The Westin Resort in Puerto Vallarta sports beach views, close proximity to cultural and nightlife offerings. Most rooms come with jacuzzis, not to mention Westin’s feature in-room spa facilities.
Amid the COVID19 pandemic, Westin has been offering some of Puerto Vallarta’s best discounts, so we took advantage of the low prices and spent a couple of nights on a staycation.
The views from the rooms are nothing short of impressive, and the outdoor whirlpools are a great feature!
Quick Facts or Features
- Pets allowed, but ask concierge about specific restrictions
- Resort-wide wifi available at an additional cost
- Accessibility-friendly
Overview
Overlooking Puerto Vallarta’s yacht-packed marina, the Westin Resort & Spa welcomes visitors with a lobby of sand and shell tones centered around driftwood displays that look frozen in a tumbling dance. Other artefacts of the sea decorate the waiting area. This sand and salt, breezy entrance sets the theme for the rest of the Westin Resort.
Spread over 14 acres, the Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta leans deep into its geography, with its grassy open areas sprawling with palm trees and outdoor lounge areas, many of which have beach views.
Being located right on Banderas Bay, Westin Resort is within walking distance of much of Puerto Vallarta’s best waterfront. While the sail boats dock at the marina behind the resort, out front the glistening azure Pacific beckons.
The bay is great for watersports such as scuba diving, snorkeling and paddle boarding. Meanwhile on land, there are three tennis courts, all shady but with lights for night games.
WESTIN PUERTO VALLARTA
RESORT & SPA
Large rooms and commanding views
Sunset at the Westin
Or, take advantage of the pool area, which is surrounded by palms and is particularly nice late afternoon.
One of Westin Resorts big surprises is the fantastic children’s area. Westin’s Kids Club features an indoor area packed with games and movies, while outside there’s a water play area and more games, including a ping pong table. Unfortunately it was closed because of Covid-19 when we were there, but will eventually re-open.
Accommodation
Westin Resort has a total of around a dozen room choices, ranging from family-sized vacation pads to intimate honeymoon suites. Most of their standard guest rooms come with either a panoramic or partial ocean view.
These guest rooms are primarily located on the lower floors, and the ocean views are, in the most part, nice but certainly not commanding. Open your floor-to-ceiling windows, and odds are you’ll be seeing a few swaying palms, the white sand and a glimmering of ocean beyond.
" For a better view, try to grab one of the guest rooms on the upper floors.."
Alternatively, consider classing up to one of their premium suites- it's what we did. These suites are all located higher up (7-10 floors), and most have great views overlooking the bay.
Teo enjoying our staycation
Along with a private balcony, each premium room also has a luxurious outdoor whirlpool jacuzzi. Enjoy a cocktail fresh from the bar while watching the waves crash from your private whirlpool – but make sure to aim for sunset.
Bedroom view from the couch.
If the premium suites don’t quite cut it, consider Westin’s Heavenly suites and family rooms. These rooms are a step up, with full marble bathrooms and thematic decor of color washed furniture.
Take note that some of these suites have garden (instead of beach) views.
Room as seen from the bed.
In exchange for a beach view, the heavenly rooms come with a Heavenly Bath. This is Westin’s signature in-room spa, with a spacious tub, double shower head and premium spa products.
These spas reportedly cost Westin around US$10 million to install across North America, but the price was worth it. You can see the attention to detail here, from the premium shampoo and soaps to luscious bathrobes and towels.
The bathroom is quite spacious.
Higher up on the top floor of the resort, you’ll find the grand suites, which have some of the best ocean views in the house. Commanding views of Banderas Bay sprawl below, and are best soaked up from your private balcony.
Or better yet, soak up the views while you soak in your own private whirlpool spa, positioned on the balcony to take advantage of Puerto Vallarta’s killer sunsets.
Teo approved!
If you’re traveling with a party, you also have the option to rent an additional room with more sleeping space, connected straight to the grand suite itself.
Lastly, Westin’s presidential suites pull out all the stops, with the best views and outdoor whirlpool jacuzzis.
All rooms come with the services you’d expect from Westin, including coffee making facilites, air conditioning, newspaper delivery and access to the gym and outdoor areas. Breakfasts are hearty and satisfying.
Take note that as of late 2020, Westin is not offering its breakfast buffets, though individual breakfasts are still included with premium, heavenly, grand and presidential suites.
Other Facilities/Services
With the COVID19 pandemic ongoing at the time of writing, Westin was generally offering deep discounts, including Puerto Vallarta. When booking, be sure to ask how much they can shave off the advertised price, and you might be in for a bit of a pleasant shock.
Surroundings
Twenty minutes away, the sleek and shiny Plaza Neptuno brings to the beachside luxury brands, entertainment and enough big chain food choices to satisfy any vacation munchies.
The hotel seen from our room at night.
A little further along, and you’ll find the Vallarta Casino. Further out, a ten minute bus ride will get you to Art Vallarta, one of the city’s premier art facilities.
If you’re just up for a walk, Puerto Vallarta’s famous Malecon boardwalk, which is dotted with public art, not to mention a plethora of galleries and tourist shops. A good destination is Los Arcos, a collection of granite islands that can be seen from shore.
WESTIN PUERTO VALLARTA
RESORT & SPA
Large rooms and commanding views
In a Nutshell
The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta is a great hotel for both couples and families. Without a doubt upgrading to the suites is very much worth it because of the incredible views, large balcony, and the outdoor whirlpool.
The rooms are spacious and clean. Our room did have somewhat of a noisy AC unit, but we checked others and it wasn't an issue; some maintenance was needed.
There are many pools where to hang out, and the kids club is fantastic for families. Location is also primer, with Puerto Vallarta's marina just a 5 minute walk away.
Food is also good, but we were not able to try the buffet breakfast because of Covid-19. At this time service was also somewhat slow, but this in understandable because all hotels are understaffed at time of writing.
All in all it is a great hotel in Puerto Vallarta you should definitely consider, specially if Covid-19 is still around when you read this- they have some of the best deals in Puerto Vallarta!
