Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa Review
Puerto Vallarta is a popular vacation destination, and for good reason. It is one of my favorite trips to make (yes, maybe even more than Cabo). Whether for relaxation, or even for just working remotely in some sunshine. It has 433 rooms and suites, fantastic grounds and plenty of options for fun on site for your next stay. I found it to be the perfect location as well as some of the friendliest staff I have experienced in all my travels. It is with noting that they always welcome you home here and the property has many regulars I have gotten to talk to and know over my years of coming here. I hope they can keep that family feeling with all the changes. I’ll over everything this property has to offer, and more, in this Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa review.
Updated 10/21/26: They have “completed” phase two of the remodel after being closed for months again. I was there on opening day and have added some details to the review. It is worth noting this is now scheduled to become an all inclusive in late spring 2027. More on that soon.
Great Gets Even Better?
The property had done some minor room updates prior to June 2025. They didn’t think that was enough, so the property closed for almost 4 months to complete another phase of renovations. I will break down those changes throughout the review, as well as a section on the remodel specifically. I was able to visit the property upon reopening in October 2025 to see what had changed. I also have now visited in October 2026 after their next phase remodel and noted those changes below.
Location
It is less than 2 miles from the Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), making this a convenient location. Don’t let the close to airport location put you off here. This is a solid resort with much to offer. Uber in Puerto Vallarta is safe and easy to use, including from the airport – even though it can be a little tricky without this guide. Expect to pay around $5-$7 U.S. for the trip, and usually a bit less for the return. This is one of my favorite perks with the location. When I depart I can be at the airport and through security in about 20 minutes total from requesting an uber (team carry on). The Resort also sits within a short walk of the Marina, which offers many dining options. After your quick drive, you will enter paradise as you walk into the open air lobby, you immediately see the views towards that beach and pool areas.
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa Review: Booking Cost
Marriott uses dynamic pricing, which means the points cost will vary depending on cash rate. Those cash rates can go anywhere from the $225-$625 range depending on the time of year. Post remodel, prices have skyrocketed at times. Points wise, I have seen it everywhere from the 35k range per night up to 70k recently during peak times. Post remodel the 70k was showing much more often than it used to. Marriott points typically are valued at only .5-.7 cents per point, but many times I can get 1 cent per point here. Even at that level it is not a great redemption for any transferable currency, but a good use of any free night certificates you have as well.
Tip: Use the felxible option with the Marriott site to see the flexible calendar
Finally, you will pay a resort fee here of $25 usd plus taxes. However, they try to offset it with a welcome sheet you receive. It comes with coupons for:
- Two free welcome drinks
- Tequila tasting
- Spa area access 1 time per stay
- A culinary demonstration and tasting.
The other items are more things that are typically included at resorts but also listed as:
- Water and coffee in the room per day. They have transitioned to a water bottle and filtered water dispensers on each floor
- Enhanced WiFi
- Daily use of equipment (kayaks, paddleboards, etc) and recreational activities
- 1 hour of kids club for two (With the remodel, this has moved inside and kids pool area eliminated for now)
Elite Status Recognition
Before you check in you may want to know what kind of benefits your status will bring. As a platinum member I was given the option of 1,000 points or a continental breakfast. Do not be confused by the continental breakfast here. As you will see, the buffet is large and fantastic with plenty to choose from.
Upgrades had gotten better over the years in my opinion. In my previous four stays, I had always been upgraded without issue. Applying Suite Upgrade Awards here may be useless at times, but it’s worth trying. On the other side of things, they have claimed they couldn’t even give me a room with a view during a stay as well. There may be some disconnect here at times of what rooms are really available, so just have those expectations. Plus nothing is guaranteed, but with platinum status you should be able to get a room with a view here.
On my most 2025 stay, I was upgraded to a lower level suite. I outline some initial issues in the re-model section, but it gave me a nice view of the new grounds. They have added suites with plunge pools to the one building as well.
