How to Find Cheap Hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known destination in Mexico with plenty of water, sun and fun. It's a particularly popular vacation spot for couples. Bordering the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the charming city offers a diverse array of vacation activities. Puerto Vallarta is located in the western part of the state of Jalisco.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Passport (required for U.S. travelers to Mexico as of 2007)

Choose Your Lodging

1. Consider cheap accommodations in the famous Bay of Banderas. Some of the underwater attractions there include snorkeling, diving, water sports and deep-sea fishing. You should be able to book activities through the front-desk of your hotel. To book accommodations, contact the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board & CVB at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below).
2. Check rates on the all-inclusive, European-style resorts and hotels. Cheap rates are sometimes available for under $100, although peak-season rates can run more than $300 per person.
3. Consider staying in the Marina Vallarta area. The Marina is home to several golf courses, boardwalks, a water park, and many luxury cafes and boutiques.
4. Search for cheap accommodations through online travel search engines. Unlike smaller vacation spots in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta has many hotels and resorts to choose from. Many of these offer special Web-only rates.
5. Take advantage of Puerto Vallarta's 25 miles of beaches. If you are going to stay for several weeks, try booking accommodations in different parts of the city to ensure you get to see all of the sites.
6. Sit back and relax. If you're on a honeymoon or other celebration where you want stress-free vacationing, Puerto Vallarta really delivers.

Seek Primary Tourist Districts

7. Get cozy with someone you love. The small inns located in the Romantic Zone are tailor-made for snuggling up with your sweetheart. Located in the village called Viejo Vallarta which runs along the Cuale River, this area is also a favorite among more seasoned travelers.
8. Check out accommodations in the North Zone located north of Banderas Bay for excellent diving opportunities like the Marietas Islands. Enjoy endangered species of wildlife and the beautiful blue waters.
9. Visit the South Zone for romantic escapes and mountain-filled vistas. If you like to swim, try to make your way to Conchas Chinas beach and take a trip over to "Lover's Beach." You have to swim through a natural archway to get there.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the interactive map found at the Puerto Vallarta Web site (see Resources below). It provides a very detailed picture of the city with streets, accommodations, grocery stores and even gas stations.