Hotel and Accommodation Reviews

Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort located right on the golden sands of Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. As part of the Hyatt Inclusive Collection, it’s marketed as a AAA Four-Diamond property with luxurious amenities, but based on our recent stay and broader reviews, it falls short in several areas, ranking among the lowest of the over 40 Hyatt properties we’ve visited. We booked a Junior Suite Ocean View King room with a whirlpool tub on the balcony for $450 per night, which included unlimited food, drinks, and activities. The room itself was spacious and offered stunning ocean views, with the added perk of a private hot tub for relaxing evenings. However, the overall resort experience was mixed: the layout felt confusing at first, with winding paths between buildings, pools, and dining areas, though we adapted by the second day. Pro tip: Download the Inclusive Collection Hyatt app immediately upon arrival—it provides maps, schedules for activities, menus, and even room service ordering, which helped us navigate everything more efficiently.

The preferred club area (available with upgraded rooms like ours) was a highlight, offering exclusive perks like a private lounge with continental breakfast, afternoon snacks (think sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, and tarts), and premium cocktails. Staff were generally friendly, but service inconsistencies popped up, such as our butler’s odd interaction limiting tonic water to one can per day despite asking how many we wanted—ultimately, we only received one during our entire stay. The beachfront location is prime, but persistent vendors selling handmade trinkets, wooden carvings, and hats approached every 10 minutes, which became annoying when trying to unwind. Pools were plentiful, including a swim-up bar, but we encountered issues like vomit in the water one afternoon that wasn’t promptly addressed, detracting from the relaxation.

Dining options are varied with seven restaurants and multiple bars, but quality was hit-or-miss. Tamarindo, the Mexican restaurant, was a standout for our daughter’s birthday dinner—we enjoyed tacos, ceviche, fajitas, and fish Veracruzana style, followed by a fun “happy birthday” serenade with flan and a giant sombrero. They even surprised us with a chocolate cake in the room later. The Carnival buffet had themed nights like Asian, but the food was mediocre at best. Himitsu’s teppanyaki show was entertaining with fire tricks and ample portions of chicken, steak, and shrimp, though again, the taste was average. Castaways offered a taco fest for lunch (tacos were okay, but wings were dry), and Barefoot Grill provided quick snacks like tacos and fries by the pool.

Room service via the app was a disaster—we ordered at 6:45 PM for 8:00 PM delivery, but after delays and rude all-caps responses blaming our “do not disturb” sign (which wasn’t on), we gave up at 9:05 PM and ate off-resort.

Recent reviews echo these sentiments: while some praise the clean pools and friendly staff, others note dirty areas, moldy smells in rooms, and underwhelming food compared to nearby resorts like Dreams Bahia Mita or Hyatt Ziva. Activities included a paint-and-sip session (we painted a whale at sunset with cocktails provided), kayaking and paddleboarding (book early—spots fill by 9:45 AM), and the Explorer’s Club kids’ zone with free babysitting, a play structure, trampoline, and movie area. Evening entertainment featured acrobatics and Chinese lion dancing in the lobby.

Overall, pros include the all-inclusive value for families, oceanfront access, and kid-friendly perks; cons are inconsistent service, mediocre dining, and maintenance issues. We’d rate it 3/5 stars—not a 5-star experience as advertised, and we’d recommend upgrading to Preferred Club for better perks if staying here.

Destination Guides and Itineraries

Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant coastal gem on Mexico’s Pacific side, blending stunning beaches, lush jungles, and cultural charm—perfect for a family getaway with kids. Our 4-day (3-night) itinerary from August 14-17, 2025, focused on resort relaxation with light adventures, but we’ve expanded it with off-resort ideas based on local recommendations for a balanced mix of beach time, exploration, and hidden gems. This plan suits families with limited time, assuming an all-inclusive base like Dreams Vallarta Bay.

Day 1: Arrival and Resort Exploration (August 14) Check into Dreams Vallarta Bay around midday and settle into your room. Stroll the preferred area for snacks and cocktails, then hit the beach for vendor browsing (buy a handmade wooden animal as a souvenir). Download the Hyatt app for resort navigation. Evening: Birthday dinner at Tamarindo (tacos, ceviche), followed by the Carnival buffet’s Asian night. Cap off with the paint-and-sip whale painting session. To expand: Venture to nearby Playa Camarones for a quieter beach walk with fewer vendors.

