The writer was hosted.
Travel down the Pacific Coast of Mexico and you’ll find a charming colonial town wedged between clear blue water and lush mountains. Here lies Puerto Vallarta, a destination that, despite its popularity, maintains its rich Mexican culture and historic architecture.
Tourists and locals alike sip on frosty beers while inhaling birria tacos. Galleries featuring Huichol folk art sprinkle the old town, and murals of Frida Kahlo decorate the sides of buildings.
Puerto Vallarta certainly earns its reputation as an art-loving beach town, but it’s also an extremely welcoming and LGBTQ+-friendly destination. Venture downtown and you’ll find yourself in Zona Romantica. By day, this neighborhood is home to markets selling souvenirs and snacks, and by night, the streets come alive with drag shows and trendy bars.
The welcoming atmosphere and beautiful scenery that make Puerto Vallarta so enchanting are precisely the same qualities that make the Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta such a special place.
Located in Marina Vallarta, an upscale area just a short drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta, the Westin is a family-friendly oasis that sits on a former palm tree farm. In fact, more than 600 palm trees sprinkle the 14-acre property. There is a private beach, three restaurants, a fitness center, and a sparkling pool area with countless lounge chairs.
Experience Westin’s commitment to wellness at the on-site spa or while snoozing in the resort’s Heavenly® Bed. The resort’s youngest guests can enjoy arts and crafts, games, and movies at the kids club.
The resort is currently undergoing a renovation project which includes the construction of a brand-new lobby, a botanical bar, and reimagined guest rooms and suites, including swim-up rooms. Upon completion in 2025, the property will become The Westin brand’s first all-inclusive resort in Mexico.
Read More: Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
What makes the Westin special?
I spent several nights at the Westin, and after posting a brief video of the resort on my Instagram, I was delighted to discover that the hotel is also a favorite spot of a good friend of mine, who grew up vacationing at the Westin. My friend’s father, Dodson Skipworth, has been bringing his family here for nearly 20 years and continues to visit the resort sometimes several times a year.
When asked about his experience at the Westin, Skipworth wrote that the resort has always been a welcoming, fun, and peaceful retreat. He highlighted the resort’s large rooms, its convenient location, and its top-notch amenities.
Skipworth’s favorite part of the Westin, however, is its staff. “We are now recognized by name and treated as friends by the staff, many of whom have been there for decades,” Skipworth wrote. “We will always have great memories of our time at the Westin Puerto Vallarta, and look forward to many returns in the future.”
The Staff
I couldn’t agree more with Skipworth. The staff at the Westin truly went above and beyond. Every staff member I encountered, from the front desk agent to the restaurant waiters to the housekeeping, displayed a warmth that made me feel like a friend, not just a guest. You won’t just be attended to and treated well at the Westin. You are welcomed into a family.
Heavenly Beds
Before I get to the rooms, let’s talk about the beds. Westin Resorts is known for their beds, which are aptly named Heavenly® Beds. These beds are created to provide guests with a luxurious and restful sleep experience.
The centerpiece of the Heavenly® Bed is its mattress, which features a pillow-top layer on top of a supporting mattress. There are both softer and firmer pillow options, and guests will find a small vial of Sleep Well Lavender Balm on their nightstand to help ease them into a restful sleep (I still have mine).
Guest Rooms and Suites
Guests can expect earthy tones, large windows, and breathtaking views in all rooms at the Westin Resort. Each room has a refrigerator, a coffee maker, lots of closet space, a large bathroom, a desk, and a chair. There are also suites available, some with plunge pools and kitchenettes.
I stayed in a standard room at the Westin, and my room was so spacious I could have hosted a dance party in it. There was a porch with breathtaking ocean views, a couch, and a king-sized Heavenly® Bed.
Pros and cons
Little things I loved about my room: I absolutely loved my Heavenly® Bed, as well as the lavender balm. My bathroom also had a separate bath/shower, and lots of closet space. I also loved drinking coffee on my porch every morning.
Little things I didn’t love about my room: Although my room came with a desk and a chair, the desk was a little too low for the chair, so I did not find it a very comfortable workplace. I ended up moving to the downstairs restaurant, El Palmar, when I needed to get some work done.
The Beach
The Westin Resort sits along the beautiful Banderas Bay, where guests enjoy a 410-foot private beach. Sunbathe on lounge chairs directly on the beach, or rent one of 13 private open-air pergolas in the hotel’s Las Pergolas Beach Club. Water sports lovers can go kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, or stand-up paddle boarding.
Read More: Best Beaches in Mexico
The Pools
Swim among the palm trees in one of the hotel’s two pools, Tlaquepaque and Periquillos. These pools were built around the existing palm trees and are dotted with little islands home to more trees. There is a swim-up bar with snacks and drinks.
Traveling with kids?
The Westin’s dedication to wellness does not take away from its kid-friendly atmosphere. The resort offers babysitting services as well as a kids club for children aged 4 to 12. There is an indoor center where kids can enjoy arts and crafts, play board games, and watch movies.
The Spa
Those looking to relax and unwind will love the resort’s full-service spa. Choose from dozens of services including facials, massages, manicures, and waxes. There is a steam room, a sauna, and a variety of pools. Guests can also opt for a beachfront massage in one of the hotel’s outdoor pergolas.
Dining Options
Guests won’t go hungry at the Westin. Dining options include three on-site restaurants, a poolside bar, a cafe, and a tasty ceviche spot. Fill up on fresh seafood, specialty cocktails, Mexican classics, and healthy snacks at any of the restaurants.
For a romantic beachfront ambiance, visit Arrecifes Seafood & Steakhouse. Located just steps from the water, this open-air restaurant offers a flavorful menu with prime meats and fresh seafood.
If you’re a buffet lover, El Palmar Restaurant is the place to go. In addition to à la carte options, this restaurant offers a daily breakfast and dinner buffet. Sit indoors or on the terrace, just steps from the pools.
For a more casual dining experience, visit La Cascada Restaurant & Bar. Here, guests can listen to live music or watch sports games while sipping on tropical cocktails and snacking on comfort food. Be sure to try the restaurant’s array of tequilas.
And if that’s not enough, grab a latte at the Starbucks on the ground floor or order a snack at the poolside Tlaquepaque Snack Bar or at Cebichería Arrecifes. Of course, there are also countless restaurants and dining spots in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Planning a special event at the Westin? Whether you’re hosting a family reunion, a wedding, or simply looking to elevate your dining experience, the resort can arrange a Celebration Table. With floral arrangements, vases, and candles, these tables will absolutely blow you away, and create the perfect backdrop for a memorable occasion.
Speak with the resort concierge about pricing and to make reservations. There are three menu options—the Organic Menu, the Local Menu and the “Eat Well” Menu—with six courses each.
Things to do near the Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta
If I learned anything from my trip to Puerto Vallarta, it’s that I’ll be back. There is so much to do in this amazing Mexican beach town, and I just barely scratched the surface.
Here are some of the many things you can do in Puerto Vallarta when not lounging at the resort:
- Stroll along the Malecón boardwalk
- Watch a drag show in the Zona Romántica
- Visit the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens
- Hike to Mirador de la Cruz
- Go on a sunset cruise
- Have a beach day Playa Los Muertos and Playa de Oro
