Barcelo Puerto Vallarta

Barcelo Puerto Vallarta ranks as the top all-inclusive resort in Mismaloya with an impressive 4.1 out of 5 bubbles from more than 10,584 reviews. This 5-star luxury destination rests on Mismaloya Beach’s beautiful shores in southern Puerto Vallarta and gives guests a unique vacation experience.

The hotel’s 316 luxury suites are a big deal as they go beyond expectations in beauty and comfort. Each room at Barcelo Puerto Vallarta comes with its own balcony that overlooks the ocean and lets you watch spectacular sunsets. Recent barcelo puerto vallarta reviews highlight the resort’s two large pools (one with a swim-up bar), a kiddie pool, and two hot tubs. Guests at barcelo puerto vallarta get daily minibar refills with water, soda, and beer.

Yes, it is clear that Barceló Puerto Vallarta hotel has become the perfect vacation spot for couples and families who want an unforgettable stay. This detailed review gets into every aspect of this barcelo resort puerto vallarta based on a recent 7-day stay and gives an explanation to help future guests plan their Mexican getaway.

First Impressions of Barcelo Puerto Vallarta

The Barcelo Puerto Vallarta sits beautifully on Mismaloya Beach’s gorgeous shoreline, making a striking first impression with its tropical luxury feel. The resort lies about 45 minutes from Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport and just 15 minutes south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. You’ll find a perfect mix of peaceful seclusion and easy access to attractions.

Arrival and check-in process

The resort emerges like a welcoming haven at kilometer 11.5 as you drive along the coastal highway to Barra de Navidad. While check-in starts at 3:00 PM, early arrivals can enjoy the resort’s amenities as their rooms are readied. The young yet professional front desk team provides a detailed orientation with a handy pocket map showing the grounds, restaurant timings, and activity schedules.

Late evening arrivals will appreciate the quiet atmosphere without pushy timeshare representatives. The check-in takes just minutes before staff guides you to your room. Families with children often receive room upgrades at check-in, showing the resort’s dedication to guest satisfaction.

Original thoughts on location and setting

The resort’s setting will take your breath away. The property faces the magnificent Banderas Bay with dense jungle-covered mountains rising dramatically behind it. This spot feels miles away from Puerto Vallarta’s busy tourist areas. Movie buffs might recognize Mismaloya Beach as the filming location for “Night of the Iguana” with Richard Burton and Ava Gardner.

The quiet beachfront location creates a sense of private serenity that guests notice right away. Instead of city noise, you’ll wake up to waves crashing and tropical birds singing. The hotel’s position offers amazing Pacific Ocean views from nearly everywhere on the grounds.

First look at the resort layout

The resort showcases traditional Mexican hacienda-style architecture on beautifully maintained grounds. Four sparkling pools flow down toward the semi-private beach, creating a stunning centerpiece. Clear signs help guests find their way to pools, restaurants, shops, fitness center, and the luxurious spa.

The spotless condition of both public areas and rooms stands out immediately. Each of the 316 roomy suites comes with a balcony that shows off either garden views, pool scenes, or bay vistas. The vibrant kids’ club highlights the resort’s family-friendly atmosphere, while still offering  for adults.

Guests often praise how the Barcelo Puerto Vallarta blends modern comforts with traditional Mexican design, creating an authentic luxury experience throughout the property.

Room Experience and Comfort

The Barcelo Puerto Vallarta’s remarkably spacious suites stand out as one of the resort’s best features. This all-inclusive property boasts 316 luxurious suites across several categories that are bigger than your typical hotel room.

Room type and view

The Barcelo hotel Puerto Vallarta’s entry-level Deluxe Suite gives you 732 square feet of space with separate living areas that include sofa beds. Parents who want privacy but need to stay close to their kids will love the Family Suite’s layout – it comes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms in one connected space.

Bigger groups should look at the Master Suite, Grand Master Suite (1,463 square feet), Premium Grand Master Suite (2,239 square feet), or the massive Presidential Suite (3,714 square feet).

The Barceló Puerto Vallarta hotel’s design shines through as each room has its own ocean-view balcony. These private outdoor spaces let you take in views of lush gardens, sparkling pools, and the stunning Banderas Bay. All the same, trees might block some views from lower floors, but Premium Level rooms up high give you the best panoramic vistas.

Cleanliness and maintenance

Guests rave about the rooms being “CLEAN (and I mean CLEAN)”. The suites look sophisticated with elegant marble tile floors, dark wood touches, contemporary art, and modern furniture.

