MELIÁ PUERTO VALLARTA

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★★★★
Marina Vallarta
All-inclusive
4
3
1 ( Large outdoor pool)
2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1(3.2 With upg)
Garza Blanca Puerto Vallarta

This upper-middle-range, family-friendly resort is one of the most affordable all-inclusive options in the Marina Vallarta area. The 318 rooms have balconies, and many have views out onto the ocean. However, it’s the amenities that really shine here, and there are all sorts of daily activities available along with a pool, tennis courts, an archery range, and a mini-golf course, plus unexpected extras including a rock-climbing wall and a children’s spa. Though the Melia is an all-inclusive, there will be extra fees for Wi-Fi and room service.

LOCATION

The Melia Puerto Vallarta is located off Avenida Paseo de la Marina Sur, the main highway that runs along the coast. The property is located in the Marina Vallarta golf community, situated directly on the beach, with views out over the Pacific and the marina just at its back. The airport is around a six-minute drive from the hotel (without traffic), and it’s about 10 minutes to the city center; guests will need to drive or take a taxi. Marina Vallarta is north of downtown, just south of the airport, and has its own yachting scene, golf club and courses, and multiple posh apartment buildings, condominiums, and big resort hotels. The beaches here are not the region’s best, but many guests enjoy watching cruise ships arrive in the mornings (some dock in the marina), and sunsets are also spectacular. There are a number of restaurants by the marina within a 10- to 15-minute walk.

RESORT ROOM

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The 318 rooms and suites at the Melia have a similar decor scheme to what’s found in common areas, with marble tile floors and a mix of red, orange, yellow, and brown fabric accents. These include the entry-level Melia Rooms, which have 407 square feet (124 square meters) of space; each comes with a single king-sized bed or two doubles along with furnished private balconies with garden or ocean views. (Note that some garden-view rooms do have partial ocean views, in general, higher floors mean better views). Families may also want to consider the Kids & Company Family Rooms, each of which has two double beds and a bunk bed plus a private balcony with garden view, and special gifts and toys for kids upon arrival. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges refilled daily with water, beer, soft drinks, and snacks, plus coffeemakers and safes. Bathrooms have marble tile walls, floors, and countertops, plus walk-in showers. Some have whirlpool tubs. Note that all of the Kids & Company bathrooms were remodeled throughout 2014 and 2015 and have green frosted-glass doors separating showers and toilet areas plus bath toys, kids’ toothbrushes, and other child-specific freebies.