What We Love
- No reservations needed at any of the restaurants.
- The resort's Art Deco architecture hugged by epic palms that rises up from the sandsational beach.
- The liquor dispensers in the rooms. It's a party. Just add people.
- The treatments at the world-class, delicious spa. Unplug and unwind.
- Supervised fun for the little ones while you savor a drink by the teal waves.
- Teeing off at the 18-hole, championship golf course that's right next door.
- The fitness program that includes Backfit, Aquagym, stretching and bums, legs, tums.
- Dancing the night away at the Pacha nightclub.
Things to Know
- The airport is a mere 15 minutes from the airport so you'll be on that sweet beach lickety split.
- Be sure to visit Cuale Island, a shady and tranquil oasis, to shop for crafty, cool souvenirs.
- Banderas Bay is brimming with animal fun: see the release of sea turtles & swim with dolphins.
- Get up early to snag a beach lounger. They go fast.
- You can go horseback riding in the Sierra Madres, a bucket-list-worthy thing to do.
- If you're more adventurous, there's bungee jumping. Hang on!
- There are oceans of water sports: bodyboarding, kayaking, windsurfing and more. Take the plunge.
Resort Details
- Don RafaelMain restaurantBuffet restaurant open for dinner. Buffets and live cooking stations.
Special evenings: themed buffet (three times a week).
- FlamingoSteakhouse serving A la carte specialities.
- Il GustoItalian restaurantBuffet-style Italian restaurant.
• Poolside restaurant/Theme restaurant - KulinariumGourmet restaurantA la carte gourmet restaurant.
- NirvanaAsian restaurantBuffet-style Asian restaurant.
- Various Lounges/Bars
• Astoria - Lobby bar
• La Boheme - Lounge bar
• Sports Bar
• La Plaza - Bar
• Mezcal - Poolside bar with swim-up bar
*Access to all bars at Riu Jalisco.
- 24-hour front desk
- Accessible facilities
- ATM/Cash machine
- Babysitting,Offsite†
- Baggage hold
- Beachfront
- Bell staff/porter
- Business services†
- Children programs
- Children welcome
- 24-hour front desk
- Complies with Local/State/Federal laws for disabled
- ATM/Cash machine
- Babysitting, Offsite†
- Baggage hold
- Beachfront
- Bell staff/porter
- Business services†
- Children programs
- Children welcome
- Children's play area
- Concierge desk
- Elevators
- Exercise gym
- Free high speed internet connection
- Game room
- Gift/News stand†
- Golf, Offsite†
- Housekeeping - daily
- Laundry/Valet service†
- Lounges/bars
- Meal Plan Type: All Inclusive
- Parking
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Safe deposit box
- Spa
- Sports bar
- Tour/sightseeing desk
- Water sports†
† Fees may apply
- Children's pool
Children's pool with slides.
- Children's program, onsiteDaily daytime entertainment program for children. "Riu land" kids club.
- Direct access to a beach
- Fitness center on-siteComplimentary use of gym.Fitness activities in RiuFit area.
- Motorized Water Sports †
- Non-Motorized Water Sports
- PlaygroundChildren's Playground.
- Pool
There are 5 pools including one with a swim-up bar. New grill by the pool.
- Sauna
- Spa †Renova Spa with a variety of treatments, hairdresser, massages and beauty salon ($).
- Whirlpool
- Golf †Golf course located within a mile of the hotel.
- Kayaking †
- NightclubsComplimentary access to "Pacha" discotheque at Riu Jalisco (open 7 nights a week); drinks included.
- Windsurfing †
- On-site EntertainmentAccess to weekly theme parties for everyone
- Nuevo Vallarta
- Other Local AttractionsBathed by the waters of the beautiful bay of Banderas and sheltered by the imposing Sierra Madre, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most highly-prized tourist destinations in Mexico. As well as excellent beaches and water sports, this destination offers you the chance to enter into contact with unique nature: dolphins, whales and turtles.
† Fees may apply
Guest Reviews from CheapCaribbean Customers
Customer Ratings & Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
9423 reviews
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Dec 07, 2025Great location, endless beach!
Property is very well maintained with beautiful landscaping. Dedicated pools for activities, drinking and relaxation. Lots of lounge chairs in both the sun and shade on the beach or by the pools. Buffet has abundant selections and staff constantly monitor to ensure quality and cleanliness. Very nice layout in the rooms with large walk in shower and comfortable bed.