The tropical climate creates some challenges – you might spot peeling paint from humidity. Some guests have pointed out that housekeeping times can vary, with rooms sometimes getting cleaned later in the day.

Premium level vs standard rooms

The Barcelo Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive’s Premium Level upgrade adds several perks:

• Your own check-in and check-out area
• Better bathroom amenities
• A private lounge serving premium drinks
• First dibs on restaurant bookings with no limits (if spots are open)
• Room service at no cost (regular rooms pay extra)
• Free internet
• Turndown service
• A welcome bottle of wine and treats

Premium Level rooms sit at the top of the resort and give you clear ocean views. The upgrade makes sense if you plan to spend lots of time at the hotel instead of exploring Puerto Vallarta.

Room service and minibar

Every room at the Barcelo resort Puerto Vallarta includes a minibar that staff refills daily with water, soda, and beer – no extra charge. Your room comes with a 40-inch LCD TV with premium channels, coffee/tea makers, free bottled water, safes, climate control AC, ceiling fans, and hair dryers.

Room service stays exclusive to Premium Level guests. Regular guests can order room service but need to pay extra. Premium Level guests say breakfast room service tastes better than the buffet and arrives quickly.

Dining and Drinks at the Resort

The Barcelo Puerto Vallarta puts food at the heart of its all-inclusive experience. You’ll find restaurants and bars that cater to different tastes and priorities throughout the resort.

Buffet vs à la carte restaurants

The barcelo hotel puerto vallarta gives you a choice between buffet-style meals and intimate à la carte dining. La Fuente, the main buffet restaurant, offers stunning sea views and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with international cuisine theme nights. This restaurant serves as the main dining spot, since it’s the only place that serves breakfast in the resort.

The barcelo puerto vallarta all inclusive package has four à la carte restaurants for a more refined dining experience:

• El Capri: Italian-themed restaurant specializing in authentic pizzas and pastas
• Don Quijote: Featuring Spanish recipes and cuisine
• Los Arcos: Steakhouse and seafood restaurant with oceanfront views
• Kyoto: Japanese cuisine offerings

The resort uses a ticket system for these specialty venues based on your length of stay. To name just one example, a 6-night stay gets you 4 dining tickets, while Premium Level guests receive a dinner ticket for each night of their stay.

Poolside food and snack options

Getting food by the pool couldn’t be easier. Los Arcos Snack Bar sits right by the sea, serving tasty sandwiches and casual buffet options without leaving the pool area.

The Pool Bar lets you grab snacks and grills while enjoying a cool swim. This swim-up bar comes with comfortable chairs and amazing ocean views – perfect for casual daytime meals.

The all-inclusive plan covers lunch and snacks at the Snack Bar, so you can stay close to your lounger when hunger strikes.

Quality of drinks and bar service

The barceló puerto vallarta hotel provides detailed beverage service at multiple bars. La Cantina Bar brings Mexico’s spirit to life with domestic and premium drinks plus live music in the evenings. The Pool Bar serves cocktails and fruit juices right in the water.

Premium Level guests get their own exclusive bar with top-shelf spirits and personalized service. Bar service reaches the beach too, with staff bringing drinks right to your lounge chair.

The bartenders are willing to help find specific ingredients even when they’re not readily available. Your all-inclusive package covers domestic and premium beverages, weekly buffet dinners, and mini-bar service.

Specialty dining experiences

The specialty restaurants at barcelo resort puerto vallarta create memorable culinary moments. Los Arcos combines breathtaking ocean views with exceptional surf and turf specialties. The menu features “juicy and tender cuts of meat and fresh and exquisite seafood”.

À la carte restaurants open from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM with a smart casual dress code. You won’t be allowed in with sandals, open shoes, or shorts. This adds an upscale touch to your dining experience.

Guest reviews of food quality vary, but presentation always gets high marks. One review mentions “presentation was beautiful” in the à la carte restaurants. The resort uses “fresh ingredients of the highest quality”, though some guests notice differences between visits.

Food sits at the core of the barcelo puerto vallarta experience. You’ll find everything from casual poolside snacks to elegant dinners under starlit skies.

Amenities, Activities, and Entertainment

Barcelo Puerto Vallarta’s recreation options set the stage for an amazing vacation. The resort caters to guests of all ages with activities ranging from refreshing pools to nightly entertainment.

