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4-star hotels in Nuevo Vallarta
A shortlist of 4-star hotels in Nuevo Vallarta, the resort strip on Banderas Bay where the sea is calm and the beach is wide. It is aimed at families and groups comparing all-inclusive resorts, and at couples or golfers who want everything inside one property.
Staying in Nuevo Vallarta
Nuevo Vallarta is a purpose-built resort destination on Banderas Bay, and its beach and swimmable sea count among the calmest in the bay. Resorts here compete on pools and kids' clubs, so families and groups who want an all-inclusive base with a wide beach and golf are the natural audience. It is not the place to walk out for a different dinner every night; that is Puerto Vallarta's job. Guests should expect most of the holiday to happen inside the resort, so what each property includes matters more than the street outside.
Nearly every hotel on this list sits along the Cocoteros corridor, the addresses naming Paseo de los Cocoteros, Avenida Costera or the beachfront strip; a few sit by the marina or on the road to Punta de Mita, and two have addresses on El Tizate and Calle 16 de Septiembre. All twelve are 4-star. Couples and golfers will find spa and golf facilities, while families can weigh the hotels that list family rooms, babysitting and games rooms. Bucerías, with its beach and street stalls, is the easy taxi escape when the resort feels too enclosed.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Riu Palace Pacifico All Inclusive
Av De Los Cocoteros - Lote 2, Nuevo Vallarta
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
- Bar/Snack/Café
Why stay hereAn all-inclusive on Av De Los Cocoteros with a beach within easy reach, a garden and a fitness centre for guests who want to keep moving. Families get dedicated family rooms, and dining runs from breakfast in the room to dinner without leaving the property. Aerobics and entertainment activities fill the days, while free parking and free wifi cover the practical side. Suits couples and families who prefer to settle in once and let the resort handle the rest.
See Riu Palace Pacifico All InclusiveFiesta Americana Riviera Nayarit Resort & Spa
Paseo De Los Cocoteros Lotes 32 Y 33, Nuevo Vallarta
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
- Bar/Snack/Café
Why stay hereThis all-inclusive on Paseo De Los Cocoteros pairs a beach setting with a spa-style resort setup and a fitness centre, plus a games room and family rooms for guests travelling with children. Babysitting service lets parents take time on their own, and bike rental opens up the surrounding area. Meals come as a buffet alongside bars and a café, with concierge and currency exchange handling the details. A good fit for families and couples who want variety without leaving the grounds.
See Fiesta Americana Riviera Nayarit Resort & SpaParadise Village Beach Resort and Spa
Paseo De Los Cocoteros 001, Nuevo Vallarta
Best for: Families · Breakfast
- Breakfast
- Bar/Snack/Café
- Family rooms
Why stay hereA beach resort and spa on Paseo De Los Cocoteros with family rooms and babysitting service, making it a practical choice for guests with children. Divers can head out from the property, and bike rental plus a games room keep other days busy. Breakfast and buffet dining are on hand, and a chapel on site suits guests attending or organising a celebration. Concierge, currency exchange and a business centre round out the offering for both holidaymakers and mixed trips.
See Paradise Village Beach Resort and SpaHotel Villa Varadero
Retorno Nayarit 83 Y 84, Nuevo Vallarta
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
- Family rooms
Why stay hereSet on Retorno Nayarit, this hotel keeps things straightforward: a beach nearby, a bar and lounge, and family rooms for those travelling together. Golfers have a course to head for, and fishing and aerobics give the days some variety. Free parking and free wifi are included, and a games room plus entertainment activities keep younger guests occupied. Concierge and currency exchange are available at the front desk. Suits guests who want a relaxed base with sports and the beach close at hand.
See Hotel Villa VaraderoSamba Vallarta All Inclusive
Avenida Costera Y La Playa Y Nuevo Vallarta S N
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Fitness Center
- Family rooms
Why stay hereAn all-inclusive on Avenida Costera y La Playa with a beach nearby, a garden and a fitness centre, plus family rooms and babysitting service for parents. Karaoke and entertainment activities cover the evenings, and a games room gives children their own space. Free parking and free wifi are part of the stay, and dry cleaning and laundry services help on longer trips. A sensible pick for families and groups who want dining and activities bundled into one place.
See Samba Vallarta All InclusiveMarival Emotions All Inclusive Resort by Mercure
Blvd. Paseo Cocoteros, Nuevo Vallarta
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Snack/Café
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereOn Blvd. Paseo Cocoteros, this all-inclusive works for families thanks to family rooms and a garden, with a fitness centre, aerobics and entertainment activities filling the days. Golfers have a course to aim for, and a business centre covers guests mixing work with the trip. Concierge and currency exchange sit at reception, and cots are available for those with infants. Free parking keeps arrival simple. A solid fit for active families and travellers who like a full programme on site.
