Playa Los Arcos is situated in an area that contains many restaurants and artisan shops within walking distance. There is a wide stretch of beach in front of the hotel, and the service the hotel provides on the beach is very good. The staff is extremely friendly-- many of them were on a first name basis with us by the end of our stay.

great time

This is a nice (not luxury, but nice) hotel. It bills itself as a "family-friendly" hotel, probably in part because you're only a few steps from the gay section of the beach. We are a gay couple and never felt uncomfortable there, however. The room was clean, the staff was helpful (they even let us stay a couple of hours late-- no extra cost-- on our check-out date because we had a late flight home). We didn't check out their restaurant, but it looked nice. Overall, I was happy with the experience.

This is the second time I've stayed at this hotel. If you are looking for a spotless, modern, "american" hotel experience in P.V., do not stay here. However, if you are interested in a charming, cozy experience with incredibly delightful staff (and speaking a little Spanish will help!), then this is the place for you. Conveniently located in la zona romantica, it is steps away from the beach, lovely restaurants, delightful shops and the malecon. It is my preference to avoid the all-inclusive package since I think the food is a little on the boring side... Love this place!!

This is the 2nd time we've stayed here and it's our hotel of choice for PV. It's not the "Marriott" level of hotels Americans may expect, it is old, but it's clean, well maintained and just a perfect location.

hotel: employee's very helpful and always willing to help.very clean as well!!

We have been here a few times. It isn't the fanciest hotels but it is really nice. The beds are soft, the rooms are clean, staff is very friendly. They even gave us a fruit basket in our room! I love it because you are on the beach and then you walk outside the hotel and you are in a great part of town. Don't forget to visit Andale's for a wild timewhile you are there. Cafe de Olla is a wonderful restaurant as well.

The staff were friendly and professional, and the room was clean. The location of the hotel at the southern end of the Malecon was fantastic. There were lots of great restaurants and clubs within walking distance. The room was tiny, and we were given two double beds rather than the king we had requested. Also, if you wanted to have a towel for the day you needed to check one out early as they would often be out by early afternoon. Overall, I enjoyed my stay.

My stay was a wonderful experience. The staff were superior in their treatment of me and my special needs. They made everything so easy. Once a young staff member found my little bolsa (purse) which contained all of my money and credit cards, and he returned it to me in person. The place is beautiful, the location perfect. If you like Playa de Los Muertos, this is the place to stay.

This is my 3rd stay at Playa los Arcos. Each time I stay I find it better and better. The rooms are clean & comfortable. The staff is great and very helpful! However, if you are expecting a Holiday Inn, Marriot or Sheraton then Playa los Arcos is probably not for you though! However, if you want a place close to all the best restaurants, best beaches, & downtown (which is where everything is) then this is for YOU! If you can always ask for a room that faces the pool and you can't go wrong.

This was a great stay in a great area of P.V. The only drawback was the bed. However if f you like sleeping on a rock then this bed is for you.

Stay in the "romantic zone" because of the charm of the area. This area provides you the opportunity to see the local folks tereffic restraunts and a close walk to downtown for more terrific sights such as the church and ampha theater.Must see the movie area that provided the filming of Night of the Iguanna with Richard Burton and Ava Gardner. The movie Preditor with Arnie S was also filmed in PV. You need to take the 16 minute trail and expansion bridge walk to appreciate your "city tour".

Staff is most friendly and attentive, service was excellent. I have stayed at this hotel for the past 6 or 7 years because of it easy access to downtown area, loads of excellent restaurants,good beach and of course the staff is just great. After all these years (25) to P.V. I still feel very safe at any time of day or night. If you want posh, forget it, its just plain down to earth and a great place to get in you r&r. I'm making my second trip of the winter in Feb see you there!

I usually go in Nov. I travel via Mexicana from Toronto Lots of shopping Great places to eat locally

Puerto Vallarta was a great trip. This hotel is very clean and pretty. The pool is probably the nicest on the beach and the service was great. The room overlooked the pool and had a straight shot of the beach, but not all of the rooms do. The room was very clean and the maids left the beds made with a note or flower on it. The room was very small and and the bathroom even smaller. If possible, upgrade to the larger efficiency room which has a frig and coffee pot and better view.... but the location is great. You are in Mexico here, unlike the more American version of hotels down the beach. There are plenty of great places to eat within walking distance. I loved the trip and I would stay in this hotel again. Everyone was very accomodating and pleasant.

