Playa Los Arcos is a lovely hotel in the downtown area that faces the beach. It is not the Ritz Carlton so one shouldn't have expectations that high. The room rate May 21-25 2008 was approximatey $100 night which was fantastic! We added the all inclusive for around $15 more per person per day which was well worth it just for breakfast and a few drinks.

Two of us went, late twenties/early thirties with no kids and were pleased to find that the hotel had some kids, but not obnoxiously so and a good blend of tourists from USA, Canada, Mexico and beyond. The staff was friendly and helpful and we thoroughly enjoyed our four nights there.

The room was quaint, but it served its purpose. The shower did leak, but it was not a big deal. The A/C worked fabulously.

The restaurant food was not great, and I did miss having an actual bar to sit at, but there are plenty of cozy tables with gorgous views. Drink service was prompt and delicious.

The location of the hotel is great. You can walk right outside to great restaurants, bars, shopping, etc. We spent several nights at a fun bar called Andele just across the street. There is a small marina right next door too that you can easily catch a water taxi to Yelapa for just $21. I did not go into the hotel zone to see what that was like, but I feel certain that I made the best decision in staying downtown. I have stayed in resoirt areas hotel zones before and just feel that it disconnects you from the place that you are there to see!

I loved Puerto Vallarta and would stay in this hotel again!

Spent 5 days had a great time. Staff was very friendly, helpful and bi lingual. We asked for a quiet room off the street, pool side with a bay view and got it. Slight musty smell in room but was not a problem. Very comfortable bed. AC did not work at first but maintenance arrived about 5 minutes after I called and fixed the problem right away. There was a safe in the room which eliminated the need to store valuables at the front desk. Great location. Close to many good restaurants and public transportation. I would stay there again.

If you read the negative comments about this hotel you will realize these people did not do their homework. The hotel is quaint, old, clean, and very friendly! When we arrived we were shown a room on the 4th floor and we were not happy with it. It was too small and did not have the view we expected. So we complained and were given an upgrade (for free) overlooking the pool on our second night. That room was much better! We stayed for six nights and had a great time. The staff was friendly (even Marta!) and accomodating. This section of PV is great for those who love great restaurants, galleries, shopping and people watching. You will be bored at an all-inclusive hotel with the same tourist everyday. Relax at the beach, have a drink, see the sunset.

My wife and I have been to PV 17 times in the last 18 years and have stayed in hotels and condos from Los Muertos beach to Nuevo Vallarta. We have stayed at Playa Los Arcos five times for a total of 39 days in the past three years.

This is a thirty year old family orientated Mexican hotel located in the heart of town with thirty year old Mexican plumbing. Note that you are in the center of town. Three sides of the hotel face busy streets. Many of the rooms are entered from the street side. And, the beach is the most crowded in PV. If you are looking for a quiet Hilton where the only Mexicans are the English speaking staff, this isn’t it.

There are many different types and prices of rooms, from very small, closet sized, “economy” rooms to mini-suites with kitchenettes. Average room size is about 240 sf. and most have balconies. There are no non-smoking rooms so we bring a can of Oust just in case. The hotel has just changed out the mattresses with thick pillow tops so that the beds are somewhat softer than before. Still not like home as innersprings are not widely found in Mexico.

The hotel and restaurant staff has always been courteous and helpful. We have never had a problem with having our room cleaned or stacked with clean towels. The front desk has always been responsive to our needs and restaurant/bar staff are as attentive as you are going to find in PV. I have never noticed any difference in treatment between the all-inclusive guests and the paying guests in the restaurant or bar. And speaking of, the all-inclusive option is a great deal. The most we have paid is $29/day/person. Breakfast and a couple of drinks with nachos watching the sunset and you’ve made your money back. We have actually paid as little as $15/d/pp. That said, I would suggest finding somewhere else for dinner as the food is bland to my taste. There is entertainment every night in the restaurant/bar.

All in all, if you’re looking for a modest hotel on the beach in the center of PV and have reasonable expectations, this hotel is a good value.