Mexico is one of my favorite destinations, and although the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center in Puerto Vallarta is not a sparkling new luxury resort property, it’s a place I enjoy returning to.
With a combination of friendly staff, on-site amenities, a beautiful location, and proximity to the city center, the property offers excellent value for my travel dollar.
Here’s what you can expect when you visit.
Location and Transportation Options
The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center is located just north of old Puerto Vallarta city center, which is less than a 20-minute walk or a short, direct, and inexpensive bus ride (the bus stop is right in front of the hotel).
The hotel complex is about 10 to 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). After clearing immigration and customs, you’ll want to avoid the gauntlet of timeshare salespeople offering you transport to your hotel, or other free amenities, as you work your way toward the exit. There, you’ll find flat-rate transportation for 284 pesos (~$14) or $20. Uber will be less but you will need to navigate across the busy highway. Taxi fare for the return trip from the resort to the airport is a flat 140 pesos (~$7), with less for Uber.
You can check other current transport options via Rome2Rio.
Bottom Line: The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort is conveniently located close to central Puerto Vallarta. Local transportation is widely available and inexpensive, or you can walk just 20 minutes to the city center.
Booking, Arrival, and Check-in
Booking
A valuable perk offered by Marriott Bonvoy is the benefit of booking 4 consecutive award nights and getting the fifth night free. For this booking, I decided to take advantage of this option.
You can expect to pay 120,000 to 160,000 points for a 5-night stay.
Paid rates for the property can vary widely. Booking a paid stay can cost as little as $125 per night with the hotel’s Stay Longer paid rates, but even during peak times, rates seem to hover between $180 to $220. I’ve also found non-peak rates for $120 to $160.
For an all-inclusive, high-season experience, expect to spend $300+ per night. If you have Marriott Bonvoy elite status, you may receive all-inclusive upgrade options on award stays starting at around $100 per person (offered to me during my stay). I chose not to accept the offer as the club lounge has a nice selection of complimentary food and beverages and prices for food and drinks in the restaurants are very reasonable.
Image Credit: Marriott Bonvoy
Arrival
Don’t expect a grand colorful entrance as the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort is quite bland on curb appeal. Such is the case with many of the resorts located throughout the hotel zone, however, just know that the magic happens on the other side of the building.
The Sheraton Buganvilias entrance sign is easy to spot.
The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort is situated next door to the Buganvilias vacation ownership property. When securing transportation, be sure to tell the driver you’re going to the resort, not the timeshare property.
The hotel is set back from the busy road. This is the driveway to the hotel entrance.
When entering the property, a guard will check the hotel register to make sure you are a guest. If you’re taking a taxi or Uber, the driver will be familiar with the protocol.
The entrance is not spectacular, but very functional — and there will be several attendants to assist you with your luggage.
Once again, not a grand entrance, but you can be sure the welcome will be warm and the service will be excellent.
The open lobby seating area allows you to view approaching vehicles, especially helpful when you’re waiting for a ride.
We’ve made it to the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center. Now it’s time to check-in.
Bottom Line: While short on curb appeal, the beauty and energy of the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center are on the ocean side.
Check-in
Check-in was simple and quickly accomplished. There was also recognition of my Marriott Bonvoy Titanium status.
There are a total of 6 check-in stations, 3 of which were open when we arrived.
You’ll receive a wristband that also functions as a room key, plus a standard room key. You are not “required” to wear the wristband (unless you have selected the all-inclusive option), but it simplifies transactions and access throughout the property.
The handy wristband also functions as a room and lounge key.
As a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium elite member, I was upgraded to a club-level room and selected 1,000 welcome points as my amenity. In prior years when I had Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status, I received the same level of amenities.
Having club access includes breakfast, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages (throughout the day), plus hors d’oeuvres and beverages in the evening.
I also received enhanced internet, 10% off food and beverage, and the option to request a late checkout.
The welcome letter clearly explained which benefits to expect.
If you need help navigating the hotel, dinner suggestions, or any other assistance during your stay, the concierge is there to help.
We used the concierge several times during our stay.
Bottom Line: Check-in was quick and easy, status was recognized, and the hotel offered all the appropriate benefits.
The Room
Bedroom
An ocean-view king room on the 23rd floor of the resort.
I chose a room with a king bed. It was spacious, comfortable, and suitable for even a family of 4 when selecting the 2 queen bed option.
You can select a king or 2 queen beds.
There is plenty of closet space for your belongings, plus amenities such as a robe, slippers, and a safe.
The lighted closet has plenty of space, plus it held ironing supplies, robes, slippers, and a safe.
You’ll find a standard coffee maker, as well as 4 coffee pods, a couple of teabags, and condiments. The quality of the coffee was not the best. Fortunately, the coffee is excellent elsewhere on-site.