A good hotel at a fair price. Right on the beach. Within a few blocks of all the hot nightlife.

Do not stay at this hotel under any circumstances. I was kidnapped..yes literally kidnapped by corrupt police 30 ft from the hotel. Nobody including hotel security or staff did anything. This area is dangerous and the locals are indifferent to the corruption that is taking place. In fact after i escaped(had to jump out of a moving truck) i immediatly checked out at 130pm but was told i'd have to pay for the extra night because noon was checkout...as if the kidnapping meant nothing. Everyone in this area was some sort of scamster, hustler or drug dealer. Stay away from Puerto Vallarta all together the rough economy has produced a rough crowd..a little fun in the sun is not worth your life.

Stay away from Mexico. Too dangerous for foreigners

We visited Playa Los Arcos (PV) 10/21-10/28/09. We had a great time. The hotel is very clean, and the pool, restaurant and spa are wonderful. We were glad the pool was in the shade after sitting on the beach in the heat! The beach is full of vendors selling everything from jewelry to shrimp-on-a-stick. The hotel is located in a very safe neighborhood, just across the street from an outdoor elementary school. There are a couple of fun bars across the street for evening fun. We purchased the all-inclusive package and loved it. All the food and beverages for free all day long. If you purchase the all-inclusive package, be sure to use the "special tickets" in the evening for something more tasty than the buffet. Ask the friendly front desk for a free refrigerator for your room. EVERYONE was friendly and accommodating. Our A/C in the room cooled the room well, but a bit noisy. We won 2 free 15 minute massages from the hotel's spa playing bingo - they were wonderful! Nightly entertainment (only so-so) at hotel was the same each night....2 gals signing w/electric piano. Hotel has at least 2 ignuanas on the property. Lots of great places to eat and drink and XOXO (mini-mart) within walking distance. Traded $$ for pesos at hotel (best rate). We HIGHLY recommend Playa Los Arcos!!! PV airport is large & clean with lots of shopping (and great A/C).

Always a nice and thrifty place right on the beach! Been here several times.

We stayed at Playa Los Arcos as well as their sister hotel up the street; Casa Dona Susana. Susana was quieter, and lovely but Playa was fun, friendly and we loved being on the beach!

The hotel staff is exceptionally hospitable and polite toward their guests. It's a perfect place for families with young children and light sleepers. By 10, the pool is closed, and by 10:30, it's lights out at the hotel's restaurant/bar. As for food, I would suggest trying out nearby cafes and restaurants around town unless you REALLY like simple American-style food. Breakfast is big in Vallarta, esp the chilaquiles. Go explore!

Traveler's tip:

Was pleasantly surprised when we arrived, I personally loved the decor of the rooms, had a nice Mexican feel. Our room had a view of the beach which was awesome! We had a balcony that overlooked the pool area as well. Best of all, you are right on the beach. For the price, this hotel's location is perfect. Everything is just around the corner (corner mart, shopping, restaurants, malecon) Make sure to check out their breakfast buffet which had a nice variety of food and drinks. For dinner, take a nice walk around the area and check out the different restaurants. Our fave was La Destiquilera and the arrachera en molcajete...just delicious. On Sunday nights after 9pm...free mariachi and fireworks display over the ocean!!!

Traveler's tip:

Not once could we even attempt to get into the pool. It was way over crowded with locals (mainly small childern). Apparently the locals were given day passes to enjoy the pool but management did not monitor the capacity (pool was not sanitary either). After complaining...guess what...no action taken and no offer of compensation to us. After staying there for 25 years, will not return.

Stay away from this hotel

I was here from July 28- Aug 6th it was a decent hotel since we mostly just slept here, bed was hard, room was clean AC was working had a nice balcony overlooking the over crowded swimming pool. Beach area is real nice and very accessible from the hotel, right across the street is Cafe de Hoya great place to eat! Just remember that they close on Tuesdays, early morning theres a vender outside that hotel that sells fresh squeezed OJ thats great and cheap! enjoy your stay!!