Hotel at a Glance: Hotel Cielo Rojo

It might be called “San Francisco,” but don’t expect cable cars and Rice-a-Roni in the town of San Francisco, Mexico (also called “San Pancho”). This small village along the Riviera Nayarit coast existed as a quiet fishing pueblo until recently, when a handful of hotels opened up to accommodate those in search of a peaceful getaway. The small, boutique Hotel Cielo Rojo enjoys an enviable location, tucked between palms trees and cobblestoned streets in the center of the tiny town, which is itself tucked between the Pacific Ocean, the jungle, and the mountains.

• Where you’ll stay: Guest rooms welcome guests with warm and intimate decor.
• Where’s the beach? Only three blocks from the hotel.
• Onsite dining includes dinner on the patio, where the chef serves a seasonally changing menu.
• What to do? Plenty. Go swimming, ride horseback (a preferred form of transportation) through the jungle, kayak along the coast, or stretch to a yoga class.
• Start the day right: Breakfast is included with this deal.
• Recent accolade: A 2015 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico: Diverse Terrain and Rustic Pueblos in Up-and-Coming Resort Area

Named one of the World’s Sexiest Affordable Destinations by Travel + Leisure, the Riviera Nayarit begins about 20 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta and stretches more than 100 miles along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Its varied landscape of white-sand beaches and lush mountains presents a range of outdoor activities, including horseback riding along the shore and ziplining through the rainforest canopy. Visit one of the fishing towns strung along the coast for a chance to catch some of the area’s choice black marlin and sailfish.

Among the Riviera Nayarit’s seaside hamlets, the charming village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle stands out for its diverse dining scene. Peruse the local tiendas for fresh groceries or drop into one of the restaurants for a night of live jazz, Spanish flamenco, or Latin fusion. On Sundays, the town’s farmers’ market is a must-visit for its organic produce and locally made wares.

Though many prefer the more laid-back pace of the Riviera Nayarit, its location on the outskirts of Puerto Vallarta puts that city’s first-rate nightlife, restaurants, and cultural attractions within easy reach. Head here to pick up the pace on the Malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s sculpture-studded seaside boardwalk, which buzzes with the activity of street musicians and food carts hawking skewered shrimp and spicy corn.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to travel to the hotel from the airport? The best airport to fly in/out of is Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). The property is 26 miles away and there is a shuttle that costs $150 roundtrip..

2. Is there an additional occupancy fee, or do I have to purchase another Groupon? The Groupon covers two guests and standard and maximum occupancy for standard rooms is two guests.

3.. Which activities and amenities are included in the resort credits? No resort credits are included in this Groupon.

4. Are dinner reservations required for restaurants? Is there a dress code? For information regarding your dining options, please click here.

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