niFor us, Puerto Vallarta has got to be one of the coolest coastal destinations in Mexico and there’s plenty to enjoy on a trip here! In fact, it’s one of our favourite destinations in Mexico and a place we’ve found ourselves returning to over and over!
With golden sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a great nightlife scene, there’s just so much to get excited about! From enjoying the historic centre to the gorgeous beaches, and a stroll along the Malecón. There’s also heaps of adventure activities such as hiking, whale watching, snorkelling, diving, and surfing and zip lining!
LGBT travellers will fall in love with Puerto Vallarta too, as it’s one of the most inclusive destinations in Central America! What’s not to love!?
But where is the best place to stay in Puerto Vallarta? Well, thankfully across our team we’ve visited this incredible destination a fair few times, so we’ve got the lowdown on some insider information!
You could opt for a pretty run of the mill hotel … or, you could pick something with a little more individuality and personality. If so, check out Puerto Vallarta Airbnbs instead.
Whether you want a Romantic love-nest, a penthouse with incredible views, or just a private room in a local’s home, this place has got it all. Rather than let you trawl through Airbnb, we’ve decided to help you in your search because we’ve been there and done that for you!
Yep, in this post, we’ve put together 15 of the best Airbnbs in Puerto Vallarta. We’ve taken budget, travel style, and personality into consideration so that you can really make the most of your vacation!
So, let’s jump right in and take a closer look at the hottest short term rentals in Puerto Vallarta!
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Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Puerto Vallarta
Studio in Historic Centre
- > $$
- > 3 Guests
- > Incredible location
- > Watch the beautiful sunsets!
Comfy room with good vibes
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Great location
- > Fully equipped kitchen
Vacation like a Rockstar!
- > $$$$$$
- > 5 Guests
- > Rooftop infinity pool
- > Two jacuzzis!
Casa Rioja & Toro
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > You’ll make friends with two dogs
- > Incredible location
Penthouse room with awesome views
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Complimentary Mexican Breakfast
- > Ocean Views
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Puerto Vallarta
Studio in Historic Centre | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta
Let’s start our list of the best Airbnbs in Puerto Vallarta with this awesome option in the historic centre. For the coolest museums, the best places to eat, drink, and be merry, and just to learn more about Mexican culture, you really couldn’t find a better location.
However, you might want to set aside some time for the apartment itself. After all, it comes equipped with a lot of facilities! You’ve got a smart TV with Chromecast, a minibar, and even a chess set! None of those match the sunset view though!
We’ve stayed in this Airbnb plenty of times on our various trips to Puerto Vallarta and it’s always been the perfect spot to enjoy all the area has to offer whilst being a great place to chill with mates too.
Comfy room with good vibes | Best Budget Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta can seem a little expensive sometimes. And, if you can save money on your accommodation it means more exploring, eating out, and cocktails! It’s just 15 minutes from downtown and ten minutes from the beach on foot.
If you want to save yourself more money, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a fully equipped kitchen. So, you can just head to the nearby Walmart and pick up some groceries to make a delicious meal. And your host has kindly made some space for your stuff in the fridge!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on OspreyVacation like a Rockstar! | Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta
If there’s one thing that screams luxury, it’s a 65-foot infinity pool. You don’t agree? How about 2 jacuzzis on top of that? Now we’re talking, right? And yep, you guessed this, this totally awesome incredible Puerto Vallarta Airbnb has all of that and more! If you don’t want to get wet, just lie back on the sun loungers and take in those panoramic views of the Romantic Zone and the ocean. The best time to head up here is sunset! We almost forgot to mention that there are not one, but two super king beds in the apartment!
Casa Rioja & Toro | Perfect Puerto Vallarta Airbnb for Solo Travellers
If you tell people you’re travelling solo, they’ll probably point you towards a hostel. However, we understand that’s not for everyone, which is why we’ve found this amazing Puerto Vallarta Airbnb for you! It’s just 2 minutes from the Malecón and the Beach, so it won’t be hard to find new friends in either of those places.
