Hacienda-Style Hotel Surrounded by Beaches, Cobblestone Streets, and Vibrant Nightclubs

Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel sits along turquoise waters and towering palms in the Pacific coastal town of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The hacienda-style hotel is just a few steps away from Los Muertos Beach and the vibrant nightclubs lining its sandy shores. Locals, tourists, and expats alike come here to swim in Banderas Bay’s warm waters and socialize in the clubs. For some peace and quiet, head to the Los Muertos pier, where you can catch a water taxi to three beaches accessible only by boat—Las Animas, Yelapa, and Quimixto.

There’s plenty to do onsite, too, beginning with a bright-blue pool surrounded by cushioned seating and terra-cotta pots spouting with local flora. You can get a hot-stone or aromatherapy massage from Le Petit Spa in the privacy of your own room, which mirrors the colorful neighborhood with earthy tiled floors and bright walls. Junior suites include kitchenettes, seating areas, and balconies with partial ocean views. For dinner, head down to Marantina, the hotel’s gastro-lounge, for Mexican French fusion cuisine and cocktails infused with local fruits.

The hotel is in the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone (also called Old Vallarta), which is characterized by cobblestone streets, red-tile roofs, and historic plazas. Just a short walk away, there are sidewalk cafés, art galleries, and street vendors selling hand-woven blankets and fresh-cooked food. To see even more of the region, you can book snorkeling, horseback-riding, and ziplining excursions through the hotel’s concierge.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Tropical Paradise with Cosmopolitan Flair

Puerto Vallarta is perhaps Mexico’s most sophisticated vacation destination, with expansive beaches, trendy restaurants, and cobblestone streets leading to beautifully preserved 19th-century churches. A 16-block boardwalk known as the malecón offers unobstructed ocean views as it extends from the city center, past fountains and a famous 9-foot-high statue of a boy riding a seahorse.

Called “the most gay-friendly city in Mexico” by Frommer’s, Vallarta draws a diverse crowd of vacationers intent on relaxing during the day and living it up at night, bouncing between the city’s numerous dance clubs and bouncy castles. For a glimpse of the city's history, head to Viejo Vallarta, also known as Old Town, where artists peddle shawls and piñatas and mariachi bands serenade couples dancing on Plaza Principal.

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