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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Feb 13, 2026
A great stay in Puerto Vallarta
This is the second time we have stayed here. When we first arrived, we were disappointed in our room. The king bed was simply 2 double beds pushed together with a gap in the middle. We were also on the first floor, looking over a back alley. When my wife went to use the hair dryer, it didn't work. We informed the front desk of our disappointment, and they immediately went to work to find us a better room. We were very pleased with their efficiency in solving this issue. The food is great at all the restaurants, including the buffet. There are great activities during the day and evening — whether in the pool, at contests, or with entertainment. The one issue with the entertainment is that if you are sitting outside of the theatre's covered area, in the plaza, the sound can be muffled. Likewise, the stage in the plaza has good sound if you are sitting directly in front of it, but if you sit off to the side, the sound isn't always clear. The housekeepers are absolutely amazing. The staff is constantly working to keep the resort clean. One other heads-up: they do a Friday Night white party at one of the other RIU sites. From my perspective, this is an adult-based evening; it is not a family-friendly event. It is very well done, but I really don't need my 11, 13, and 15-year-old boys seeing that much flesh bouncing around :) Bottom line this would still be a first choice resort when going back.
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Feb 13, 2026
Mother daughter trip
Overall, our trip was enjoyable, but there were several significant concerns that we feel need to be addressed. We experienced initial issues with the transportation arranged through the hotel. Although pickup ultimately occurred as scheduled, the uncertainty at the start of our trip created unnecessary stress. Upon arrival at the resort, we were unable to access our room until 2:55 PM. This significantly limited our ability to enjoy the resort amenities on our first day, particularly the water activities. While our second-floor room appeared neat at first glance, there was visible black mold on the bathroom wall near the ceiling that remained throughout our entire stay. This is not only unsightly but a health concern that should be addressed promptly. Additionally, the air conditioning in our room did not function properly. The temperature remained fixed at 22°C for the duration of our stay. Due to the high humidity, the room constantly felt damp, and sleeping comfortably was difficult. I submitted two separate maintenance requests. Although staff did respond, the issue was never resolved and no meaningful improvement was made. The food throughout the resort was very good, and we had no complaints regarding the specialty restaurants or buffet options. However, we were surprised and disappointed that there was no room service available, as this has been a standard amenity at most other RIU properties we have visited. The gym facility was another area of concern. It is extremely small, with outdated equipment. By 7:00 AM it was already overcrowded to the point that completing a workout was nearly impossible. Each morning by approximately 7:15 AM, towels and water were depleted, which reflects poor restocking and oversight. The pools were consistently overcrowded, with little to no lounge chair availability. As a result, we spent approximately 95% of our time on the beach. While the beach itself is beautiful, the absence of drink service significantly impacted our ability to relax and fully enjoy the experience. This lack of beach service is the primary reason we would not choose to return to this resort. Additionally, restroom facilities throughout the property were limited and often inconveniently located. Based on our experiences at other RIU properties, we would consider this resort to be middle of the road. We are sharing this feedback in hopes that these concerns can be addressed for future.
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Feb 13, 2026
Riu resorts always very nice and clean
We enjoyed our time at the Riu. The rooms are clean, and food is good. We especially enjoyed the steak house. It is nice to have several pools to go to. Riu resorts never disappoint.
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Feb 13, 2026
Delighted!
Like one big beach/pool party! Great food, nice room, comfortable bed, loads of activities. It was a super experience!
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Feb 12, 2026
February
Francisco in dining area was exceptional, Karina with breakfast cooking is fantastic, David with luggage is great, Armando is top notch!! Teresa in the lobby bar is very kind and happy.
- 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.
- 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
- Early Departure Penalty:1 NightApplies: Sunday - Saturday 24Dec26 - 31Dec50