The in-room coffee makers were newly added this year.
There is really not a work area, just a countertop and a casual sitting chair I made use of.
The room is not equipped for remote working, but the internet worked well.
All rooms are facing the water, and most rooms (except some ground-level rooms with patios) have water views. Your view will likely be a variation of this one, or this may be your actual view.
You may even see some whales out there, as we did. The upper windows do open, so you can listen to the waves crashing anytime you want.
The view from an oceanview room.
Day or night, the view from the room was always spectacular.
We witnessed some of the most beautiful sunsets.
Bathroom
The bathroom offers the convenience of 3 functional areas that are separated.
The bathroom layout is very functional — a nice feature when there is more than 1 guest.
Expect standard bathroom amenities plus free bottled water.
Expect standard amenities. The lighted makeup mirror was handy.
The shower area is spacious with an overhead rain shower, plus a handheld shower wand.
The shower was delightful with lots of hot water and good water pressure.
Bottom Line: While not luxurious, the spotless rooms have everything you’ll need, are spacious, and the view is amazing.
Club Lounge
Enjoy breakfast (7 a.m. to 11 a.m.), snacks and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day, and a happy hour (5 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily) with generous appetizers and beverages.
The club lounge is a great place to have a glass of wine and watch the sunset.
The sitting area was temporarily partially closed due to COVID-19, but there was computer access still available.
The club lounge does have a small sitting area in addition to the dining area.
Coffee, water, soda, and snacks were available from noon to 4 p.m.
It’s nice to have access to cold bottled water whenever you need it.
Here’s a sampling of the snacks you may find in the club lounge during the noon to 4 p.m. time frame. I’ll expand on the breakfast and happy hour offerings shortly.
It was a real plus having the lounge open from noon to 4 p.m. for drinks and snacks.
Dining Options
With nearly a dozen dining venues and a wide variety of food options, you’re sure to find something that suits your palate at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort.
Breakfast
You’ll have several options for breakfast, including ordering room service, eating at the club lounge if you have access, grabbing a coffee and pastry at the deli, hitting the buffet, or ordering breakfast à la carte at the oceanside restaurant.
Club Lounge
The club lounge normally offered 2 types of eggs, hash browns or another potato dish, sausage, bacon, beef, fresh fruit, meats and cheeses, assorted pastries, breads, juices, and coffee.
There was a nice selection of hot and cold items each day for breakfast in the lounge.
You’ll find several standard choices, plus some local options. Pictured are bacon, sausage, ham and cheese omelet, spinach omelet, chili sauce, hash browns, Mexican stewed beef, fresh local fruit sticks, berries, yogurt, and ham, cheese, and olive cups. Options change daily.
Breakfast choices did not vary much during our stay, but everything was tasty.
Breakfast in the club lounge also comes with an excellent view.
A typical breakfast, minus the meat options.
El Deli
Grab a quick Starbucks coffee, pastry, or sandwich to go at El Deli. There is also an adjacent eating area.
While the bakery/deli does serve Starbucks beverages, the food offerings are more local.
La Villita
The main restaurant, located right on the ocean, is La Villita. You’ll be able to order meals al a carte or enjoy the buffet. The extensive breakfast buffet costs around $20 or you could purchase a full American breakfast for less than $10 or an omelet for $7.
La Villita is the main restaurant where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. There is also a Sunday brunch with live music.
The breakfast buffet is massive with a bread and pastry area (pictured below), a fruit and fresh vegetable area, dozens of hot dishes, an egg station, and a crepe station.
The bread and pastry selections were numerous!
You can access the La Vellita breakfast menu here.
There are lots of outdoor dining options, including this one at La Villita.
La Villita has indoor or outdoor dining so every meal, breakfast, lunch, or dinner, can be enjoyed alfresco.
Room Service
In addition to the options above, you can order room service. This option is included if you purchase an all-inclusive package, but prices are quite reasonable even if you did not. An omelet, for example, costs approximately $7.
The room service menu can be found here.
Bottom Line: There are many venues and very affordable options for breakfast at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort.
Lunch
After having a full breakfast, we were never hungry at lunchtime, but there are so many options available. Here are your choices when hunger hits you out at the pool, following that heated tennis match, or after a dip in the bay.
Pizzeria Alfresco
This casual dining establishment serves up specialty pizza and calzones from noon to 11:30 p.m. each day.
Alfresco Pizza makes it easy to quickly feed your entire family, and it will be delicious.
La Vellitas
Dine outdoors without missing that fabulous view. Find your lunch options here.
Lobby Bar
At the Lobby Bar, you’re protected from the hot sun but can still enjoy the view while you partake in a beverage.
Open from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., the Lobby Bar is always available to quench your thirst and fill your tummy. Check out the lunch options at the Lobby Bar here.
