Playa Los Arcos Hotel Beach Resort & Spa

Classic PV at Smartee Prices

Affordable beachfront stay in the corazón of the Zona Romantica—great views, walkable restaurants, and authentic Puerto Vallarta vibes.

Puerto Vallarta is the Mexico beach town that delivers todo you want, chica: impresionante Pacific sunsets that paint el cielo in impossible colors, cobblestone streets that feel like stepping into another era, excellent food at every price point, friendly people who actually seem happy you're there, and that perfecto blend of Mexican cultura and beach-vacation relaxation. Playa Los Arcos has been a beloved fixture in PV's Zona Romantica for decades, offering beachfront rooms at prices that feel like they're from another era. This is the kind of value that makes you feel like you've discovered a secreto.

This isn't a new trendy boutique with Instagram influencer partnerships—it's a classic beachfront hotel that knows what it does well and has been doing it for generations. The location is genuinely unbeatable: directly on Los Muertos Beach, steps from the Malecon, surrounded by the Zona Romantica's increíble restaurants and bars. The rooms are comfortable with those famoso ocean views that never get old. The rooftop pool overlooks the entire bay. It's the kind of place that inspires fierce loyalty from repeat guests who return year after year, and once you stay here, you'll understand why. Sometimes lo mejor travel experiences aren't about the fanciest hotel—they're about the perfecto location and authentic atmosphere.

Las Habitaciones

The rooms here won't win any design awards, but they're clean, comfortable, and many offer those espectacular ocean views that more expensive hotels charge three times as much for. Oceanfront rooms let you fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up to the Pacific stretching to the horizon—that's worth more than fancy decor. The rooms have been updated over the years to include modern conveniences while keeping their classic Mexican charm. Air conditioning works well, which matters in PV's tropical climate. Balconies or terraces in many rooms offer that outdoor living space that's essential for beach vacations. The hotel spans several buildings, so ask about location preferences when booking—some rooms are closer to la piscina, others have better beach access. What you're paying for here is location and view, and both deliver exceptionally.

El Spa y la Piscina

The rooftop pool is a genuine highlight—swimming with panoramic views of Banderas Bay, watching pelicans dive and boats sail by, feeling the Pacific breeze. It's not a massive resort pool, but las vistas make it feel like a private retreat. There's a small spa offering massage and basic treatments at prices that won't break the bank. After a day of beach activities or walking the Malecon, a massage here is a lovely indulgence. la piscina bar serves drinks and light bites, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon up there. What this hotel lacks in elaborate wellness facilities it makes up for in that effortless beach lifestyle—you're steps from the sand, el agua is warm, and the whole Zona Romantica is your playground.

La Gastronomía

The hotel has its own restaurant serving solid Mexican and international fare with those ocean views, but honestly, the real reason to stay here is the increíble dining scene just outside your door. The Zona Romantica is one of Mexico's best neighborhoods for eating and drinking—from five-dollar street tacos that will change your la vida to fine dining restaurants that rival any world capital. Breakfast at the hotel is convenient, but venture out to Cafe de Olla for traditional Mexican morning dishes or Fredys Tucan for something more American if you need it. The taco stands along Calle Venustiano Carranza are legendary—carnitas, al pastor, birria—each stand with its own specialty and devoted following. For fancier evenings, the neighborhood offers dozens of excellent restaurants, many chef-owned, serving todo from contemporary Mexican to Italian to seafood.

Ubicación y Actividades

Wake up to waves and walk directly onto Los Muertos Beach—grab a lounge chair from one of la playa clubs, order a coconut with rum, and settle in for la mañana. Stroll the Malecon boardwalk with its increíble sculptures by Mexican and international artists, street performers, and constant people-watching. Take a boat to the hidden beaches of Las Caletas or Yelapa—the latter is a tiny village accessible only by water, with waterfalls, fresh seafood, and that feeling of discovering somewhere truly special. Whale watching season (December-March) brings humpbacks right into the bay. el atardecer from any beach bar is legendary—el cielo turns impossible colors as el sol drops into the Pacific. Water activities abound: paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing charters. This is classic Puerto Vallarta, and it never gets old.

Tips de Sofía

The Zona Romantica is walkable and wonderful—you don't need a car at all, and honestly, parking is a nightmare anyway. Get breakfast at Cafe de Olla for traditional Mexican morning dishes that'll fuel you for the day. Watch el atardecer from the pier at the foot of the beach, then wander to dinner. The taco stands on Calle Venustiano Carranza are legendary—don't be put off by the casual setup; la comida is extraordinario. Take el agua taxi to Yelapa for a day trip—it's absolutely worth it, one of those mágico places that feels like a secreto. If you want to explore inland, the mountain town of San Sebastian del Oeste makes a great day trip, a former mining town frozen in time. And absolutely take an evening stroll on the Malecon—the sculptures, the music, the people-watching—it's PV at its absolute best. One more thing: PV has a large and welcoming LGBTQ+ community, and the Zona Romantica is particularly inclusive and vibrant.

Puerto Vallarta is Mexico's Pacific jewel.
Let it enchant you—con cariño