The Hyatt Ziva Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta

Situated on opposite sides of the country, the Hyatt Ziva Cancun and Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta are two of Mexico’s most sought-after all-inclusive resorts. With breathtaking oceanfront locations, world-class amenities, and mouthwatering cuisine, it’s no wonder why travelers have difficulty deciding between which of these two resorts to visit on vacation.

While these Hyatt all-inclusive resorts have many similarities, there are some key differences that make them unique. If you’re not sure which hotel to choose, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll be comparing both of these resorts to help you decide which is a better fit for your Mexican getaway.

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But there’s so much more to consider besides price and location. 

Location

While Cancun and Puerto Vallarta are two of my favorite vacation destinations in Mexico, they are drastically different from each other. 

Cancun makes a fantastic beach getaway, as the entire coast is blanketed with soft white sand and kissed by the azure blue waters of the Caribbean. When you stay at the Hyatt, you’ll be directly on the beach on the northern tip of the Hotel Zone. The waters here are calmer than in other parts of the strip, so they’re perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Puerto Vallarta, on the other hand, has a charming town center that allows you to immerse yourself in Mexican culture (while also having jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean). The beaches are much rougher and not always suitable for swimming, which is one of the most significant differences compared to Cancun. However, the beach at the Hyatt is private and surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush vegetation, giving it a secluded island vibe that offers a unique upscale experience.

And if you do plan to leave the resort, you’ll be just a short 5-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone!

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Beach

As I mentioned, one of the biggest selling points of the Hyatt Puerto Vallarta is the resort’s private beach. Only guests are allowed to be here, so you won’t have to worry about crowds or vendors. The only downside is that the waves can be rough at times, so it’s important to take extra precautions if you’re planning to swim or take your kayak or stand-up paddleboard out.

The beach at the Hyatt Ziva in Cancun is stunning, as it’s the widest section of white sand along the Hotel Zone. And because it’s protected from the wind, the waters tend to be very calm and suitable for swimming.

Pool

Even though I love the beach, having a nice pool at the hotel is equally as important. Thankfully, both resorts have amazing pool areas where you can spend your days swimming and sunbathing.

The Cancun hotel has three outdoor infinity pools, including an adults-only rooftop pool for guests staying in the Turquoize beach tower. Most activities take place around the main pool, which is right outside the main lobby. There are plenty of sun loungers and even a swim-up bar if you’re in need of a mid-day refreshment.

For more peace and quiet, I recommend grabbing a spot by the Club Tower pool. Although it’s a bit smaller, it’s more secluded and great for relaxing.

The pools are the Puerto Vallarta property are just as nice. You’ll find four separate infinity pools (including one adults-only pool with a swim-up bar) and a children’s pool with shallow waters. Although they aren’t as big as the ones in Cancun, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a seat for the day.

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Rooms

There are 547 suites at the Hyatt Cancun, making it one of the largest Ziva properties. Basic rooms have furnished balconies and are quite spacious at 463 sq ft, although you can always treat yourself to a room upgrade, too. They have ocean-view rooms, club-level rooms, swim-up rooms, and suites facing the on-site dolphin habitat.

If you aren’t traveling with kids, you can also choose to stay in the brand-new Turquoize Tower. This is an adults-only section of the resort and features its own rooftop infinity pool and adult-only restaurant. 

The Hyatt PV is a bit more intimate, with only 335 rooms and suites. While the basic category rooms are equally as spacious, they do not come with outdoor balconies. However, you can pay for a balcony room or upgrade to an ocean-view, swim-up suite, or club room with a private hot tub.

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Activities and Amenities

One of the best parts about staying at the Ziva resorts is the complimentary activities. Non-motorized water sports, fitness classes, and cultural lessons are all included in the all-inclusive plan at both hotels. Every day, there’s an action-packed itinerary of different activities available, so make sure to consult the calendar when you arrive to plan what types of games, classes, and events are going on during your stay.

 And at night, you’ll be treated to different types of entertainment, from live music to acrobatic performances. With round-the-clock fun, there will never be a dull moment while you’re on vacation.

Facilities

Staying at an all-inclusive isn’t just about the unlimited food and activities. The resorts also have some excellent on-site facilities that you can use as well.

For example, the resorts in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta have world-class fitness studios available to guests. Both gyms face the ocean, providing a serene backdrop that’s a nice change from the TVs on the treadmill and elliptical machines. You can also book a session with a personal trainer or drop into one of the scheduled yoga classes here too.

And after your workout, unwind with a soothing massage at the resort spa. The Zen Spa in Cancun has a whirlpool tub, steam room, sauna, and cold plunge pool that you can use before or after your treatment. Similarly, the Vita Spa in Puerto Vallarta also has hydrotherapy pools as well as a wide range of treatments, from deep tissue massages to body scrubs and wraps.

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll also be delighted to know that both resorts have complimentary on-site kids’ clubs. Your little ones will get to enjoy supervised play time while giving you the day to relax. In addition to the kid’s club, the Cancun resort has a teen lounge where older kids can socialize and meet new friends.

Dining

When it comes to food, guests staying at either hotel will get to enjoy unlimited food and drinks during their stay. And I’m not talking about bland buffet food! The restaurants at the Ziva hotels are high-quality, with multiple restaurants and eateries for you to choose from.

The Hyatt in Cancun has a whopping 17 restaurants and bars on the hotel grounds. Whether you’re in the mood for Japanese teppanyaki, comforting American classics, or fresh seafood, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the variety of available options. They also have an adult-only French restaurant for those who prefer a quiet and intimate dining experience.

There are fewer dining options in PV, but you’ll still be able to choose between Latin American, Mexican, Italian, American, and Asian restaurants. The most popular place to eat is at BlaZe, a seaside grill that overlooks the ocean (keep an eye out for dolphins!).

Of course, you can always have a cozy night in since 24-hour room service is available at both hotels.

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Cost

As you can imagine, all-inclusive vacations are not cheap. Because they include food, activities, and entertainment, you’ll likely pay more than what you would when staying in a normal hotel or resort in Mexico. But taking that into consideration, the convenience of having everything at your fingertips can make it a cost-effective choice since you won’t have any unexpected charges.

There are many factors that could impact the cost of your trip, including time of year, length of stay, and room category. But generally speaking, the Hyatt Ziva in Puerto Vallarta tends to be a little bit cheaper than the one in Cancun.

This is mainly because they are different hotel categories as classified by World of Hyatt. The Hyatt Ziva in Cancun is a Category E hotel, while the Hyatt Ziva in Puerto Vallarta is Category C (higher categories cost more because they are generally considered to be of higher quality).

If you are a full Hyatt member, you will notice that the Ziva in Cancun also costs more points. For example, a standard room here during peak season is 45,000 points, while a similar room in PV will only set you back 29,000 points.

By now, you hopefully have a better idea about what to expect when staying at a Hyatt Ziva resort. Whether you’re leaning toward the idyllic Caribbean coast of Cancun or the rugged beauty of Puerto Vallarta, both popular resorts are guaranteed to provide you with a memorable all-inclusive experience. 

FAQs about Hyatt Ziva Cancun and Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta