This place needs two things to pull up their socks. Decent beds and badly needed bathroom reno's.

If you do stay here skip the food altogether. I am sure there are Turkish prisons with better dining.


So much potential with this historic property it's a crime that it's not being better managed.

A bit of heaven for us. This quiet unassuming hotel has what it takes to keep me coming back. The rooms are clean, the location fantastic and the staff charming. If you want glitzy Miami then head out to Nuevo Vallarta. If you want a warm hello, even a hug (they recognize return visitors) a clean room and a great beach, look no further. We always book a front room or Jr suite as we like the sound of the waves and watching the sun go down from our balcony. Nestled in the old part of town (Zona Romantica) there is an abundance of great food and music all within walking distance. If you don't like what's on the buffet (dinner can be hit or miss) there is great reasonably priced food around every corner. The omelette lady can do no wrong in the morning and fresh salad with fish or chicken for lunch (sometimes great guac) always hits the spot. Sitting in the shade overlooking the beach with my smiling Alex, or Octavio,or Alvaro or . . . bringing me a vino or cervesa. . . who needs anything else. Yes we know them all by name and they remember ours. If you want a quiet holiday(bar closes at 10) with lots of charm, I am giving away our secret. this is the only place I will stay in Puerto Vallarta. PS Just because it is all inclusive . please don't forget to tip not just the waiters but the maids and the bellboys or anyone who does a good deed for you. It goes a long way for them. We are on our way back for about the 12th time!! Linda

I love the relaxed atmosphere of Puerto Vallarta and my "home away from home" while I'm there has been the San Marino Hotel for the past several years. The staff are helpful and charming and this year, I was touched to be greeted by one of them as I arrived by taxi from the airport. The "Hola", the genuine smile and the warm hug set the tone for a most enjoyable week. At check-in, our Junior Suite was not ready so Isabel, who also remembered us and greeted us as friends, gave us an upgrade to a Master Suite. It was beautifully appointed and very large with a big balcony overlooking the beach. Now for the food...the breakfasts were wonderful and the Omelette Lady has not lost her touch ! The lunches always had items one would expect to enjoy mid-day. The dinners, especially if there was fish on the menu, were for the most part fine. On a couple of occassions, though, there wasn't anything that really turned my crank. These times we went out to one of the many fine restaurants in the area...Fajita Republic with its beer battered shrimp was amazing. I realize that there are travellers whose expectations are sometimes of the charts and that they will not be satisfied with a hotel like the San Marino. To them I say "Stay in Nuevo Vallarta. For me, my refuge at the San Marino in the heart of the charming town is my choice and will continue to be so. Thank you to all the wonderful staff at the hotel for a relaxing week. I'll see you all again next year !!!!!

Hotel was only 2.5 - 3 star but rooms were very clean, food was good, staff were friendly. Could use some updating in the rooms, and definitely some new pillows. Beds were on the hard side but okay. I saw foam toppers going into some rooms, so I'm sure the staff is accommodating to those that prefer a little softer sleep. No shampoo/ conditioner supplied so bring your own. Bars of soap and T.P. supply was good. Great location - within easy walking distance to everything. A bit noisy at night time, but it is in the heart of the downtown area, so noise is to be expected. To be noted also, this appears to be the gay area of the city, so anyone with issues with that may want to find a different location to stay. Nice beach right out front where we easily picked a local boat to take us out fishing and snorkeling at a very reasonable rate.The sun wasn't on the beach in our area till about 10 am daily though, as there are hills up behind this area. Had to be early to get lounge chairs some days, which can be disappointing. Pier next to hotel is in the middle of being rebuilt, so ongoing work there until March 31/12 apparently. Our travel company called prior to trip to the tour company to inquire what type of work was being done and the tour company told her it was complete. Not so.... We would definitely go back and stay at the San Marino. It met our needs and we met many repeat customers who are equally happy. Again, the location was great, and we felt very safe there.