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa Review: Rooms
There are two towers of rooms here, with Tower A closer to the lobby and part of the main building. Tower B is connected, but sits to the north of the main check-in area. I would classify these rooms as more of a beach vibe and not necessarily some of the modern fancy rooms you may see in some locations.
The rooms are still fine, just nothing of the wow factor room wise other than the views, which were already there. Having said that, it is still one of my favorite locations to stay on property. While they have renovated rooms, there may still be some older ones being used in the mix too. I experienced a room in Tower A during my most recent stay that showed a little wear and tear.
King Bed Ocean View
My most frequent room is a Kind Bed Ocean View. A long entry way with closet space, a safe, plus a refrigerator and coffee area. They do stock the fridge with items for purchase, and snacks above if you choose.
The Rooms are bright and plenty spacious enough especially with a sitting area. They have a large TV that can stream Netflix or YouTube if you have to spend any time in the room. The balcony has seating, which is great for enjoying beverages on the deck.
Nothing fancy about the bathroom but but nice shower and great water pressure in my experience.
King Suite Ocean View
I did want to share my recent stay room photos as well. This was a suite in tower A. It did seem to show some wear and tear in areas, but no complaints otherwise as far as the room itself. It was on a lower level as opposed to those nice high floor views.
Emperor Suite Ocean View (2026)
In 20026, I had what they are now calling Emperor Suite. They keep renaming the rooms and suites. I lost my first upgrade due to a snafu with Marriott corporate thinking they would not be open on time. This was my new upgrade, albeit not as nice as first and where I have stayed previously, this room was fine and I do love the view.
They basically brightened the room up and changed the furniture which was much needed.
Having a long balcony where you can access from the living room or bedroom is a nice feature.
Other Upgraded Rooms
I thought I would share some pictures of the upgraded rooms. While I have been pretty fortunate to always have a room with a view, I have also had the chance to stay in some of their other great rooms.
My most recent “best” upgrade was in Tower A and featured an outdoor jacuzzi and hammock. It’s basically a rooftop suite in this part of the hotel.
I also have had the chance to stay in the penthouse suite, which was pretty amazing. Yes, it even had a piano, so I did do my best Great Balls Of Fire impression unsuccessfully.
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa Review: Property/Amenities
The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa has a lot of great property amenities. That includes multiple pools – including one that sits close to the beach, a hot tub and a kids club. I am not sure of the plan with the kids club as it was closed on my return, and they were still doing construction in that area. Word on the property is there is potential for a lazy river in that area next summer. The main pool also features a swim-up bar and is large enough that it never feels over-crowded to me. Although seating can fill up quickly around the pool during busy times, there is a lot of seating all spread out over a large area. Additionally, there is seating along and on the beach that usually has available space.
They have added an adults-only pool area as part of the remodel. While not open during my opening week visit, it adds a great look to the property, whereas previously there was a run down river feature. They will also have a bar there and should give a nice area if you don’t want to be at the main pool.
There are also chairs set up on the beach if you prefer that to the pool. There will be local vendors to be aware of here, although I found them to be pretty low key and not at all high pressure or bothersome.
They do have a gym as well for those wanting to get a workout in. The resort features event space, a spa and plenty of activities during your stay.
Dining
The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa has plenty to choose from in terms of dining option – no matter your preferences. Let’s run through what this expansive property has to offer during your stay.
Coffee Shop:
Fresh pastries and coffee in the AM, or late-night snacks and beverages at night. This was being refurbished in October 2026. I am told this was due to some issues since they had already remodeled it as part of phase 1. They have a temporary solution in the lobby restaurant set up.
Bay & Vine:
Previously Desayuno Internacional and not open on time as of October 2026. Staff reported to me they think December. The breakfast buffet currently being housed in Champions Bar every morning.
Large breakfast buffet featuring a wide variety of items. While I wouldn’t pay out of pocket for this ($30), it comes complimentary (1000 points or breakfast options at check-in) with Platinum status or above. Additionally, the hotel may have some rates that include breakfast you could consider too. For example, if you have a AAA membership I have frequently seen some of their rates include breakfast. Tons of options here, including an omelet station and various cuisines. I will also admit, I can’t resist their donuts here as they are some of the best I have ever had.
