The Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos vs. Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
There are six Hyatt Ziva resorts located in Mexico and the Caribbean, with the ones in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo being two of the most popular. Both of these all-inclusive properties are renowned for their fun vacation experiences and stunning natural surroundings, making it difficult for guests to choose a favorite.
If you’re in the middle of planning an all-inclusive vacation to Mexico, you’ll likely come across both of these resorts while doing research. To help you decide where to go, I’ll share everything you need to know about each Ziva property.
Which one has the best location? Where should you go for delicious cuisine? Which hotel is better for families? All of these questions (and more) will be answered in this guide!
If you’re comparing hotels for your stay in Mexico, check out how Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta compares to Hilton Vallarta Riviera.
Which is Better? The Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos or the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta?
The PV location is smaller and more intimate, which is ideal for those seeking a quiet or tranquil getaway. It also has a more picturesque location and a private beach just for hotel guests. The beach in Cabo is not suitable for swimming, although the on-site pool area is outstanding (especially since there’s a specific play area for kids).
But those are just a few things that stand out about each hotel. In the following article, I’ll compare other factors (like dining options, room quality, and diversity of activities) to help you make a decision on where to go!
Location
One of the obvious differences between both Hyatt Ziva hotels is the location.
The Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is located in San José del Cabo, an area on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. With a beachfront location on the Sea of Cortez, this resort is a short drive from the Los Cabos International Airport (20 minutes) and downtown Cabo San Lucas (25 minutes).
The Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta can be found on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the resort town of Puerto Vallarta. It’s located roughly 25 minutes from the airport and 5 minutes from the popular Romantic Zone of the city. Like its sister location in Los Cabos, the PV Hyatt also sits directly on the beach (although it has the advantage of being private, which I’ll talk more about next).
Beach
When it comes to a beach vacation in Mexico, the Hyatt in Puerto Vallarta is the clear winner. It has its very own private beach (Las Estacas) that’s only available and accessible to guests of the resort. And because it’s surrounded by lush mountain cliffs, it really gives the feeling of being somewhere exclusive.
While the Hyatt in Cabo is located on the coastline, the beach (Playa Hotelera) has massive riptides and waves that make swimming impossible. This is a shame if you are interested in stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, although the ocean views from the resort and many of the rooms are still stunning!
Pools
If you’re traveling with kids, then they’ll absolutely love the pool area at the property in Cabo. The on-site waterpark has 5 slides and 2 water dump buckets, perfect for hours of outdoor play! And the main pool is also large and sometimes has volleyball nets or soccer goals set up for games.
Because the pool here is so large, guests should have no problem finding an empty beach chair around the pool. And if you’re craving some extra peace and quiet, adults can head to the adults-only pool (which also has a swim-up bar for delicious cocktails).
There are five pools at the Hyatt in Puerto Vallarta (including one adults-only pool with a swim-up bar and one family activity pool). While there isn’t a water park or kid’s play area like there is in Los Cabos, the entire pool complex is still very kid-friendly.
Rooms
Your home away from home should be comfy and cozy, which is why it’s important to compare the rooms at both Ziva properties. And while you might not be spending a lot of your time there, it’s still good to know the major differences.
The Cabo property is the largest Hyatt in Mexico, with over 591 suites for guests. Yes, all the rooms here are suites, which start at a spacious 584 square feet in size (that’s larger than most Hyatt all-inclusive resorts around the world). If you need more space than a basic King or Double, you can also book a Ziva Suite with a pull-out sofa and two bathrooms or a room with swimming pool access.
There are 335 rooms and suites at the Hyatt PV. The standard rooms (King or Double) are a bit on the small side, measuring 470 square feet of space. However, you can upgrade to have a balcony, a full or partial view of the ocean, or a luxury swim-up suite instead.
One thing to note is that suites with pool access are only available for adult guests over 18 (which is higher than the 13+ age restriction in the Los Cabos resort), which means families will not be allowed to book this type of room category.