However, if you want some truly alone time, this is the perfect place for it. You’ll have your own private room and bathroom, which are super spacious and are just like a real suite. If you feel like socializing, just head out to the common areas where you’ll find the hosts and their two dogs. All of them are super friendly and the hosts give the best recommendations, they’ve certainly added to our time here when we first started visiting.
Penthouse room with awesome views | Perfect Short-Term Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads, there’s nothing more important than Wi-Fi (ideally high speed) and a laptop-friendly workspace. It goes without saying that this place comes with both of them, but there are some other awesome perks at this penthouse room too.
In fact, this Puerto Vallarta Airbnb comes with a complimentary Mexican breakfast. Can you think of anything that sounds more delicious?! Working at your laptop on the balcony is a treat by the way – those ocean views are truly awesome!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Puerto Vallarta
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Puerto Vallarta!
Apartment on the Beach | Best Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife
Close to the Zona Hotelera and Downtown, you’ll find some of Puerto Vallarta’s best nightlife. So, it makes sense to stay near there. This Puerto Vallarta apartment on the beach means that you and 5 of your best mates have a comfy place to stay before descending on the town’s legendary nightlife!
Airbnb is actually part of a hotel complex, so you have the option of using the hotel’s facilities during your stay too! The best part of that is probably being able to get food packages – a big bonus if you’re hungover!
Buddha Loft in Romantic Zone | Best Short-Term Rental for Couples
Travelling with your other half? Well, for a start, you can’t stay anywhere other than the Romantic Zone. It’s just… so romantic! This awesome short-term rental in Puerto Vallarta is just for you and the one you love the most – you’ve got a king bed, of course! Once you manage to make it out of bed, there are a couple of cool aspects to enjoy.
The rooftop pool is one, and a communal lounge with a pool table is another! To be honest, the zen-like atmosphere is just what you and your partner need to have a memorable and romantic trip!
Relaxing flat minutes from the beach | Best Homestay in Puerto Vallarta
If you’re looking to save money and get an authentic experience when you travel, then there’s nothing better than staying with a local. This awesome Puerto Vallarta homestay gives you just the opportunity to do that. It’s especially useful for digital nomads, as there’s high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the apartment – and who doesn’t want to work in a hammock with awesome views of the beach? If you’re looking at a longer-term stay, then you can enjoy a free Mexican cooking class from your hosts!
Bedroom with gorgeous views | Runner Up Homestay in Puerto Vallarta
There are quite a few cool homestays in Puerto Vallarta, so we wanted to give you the choice of more than just one. That’s where this bedroom with incredible ocean views comes in! You’ll get a complimentary breakfast from staying here, which will give you a real authentic taste that you’ll find harder to come by in the international restaurants of the hotel zone! You’ve got access to all the communal areas of the house, but you might not want to use them. That’s because you have your own private balcony!
Surf Inspired Bungalow with epic views | Amazing Luxury Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta
Got a bit of cash to splash and looking for a memorable experience during your trip? Then check out this luxurious Puerto Vallarta apartment! The rooftop infinity pool is the place to head to so that you can enjoy those amazing Mexican sunsets! Perhaps with a margarita? You can certainly have a go at preparing one in the fully equipped kitchen! You’ve got an entertainment lounge too, so you can head there to enjoy a game of pool or two. This apartment really does have it all!
Massive House Close to the Beach | Best Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta for Families
If you’re travelling with the family, you’ll want to make sure that everyone’s anything but bored. And this is the perfect place for that, thanks to its location! Nearby, you’ve got great restaurants and bars, art galleries, and entertainment. Oh, and did we mention it’s near some of the best beaches too?! In fact, you’ll only have to walk down the street for 500m and you can feel the sand under your toes. In the beach house itself, you can find your own private pool, which is ideal for cooling off after a long day of exploring Puerto Vallarta. Accommodating up to 8 people at a time (with three bedrooms), it’s safe to say that the whole family will adore this Puerto Vallarta Airbnb!
