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
9372 reviews
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Nov 05, 2025Family stay at the Riu Vallarta
The resort was excellent. Great location, easy access to the beach and transportation. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Resort was very clean and had many pools. The buffet was always well kept, lots of choices and varieties (although some exotic fruits, likes mangoes and berries would have been nice). Overall loved the resort and would come back again.
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Nov 04, 2025Dissatisfied and regretful
I’ve traveled the world and I never write reviews but today I felt I had to. After a long exhausting day of traveling they would not let me check in at 3 as advertised the lady at the desk referenced a fine print stating they had until 4pm to turn in our room. When I asked why she spoke over me and stated it was written just how we have an hour after checkout to leave. I never received the email about my room being ready ever. Instead at 3:55 magically I had to go check and it was, we were 3 feet from her it cost her nothing to let us know it was ready instead we waited until 4. Our bags were being brought up and 22 mn later they still were not there. By this time I’m exhausted, frustrated and just ready to relax. Finally they arrived, with zip ties on them. I called the front desk for scissors to cut it and she hesitated and said I have some here you can come down and get. I was infuriated not my problem someone should bring them up, no apology no sure no problem, she said they didn’t have the staff to run them Up. Luckily my fiancé was able to pop it off with tweezers. The food was terrible, the steak house was terrible, the crows on your plates of food were insane. I’ve been to other resorts who pay for hawk service to minimize the crows. None of the employees were overly friendly or happy for you to be there except one or two like Abel on the drink Cart and Juan servicing the beach with drinks. No food service to your poolside or the beach, no ceviche at all it’s 90% American food and the Mexican food was terrible. While waiting for a cab we heard another person saying they would never stay here again. Lastly as we were packing up to leave a huge roach came out of the wall by the sink. I would have complained in person but not one person asked me about my stay so then here is where I’ll voice my complaint. I hope I don’t take roaches home and if I do I’ll know where they came from. Very disappointed especially since I’ve wanted to stay at Riu for a few years now. I am from Guadalajara and come to PV every year or every two years. I def wish I would have gone to the resort I went to last year.
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Nov 04, 2025Hotel RIU Vallarta
Nice, clean hotel with lots of activities. The food was good, but a bit repetitive, although there was a variety to choose from daily.
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Nov 04, 2025
Halloween Vacation
Had a great time. Really enjoyed all the Day of the Dead and Halloween decorations. Staff were extremely friendly. Always enjoy staying at a Riu Hotel.
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Nov 03, 2025
Fantastic Stay at the Vallarta
This was our 3rd visit to the Vallarta and we are so glad we chose to go back again this year. The hotel is kept spotless, the staff were simply amazing (big shout out to Mimi for pool side entertainment and the pool work out classes my wife thoroughly enjoyed), and the food/dining selections were fantastic as usual. The Vallarta offers unparalleled value for money in the PV area.
- 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