And if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, you can book one of the club tower rooms (available at both resorts). This includes private check-in, club lounge access, and other hotel perks.
Activities and Amenities
The Puerto Vallarta property offers free kayak tours, dance lessons, water sports, and poolside games for kids and adults. They also have several seasonal outdoor activities, like the turtle release program (July to December) and whale watching (December to March).
And those are just the daytime activities! Once the sun sets, be prepared for an entire itinerary of event events, like beach parties, Mexican-themed celebrations, and even adult-only foam parties, neon parties, and silent discos.
Activities at the Los Cabos Hyatt resort are equally as immersive. There are organized pool games, beach-based classes, Spanish lessons, and even adult vs. kids Olympic-style games! And in the evening, you can also enjoy a roster of live entertainment, whether it’s live music or authentic Mexican dancing.
Facilities
In addition to the daily and evening activities, both hotels also have excellent on-site facilities where you can relax and unwind. For instance, the Hyatt in Puerto Vallarta has an amazing fitness center with state-of-the-art workout machines. Or you can take part in one of their classes (they offer Zumba, paddle-yoga, jump-fit, strong-paddle, aqua-cycle, and more).
After your workout, hit the VitaMar Spa for a massage or facial in one of the ocean-facing treatment rooms. You can also enjoy a relaxing soak in the outdoor hydrotherapy pool, which also boasts fantastic water views.
The Hyatt Los Cabos spa is similar, so you can also enjoy a few hours in the steam room, sauna, whirlpools, or Turkish bath. And for an even more luxurious experience, you can book your treatment for the outdoor palapa-style room (the crashing ocean waves are so relaxing!).
If you want to get in a workout, you can hit up the gym or book an aquatic fitness class in the pool. There’s also a tennis court (I’m a big tennis player, so this is a huge perk that you won’t find in many other all-inclusive resorts in Mexico).
Dining
When it comes to food, many all-inclusive resorts focus on quantity over quality. However, this is not the case for Hyatt Ziva hotels. With so many dining options and meal choices, you won’t be tempted to leave the property at all!
The Los Cabos hotel has one international buffet (open for three meals a day), a poolside snack bar, a 24-hour coffee shop, and five a la carte restaurants. If you can’t decide where to eat, I recommend either the Mexican restaurant, the Japanese Teppanyaki grill, or the French restaurant! And for drinks, head to one of the six resort bars for some mouthwatering libations.
The options in Puerto Vallarta are just as varied and delicious. With 5 restaurants and 5 bars (including a scenic beach bar), you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to mealtime. And if nothing sparks your interest that night, you can also enjoy an evening of in-room dining for free (also offered at the Los Cabos resort).
Conclusion
In conclusion, when making your reservations at either of the magnificent Hyatt resorts in Mexico, much depends on your individual travel tastes.
The lobby of the Hyatt PV welcomes you with an open-air ambiance, transporting you immediately into vacation mode. This location, set against serene bays on the Pacific Coast, offers an intimate beach experience, perhaps complemented with sushi from their Asian restaurant or tacos served with fresh fruit and chips.
Meanwhile, the Hyatt in Cabo, based on many a Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos review, emerges as a haven for those craving activity. Its proximity to San Jose del Cabo and its bustling main pool area, complete with lounge chairs, provides ample space for families and active travelers. Children can revel in the Kidz Club, while adults might prefer the tranquility of the adult pool or the pampering treatments at the Zen Spa.
And if you’re thinking of venturing to other locations, don’t overlook the pristine beaches of Hyatt Ziva Cancun, the luxurious amenities of Hyatt Zilara Cancun, or the tropical allure of Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Each resort, whether it’s the oceanfront views in the Dominican Republic or the infinity pools in Jamaica, ensures a premium experience. Collecting Hyatt points during your stay could be a cherry on top, letting you indulge in extras!