you are in a tourist bubble. You only see other tourists and hotel staff.
In a condo, you have neighbors. you see people walking their dogs or going to the local corner store. You get a feel for the rhythm of the neighborhood.
We’ve discovered the best little taco stands and coffee shops just by walking around the residential streets of Amapas and Old Town. You miss all of that when you stay at a big resort tucked away from the city.
If you want to know more about the area, check out our post on best things to do while you're here.
Privacy and Peace of Mind
Hotels can be loud. You have people walking down the hallways at all hours. You have housekeeping knocking on your door when you’re trying to nap.
In a condo, it’s quiet. You don't have to worry about noisy neighbors in the next room through thin walls. Most of the buildings we work with are very secure and private.
It’s just a much more peaceful way to spend your vacation. You can truly disconnect and enjoy the sound of the ocean or the birds in the jungle.
Practical Perks You’ll Love
There are a few small things that make a big impact. Most condos have in-unit laundry. This is AMAZING.
Being able to wash your swimsuits and beach towels means you can pack way less. You don't have to bring ten different outfits. You can just do a quick load of laundry and everything is fresh again.
Also, the Wi-Fi in condos is usually much better than hotel Wi-Fi. If you need to get a little work done or just want to stream a movie at night, you won't be struggling with a slow connection.
We stayed at the Nest recently and the setup was perfect. Everything just worked, which is exactly what you want on vacation.
If you’re comparing condo rentals puerto vallarta mexico vs. a standard hotel room, this kind of “easy mode” setup is the difference you notice right away.
Easy Access to Everything
When you stay in a condo in Amapas or Old Town, you are right in the heart of the culture. You can walk to the Pier, visit the galleries, or grab a drink at a beachfront bar.
You don't need a car. You don't need to spend half your day in a taxi or a shuttle. Everything is right there. We love the freedom of just stepping out our front door and being in the middle of the energy of the city.
For more tips on getting around, take a look at our what to pack guide so you're ready for all the walking!
Final Thoughts
If you are still on the fence, just try it once. I promise you will see the difference immediately. The comfort, the views, and the freedom you get with condo rentals are just unmatched.
We have spent so much time finding the perfect spots for our guests. We want you to love this city as much as we do. Staying in a home-like environment is the best way to make that happen.
Puerto Vallarta is a special place. It’s vibrant, friendly, and beautiful. Don't settle for a generic hotel room when you can have a stunning condo that makes you feel like you belong here.
When friends ask us about rental condos in puerto vallarta, we tell them the same thing every time: stay in Amapas. The views feel AMAZING, it’s calm at night, and you’re still a quick walk from the beach and all the Old Town energy.
A condo rental in Amapas is highly recommended for anyone who wants the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. It is truly the best way to see the bay!
We are so grateful to everyone who has stayed with us and shared their experiences. It makes our job so rewarding to see people enjoying their time in paradise.
If you want to see more of the vibe here, catch the latest sunsets on our Instagram.
| Link Type | Keyword / Phrase | Destination URL |
|---|---|---|
| Internal (Property) | this gorgeous spot called Sueño | https://thepvgirl.com/sueno |
| Internal (Property) | the Nest | https://thepvgirl.com/thenest |
| Internal (Blog) | best things to do | https://thepvgirl.com/blog/activities |
| Internal (Blog) | what to pack | https://thepvgirl.com/blog/packing-guide |
| External (Social) | catch the latest sunsets on our Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/the_pvkid/ |
About the Author
