We just returned from 2 weeks at the Hacienda. We had such a wonderful time. The staff at this resort is the best BY FAR than any other places we've stayed. The last 5 years we've gone to our 5* Mayan Palace in various locations in Mexico and enjoyed it greatly. This hotel was much better. It's not nearly as fancy and MUCH smaller but we loved every minute. From the super friendly welcome to the hugs and waves as we drove away after 2 weeks. We didn't want to come home!

The walk to the beach took us less time than we usually have to walk to get the beack at our 5* time share where the resort is large so we didn't mind it not being beach front (which I though going was going to be the biggest dissapointment). The food wasn't bad, always something decent but we planned a few nights out at local restaurants to mix it up a bit and that worked for us. It's a really great location as we were close to 2 malls where we got everything we needed and the grocery store literally backs onto the hotel. We will not even consider going back to our 5* HUGE resort after feeling like we now have an extended family at the Hacienda.
We did not have a picture perfect vacation (had a huge leak in the air conditioning when we first checked in, had a leak in the toilet about a week in, our son (18 months) got hand, foot and mouth disease a week in.... BUT - the way the staff handled all of it was what really made the difference. With the air conditioning they came immediately and 3 men worked through the night to fix it (while we were moved to a temporary room to sleep). The toilet was fixed within minutes while we went out for lunch and he checked back later that evening to make sure all was well. When the baby got sick, they called and had a doctor come to our room within 20 minutes and all the hotel staff asked how we was feeling every time we passed them from then on. It think the way they handles the issues that came up speaks volumes about the staff at this hotel. I already miss it and am planning our next stay...
For tips about excursions or things in the area of PV, please feel free to email me privately. I would be happy to share all we learned about this great city!

Have just returned from a 2-week stay at the Hacienda Hotel, Spa & Beach Club, and all expectations were met. Being 'authentic' Mexican accommodation, those who are looking for a Hyatt, a Four Seasons or other 'Brand-name' chain hotel, may be disappointed. if on the other hand you are looking for something which is of a 'local' flavour, then this is the spot.
Cleanliness, very helpful and friendly staff, proximity to shopping, banks and a short trip by either bus or taxi to the Malecon, downtown or Old Town Puerto Vallarta makes this an ideal location. The beach and beach club are mere minutes away by walking.
This is definitely a place to return.

The first thing we noticed when we arrived is how rustic and authentically Mexican this hotel was. The decor is great in the main lobby. It's also good in the dining area as it is changed daily to match the type of food being served at supper.

Food is standard, but good. There is always a variety of three meat dishes served along with a host of salads, breads, side dishes and a ton of fruit in the morning. Tortillas and beans are a staple. Breakfast also includes some kind of fresh baking such as cinnamon buns or cookies, both of which are quite good. The omelet/egg station is also a nice touch and offers a ton of different ingredients to spice up your typical omelet.

They also have a grill at the beach (which incidentally is a 7 minute walk from the hotel). You can order a burger/hotdog/nachos there and make use of the loungers on the sand or sit in the shade in the eating area. Drinks are also available here. The beach area is situated right next to a congregation area for the beach hawkers, so you will get approached and asked to buy things. No big deal. Tell them no thank you and they'll leave you in peace. They did come into the roped off area occasionally, but security asked them to leave when they did.

The pool area is very nice with plenty of loungers to go around. There is a volleyball net as well as a swim-up bar. There's also a large, grass hut which was some rustic chairs and tables placed under it so you can enjoy a cerveza in the shade if you like.

The rooms are clean and have a balcony overlooking the resort. They are made-up everyday. I've seen some reviews about noise when placed on the "street-side" of the hotel. We never thought it was all that bad. If you are a very light sleeper, you may want to consider asking for different room, but we had no problems as we were pretty tired whenever we went to bed.

Weekends bring in groups (normally younger people) to fill up the hotel. This can be noisy at times, but again, you're there for a good time right? Well, so are they. Partying can go late into the night but I didn't think it was excessive.

Staff was awesome! Very friendly and willing to chat with you. Everyone went out of their way to say good morning to you and make sure your drink was full if required. Oscar at the beach bar was an especially nice fellow whom I spoke with everyday I was there.

Value was the main reason we picked this hotel this year. 7 nights for two people under $2k is a pretty good deal no matter how you look at it for an all-inclusive. The location is also fantastic as it is only a 10 minute bus ride to the Malecon for 6.5 pesos/person. This gives you access to the flea markets for shopping, cathedral for site seeing or whatever else you may want to see in Puerto Vallarta. Wal-Mart is only a 12 minute walk from the resort and that is where we ended buying our two 980ml bottles of Kahlua as well as vanilla for our return home. The prices there were the best.

Otherwise, the only other thing I'd like to add is that some of my fellow Canadian tourists truly disappointed me. The rudeness that I saw with how staff was treated and how complaints were brought to their attention was pretty appalling. These people are all human beings and don't deserve to be treated like garbage, especially for the wage they are making. Please keep that in mind when traveling so that we can maintain our name as a good nation of people. Don't be jerks like a couple of the people I met.

Hope this review helped!

My wife and I stayed at the hotel for 1 week in early January. We booked the hotel based on two criteria: trip advisor reviews and price.
We love Mexico and this was our first time in Puerto Vallarta (PV). We literally paid half of what we normally pay for an all inclusive. The all inclusive option was only about $80 more than the room and breakfast option.
First the good points. The staff are excellent, friendly and polite. The breakfasts are great, as was "Mexican" night, which featured, naturally, Mexican food and quite possibly the best show I have ever seen at a hotel. The staff decorated the entire courtyard, and set up tables and a buffet around the pool across from the stage. The beds were very comfortable.
The hotel is right next to a supermarket if you want to grab snacks or something for the room.
Ok....now the rest. I won't call this the "bad" points because I dont think that's fair, more along the lines of things that could've been better.
The hotel is old. It is in good shape but it cleary is not modern. It has a certain charm to it, and I imagine 30 years ago, it would've been the place to go. Each room has a little balcony or patio which is accessed via patio doors. We overlooked the spa and courtyard. The balconies can end up being very close to your neighbour as was ours, but we enjoyed our neighbours company. If your neighbour was a goof, then there might be a problem. (In the week we were there, there was only 1 Drunk who embarassed herself. Everyone else was quiet and polite).
Our hotel room had a connecting door to the next room which was rather thin. Again, it was nice that we got along with our neighbours.
There was nothing wrong with the food, but PV has so many great and inexpensive restaurants, it would be a shame not to get out.
The drinks were inconsistent in taste and the bar could've used an extra hand when it got busy, but again, the staff did their best.
There was no fridge in the room. A fridge would've been great especially if you were staying for more than a week.
As far as the beach area is concerned, yes, it is a short walk (they provide a shuttle but it's just as fast to walk). We went down to the beach bar/area one day and did not return. My wife found it dirty, the music was loud (and not very good) and the chairs are situated that unless you are at the front, all you see is the person in front of you. In regards to swimming at the beach...well we walked probably 2kms and there were a handful of people in the water, mostly just goofing around in the shore break. Dont expect a Carribean beach.
In closing I will say we had a fantastic time and I think we got what we paid for. There is so much to do and see in PV, even if you are just wandering around. After a long day of walking or tripping you can come back to a nice quiet and comfortable hotel.
I almost forgot, if you have any physical handicaps, I wouldn't suggest PV....cobblestones everywhere and lots of stairs.