See Marival Emotions All Inclusive Resort by MercureMarina Banderas Suites
Calle 16 De Septiembre #42, Nuevo Vallarta
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Car parking
- Bar/Snack/Café
Why stay hereA suite-style option on Calle 16 De Septiembre, closer to the marina side of Nuevo Vallarta than the big resorts. Guests get an outdoor pool, a garden and a terrace, with a café, restaurant and bar on hand. Diving and fishing can be arranged, and bicycle hire makes it easy to get around without a car. Free parking and free wifi are included, and the property is wheelchair accessible. Suits independent travellers and couples who want space and a quieter base.
See Marina Banderas SuitesVilla Del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort and Spa
Paseo Cocoteros 750 Sur, Nuevo Vallarta
Best for: Families · Breakfast
- Breakfast in room
- Fitness Center
- Family rooms
Why stay hereA beach resort and spa on Paseo Cocoteros Sur with family rooms, babysitting service and a fitness centre. Rooms come with balconies, bathrobes and alarm clocks, and some include a dishwasher, which helps on longer stays. Aerobics and entertainment activities run alongside, and concierge, currency exchange and dry cleaning handle the logistics. Breakfast can be taken in the room. Well suited to families and couples who want beach time plus the conveniences of a full resort.
See Villa Del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort and SpaOccidental Nuevo Vallarta All Inclusive
Paseo De Los Cocoteros No 18, Nuevo Vallarta
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Snack/Café
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereAn all-inclusive on Paseo De Los Cocoteros with a beach nearby, a garden and a fitness centre. Families are covered by family rooms, cots and babysitting service, and golf is an option for guests who want a round. Buffet dining and bars sit alongside aerobics and entertainment activities, while concierge, currency exchange and a business centre handle the rest. Free parking and free wifi come with the stay. A practical choice for families and guests who want everything in one place.
See Occidental Nuevo Vallarta All InclusiveArmony Resort All Inclusive MGallery Collection
Carretera A Punta De Mita Km 8.3, Nuevo Vallarta
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Snack/Café
- Fitness Center
Why stay herePositioned on the road to Punta de Mita, this all-inclusive has a beach nearby, a garden and a fitness centre, with family rooms and cots for those with children. Aerobics and entertainment activities structure the days, and a business centre serves guests combining work and leisure. Concierge and currency exchange are available, along with dry cleaning and housekeeping. Free parking and free wifi are included. Suits families and travellers who want a resort base on the quieter stretch of Nuevo Vallarta.
See Armony Resort All Inclusive MGallery CollectionPark Life Nautico Vacational
72 Paseo De La Marina, Nuevo Vallarta
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereA vacation rental on Paseo De La Marina with free car parking and wheelchair access, putting guests in the marina area of Nuevo Vallarta. The listing is intentionally light on facilities, so it suits travellers who plan to spend their time out around the marina and the beach and simply want a base with parking included. Best for independent visitors with a car who do not need a resort programme of activities and dining on site.
See Park Life Nautico VacationalPark Life Tizate
Av El Tizate5, Nuevo Vallarta
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereA vacation rental on Av El Tizate with air conditioning, a terrace and a sea outlook, plus non-smoking rooms for guests who prefer that. Each unit includes a bathroom with shower, hairdryer, towels and toiletries, and coffee is provided. A TV is on hand for quiet evenings in. It suits independent travellers and couples who want simple self-contained space in Nuevo Vallarta rather than a full resort with pools and entertainment.
See Park Life Tizate
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riu Palace Pacifico All Inclusive | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes |
| Fiesta Americana Riviera Nayarit Resort & Spa | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes |
| Paradise Village Beach Resort and Spa | ★★★★ | – | Yes |
| Hotel Villa Varadero | ★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Samba Vallarta All Inclusive | ★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Marival Emotions All Inclusive Resort by Mercure | ★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Marina Banderas Suites | ★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Villa Del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort and Spa | ★★★★ | – | Yes |
| Occidental Nuevo Vallarta All Inclusive | ★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Armony Resort All Inclusive MGallery Collection | ★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Park Life Nautico Vacational | ★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Park Life Tizate | ★★★★ | – | – |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
These hotels list family rooms, and most add babysitting service or a games room, so children have somewhere to go beyond the pool. Fiesta Americana Riviera Nayarit Resort & Spa, Paradise Village Beach Resort and Spa, Samba Vallarta All Inclusive, Marival Emotions All Inclusive Resort by Mercure, Occidental Nuevo Vallarta All Inclusive and Villa Del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort and Spa all cover the family basics.
