Rating8.0
Rating7.9
Rating8.1Good
Based on 5.1k reviews
Spacious Suites & Views
Guests consistently praise the large, comfortable, and clean suites, many featuring beautiful ocean or jungle views from private balconies.
Exceptional Staff
The resort's staff are frequently lauded for their attentiveness, friendliness, and helpfulness, often making guests feel like family.
Beautiful Pools
The multiple well-maintained pools, including an adults-only option and a popular swim-up bar, are major draws for relaxation and enjoyment.
Idyllic Location
The secluded setting on Mismaloya Beach, surrounded by lush mountains, offers stunning Pacific Ocean views and a tranquil, disconnected atmosphere.
Daily Mini-Bar Restock
The convenience of having the mini-fridge restocked daily with beer, soda, and snacks is a commonly appreciated amenity.
Guest Sickness Concerns
A recurring serious concern involves guests falling ill with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, raising questions about food safety and hygiene.
Inconsistent Buffet Quality
While à la carte options are better, the buffet often receives mixed to negative feedback for limited variety, lukewarm food, and perceived hygiene issues.
À la Carte Reservation Difficulty
Securing reservations for specialty restaurants can be challenging, with reports of long lines and often only late dinner times available.
Limited Beach Area
The beach directly in front of the resort is described as small and lacking sufficient lounge chairs or palapas for comfortable relaxation.
Perceived Star Rating
Many experienced travelers feel the resort performs more like a 4-star property rather than the advertised 5-star, potentially leading to mismatched expectations.
Aggregate score derived from public review platforms. Category scores reflect our editorial assessment based on analysis of guest reviews. ResortFlock is not affiliated with or endorsed by any review platform.
4 AAA Diamonds
AAA
Travelers' Choice
2023
Tripadvisor
Green Globe Certificate
Green Globe
Sustainable Clean Beach Certificate
Safe Travels Certificate
H Distinction
2019
Barceló Puerto Vallarta sits on Mismaloya Beach — a natural cove sheltered from open Pacific swells, about 14 miles south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. The beach is named for the village where John Huston filmed "Night of the Iguana" in 1963, and the geography that made it cinematically appealing — steep jungle hills meeting a calm bay — still makes it one of the more visually dramatic resort locations on Mexico's Pacific coast. The resort is all-suite, meaning the smallest room is 732 sq ft. That's more than twice the average all-inclusive hotel room, and it changes the character of a stay considerably.
The resort targets families and couples who want space and a degree of seclusion without sacrificing all-inclusive convenience. Mismaloya's isolated position — 45–55 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) and 14 miles from downtown — means less road noise and fewer walk-in vendors than the Hotel Zone. It also means the city's restaurants, nightlife, and Malecon are a taxi ride rather than a walk. Guests who want to explore Puerto Vallarta nightly will find the commute adds up; guests who prefer the resort as the destination won't miss it.
The honest drawback: the resort last underwent major renovation in 2008, which means some areas are now 15+ years old. Room quality varies — ocean-view suites in better condition than garden-view ground floors in some guest accounts. Premium Level upgrades unlock unlimited specialty restaurant access (otherwise restricted by length of stay for standard guests), private lounge, and priority booking. If specialty dining is important to you, Premium Level pays for itself within a few days.
Practically: 316 suites ranging from 732 sq ft (Superior Suite) to 3,714 sq ft (Presidential Suite). Five pools including adults-only and a kids' pool with water slide. The U-Spa has 3 treatment rooms including a couples' suite. Five restaurants including four H Award winners plus the main buffet. Airport transfer: 45–55 minutes.