Other Lunch Options
- Embarcadero Bar — Get out of the hot sun for a minute and enjoy lunch at the Embarcadero. Here are your lunch options.
- Poolside — Don’t get up, just ask the friendly poolside server for a menu and lunch will be delivered to you ASAP.
- Room Service — For those of us who choose to work during the day, room service is always an option. Here are your options when hunger hits.
Cocktail Time
You’ll find endless options to enjoy the beverage of your choice anytime during your day. You may need to do your research ahead of time, so here’s a list of all the beverages (and prices) you can expect at the resort bars. Restaurant drink options will vary.
Pool Bars
Technically, all day is happy hour at any of the pool bars. No need to keep track of time, just jump in and order a cold one. A cold drink will cost you around $5 or less.
The pool bar at the main pool is always lively.
Club Lounge
Typical happy hour fare in the club lounge normally consists of 3 to 4 hot dishes, meats, cheeses, olives, nuts, assorted snacks, guacamole, chips, and salsa. Pictured below is guacamole, chips, pico de gallo, chicken skewers, spicy shrimp, spring roll, and spicy dipping sauce. Options change nightly. White, red, and sparkling wine is served.
If you have club lounge access, you’ll enjoy a nice selection of complimentary food/beverages.
The lounge was open for evening service from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Lobby Bar
If you want to get out of the sun but aren’t yet ready to go indoors, the Lobby Bar is a perfect choice. You’ll find your favorite bar food, a long list of beverage choices, and a great view. Check out the list of beverage options here.
Enjoy the fresh air well into happy hour at the Lobby Bar.
Embarcadaro Bar
When the temperature rises and you want to move to more comfortable surroundings, but you still want to enjoy that view, the Embarcadaro Bar fits the bill.
If the temperature gets hot, head to the Embarcadaro Bar.
Nine ninety 9
Enjoy sports, great food, and your favorite beverage at this sports-themed bar, open from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. You’ll find classic bar food, choice steaks, local favorites, a large selection of Mexican spirits and beer, and traditional alcoholic beverages.
The Nine Ninety 9 bar is sleek, modern, and has plenty of large screens for watching your favorite sports.
You’ll find additional outdoor stand-alone and poolside bars throughout the property, including La Pergola and La Carreta Bar.
Hot Tip: Since the resort is mostly all-inclusive, there is little need for an actual happy hour drink special. However, if you are not on an all-inclusive plan, the pool at the far south end of the building had a 2-for-1 happy hour each day from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. This is subject to change, so just check prior to ordering.
Dinner
You’re in luck at dinner time as the options are many.
Umai
If you’re up for something different, try Umai, an Asian-inspired restaurant with a sushi area or a teppanyaki bar for entertaining food preparation. The restaurant offers a variety of Asian dishes, many of which include local seafood.
Shown below is the tuna poke bowl which was excellent, a real value at around $14. My friend had red snapper which was also a good choice.
It was difficult to select from all the unique items on the Umai menu, but this tuna dish was divine.
You’ll find the entire Umai menu here.
Gaviatos
Whether you prefer a steak, duck, local seafood, chicken, or even lamb, you’ll find that upscale, modern dining lives at Gaviatos. Check out its menu here. The restaurant was open from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Gaviotos is perfect for celebrating a special occasion or when you’re ready for a bit of a heartier meal.
Alfresco Trattoria
If you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, you can enjoy it alfresco. Alfresco Trattoria offers evening outdoor ambiance combined with traditional Italian dining.
You’ll find more than classic Italian food at Alfresco, especially if you order the local seafood.
Other Options
- La Villita — Your go-to dining venue for a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner serves up the latter as a buffet or à la carte. Check out the evening dinner options here.
- Il Pescatore — Only open in-season, the Il Pescatore seaside grill offers a limited but impressive collection of seafood dishes. Enjoy the evening water view while savoring dishes such as grilled mahi-mahi, shrimp and scallop Newburg, or tuna carpaccio.
- Nine ninety 9 — Head over to the sports bar for a beverage and a surprising food menu, not just your typical bar food.
- Pizzeria Alfresco — Open from noon to 11:30 p.m., Pizzeria Alfresco serves up specialty pizzas and calzones.
Please note that the hours of operation can change and select dining venues could be closed. We didn’t experience this during our stay, however.
Your on-site options for dining are excellent, but you’re also just an inexpensive taxi/Uber ride (or walk) to dozens of additional options.
Bottom Line: You could spend a week at the resort and never eat at the same place twice. If you do not choose the all-inclusive stay option, you’ll also find prices quite reasonable.
Shopping
The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort has just 2 retail stores, but you’re sure to find everything you need.
