5 reasons to stay at this all-inclusive Puerto Vallarta resort

Escape to the Mexican Riviera’s LGBTQ+ paradise

Considering traveling to Puerto Vallarta this summer? This popular gay destination attracts thousands of LGBTQ+ travelers each year and with Pride season fast approaching (May 22-28, 2024) you should know your options before cramming eight gays into a two-bedroom Airbnb. You might instead consider a stay at an all-inclusive resort.

I’d never tried one before, and I had no idea what I was missing out on. I arrived at the Hilton Vallarta Riviera bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, with no idea how it would change my perspective on traveling. If you’re craving convenience and low stress, this could be the vibe.

Here are five reasons why an all-inclusive resort might be right for you.

1. The hotel will pick you up from the airport

One of the most stressful things about traveling to another country is arriving at the airport when you don’t speak the language. If you stay at an all-inclusive resort, your ride to and from the airport is covered at no additional cost. No need to deal with the chaos of hostile Uber and taxi drivers, which is a huge stress relief for inexperienced travelers to Puerto Vallarta.

2. The perks

One particular benefit of the Hilton Vallarta Riviera was the stunning views. The hotel sits on the edge of a beach and from my oceanfront room, I couldn’t even see the ground, giving the illusion of being on the water. The entire city’s beach skyline stretched before us from the balcony, which was not only peaceful but breathtaking.

At this particular hotel, you can also experience tequila tastings, fire-dancing shows while you eat at one of their fourteen dining outlets, and nothing screams vacation like walking downstairs for a deep tissue massage and a Hydrotherapy Ritual at the spa. Few things in life feel as good as waking up in the morning, walking downstairs, and jumping into the ocean. With a stunning private beach and one of the largest infinity pools in the city, you’ll surely spend a lot of time in the water.

3. The alcohol and food

This was my first time at an all-inclusive resort, and I had no idea how much relief I’d feel not having to think about the cost of my next meal or drink. The Hilton Vallarta Riviera boasts a bar at the stunning entrance so you can grab a drink as soon as you arrive, and plenty more throughout the property.

Sunan sushi was a highlight, and the relaxed lounge had stunning views from the second floor. My boyfriend and I pre-gamed at the hotel with our meals, then went out on the town without needing to buy a drink anywhere. And if you want space away from children, this particular hotel also features an adults-only wing.

4. You’re a bit removed from the city

The Hilton Vallarta Riviera is about a ten-minute drive away from Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica which makes it a quiet spot to just enjoy the beach and your loved ones, but it’s still just close enough for frequent visits to the city via relatively cheap Uber rides.

5. The events

Just ahead of Puerto Vallarta's city-wide Pride celebration, the Hilton Vallarta Riviera hosted their own Sky-Gay brunch event on their rooftop with a DJ, food, drinks, and the Kiki House of Paradise, the first ballroom house in PV. The posse delivered an informative, vibrant, and interactive show for the crowd, even ushering my boyfriend and I to go face to face in a noguing battle.

See you at Puerto Vallarta Pride 2024?