Beautiful Downtown Penthouse | Best Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta for a Group of Friends
Staying with friends? Why not pool your cash together and get a totally awesome penthouse with views of the bay and a pool on the terrace? Sounds like a good idea to us! You could even turn that breakfast bar into a spot for pre-drinks or cocktails before hitting the town together… It’s just moments away from the best restaurants and nightlife in Puerto Vallarta. Of course, if you’d rather save on food, you can always prepare something in the fully equipped kitchen!
Awesome Penthouse in Romantic Zone | Best Airbnb in Romantic Zone
So, we know you’ve already seen a couple of places in the Romantic Zone, but we couldn’t resist showing you a couple more. This awesome penthouse is one of the best places to stay especially if you’re travelling as a couple. That roof terrace packs quite a punch – you can enjoy a heated swimming pool, a BBQ area, and sumptuous views of the mountains. Once you’re back in your room, enjoy contemporary Mexican decor and a comfy bed. Or, just chill out on your own private terrace!
Amazing condo with jacuzzi & pool | Another Great Apartment in Romantic Zone
Okay, we promise this is the last Puerto Vallarta apartment we’re going to show you in the Romantic Zone. But you can see why we had to include it, just look at that pool and the sun loungers surrounding it! Another studio for two guests, it’s perfect for a couple. You’d almost think the Romantic Zone was aimed at them, huh?! If you want to get a better view of the awesome sunset, you can head to a rooftop terrace. Then, end the day in bed with the one you love in that super king bed!
Incredibly charming Downtown Loft | Top Value Airbnb in Downtown
Last but certainly not least, rounding off our list of the best Airbnbs in Puerto Vallarta is this cool downtown loft. Not only do you get a great location, but also a stunning home which is a real hidden gem. The lovely interior design is slightly minimalistic but still very welcoming with lots of homely touches. There are two bedrooms, so it’s ideal for 4 travellers, but absolutely fine for a solo traveller or a couple as well. The loft is fully equipped and offers and great kitchen and a surfboard rental! The beach is only one and a half blocks away, so it’s the ideal place for surfing enthusiasts. If you don’t feel like going outside, no worries, just turn on the big TV and watch some of your favorite shows!
Airbnb Experiences
Do you fancy a day trip to go with that nice little apartment?!
Airbnb Experiences is a feature offered by Airbnb that allows hosts to offer unique, curated activities to guests – or to anyone who’s interested in, even if they’re not staying at an Airbnb property. These experiences can range from cooking classes and guided tours to art workshops, outdoor adventures, and more.
Airbnb Experiences was created to offer travellers a deeper connection with a destination by offering truly unique experiences, all led by locals who are both knowledgeable and passionate about their city.
Some personal highlights of my Airbnb Experiences include a tapas bar-crawl in Granada, a Samurai workshop in Kyoto, and a graffiti spotting bike ride around Bogota.
FAQ about Airbnbs in Puerto Vallarta
Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Puerto Vallarta.
What To Pack For Puerto Vallarta
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Puerto Vallarta Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Puerto Vallarta Airbnbs
So, that concludes the best Airbnbs in Puerto Vallarta. We hope you’ve found the perfect match for your budget, travel style, and personality – after all, there’s an awful lot of choice on our extensive list!
From an incredible apartment in a tropical garden to a homestay with views of the beaches, to simply a room to crash in after a night out on the town, Puerto Vallarta has it all. We just hope you don’t feel too overwhelmed by the amount of choice on our list!
If that’s the case, there’s no need to worry. Just sit down, take a deep breath, and have a cup of tea. Then, book our favourite Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta, Studio in Historic Centre. It’s the perfect combination of good value for money, a great location, and an all-around lovely place to stay! Not only that, but you can relax in the knowledge that it comes with our personal recommendation!
Now that you have a better idea of the awesome Airbnbs in Puerto Vallarta available to you, it’s time we leave you and wish you an awesome vacation!
- Check out our Backpacking Mexico guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Mexico.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
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