Purchase snacks, alcohol, souvenirs, toiletries, essentials, and more at the on-site general store.
The main market has everything you need for a snack or beverage, or if you forgot an essential item.
The general store also has an expansive clothing section — perfect if you forgot your swimwear or want a new outfit to wear to dinner.
You’ll find a nice selection of resort and beachwear at the general store.
Packed with fine silver, the on-site jewelry store specializes in affordable pieces but always has an excellent assortment of discounted items.
Don’t leave the resort without browsing the jewelry store.
On-site Services
COVID-19 Testing
An essential service for the traveler, COVID-19 tests, both antigen and PCR, were available on-site. An antigen test cost 650 pesos (~$32) and a PCR test cost 2,500 pesos (~$123).
You can expect antigen test results the same day and PCR test results within 24 hours.
COVID-19 testing is easy to schedule and is administered onsite.
On-site Wi-Fi
You’ll find high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property, including the pool area. Speeds vary, but a test from my room delivered download speeds of 16.13 Mbps and upload speeds of 9.57 Mbps. It varied higher and lower throughout the stay and depending on location.
Business Center
In the business center, you’ll find 4 computer stations, printers, and several tech options. You can rent a PlayStation, Xbox, laptop, iPhone, tech accessories, and much more. Here is a menu of all available options.
The business center is equipped with computer stations and tech accessories and offers gaming rentals.
The Spa
At Maiava Spa, you’ll find all of the traditional spa services including manicures, pedicures, facials, stone massages, and specialty services.
You can book services at the main-building spa location (below), and also throughout the entire property.
You can book individual spa services or select a package that includes several services.
While the on-site spa offers traditional services, you’ll want to take advantage of the incredible weather and reserve a spa service that can be enjoyed outdoors.
A seaside massage is a wonderful choice for an outdoor spa experience.
Additional outdoor spa service areas are located throughout the property. For a complete menu of all the offerings at Maiave Spa, with prices, use this link.
There are several peaceful venues to receive your spa services.
Wedding Planning and Services
You can plan your entire wedding in 1 stop at the wedding planning center onsite.
The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort is the perfect venue for a destination wedding.
The resort has a special area for outdoor weddings.
Meeting Planning and Hosting
The resort is also, of course, a convention center, so you’ll find several indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces. The hotel also takes safety seriously, encouraging safe distancing practices and utilizing sanitizing protocols.
You’ll find safety a top priority when planning meetings and other events.
Kids’ Program
The Sheratoons kids’ program offers 5- to 12-year-old kids a fun day and a potential needed break for mom and/or dad. Kids participate in a variety of activities, including crafts, Xbox games, Wii, and more. The center was open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This is just 1 section of the kids’ area. There are also outdoor craft lessons and activities.
Activities
You’ll never be bored at the resort, but you will find relaxation. And when you’re ready, you’ll have a long list of activities to keep you busy.
Pools
Your likely first stop will probably be the pool, of which there are 2 grand choices. Pick up your pool towels, order a tropical beverage from the friendly waiters, and relax.
The main pool is the largest and where most people hang out.
The south pool is used mostly by the vacation club owners of the Buganvilias Vacation Club located next door to the resort. It is quieter and receives shade in the afternoon. It is, however, the only place in the resort that has a happy hour.
The pool at the south end of the resort is smaller and gets more shade.
Beach
The beach in front of the resort is expansive, clean, and not crowded, even during this peak season.
In addition to the pool areas, you can enjoy a sandy beach area and take a walk in the ocean.
Scheduled Activities
Participate in a variety of organized daily activities, including but not limited to the following.
- Stretching class
- Spanish lessons
- Water aerobics
- Mexican bingo
- Pool game competitions
- Organized beach walk
- Water volleyball
- Salsa lessons
- Blackjack
- Ping-pong tournament
- Arts and crafts
Sports
Enjoy a round of golf at the nearby Vista and Marina Golf Club. Green fees are included in the all-inclusive plan. The resort also has a large tennis court area where you can rent equipment and sign up for lessons.
Enjoy on-site tennis, ping-pong, and volleyball.
Located on the street side of the hotel, the tennis courts do not receive the ocean breezes you’ll find on the beach side.
After all that good food and drink you’ll be relieved to know there’s a proper workout facility available on-site. It was open 24 hours.
Air-conditioned and well-staffed, the gym is a pleasant place to work out.
Final Thoughts
Don’t expect top-of-the-line luxury, but do count on a comfortable, clean, and friendly environment with plenty to do.
The property has nearly 4,000 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, so the chances of you having a good time and receiving great value for your vacation dollar are very high.
I certainly enjoyed my time at Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center and found that the property serves as an excellent base to explore Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area. If you’re interested in other area properties, read our guide to the best Puerto Vallarta hotels to book with points for maximum value.