Pools and beach access

Four stunning pools spread across the property grounds. A family pool showcases beautiful ocean views, while a sports pool comes equipped with a volleyball net. Kids splash around in their dedicated pool, and adults find peace in their exclusive retreat. One pool features a swim-up bar where guests can sip exotic cocktails right in the water.

The resort’s beach stands out among Puerto Vallarta properties. Its location in a sheltered cove makes it one of the most secluded beaches in the area. Though not huge, this semi-private beach creates the perfect spot to unwind by the sea.

Kids club and family-friendly features

Kids between 5-12 years old love the Barcy Club’s lively program. The club sits in a charming mini-garden surrounded by green vegetation. Children get creative at specially designed work tables. Activities range from face painting and Barcy Bingo to crafts, treasure hunts, and beach fun. Parents can arrange private babysitting at $15 USD per hour.

Spa and fitness center

U-Spa serves as a peaceful haven focused on wellness. Guests can relax with therapeutic treatments while waves crash nearby at this oceanfront retreat. The spa pampers guests with couples treatments, adult-only whirlpool tubs, and beauty services.

Tower 1’s first floor houses a modern gym. The fitness center has treadmills, stair climbers, weights, and exercise bikes. Guests must be over 16 to use these facilities.

Nightly shows and live music

The fun continues after dark at Barcelo Puerto Vallarta. Guests enjoy themed dinners, live music, and spectacular performances. The Michael Jackson tribute, circus acts, and Mexican cultural nights rank among guest favorites.

Excursions and nearby attractions

The resort’s location puts adventure within easy reach. Popular trips include snorkeling at Los Arcos islands, visits to Puerto Vallarta’s zoo, and tours of an old movie set ruins. From May through September, guests can join the turtle release program – a hands-on conservation experience.

What I Loved vs What Could Be Better

My week-long stay at Barcelo Puerto Vallarta left me with mixed feelings. The resort has some amazing features that really stood out, yet a few things could make the experience better. Let me share what I discovered after spending time at this property.

Top highlights of the stay

Barcelo Hotel Puerto Vallarta’s spectacular setting steals the show. The property sits on a stunning 1,600-yard beach that gives you magnificent views of the bay and those famous arches. This location creates a perfect escape from reality. The property features four swimming pools with waterfalls and Jacuzzis. These spots became our favorite places to relax as each pool had its own unique atmosphere throughout the day.

The room size blew us away. Family suites measure 732 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. This gave us plenty of space to spread out comfortably. The glass-enclosed spa-like showers were a real treat, especially with their strong water pressure after a day at the beach.

The staff service deserves a special shoutout. Cesar in the Premium Lounge made such an impact that many guests mentioned him as the reason their stay became exceptional.

Minor issues and how they were handled

Some challenges popped up during our stay. Restaurant reservations turned into a daily challenge. Many guests had to visit the concierge early in the morning. People rushed to book their preferred dining times right as the desk opened.

The food quality varied quite a bit. The buffet didn’t always match up to the à la carte restaurants. Room maintenance needed attention too – some guests dealt with faulty air conditioning and TVs that required multiple fixes.

Sand flies and bugs became the most talked-about issue. These pests bothered guests on their balconies and near the beach during evening hours. The resort should better inform guests about this common tropical issue.

Tips for future guests

Here’s how to make the most of your Barcelo PVR stay:

• Premium Level upgrade gives you priority restaurant bookings, free room service, and exclusive lounge access – guests say it’s worth every penny
• Strong DEET bug spray is essential to ward off sand flies, particularly during evening beach walks
• Book your restaurant spots as soon as they let you (usually the morning of your planned dinner)
• The Mahajuita and Yelapa excursion comes highly recommended by most guests
• Keep cash handy for tips – $2-3 works for buffet service while $3-5 fits specialty restaurants

Final Thoughts on Barcelo Puerto Vallarta

With an impressive 4.1/5 rating from over 10,000 reviewers, Barcelo Puerto Vallarta ended up delivering an experience that lives up to expectations. This resort strikes a perfect balance between luxury amenities and authentic Mexican charm that appeals to families and couples.

A few standout features make this place special. The stunning location offers an unmatched view of Banderas Bay and gives you the perfect mix of privacy without keeping you too far from Puerto Vallarta’s attractions. The suites are much bigger than what you’d find at typical resorts and offer comfort and luxury whatever room type you choose.

