I get asked this question ALL the time.
"Should I stay in Old Town or the Hotel Zone?"
It's a fair question. Both areas have their perks.
But after years of living here and helping guests find the perfect spot, I have strong opinions.
Let me break it down for you.
What's the Difference Anyway?
First, let's get clear on what we're talking about.
Old Town (also called Zona Romántica) is the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It sits south of the Rio Cuale.
Think cobblestone streets. Colonial buildings. Red-tiled roofs.
It's charming. It's authentic. It's REAL Mexico.
The Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) is north of downtown. It's where you'll find the big resorts and all-inclusive hotels.
Think high-rises. Chain restaurants. Tourist buses.
Two very different vibes.
My Honest Take on Old Town
I'm biased. I'll admit it.
I LOVE Old Town.
Here's why.
Walking through Old Town feels like stepping into another world. The streets are narrow. The buildings are colorful. You can smell fresh tortillas and hear live music around every corner.
There's a cafe on every block. Galleries tucked into quiet corners. Family-owned restaurants serving recipes passed down for generations.
It's intimate. It's personal.
You actually feel like you're IN Mexico.
Not just visiting some generic beach town.
The beaches here are fantastic too. Playa Los Muertos is right there. Olas Altas is a short walk away.
And the nightlife? Incredible.
Bars, clubs, theaters, breweries. Old Town has it all.
It's also the center of LGBTQ+ tourism in Puerto Vallarta. Everyone is welcome here.
What About the Hotel Zone?
Look, the Hotel Zone isn't bad.
It's just… different.
If you've never been to Mexico before, it might feel safer. More familiar.
The resorts are big and shiny. The beaches are well-maintained. Everything is organized and easy.
You'll find shopping malls. Chain stores. American restaurants.
It's convenient. I get it.
But here's the thing.
You could be anywhere.
Cancun. Cabo. Any beach resort in the world.
The Hotel Zone lacks soul. It lacks character.
You won't stumble upon a hidden taco stand. You won't make friends with a local artist. You won't experience what makes Puerto Vallarta special.
The Accommodation Question
This is where things get interesting.
In the Hotel Zone, your options are mostly big resorts. All-inclusive packages. Cookie-cutter rooms.
In Old Town? You get character.
Smaller boutique hotels. Locally-owned properties. Condos with personality.
When you book puerto vallarta rentals old town, you're getting something unique. A real home. A real neighborhood.
Not just a room number.
Our guests tell us this all the time. They feel like locals. They have their morning coffee spot. Their favorite taco guy knows their order.
That doesn't happen at a resort.
Let's Talk Safety
I know this is on your mind.
Good news: Old Town is considered very safe.
There's strong police presence. The streets are well-lit. Locals and tourists walk around at all hours.
I've been here for years. I walk everywhere.
Never had an issue.
The community looks out for each other. That's the beauty of a real neighborhood.
Cost Comparison
Here's something that might surprise you.
Old Town can actually be more affordable.
Those big resorts in the Hotel Zone? They charge premium prices. Add in the resort fees, the overpriced restaurants, the expensive excursions…
It adds up fast.
In Old Town, you can find a beautiful condo rental in puerto vallarta for a fraction of the cost. Then you eat at local restaurants. Shop at local markets.
Your money goes further.
AND you're supporting local businesses instead of international chains.
Win-win.
Who Should Stay Where?
Let me make this simple.
Choose Old Town if you:
- Want an authentic Mexican experience
- Love exploring on foot
- Enjoy nightlife and dining out
- Prefer smaller, personal accommodations
- Are a repeat visitor to PV
- Want to meet locals
- Appreciate art and culture
Choose the Hotel Zone if you:
- Are a first-time visitor who wants everything organized
- Prefer all-inclusive packages
- Don't plan to leave the resort much
- Want familiar chain restaurants
- Are traveling with very young children who need resort amenities
The Food Situation
This deserves its own section.
In Old Town, you are SPOILED for food options.
Fresh ceviche at a beach restaurant. Street tacos at midnight. Fancy farm-to-table dinners. International cuisine from around the world.
All within walking distance.
And the prices? Reasonable.
In the Hotel Zone, you're mostly eating at your resort. Or driving somewhere.
The spontaneity is gone.
You can't just wander until something catches your eye.
Getting Around
Old Town is incredibly walkable.
Everything you need is close by. Beach. Restaurants. Shops. Nightlife.
No car needed. No expensive taxis.
Just your own two feet.
The Hotel Zone is more spread out. You'll rely on taxis, Ubers, or resort shuttles.
That gets old. And expensive.
My Favorite Things About Old Town
Let me get personal here.
I love my morning walks along the Malecón.
I love grabbing coffee at my favorite little cafe where the owner knows my name.
I love the street performers. The art galleries. The unexpected conversations with strangers who become friends.
I love hearing church bells in the morning.
I love watching the sunset from a beachfront restaurant while mariachis play nearby.
These moments make Puerto Vallarta special.
And you only get them in Old Town.
What Our Guests Say
I'm not just making this up.
Our guests come back year after year. They request the same condos. They miss the neighborhood.
They tell us they feel at home.
One guest said it perfectly: "I've stayed at fancy resorts all over Mexico. But staying in Old Town was the first time I felt like I actually experienced Mexico."
That's what it's about.
The Bottom Line
If you want a generic beach vacation, the Hotel Zone is fine.
If you want an EXPERIENCE, choose Old Town.
You'll walk on cobblestones. Eat incredible food. Meet amazing people. Create real memories.
That's what travel should be.
Ready to Book?
We have beautiful properties throughout Old Town. Each one carefully selected. Each one in the heart of the action.
Check out our listings and see what speaks to you.
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Have questions? Reach out. We love helping guests find their perfect Puerto Vallarta home.
Old Town Puerto Vallarta is highly recommended. You won't regret it.
Trust me on this one.
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