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Dec 06, 2025Another great vacation at RIU Vallarta PV
We returned to the RIU Vallarta - our previous stay was wonderful so we decided to return. We love the clean rooms, happy/helpful staff, and location which is great for long walks on the beach. Food and food service staff were fabulous - thank you to Jovaney and all his team for providing delicious meals. I am sure we will visit again in the near future.
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Dec 06, 2025
Second stay in 2025 (4 weeks this year)
We love the RIU Vallarta as all the staff are so amazing - happy and accomodating! Everything was great. The only thing that was not as good as some other places we have stayed was some of the evening entertainment.
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Dec 04, 2025
Wonderful stay at Riu Vallarta
This was now the third year in a row that we have stayed at the resort. And once again we could have not been happier during our 11 day stay. The food as usual was just excellent. We took most of our meals at the main Buffett as there was always such a variety. Always hot chicken, fish, beef, spaghetti, pizza and vegetarian dishes cooked before your eyes. We loved the Turkey carved to your needs. And so many ingredients for the salads and in particular all the fresh fruits to choose from. Although we try to say away from the deserts, There was such a variety that we just couldn’t resist a variety of options in moderation. It all looked so inviting. And everything so clean. And a special mention to all the resort staff that were so friendly and truly appreciative of our stay. Never walked by any of the cleaning staff that did not acknowledge us as we walked by. The front desk staff were all very friendly when we engaged with them. The pool areas were always so clean. Loved the live rock band playing every Sunday afternoon near the swim-up bar area. The beach area is very clean with easy access to the ocean. Access is very safe with lots of people enjoying the water. The beach area is nice for walking in either direction. There is also entertainment very evening with enjoyable seating around. Just an ideal resort to relax and enjoy all the amenities. The one added comment I would make is that the resort should engage the services of a HAWK PROVIDER to discourage all the black birds that frequent the eating areas. This is used at a number of other resorts we visit and is very affective in controlling the bird population in the area. An individual with a Hawk just walks the resort area and this chases the black birds away. A special heads up to Veronica who addressed a room issue we had and was very engaging in ensuring that all our needs were met. Always so engaging every time we met her as she walked the resort area. We loved our early morning walks in either the bucerias or paradise village marina directs. Also a 1/2 hour walk to the large Mega store on the highway. All the sidewalks are very safe for walking.
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Dec 03, 2025
Fourth stay. Bit disappointed
The hotel MUST do something about birds Messing everywhere you sit. Other hotels with far less “stars” manage with hawk handlers This really is a health hazard
- AdvisoryStudent Groups/Spring Breakers (either groups or individuals, regardless of age) are not allowed at any time during the year. Guests disturbing or generating complaints from other guests or hotel may be removed from the property, at their own expense. Parties in rooms are not permitted.
- AdvisoryRiu Party in Puerto Vallarta will be temporarily paused during the renovation of Riu Jalisco. The renovation will begin on August 18, 2025, and the hotel will reopen on December 20, 2025. As a result, the Riu Party will not be available for guests at Riu Vallarta and Riu Palace Pacifico during this period. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to resuming the Riu Party events upon the completion of the renovations.
- Check In: 3:00 PM
- Check Out: 11:00 AM
- Minimum Check-In Age: 18
- General Policies:
Check-in Policy - Deposits or credit/debit card hold authorizations are not requested at check-in. "Minimum age of 18 is required for check-in, an ID/Passport will be requested upon arrival.
Convention Policy : Groups traveling together can book this property for their stay taking advantage of group benefits such as 6th or 11th complimentary guest, Group dinner reservation, One complimentary cocktail hour with a selection of appetizers, One complimentary massage for the group leader, Complimentary room upgrades to the next category, Fruit plate and bottle of wine for the VIP, Private check-in when arriving together, Welcome sign. Applicable with Wedding Collections and Social Packages. Consult terms & conditions.
Spring Break Policies - Student Groups/Spring Breakers (either groups or individuals, regardless of age) are not allowed at any time during the year. Guests disturbing or generating complaints from other guests or hotel may be removed from the property, at their own expense. Parties in rooms are not permitted.
Transfer Policy - A price may display when children stay free, if your vacation includes transfer to your hotel.
General Information - Room taxes and service fee are included in vacation price.
Minimum night stay restrictions may apply.
Reservation changes may not be permitted unless authorized by the hotel.
- Pet Policy : Pets Not Allowed
- Early Departure Policy
- Early Departure Penalty:1 NightApplies: Sunday - Saturday 04Jul24 - 23Dec26
- Early Departure Penalty:2 NightsApplies: Sunday - Saturday 24Dec25 - 30Apr26