Hotel Review: Velas Vallarta - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Review by Krystal | Stayed: March 2025
Overview / First Impressions
I stayed at this hotel as part of a girls' trip. After considering several options, we ultimately chose it because one of our group members had a timeshare credit that made it the most practical choice. The location was incredibly convenient—a very short taxi ride from the airport, making arrival and departure a breeze. While the hotel was simple in style, it was undeniably beautiful. The atmosphere was both relaxing and inviting, which was exactly the kind of environment we were hoping for on this girls' trip.
Location
The hotel is located just seven minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport (PVR), making it incredibly convenient for a quick getaway like our girls’ weekend. Since our trip was a short 2 1/2 day vacation, we chose to stay at the resort the entire time and really soak up the relaxing atmosphere. That said, we chatted with other guests and friends who had previously visited, and they all mentioned how easy it is to get downtown, whether by taxi or rideshare. From what we heard, the city center is not only accessible but also a lively and fun area to explore if you’re up for venturing out.
I don’t usually rely on taxis when visiting tropical resorts—we typically use Uber (when available) or pre-arrange private transportation in advance. But in this case, after researching our options, a taxi seemed like the simplest and most convenient choice. The reason? What many refer to as the “taxi mafia.” Taxis have a firm grip on the airport area, meaning rideshare services and even some transportation companies aren’t allowed to pick up passengers directly at the terminal. If you choose one of those options, you’ll need to walk about 10–15 minutes to an off-site pickup location.
Given that, we opted for a taxi and had a smooth experience. The line was short and moved quickly—they clearly have an efficient system in place. We felt safe and comfortable during the ride, and payment was easy (you pay by card at a kiosk window before exiting the airport lot). For convenience alone, it was absolutely worth it.
Room & Accommodations
The room was absolutely perfect for our girls' trip. We stayed in a spacious one-bedroom suite—technically part of their two-bedroom lock-off layout, though the second room was closed off for our stay. That still left us with plenty of space, including a bedroom, bathroom, full kitchen, dining area, cozy living room, and a balcony. The setup felt surprisingly homey (a word I rarely use to describe hotel rooms), and it created the ideal vibe for a laid-back weekend of catching up and relaxing together. It was exactly what we were hoping for.
Check out the vlog for a full tour of the room!
Dining
The hotel offers a variety of dining options, including three on-site restaurants—a beachfront spot, poolside service, and an indoor gourmet restaurant—plus 24-hour room service. We kicked off our trip with a late lunch at La Ribera, the beachfront restaurant, shortly after arriving. Our flights landed around 4 p.m., so the timing was perfect. The ocean breeze and incredible views made for the perfect welcome. During our stay, we also took advantage of the poolside menu for lunch both days—it was relaxing, convenient, and exactly what we needed while lounging in the sun. I don’t usually order room service when traveling, but since it was included and our suite was so cozy, we ended up ordering in several times—for breakfast, dinner, and even a couple of late-night snacks. It felt like such a treat and added to our experience. The food was excellent across the board—fresh, flavorful, and consistently well-prepared. Every meal was a highlight, and I truly had no complaints.
Amenities
We made it to the gym one morning, and I have to admit—I was a little proud to actually wear the workout outfit I packed (let’s be honest, sometimes it just ends up being the only clean thing left by the end of a trip!). The gym was on the smaller side with limited equipment, but it had everything you’d need for a solid cardio or weight session. A gym attendant greeted us with towels, which added a nice, upscale touch to the experience.
Now, the spa—let’s just say we fully embraced vacation mode. We went not once, but twice! We had massages booked for our first day, and I swear it wasn’t just the vacation glow talking—they were genuinely some of the best massages we’ve ever had. As soon as we finished, we immediately booked another session for the next day. Our massage therapists, Claudia and Javed (hopefully I’m spelling that right!), were incredible. Highly recommend asking for them if you visit!
Service & Staff
Overall, the staff at the resort was fantastic. From the servers and bartenders to the room service team and housekeepers, everyone we interacted with was friendly, helpful, and quick to accommodate any questions or requests. As I mentioned earlier, our massage therapists at the spa were incredible and truly made our experience special.
That said, we did have one hiccup with the spa staff. We had booked our treatments based on the spa menu found in our room, not realizing it was nearly five years old. As a result, the actual rates were significantly higher than the prices we expected. We didn’t catch the discrepancy after our first visit—there was a system issue at the time, and the receipt we received afterward was in pesos, so we didn’t think twice. It wasn’t until after our second visit that we realized the difference, and unfortunately, the spa staff wasn’t willing to honor the in-room pricing. While they remained polite throughout, it was frustrating that no pricing was posted in the spa itself, nothing was confirmed verbally, and their current prices weren’t available online either.
Thankfully, what could have been a sour note was completely turned around at checkout. Carla at the front desk and the manager, Osmar, went out of their way to make it right by adjusting the charges and honoring the in-room menu pricing. Their professionalism and care only reinforced our positive impression of the resort. (Lesson learned—if you're planning a spa visit, double-check the current pricing in advance!)
Final Thoughts
My overall impression of this resort is an easy A+. We booked it through a timeshare for a quick girls' weekend, though a few friends had to cancel last minute. Thankfully, the resort was flexible and able to adjust our reservation without any issues. With just the two of us, the room ended up being perfect—spacious enough to spread out, yet cozy and comfortable for relaxing and catching up.
The pool was our go-to daytime hangout, complete with refreshing drinks and delicious poolside food made with fresh ingredients. And the spa? Pure pampering. Even though we were only there for two and a half days, the experience felt full and indulgent. I’d go back in a heartbeat—next time, hopefully for a longer stay.