Vida Pool Bar
They have the sign up calling it Bar Uno but site and menu still shows Vida. It was also previously Nosh Pool Bar & Sunset Bites. Both a poolside bar and small area with seating as well. The menu was revamped in 2026 and unfortunately a favorite of many , the fresh ceviche station and tostadas are not at the bar. There is ceviche on the menu but it comes from the main restaurant. They also have an upstairs that used to be a restaurant. Now just used as a pool deck, but I recommend going up here for those sunset views. The food is always good and I highly recommend the shrimp tacos.
Champions:
A sports bar with plenty of TVs and food selections to appease anyone. The setting is a bit dark since there are very few windows based on where it is in the building.
Mikado:
A Japanese restaurant, with sushi and teppanyaki, and an engaging dining show. I got to try this in 2026 and it was very enjoyable and great service.
Marieta
Previously Mariscos Ceviche and Tequila Bar. This is near the lobby area with resort views that can be a great setting for cocktails or food at sunset.
Las Casitas
This restaurant is near the pool area with beach views, offering Mexican cusine.
2025 Remodel
For those that have visited before, or want to see some of the updated property, I thought I would include those in one section as well. It gives you an idea of what is going on with some of the major changes.
The renovations included the bars, restaurants and the coffee shop. I will say many of the areas look nicer, but I got the feeling the areas were not as employee friendly as far as efficiency or the work space.
The already mentioned adults pool area was a part of these major upgrades. They also redid the main pool with a new surface and walls. Some claimed this kept the pool warmer, but it was definitely easier to walk in.
Tower B got remodeled rooms and they added what I call shared plunge pools to the ground level rooms. The front of the building has them as well if you are staying on that side. It was still very much under construction on my most recent visit though. There is no privacy here, so I am not sure what the lure of these rooms is that I am sure will not be cheap.
They say the recent big hurricane and storms delayed things a bit, but this property was probably still 2-3 weeks away from being ready at a minimum when I walked through. I had a few issues with the stay mostly centered around the reopening. The issues I and some other guests experienced were hot water issues, Wi-Fi issues to include some rooms having no Wi-Fi, and some room upkeep issues, not to mention ongoing noise from construction. I took everything with a grain of salt knowing it was opening week, but it was a little rough.
2026 Remodel
2026 brought their “phase two” as I am calling it. I had heard rumors of this when I visited to see the 2025 updates. I was able to visit their first week open and the area avoided the recent wave of hurricanes. While I never recommend visiting right at a grand opening or reopening, my schedule was the factor. I will break down some of the 2026 updates that are done or supposed to be soon.
- Finishing room renovations. I have added pictures of my room for the 2026 stay.
- Lazy river being built (not done).
- New Italian restaurant between lazy river and pool complex (not done).
- Remodel of main restaurant that features their amazing breakfast buffet (not done).
- Kids Club moved inside and kids pool area is where lazy river is going.
As I noted they just opened and I was very lenient in adding any thoughts. That being said the property was not ready. I am sure they wanted to get the doors open and some revenue in. My room had several minor things not done or ready as if no checklist was used. Lots of work in the hallways and rooms still based on the supplies laying around. The closest elevators of one of the towers were all broken, which could be a big inconvenience depending on your room location. Overall just many eye sores visible. Finally, the one major change I noted above. This will be going to an all inclusive in late spring 2027 if on time. More on that soon.
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa Review: ToP Thoughts
I love the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa for its beach location and proximately to the airport. Its close enough to everything, yet feels secluded, with an amazing beach location. The staff have always been fantastic to me, and that’s another reason I have kept coming back. I have met plenty of people I am still friends with here and find many guests that have been coming here for ten or twenty years themselves. I also find that at the right times it can provide value even on a cash stay, but it’s definitely great for certificate use.
I am hoping to enjoy it a couple more times before the 2027 changes and really hope Marriott changes their mind. Have you stayed here? Share your thoughts over in our ToP Facebook group.