In spite of that, you should think about a few limitations before you book. The system for restaurant reservations can be frustrating at times, and food quality varies between different venues. Beach activities in the evening might be tough if you’re sensitive to sand flies – a common issue you’ll face in tropical locations.

The Premium Level upgrade is a big deal as it means that you get priority reservations, exclusive lounge access, and better amenities. This upgrade works especially well when you have kids since the resort’s design includes multiple pools and activities just for children.

A few minor issues aside, Barcelo resort Puerto Vallarta has earned its spot as the top all-inclusive destination in Mismaloya. Beautiful natural surroundings, spacious rooms, and varied dining options come together to create lasting vacation memories. You’ll find plenty of chances to relax or seek adventure, from the cascading pools to private balconies with sunset views.

While no resort is perfect, Barcelo Puerto Vallarta definitely comes close to offering that authentic Mexican coastal experience wrapped in comfort and luxury. This barcelo pvr property should be high on your list if you’re planning your next tropical getaway.

Here are some FAQs about Barcelo Puerto Vallarta:

Is there a dress code for Barcelo Puerto Vallarta?

Yes, the Barcelo Puerto Vallarta maintains a casual dress code during the day but requires resort casual attire for dinner at certain restaurants. Swimwear is acceptable at poolside and beach bars, but guests should cover up when entering indoor dining areas. This policy is standard across Barcelo Puerto Vallarta all inclusive properties to maintain a comfortable atmosphere for all guests.

What to do at Barcelo Puerto Vallarta?

The hotel Barcelo Puerto Vallarta offers numerous activities including water sports, nightly entertainment, and a full-service spa. Guests can enjoy the private beach, multiple pools, or participate in daily organized activities like yoga and beach volleyball. Many Barcelo Puerto Vallarta reviews highlight the excellent entertainment staff and variety of options available for all ages.

What does premium level get you at Barcelo Puerto Vallarta?

Upgrading to premium level at the Barcelo hotel Puerto Vallarta includes access to exclusive lounges, premium drinks, and private beach areas. Guests also receive priority restaurant reservations, upgraded room amenities, and special concierge services. The Barcelo Puerto Vallarta all inclusive premium package significantly enhances the vacation experience with these added privileges.

Is alcohol included in Barcelo?

Yes, the Barcelo Puerto Vallarta all inclusive package includes a wide selection of alcoholic beverages at no additional cost. Guests can enjoy domestic and international brands at all bars throughout the property, though some premium liquors may require an extra charge. This is a common feature highlighted in many Barcelo Puerto Vallarta reviews as a great value.

What are the amenities at Barcelo?

The Barcelo Puerto Vallarta features multiple swimming pools, a fitness center, spa, and kids’ club among its amenities. Guests can also enjoy non-motorized water sports, tennis courts, and daily entertainment programs. These comprehensive facilities make the hotel Barcelo Puerto Vallarta a popular choice for families and couples alike.

How many restaurants are at Barcelo, Puerto Vallarta?

The Barcelo hotel Puerto Vallarta boasts 5 restaurants offering a variety of international cuisines to suit all tastes. From buffet-style dining to à la carte options including Mexican, Italian, and Asian specialties, the Barcelo Puerto Vallarta all inclusive dining experience is diverse and satisfying. Many Barcelo Puerto Vallarta reviews praise the quality and variety of the food options.

Are Barcelo hotels luxury?

While not ultra-luxury, Barcelo hotels like the Barcelo Puerto Vallarta are considered upscale resorts offering excellent service and amenities. The properties maintain high standards of comfort and service that place them in the upper tier of all-inclusive resorts. The Barcelo Puerto Vallarta all inclusive experience provides good value for the quality offered.

How old is the Barcelo Puerto Vallarta?

The Barcelo Puerto Vallarta first opened its doors in 2004, making it one of the more established resorts in the area. While not brand new, the property has been well-maintained and renovated over the years, as noted in many Barcelo Puerto Vallarta reviews. Its prime location and consistent quality have made it a favorite among returning guests.

Which Barcelo resort is adults only?

While the Barcelo Puerto Vallarta is family-friendly, Barcelo operates adults-only properties like the Barceló Maya Riviera in other locations. Guests looking for an adults-only experience within the Barcelo hotel brand would need to consider alternative destinations, as the Puerto Vallarta location caters to all age groups. This information is often clarified in Barcelo Puerto Vallarta reviews for travelers seeking specific vacation experiences.

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