We have spent a lot of time in Puerto Vallarta.
Over the years, we have learned that the place you choose to stay can make or break your entire vacation.
It is not just about having a roof over your head.
It is about the little things that make you feel at home while you are miles away.
When you are looking for a rental property in puerto vallarta mexico, you need to look beyond the pretty pictures.
We want to share our checklist of the must-have amenities that we always look for.
These are the same things we make sure to provide in our own properties because we know how much they matter!
Why Location is the First Amenity
Before we even talk about what is inside the condo, we have to talk about where it is.
We always recommend staying in the Amapas neighborhood.
In our opinion, it is the absolute BEST place to rent in all of PV.
Amapas sits right above the famous Zona Romantica (which is the same as Old Town).
You get the peace and quiet of the hillside, but you are just a five-minute walk from the beach and all the best restaurants.
The views from Amapas are simply UNBELIEVABLE.
You can watch the sunset over Banderas Bay every single night from your own private balcony.
If you are a solo traveler or a couple looking for romance, this area is perfect.
It feels tucked away but stays close to the action.
If you want to know more about the different areas, you should read our post on the best neighborhood to stay in PV.
Fast and Reliable Wifi
We cannot stress this enough.
Even if you are on vacation to unplug, you still need good internet.
Maybe you need to check your flight, stream a movie after a long day in the sun, or post your amazing photos.
If you are working remotely, high-speed wifi is a non-negotiable.
We make sure all our properties have fiber-optic connections.
There is nothing worse than trying to load a map and having the spinning wheel of death.
When you book a condo rental in puerto vallarta, always ask if the wifi is shared or private.
Private is always better for speed and security!
A Kitchen That Actually Works
We love the food in Puerto Vallarta.
The taco stands are AMAZING and the high-end dining is world-class.
But sometimes, you just want to make a quiet breakfast or have a glass of wine with some local cheese.
A modern kitchen makes a huge difference.
We look for kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.
A gas stove is a must for people who really like to cook.
And let’s talk about coffee!
We make sure there is a high-quality coffee maker in every unit.
Waking up, making a fresh cup, and sitting on the balcony is our favorite way to start the day.
Comfort is King: The Bedroom
You are here to relax.
You cannot relax if the bed feels like a piece of plywood.
We have stayed in places where the linens felt like sandpaper, and it was NOT fun.
In our rentals, we prioritize high-quality mattresses and soft, breathable sheets.
The humidity in PV can be high, so you want bedding that stays cool.
Blackout curtains are another essential item.
The Mexican sun is bright and comes up early!
If you want to sleep in until 10:00 AM, those curtains are your best friend.
We also make sure the AC units are modern and quiet.
You want to hear the ocean waves, not a rattling machine from the 1990s.
The "Wow" Factor: Infinity Pools
While we love the ocean, there is something special about an infinity pool.
Floating in the water while looking out at the horizon is the ultimate vacation vibe.
Many of the top buildings in Amapas have stunning pool areas.
It is the perfect place to meet other travelers or just soak up the sun.
We always check the pool area before we book anything.
You want plenty of lounge chairs and maybe a little shade for when the afternoon heat kicks in.
It is SOOO relaxing to spend an afternoon by the water with a cold drink in your hand.
Safety and Security
We want you to feel totally at ease during your stay.
Puerto Vallarta is a very safe city, but having extra security is always a plus.
We prefer buildings that have 24/7 security staff and secure entry systems.
It gives you peace of mind when you are out exploring the city or heading out for a late dinner.
Many of our favorite spots, like Sueño or The Nest, have fantastic staff who are always there to help.
They can even help you call a taxi or give you directions to the local market.
Knowing there is a friendly face at the door makes a big difference in how comfortable you feel.
Practical Extras That Matter
There are a few small things that we think are essential but often get overlooked.
First, a washer and dryer in the unit.
If you are going to the beach every day, your towels are going to get salty and sandy.
Being able to throw a load of laundry in while you shower is a game-changer.
Second, we love having a water purification system.
It saves you from having to lug heavy bottles of water from the store.
Third, plenty of high-quality towels.
We provide separate towels for the beach and the bathroom because nobody wants to dry their face with a sandy towel!
Finally, check for a smart TV.
After a day of exploring things to do in Puerto Vallarta, catching up on your favorite show is a great way to wind down.
The View from the Balcony
We saved the best for last.
In Puerto Vallarta, the balcony is basically another living room.
It is where we spend 50% of our time.
We look for balconies with comfortable seating and enough space to move around.
The view is everything.
In Amapas, you get those iconic views of the red-tiled roofs and the deep blue ocean.
It is truly the soul of the city.
We highly recommend spending the extra time to find a place with a view that takes your breath away.
Making the Right Choice
Finding the perfect spot doesn't have to be stressful.
If you focus on these core amenities: fast wifi, a great kitchen, comfortable beds, and a killer location in Amapas: you are going to have an AMAZING time.
We LOVE this city so much and we want everyone who visits to love it just as much as we do.
Our properties are designed with all of these features in mind because we want your stay to be perfect.
If you are planning your next trip, we wish you the best of luck with your search.
Puerto Vallarta is waiting for you!
We highly recommend checking out our available units if you want a guaranteed great experience.
See you in the sun! 🌴☀️
Check out more of our adventures and photos over on our Instagram.
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