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
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Very Nice
My sister and I went down for a week. September is extremely humid so the air conditioners were a god send. The pools were like baths and the ocean was also warm. The resort is very clean, the staff are all so friendly, needs a bit of a face lift though. Rooms are clean and the cleaning staff are so nice. Unfortunately being used to going to bed quite early we were unable to take in any entertainment because they start their shows too late for us, at 9:30 pm. Quite a wait between dinner and the shows. All in all I would recommend this resort.
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#1 Vacation Spot
I can't say enough of this resort and the people they employ! We travel quite frequently and this resort is among our favorite. The staff at the reception are awesome! The bellboy and the front entrance staff are awesome! The employees at the swim up bar and the other bars and eateries are very friendly! The property is clean and safe. The pools are great, a pool for everyone as there are 5. The buffet is a 10. The speciality restaurants are all great! I would recommend this resort to everyone of all ages.
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Saved vacation
We arrived Sunday evening and went to a very disappointing resort. We checked out at 7 am and went to Riu Vallarta. The staff were great and had a room for us in very short order. The Riu Vallarta saved our vacation and we got to see friends from the Riu Jalisco.
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Love this resort
Riu Vallarta is one of the best resorts we have stayed at. The people are so nice and helpful. The place is very clean. The food is pretty good except for the Italian place, it wasn't very good. I can't wait to go back.
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Wonderful stay at the Riu Vallarta
Just came back from a 7 day stay at this Riu. If you're looking for a quiet couples getaway,this isn't the place for you as there were many children. That being said, I have no other negative comments. We had a great bedroom on the 8th floor with a very comfortable bed. The service and the staff went above and beyond. The food at the buffet was plentiful and really good. Tried the steak house which I did not care for. The Asian restaurant was better. The entertainment each night was probably the best I've experienced in an all inclusive.we will definitely return. If you don't like intense heat and humidity, do not go in August/September
- 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