We’ve stayed in a bunch of condos around Puerto Vallarta, and we’ve learned something fast: the right amenities can make your whole trip feel easier.
You’re not just booking a place to sleep.
You’re booking your morning coffee spot, your “let’s cool off” place after the beach, and your home base for sunsets.
Here are the condo amenities we look for every single time, especially if you’re staying in Amapas, Old Town (Zona Romantica), or nearby.
1) Rooftop spaces (just not pools)
We LOVE a good rooftop.
Not for a rooftop pool (we skip those), but for the hangout space.
A rooftop deck with loungers, shade, and a little seating area is AMAZING after a hot afternoon walk.
It’s also one of the easiest ways to get those “wow” bay views without leaving the building.
If you’re traveling with friends, rooftop seating turns into an instant sunset routine.
2) A kitchen you will actually use
A real kitchen is one of the best parts of staying in a condo.
Even if you eat out a lot (and you should), having a kitchen makes mornings calmer.
We look for:
- A full-size fridge (cold drinks always ready)
- A stove that’s easy to use
- A solid set of pans, knives, and basic cooking stuff
- A blender (hello, fruit smoothies)
- A coffee maker we don’t have to “figure out”
If you’re traveling with kids, the kitchen is a lifesaver for quick meals and snacks.
If you’re a couple, it’s perfect for a chill breakfast before heading out.
3) A balcony or terrace (best of all)
If a condo doesn’t have a balcony, we keep looking.
Best of all is sitting outside with your coffee in the morning, then coming back out at night when the city lights start glowing.
In Amapas, the hillside views can be SOOO good.
You get ocean + town + jungle all in one glance, and it never gets old.
What we like to see out there:
- Two comfy chairs (not plastic ones that wobble)
- A small table
- A little shade (even partial is helpful)
4) Big windows + great views inside the living room
We love a bright living area.
If the condo has big windows or sliding doors, it changes everything.
You get more natural light, more breeze, and it just feels more “vacation” the second you walk in.
Little things that matter here:
- Strong ceiling fans
- A couch that’s actually comfortable
- A small dining table (even if it’s just for coffee + chips + salsa)
- Blackout curtains in case you want a nap
5) Air conditioning that really works (especially at night)
PV can be warm and humid, and sleeping well matters.
We always check for AC in the bedroom at minimum.
If the place has AC in the living room too, that’s a big plus.
Also: if you’re a light sleeper, ask about street noise.
Amapas is usually calmer than Old Town/Zona Romantica, and we appreciate that.
6) A comfy bed + simple, clean bedrooms
A bedroom doesn’t need a lot of “extras.”
It needs to be clean, quiet, and comfortable.
We love:
- A mattress that doesn’t sink
- Fresh sheets
- Enough pillows (two per person is ideal)
- Closet space so your suitcase isn’t living on the floor all week
7) Fast WiFi (for maps, planning, and sharing pics)
Even if you’re not working on your trip, fast WiFi makes everything smoother.
You’ll use it for:
- WhatsApp and texting
- Google Maps
- Booking tours
- Streaming at night when you’re wiped out
When we’re picking places, we keep it simple: if the WiFi is spotty, it’s a no.
8) In-unit laundry (or at least easy laundry access)
After beach days, you’ll have towels, swimsuits, and sandy stuff everywhere.
An in-unit washer/dryer is a total game changer.
If it’s not in the unit, a clean laundry room in the building is still a win.
9) Building safety + helpful staff
We always feel better in buildings that have:
- Secure entry
- Good lighting in hallways
- Someone on-site (even part-time) who can help
And when there’s a friendly guard or a helpful front desk person, we’re genuinely grateful.
It makes arrivals, questions, and day-to-day stuff way easier.
Quick “amenity match” tips (so you book the right place)
If you’re not sure what you need, here’s a super simple way to choose:
- If you LOVE views: prioritize Amapas + balcony + big windows.
- If you want to walk everywhere: Old Town/Zona Romantica is super convenient (but it can be louder).
- If you want a calmer vibe but still close to action: Amapas is our favorite.
For more help dialing this in, we put together two guides that make planning way easier:
Our top pick: book Amapas if you want the best overall stay
We’ve stayed in different areas, and we keep coming back to Amapas.
The views are AMAZING, it feels more relaxed, and you’re still close to Old Town/Zona Romantica when you want to go out.
If you’re ready to lock something in, we highly recommend starting here:
If you want to see more places and day-to-day PV stuff, See more on Instagram!
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