I have been coming to Puerto Vallarta for what feels like forever, and I have learned one thing for sure. Staying in an apartment is the absolute BEST way to see this city.
There is just something about having your own keys to a front door that isn't a hotel lobby. It makes you feel like you actually live here, even if it is only for a week.
When we first started staying in apartments instead of hotels, everything changed for us. We stopped feeling like tourists and started feeling like locals.
It is all about the little things. It is about waking up and making your own coffee exactly how you like it. It is about having a fridge full of cold Pacificos and fresh fruit from the corner market.
If you are looking for puerto vallarta rentals old town, you already know that this area is the heart of the action. Old Town, which everyone also calls Zona Romantica, is where the soul of PV lives.
But for me, the real magic happens when you get a place that feels like a home.
Why We Love the Apartment Life
The first thing you notice is the space. Hotels can feel so cramped after a few days. In an apartment, you can actually spread out.
We LOVE having a living room. It is so nice to have a spot to sit and read or watch the sunset without being hunched up on a bed.
The kitchens are a total game changer too. Even if you don't like to cook on vacation, having a kitchen is AMAZING.
We usually go to the market and grab some fresh tortillas, eggs, and local salsa. Eating breakfast on your own balcony while the city wakes up is the best feeling in the world.
It is so much more relaxing than rushing down to a hotel buffet before it closes. You can stay in your pajamas as long as you want!
The Sustainability Factor
One thing that is really cool about newer apartments in PV is how they are thinking about the planet. I was reading recently about how photovoltaic systems, basically solar power, are becoming a huge deal for apartment buildings.
Some buildings are even designed to meet a huge chunk of the residents' electricity needs through solar and battery systems. This is so great for the environment!
It makes me feel even better about staying in a condo when I know the building is trying to be green. Solar energy helps reduce the carbon footprint of our stay, which is really important when we want to keep PV beautiful for a long time.
Plus, these smart systems can help keep the building running smoothly. It is a win-win for everyone.
Why Amapas is the Best Place to Stay
Now, let's talk about location. While we love the whole Old Town area, Amapas is where the real magic is.
I tell everyone that Amapas is the absolute BEST place to rent. It is just a tiny bit up the hill from the main hustle of Zona Romantica.
This means you get the most incredible views of Banderas Bay, but you are still only a five-minute walk from the beach. It is the perfect balance.
Amapas feels a little more private and quiet. You don't have the loud music from the bars right under your window, but you can walk down to them in no time.
The hills in Amapas give you that "wow" factor every time you look out the window. Watching the paragliders go by or seeing the whales in the bay from your own balcony is just… SOOO cool!
If you want to stay in the most beautiful part of town, Amapas is definitely the spot. We always check for condos for rent in puerto vallarta specifically in this area first.
Living Like a Local
When you stay in an apartment, you start to recognize your neighbors. You see the same guy selling shrimp on the corner. You find your "regular" coffee shop.
We love walking down the cobblestone streets in the morning. The smells of the city are so vivid: fresh roasted coffee, salty ocean air, and someone nearby cooking chorizo.
If you are a solo traveler, staying in an apartment can actually feel safer and more connected. You aren't just room 402; you are a part of the building community.
People in PV are so friendly. If you say "Buenos dias" to your neighbors, you will get a huge smile back every time.
I remember one time we stayed in a place near the pier and the neighbor brought us over some fresh mangos just because they had too many. You just don't get that at a big resort!
The Comforts of Home
Let's talk about the interiors. The condos here are usually decorated with so much local flavor.
You get the beautiful tiles, the vibrant colors, and the big sliding glass doors that let the outside in.
I really appreciate having a washing machine too. I know, nobody wants to do laundry on vacation! But being able to wash your swimsuits and beach towels makes life so much easier.
You can pack lighter, which is a huge plus when you are trying to fit everything into a carry-on.
And the beds! We have stayed in some places where the beds were so comfy I didn't want to get up.
Having a dedicated workspace is also great if you need to send a few emails. A lot of these apartments have really fast internet now, so you can work with a view of the ocean. Not a bad office at all!
Planning Your Trip
If you are planning your first trip to PV, or even your tenth, I highly recommend trying an apartment this time.
You will save so much money by not eating out for every single meal. That extra cash can go toward more fun stuff, like boat tours or shopping at the local markets.
Before you head out, make sure to check out our beach safety tips to stay safe while you're enjoying the waves.
And if you are wondering what to eat once you leave your cozy kitchen, you have to read our taco guide. There are so many amazing spots within walking distance of Old Town and Amapas!
Final Thoughts
Staying in an apartment in PV is all about freedom. The freedom to eat when you want, sleep when you want, and live exactly how you want.
We have had our best memories in these spaces. Whether it was playing cards on the balcony during a tropical rainstorm or watching the fireworks over the church on a Saturday night, the apartment experience is just special.
It is more than just a place to sleep. It is your home base for all the adventures PV has to offer.
The people, the views, and the vibe of the neighborhoods like Amapas make it the only way to travel in my opinion.
We are so grateful for every trip we get to spend in this beautiful city. Every time we leave, we are already planning our next stay.
If you want a vacation that feels real and authentic, an apartment is the way to go. It is highly recommended!
Go ahead and book that trip. You won't regret it!
Catch more of our PV adventures and see the latest views on our Instagram.
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