This inn is a real gem, tucked away in the heart of old town Puerto Vallarta. It's a short walk to Davanna yoga (a MUST for anyone- sunset yoga classes!), the beach, the malecon, and close to many restaurants and art galleries. You feel like you are staying at a friend's house when staying at Casa Dulce Vida. It's an intimate, authentic retreat.

A totally charming spot, family run with care and attention to detail. This casa (historical home turned hotel) is ideally situated, within walking distance to the beach but far enough away that you feel you are in Puerto Vallarta proper and not the tourist zone. The hotel owners make everything easy by providing guests with a binder full of where to eat, visit and go during your stay. Plus they are always available for questions and support. The staff are quiet and respectful. The premises are immaculate, the surroundings beautiful, and everywhere you look is tucked away original art, tile, or unusual decorations. The view from the roof top garden is lovely, especially during sunset. In all, this is a quiet getaway you could happily stay for weeks and still find something new. I highly recommend it.

Our impression of the property was favorable. First of all the grounds and rooms are very nice and the rooms are as well. We enjoyed sunbathing by the pool. We were given an upgrade based on availability to Casa 3. However, when guests travel and need to get up early for a morning flight, make sure you bring your own alarm clock as there is no clocks in any room. If you ask Chawnalee (property manager) you will be condescendingly told "most travelers use cell phones as alarm clocks". She gave absolutely no effort towards a solution and seemed rather unconcerned that we had a 6am flight. On the bright side we found out if you need a cab at 4am there are several cabs patrolling the Malecon at all times of the night. Another issue was the location. Although it was close to the Malecon (the boardwalk) we found at night the residents of the neighborhood were quite loud i.e: loud music, shouting and enough noise that even the use of earplugs did not allow us to fall asleep, not to mention that the neighborhood in general just didn't feel all that safe. If you value the property amenities over poor service and noisy nights than you should stay here because the property is beautiful and the rates are reasonable. We all have priority's when we travel and overall even though we would like to give this property a higher rating we place a very high value on customer service and sleeping soundly.

Just back from a four-day stay in Casita 4. Wow! Incredibly spacious, beautiful furnishings throughout (two bedrooms, and an extra small sleeping area; large living room, dining room, and kitchen; two well-functioning bathrooms), windows and doors aplenty opening out onto gorgeous gardens, and an enormous terrace area overlooking the pool with views down to the ocean. I think two other apartments were occupied while we were there, but it seems you always feel you have the place to yourself. And it's perfect walking distance from everything in town -- a few blocks from the Malecon (be warned, though -- they're steep uphill on the way home...), from Barcelona Tapas and Cafe des Artistes, River Cafe, Vitea, Trio, and a lovely walk to the Zona Romantica. John Huston's former house is right next door -- and the gardener started out working for Richard Burton! My only caveats are that it's incredibly hot in summer, despite an excellent fan system, and the geckos which keep you insect-free are very noisy at night, so bring ear-plugs. Other than that: Dulce Vida is stunning. Look no further.
PS The website really doesn't do the place justice; look at traveler photos instead.