Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta Vs. Hilton Vallarta Riviera

The Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta and Hilton Vallarta Riviera are two of the best all-inclusive beach resorts in Puerto Vallarta. Both of these luxurious retreats have a wide array of activities and experiences that make your vacation to Mexico extraordinary. 

But deciding between these two hotels is no easy feat. But I’m here to explain what each one has to offer so that you can make an informed decision about your relaxing getaway.

With pros and cons to each, it’s hard for me to say which resort is better. There are lots of factors to consider when deciding between the Hyatt or the Hilton, like location, included activities, quality of food, number of pools, etc. For example, the Hyatt may have better food, but the Hilton has more nightlife and evening entertainment.

Therefore, it’s important for you to choose one based on your individual preferences. But to help you make that decision, let’s break down what each place has to offer in terms of amenities, experiences, and atmosphere.

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta vs. Hilton Vallarta Riviera

Feature	Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta	Hilton Vallarta Riviera
Location	South of downtown, private beach with mountain views.	South of downtown, facing Banderas Bay.
Beach	Private beach (Las Estacas Beach) without crowds.	Protected by a rocky barrier, calm and suitable for swimming.
Activities & Entertainment	Extensive list, including kayak tours, dance lessons, beach parties, and special turtle release program (seasonal).	Crafts, outdoor games, water sports, and themed nightly events like fire shows, silent discos, etc.
Kid’s Club	Supervised program for kids aged 4-12.	Indoor club for kids (ages 4-12) and a teen program (ages 13-17).
Pools	Five pools, four infinity pools, and one family pool with swim-up bar.	Two outdoor pools (family and adults-only) with swim-up bar.
Amenities	State-of-the-art fitness facilities, spa services at VitaMar Spa.	Smaller fitness center, spa services at eforea Spa.
Rooms	335 rooms. Basic room: 473 sq. ft. (sleeps 4).	444 rooms. Basic King or Double: 538 sq ft. (sleeps 2).
Dining	10 on-site bars and restaurants, gourmet dining experiences.	14 bars and restaurants, all-day room service.
Cost (average)	Around $350/night for basic rooms (varies with season and room type).	Similar to Hyatt, starting at around $350/night for basic rooms.

Location

Both resorts are located south of downtown Puerto Vallarta, roughly 1.5 to 3 miles from the Romantic Zone of the city. They both face Banderas Bay, giving you ample opportunities for sun, beach, and surf!

However, I would give the Hyatt a slight advantage because of the exclusivity. Not only will you get to enjoy a private beach, but you’ll also have jaw-dropping views of the mountains behind the resort. Having your very own place to lay out really makes this one of the most stunning all-inclusive hotels in Puerto Vallarta.

Beach

As I mentioned, the Hyatt is situated on a private beach (Las Estacas Beach), which is quite unusual for an all-inclusive in Puerto Vallarta. You can bask in the sun, snorkel in the waves, or take long strolls on the beach without having to worry about crowds and other tourists. For this reason, the Hyatt clearly has one of the best beaches in town.

But that’s not to say the beach at the Hilton isn’t as beautiful. It’s protected by a rocky barrier, so it’s calm and perfect for a day of swimming or snorkeling. And with soft white sands and gently lapping waves, you could easily spend all day soaking up the sun on the shore. 

Activities and Entertainment

As all-inclusive resorts, both hotels have plenty of fun things for you to enjoy during your stay.

The Hyatt Ziva has an extensive activity list for kids and adults. For example, they offer free kayak tours, dance lessons, water sports, and poolside games. And if you’re here from July to December, you can also take part in their special turtle release program! 

But the entertainment doesn’t stop there! There are also beach parties, Mexican-themed celebrations, and even adult-only foam parties, neon parties, and silent discos. 

The activities at the Hilton are equally as entertaining. They have craft classes (jewelry, art, ceramics), outdoor games (beach games, friendly competitions), and non-motorized water sports (kayaking, surfing).

However, their nightly program is really what makes them stand out. In addition to nightly live music, the resort puts on themed events every evening. Think silent discos, fire shows, casino nights, and magic shows!

At the end of the day, both resorts offer an abundance of all-inclusive activities to make sure your stay in Mexico is as fun as possible.

Kid’s Club

If you’re traveling with your family, then a kid’s club can be a huge benefit when deciding between the best all-inclusive resorts. Thankfully, both hotels have this amenity available to guests.

When your little ones want in on the fun at the Hyatt Ziva, then they can join the on-site kids club. This is a free supervised program for kids aged 4 to 12, where they’ll be able to meet friends and participate in a variety of child-friendly activities.

The Hilton also has an indoor club for kids (ages 4 to 12) where they can play games, watch TV, or take part in the daily activities.

In addition, they also offer a teen program for those ages 13 to 17. While the exact list of activities changes each day, you can expect to do fun things like photography classes, dance lessons, movie and pizza nights, and so much more! If you’re traveling with teens, then the Hilton is a great choice to keep them occupied during vacation!

