What to expect: A lively spot, the Buenaventura caters to budget-minded couples and families looking for sun, fun, and easy access to Puerto Vallarta's central attractions. Amenity highlights: Three pools offer water-activity options. The main pool is free-form, with two open swimming areas connected by a short, narrow channel. A nearby rectangular pool is designated for activities such as volleyball. Next to a pool bar is a small pool with nine built-in, shallow-water lounges paired with abovewater tables for holding drinks. Above the pool deck and reachable by a staircase is a beach club. Here, guests can soak in a large spa that accommodates a dozen people, sunbathe, snooze under thatched-roof palapas, and receive open-air massages under another palapa. The hotel's health spa is also located here.
Insider tip: The beach club high above the deep, long beach curving around Banderas Bay offers an ideal vantage point for contemplating sunsets.