Fiesta Americana Riviera Nayarit Resort & Spa · Paradise Village Beach Resort and Spa · Samba Vallarta All Inclusive · Marival Emotions All Inclusive Resort by Mercure · Occidental Nuevo Vallarta All Inclusive · Villa Del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort and Spa
For golfers
Hotel Villa Varadero, Marival Emotions All Inclusive Resort by Mercure and Occidental Nuevo Vallarta All Inclusive each list a golf course among their facilities, which suits anyone building the trip around a round or two.
Hotel Villa Varadero · Marival Emotions All Inclusive Resort by Mercure · Occidental Nuevo Vallarta All Inclusive
For active days
Aerobics appears at Riu Palace Pacifico All Inclusive, Fiesta Americana Riviera Nayarit Resort & Spa, Hotel Villa Varadero, Marival Emotions All Inclusive Resort by Mercure, Villa Del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort and Spa, Occidental Nuevo Vallarta All Inclusive and Armony Resort All Inclusive MGallery Collection. Several of them add a fitness centre, and some list bike rental or diving.
Riu Palace Pacifico All Inclusive · Fiesta Americana Riviera Nayarit Resort & Spa · Hotel Villa Varadero · Marival Emotions All Inclusive Resort by Mercure · Villa Del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort and Spa · Occidental Nuevo Vallarta All Inclusive
Where to stay in Nuevo Vallarta
Paseo de los Cocoteros
The Cocoteros corridor is where much of the resort building has happened, and the hotels here sit closest to the wide beach and calm water the destination is known for. Fiesta Americana Riviera Nayarit Resort & Spa, Paradise Village Beach Resort and Spa and Occidental Nuevo Vallarta All Inclusive all front this strip. Everything happens inside the resorts, so compare what each includes before booking, because the street outside offers little in the way of an evening out.
Our picks here: Fiesta Americana Riviera Nayarit Resort & Spa · Paradise Village Beach Resort and Spa · Occidental Nuevo Vallarta All Inclusive
Marina
Park Life Nautico Vacational has an address on Paseo De La Marina, putting it by the marina area rather than the open beachfront. It is a plain 4-star option with free car parking and wheelchair access listed; with so little on the facilities list, it suits travellers who expect to be out and about rather than settled inside a resort.
Our picks here: Park Life Nautico Vacational
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
The site's guide does not cover arriving or moving around. What it does say is that nearly everything in Nuevo Vallarta happens inside the resort, so your hotel will largely be your world, and that Bucerías, with its beach and street stalls, is the easy taxi escape when you want a change of scene. Plan on comparing what each resort includes before you book, since restaurants, motorised sports and kids' clubs vary, and check the beach flags: the bay is calm, but some days bring current.
When to go
The site's guide says nothing about seasons or timing, so no month or period can be recommended from it. What it does flag is the water: the bay here is among the calmest for swimming, but the flags must still be respected, because some days bring current. Travellers weighing dates should treat that as the one caution the destination itself gives, and read the conditions on the beach rather than relying on a general rule.
Questions, answered
Are these hotels all-inclusive?
Several are: Riu Palace Pacifico All Inclusive, Samba Vallarta All Inclusive, Marival Emotions All Inclusive Resort by Mercure, Occidental Nuevo Vallarta All Inclusive and Armony Resort All Inclusive MGallery Collection name it in their hotel names. Others, such as Paradise Village Beach Resort and Spa and Hotel Villa Varadero, do not; the guide advises comparing carefully what each includes.
Is the sea safe for swimming in Nuevo Vallarta?
The site's guide describes the beach and sea here as among the bay's calmest and swimmable. It adds that the bay is calm but the flags must be respected, because some days bring current. Check the flags on the day rather than assuming conditions from the destination's reputation.
Which of these hotels are near the beach?
Every hotel on this list but the two apartment-style Park Life properties lists a beach nearby. Those on Paseo de los Cocoteros sit on the corridor closest to the wide beach the destination is known for, including Fiesta Americana Riviera Nayarit Resort & Spa, Paradise Village Beach Resort and Spa and Occidental Nuevo Vallarta All Inclusive.
Do any of the hotels have golf facilities?
Hotel Villa Varadero, Marival Emotions All Inclusive Resort by Mercure and Occidental Nuevo Vallarta All Inclusive each list a golf course among their facilities. Nuevo Vallarta as a whole is described as a destination that draws golfers alongside families travelling with kids.
What is there to do inside the resorts?
Facilities vary by hotel. Aerobics and fitness centres appear at several, bike rental and diving at some, and bars, buffet or à la carte dining and entertainment activities across most. Because the resort will be your world, the guide recommends comparing what yours includes before booking, from restaurants to kids' clubs.
Are there quieter, smaller options on this list?
Two stand apart from the large resorts: Marina Banderas Suites on Calle 16 de Septiembre, with an outdoor pool and terrace, and Park Life Tizate on Av El Tizate, with air conditioning, a terrace and a sea view. Both are 4-star and far simpler in what they offer than the all-inclusive properties.