Hotel Riu Vallarta

The grand, white Art-Deco building keeps its era-specific design scheme consistent throughout public zones -- with surprisingly colorful decor popping up in unexpected places. The lobby, for instance, is a formal experience with its black-and-white checkered floors, stained-glass accents, and towering atrium with dazzling chandelier. The attention-grabber, though, is the regal-esque tufted-purple upholstered round bench -- which kids tend to love running circles around as they wait for their parents to finish check-in.

This sort of formality-meets-playfulness continues throughout the property. Beyond the lobby, which is encased by the two guest wings, a deco-style fountain centers the hotel's plaza -- a lively designed central gathering place ringed with multiple restaurants, bars, and the Riu's signature live-performance theater. Further along, perfectly groomed garden paths lead guests to the resort's biggest draw -- the two pools. It's a constant party around these areas, for adults and kids alike, with features like a swim-up bar with nearby in-pool bistro tables, a pool volleyball net, and three large slides. For a more serene setting, guests can head to the expansive, clean beach, featuring plenty of shaded and sun-soaked lounge chairs for a little beach-side R&R.

Seemingly a world away from the bustling party destination of Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta is a sleepier resort locale with no real downtown -- just big resorts and upscale homes surrounded by a leafy enclave, pristine beach, or manicured golf courses. This is the area to head if you're on the hunt for a relaxing beach getaway with some golfing or spa treatments thrown in. To experience the culture, dining, nightlife, and shopping of Puerto Vallarta, you'll need to catch a cab for a 25-minute drive.

• 15-minute drive to Puerto Vallarta Airport
• 5-minute drive to nearby golf courses
• 25-minute drive to downtown Puerto Vallarta

Only a slight step up from the economy Riu Jalisco a few doors away, the Riu Vallarta's rooms are clean and comfortable, but nothing special. All rooms come standard (even the pricey suites) with flat-screen TVs, basic mini-fridges, and handy liquor dispensers.

Deck furniture is of the uncomfortable plastic variety, but every room features either full or partial ocean views, which is a plus.

• Flat-screen TVs
• Enclosed showers in some rooms feel a bit claustrophobic
• Mini-fridges partially stocked with basic beverages
• Liquor dispensers

• Two large pools
• Theater with nightly live shows
• Kids' Club
• Spa and spacious fitness center
• 24-hour room service
• Well-equipped meeting rooms
• View Full List of Amenities

• Don Rafael: a huge, bistro-style room with a buffet available for breakfast and dinner
• Flamingos: a two-story dinner-hour steakhouse by the beach, also offers late breakfast, and international buffet lunch. Reservations required for dinner
• Sir George: serves gourmet dinners only, in a pretty room with crystal chandeliers and a quiet, antique look. Reservations required.
• Nirvana: Asian menu, buffet-style
• Sports Bar: multiple TVs, also computer stations (for a fee)
• Assorted bars by the pool and off the lobby