Pools 

We can’t talk about the best resorts in Puerto Vallarta without mentioning the pools. After all, you’ll likely be spending a lot of your time there, so it’s important that they live up to your expectations!

There are two outdoor pools at the Hilton – one family friend pool and one adults-only pool. Both of them face the ocean, so you’ll get outstanding water views while you sunbathe. It’s also a huge plus that the adult pool has a swim-up bar (because nothing beats a frozen pina colada while you hang out in the pool!).

And while the pools at the Hilton are nice, they simply can’t compare to what is at the Hyatt. They have five different pools throughout the hotel. Four of them are infinity pools and the one is specifically for families and kids. They, too, have a swim-up bar where you can enjoy sparkling ocean views with your ice, cold drink. 

Amenities

There are some other on-site amenities that the Hyatt and Hilton have that are worth mentioning.

For one, both resorts have excellent fitness facilities. The Hyatt gym features state-of-the-art machines and strength training equipment. You can also join one of their many complimentary fitness classes (indoor and outdoor) or book a private trainer for a more targeted workout.

The Hilton fitness center is a tad smaller, although it still has all the basic machines that you need. They also offer different fitness classes too, like yoga and Zumba.

And if you need some help relaxing after your workout, then book yourself a treatment at the spa. The VitaMar Spa at the Hyatt is the go-to place for rejuvenation. With aromatherapy experiences, salon services, hydrotherapy circuits, and soothing massages, there’s no way you won’t walk away feeling happy and distressed!

The eforea Spa at Hilton is also top-notch, with hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms, saunas, and whirlpools. Book a massage, a facial, or a body scrub, and enjoy a few hours of being pampered!

Rooms

For many people (me included), room quality is one of the most important factors when deciding where to stay. Thankfully, the rooms and suites at both hotels are superb, so you can’t go wrong with either in this department.

The Hyatt is the smallest Ziva property with only 335 rooms, which makes it feel more intimate. Size-wise, the rooms and average, with the most basic standard room measuring 473 sq. ft. (enough to sleep four guests). 

While all rooms face the ocean, the ones on the lower floor may have an obstructed view. However, you can always upgrade to a partial or full ocean view if you want to see the water. I also like that you can book a swim-up pool room or a club room with lounge access.

Compared to the Hyatt, the Hilton is a bit larger (444 rooms). The rooms themselves are also bigger, with the basic King or Double clocking in at 538 sq ft. However, these rooms only sleep 2, so you’ll need a bigger one if traveling with kids.

One big benefit to the Hilton is that all rooms have either a partial or ocean view, so you can wake up to the sound of crashing waves every morning. If you want to splurge, you can upgrade to a premium room with an outdoor hot tub, walk-out terrace, or club access.

Dining

Are you ready for your mouth the water? Because I’m about to talk about all the mouthwatering dining options that you’ll have when staying at the Hilton and Hyatt resorts.

When you stay at the Hilton, you’ll have an unlimited dining plan that you can use at any of the 14 bars and restaurants. Enjoy pizza and pasta at La Luce Italian, or dive into a fresh bowl of ceviche on the terrace of the Cocomar seafood restaurant. There’s also an international buffet that’s open for three meals a day and all-day room service that operates all through the night! 

At the Hyatt, you can dine at one of their 10 on-site bars and restaurants. There’s Italian, Mexican, Asian, and even a sports bar and grill. And as always, there is 24-hour in-room dining and a large international buffet.

Although the Hyatt has fewer options than the Hilton, I find the quality of the food higher. So, if you’re a foodie looking for gourmet dining experiences, then the Hyatt might be the better choice.

Cost

Cost is a major consideration for most travelers. And while all-inclusive hotels in Puerto Vallarta aren’t cheap, they can be a good deal considering that food, drink, and activities are all included. 

It’s important to note that hotel room prices depend on many factors, like time of year, room category, and number of travelers. 

But generally speaking, the cost is roughly the same for both hotels. Basic king or double rooms for two people start at around $350 a night. Of course, the cost will be much higher if you travel with kids or book a larger room. 

To summarize, both the Hilton and the Hyatt make excellent choices for your Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive experience. Both have beautiful beachside locations, tons of fun activities, and a plethora of food and drinking options. You can’t go wrong with either! 

Conclusion

When choosing between Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta and Hilton Vallarta Riviera for your next vacation, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preferences. While the Hyatt offers the tranquility of a private beach and gourmet dining experiences, the Hilton excels with its comprehensive nightly entertainment and programs catering to both kids and teens. Both resorts are similarly priced and offer luxurious amenities, ensuring guests have an unforgettable stay. No matter which one you opt for, you’re guaranteed a top-notch experience, with each providing its unique charm and offerings that encapsulate the beauty and culture of Puerto Vallarta.

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