Puerto Vallarta is one of my favorite destinations. I like the old Mexican traditional feeling as opposed to just large resorts you never leave. I enjoy immersing myself in the town by walking the streets and enjoying the local food carts and restaurants. It has plenty of hotel options. I prefer to do non-all-inclusive options, although there are plenty to choose from, as well as hotels that have that option as an add-on.

The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center Resort boasts a beachfront location close to the city, less than a quarter mile from downtown shops and restaurants at the Malecon Boardwalk and just 4.1 miles away from Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport Puerto Vallarta.

Booking

This was a very last-minute booking as I was juggling my travel schedule and bookings. I ended up needing just one night after arriving in the late afternoon. This resort also came recommended by a friend who had several stays here. I booked this the day of arrival and used 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

This is a perfect choice if you have 35k certificates as well, since it would not require any additional points. I booked the basic garden view room as that was the only option for booking. I earn Marriott points and certificates with my Chase Marriott Boundless card as well as my Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.

Check-in

I checked in online via the Marriott app. When I landed, I checked the app and saw that I had been upgraded to a Signature Club Lounge level, Deluxe Guest room, 1 King, Bay view, High floor. Check-in was easy and I was thanked for my Platinum status. I received a bracelet as my room key. Having the room key on a bracelet made this convenient, but I think I still prefer the traditional room key. Outside of my room access, I only needed the key to enter the club lounge.

Room

I found the room to be quite large. It had a TV, Nespresso-type coffee maker, and a minibar fridge. I always enjoy a large shower, and this one had great water pressure and plenty of room for a tall traveler like me. My only complaint about the room is that there was no balcony, although the windows did open. I also prefer a traditional refrigerator where I can keep water and beverages cold.

Club Level

A short time after arriving in my room, I was greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne and a bottle of tequila with some candy treats. I received an explanation of the benefits of the club level and asked if I had any questions about the resort.

The club lounge has evening hors d’oeurves and wine, breakfast in the morning, and beverages throughout the day (water, juice, coffee, tea). The lounge is on the 23^rd floor and provides fantastic views. The food was good on both my evening and morning visits with plenty to choose from. The service in the club lounge was fantastic.

Pool

The pool area was large and had plenty of space. Guests receive a towel card at check-in that you trade in for a towel and then get a card back when you return it. There is a swim up bar as well as service at your seat. I was not a fan of the margaritas but plenty of other options to choose from. Overall, pool service was fine. The food was good and had a nice variety. Although I only ate once poolside, I sought out some opinions from others and nobody had any complaints.

If you prefer the beach, they have beach chairs as well. It looked like some beach chairs required a reservation as well.

Other

The resort has a coffee stand in the lobby area as well as several restaurants including a buffet. There is also a lobby bar with some nice pool and ocean views. It also has a happy hour in the evening with 2 for 1 beers. The resort has plenty to offer with a spa, tennis courts, and all the usual resort amenities.

Final Thoughts

While this was just a one-night stay, I will certainly add it to my Puerto Vallarta hotels list. The Marriott Platinum status came in handy with the Club Level lounge benefits. I also received a late checkout, which is one of my favorite perks, especially when you're switching hotels like I tend to do.

I felt the service here was a step above my other Puerto Vallarta Marriott resort experience, which I will share soon. While it may not be the highest redemption you will get with Marriott, using 30k in points or a certificate and no resort fee makes the Sheraton Buganvilias a great spot.

Have you visited Puerto Vallarta? Have a favorite hotel? Come over to our Facebook group and let us know your thoughts.

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