Rating7.2Rating6.3Rating7.8Above Average
Based on 7.8k reviews
Exceptional Staff
Guests consistently praise the resort's staff for their friendliness, attentiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond, making service a standout positive experience.
Prime Location
The resort's beachfront position in the Hotel Zone, offering easy access to the airport and Old Town Vallarta, is universally loved and considered a major asset.
Family Water Park Fun
The dedicated kids' pool area and water park with slides and splash features are a huge hit with families, providing endless entertainment for younger guests.
Vibrant Atmosphere
Many guests appreciate the lively and fun atmosphere, complemented by daily activities and entertainment suitable for all ages, contributing to a memorable vacation.
Beautiful Beach Access
Direct access to a clean, long stretch of golden sand beach on Banderas Bay is highly valued, offering stunning views and opportunities for relaxation.
Dated Property Condition
A significant recurring concern is the resort's aged and visibly dated condition, with many guests feeling that a major renovation is long overdue for rooms and common areas.
Inconsistent Dining Quality
Food quality receives mixed reviews, with frequent complaints about lack of flavor, cold dishes, limited variety, and occasional reports of guests falling ill.
Room Maintenance Issues
Guest rooms are often cited for old furniture, inconsistent air conditioning, and maintenance problems like leaks, impacting overall comfort and satisfaction.
Unreliable WiFi
WiFi connectivity is a common point of frustration, described as generally poor, choppy, or unreliable throughout the property, hindering guests' ability to stay connected.
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Three Diamond award
AAA
Travelers' Choice Award
2020
TripAdvisor
Gold Crown Award
RCI
The most practical advantage Sunscape Puerto Vallarta has over Hotel Zone competitors is its airport proximity: 4 km from Lic. Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport makes this the shortest airport transfer in Puerto Vallarta's all-inclusive corridor. Guests arriving late or leaving early feel this acutely. The secondary advantage is walkability to Old Town Puerto Vallarta's Malecón — 10 minutes by taxi, or an easy walk for guests who want local restaurants and nightlife without booking an excursion.
This property works for families who prioritize beach access and a water park over fresh décor. The Deluxe Family Kids room is designed specifically for this: a ground-floor category with direct terrace access to the Explorer's Club and water park, a king bed plus bunk bed, and a TV with video game systems. It's a practical product for the family-first buyer. Couples expecting a romantic, recently renovated property will be disappointed — guest reviews consistently note the dated appearance of rooms and common areas.
The most consistent criticism across guest reviews is room condition: aging infrastructure, reported AC inconsistencies, occasional leaks in rain, poor WiFi, and elevator wait times. The property reportedly had a spa renovation completed around 2018, but broader room renovation has not followed. The food program also draws mixed marks — specialty restaurants are meaningfully better than the World Café buffet.
340 rooms at 340–600 sq ft. Four restaurants, four bars. Sun Club room service is only available for Sun Club family suite guests, not all categories. Tiki Taco is adults-only at dinner. The Barefoot Grill is uniquely situated on an island in the center of the pool. Explorer's Club runs 10 AM–10 PM; Core Zone Teens operates 11 AM–5 PM (shorter hours than comparable properties).