Day 2: Water Activities and Evening Show (August 15) Head to the water sports area by 9:15 AM to reserve kayaking or paddleboarding—our guide shared local history and childhood stories during the outing. Hang at the beach or pool with swim-up bar drinks. Lunch at Castaways (taco fest). Drop kids at the Explorer’s Club for babysitting while parents relax. Watch the sunset from the pool. Dinner: Secure a teppanyaki spot at Himitsu early (line up at 9 AM for better times)—enjoy the fiery show. Expanded addition: If time allows, take a short taxi to Vallarta Adventures for a dolphin encounter, a kid-favorite with interactive swims.

Day 3: Pool Day and Off-Resort Dining (August 16) Kayak again if missed, then pool time with snacks from Barefoot Grill. Avoid the main pool if crowded—opt for the quieter pool away from the beach. Attempt room service for early dinner, but have a backup: We walked to Pancho’s Takos for amazing al pastor tacos with pineapple—worth the hype despite potential lines. Expanded: Hike to Mirador el Cerro de la Cruz for panoramic views; it’s a short, family-friendly uphill walk from the Malecón with photo ops of the bay.

Day 4: Departure Day (August 17) Breakfast at Carnival—try a custom omelet and green smoothie for a detox. Check out by noon (we got no extension beyond that for our 7 PM flight) and store bags at the resort. Walk 7 minutes to Birrieria el Tio Tono for birria ramen and tacos—delicious, cheap, and authentic with tender beef or goat options and flavorful salsas. Use the afternoon for last-minute beach time or shopping. Expanded: If extending, add a boat trip to Los Arcos National Marine Park for snorkeling with colorful fish—great for kids aged 6+.

This itinerary keeps things relaxed for families, totaling about 4-6 hours of activity per day to avoid burnout.

Budget Tips and Cost Breakdowns

For a family of four (two adults, two kids) on a 3-night all-inclusive trip to Puerto Vallarta like ours, expect to spend $2,000-$3,500 total, depending on flights and extras. Our breakdown:

• Accommodations: $450/night x 3 = $1,350 (Junior Suite, all-inclusive covers meals/drinks/activities).
• Flights: Round-trip from a major U.S. city ~$300/person = $1,200 (book early for deals under $250).
• Transportation: Airport transfer $50 round-trip; taxis/walks for off-resort ~$20.
• Food/Drinks: $0 on-resort (all-inclusive), but off-resort eats like Pancho’s Takos (~$30) and Birrieria el Tio Tono (~$25) added $55.
• Activities: Included (kayaking, kids’ club), but tips/vendor buys ~$50.
• Misc: Souvenirs $50; travel insurance $100. Total: ~$2,825.

Tips: All-inclusive saves big on food (~$200/day otherwise), but eat off-resort for better tasting food—local spots are 50-70% cheaper than USA prices. Hunt for flight deals via Google Flights; aim for mid-week travel. Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, and withdraw pesos from ATMs for better rates. For families, book Preferred Club upgrades (~$100/night extra) for priority reservations. Overall, Puerto Vallarta is budget-friendly compared to Cancun—our trip was under $3,000, aligning with averages for similar all-inclusives.

Packing Lists and Gear Recommendations

For a beachy Puerto Vallarta trip with kids in August (hot, humid, rainy season), pack light, breathable items in a carry-on to avoid fees. Essentials:

• Clothing: 3-4 swimsuits/cover-ups per person (quick-dry for pool/beach); lightweight T-shirts, tank tops, shorts/skirts (cotton/linen); 1-2 casual outfits for dinners (e.g., sundresses, polos); pajamas; underwear/socks for 4 days. Add a light sweater for evenings or AC.
• Footwear: Flip-flops/sandals for beach; water shoes for rocky shores/kayaking; comfy sneakers for walks/hikes.
• Sun/Health Protection: Biodegradable sunscreen (reef-safe, mandatory in marine parks); bug spray; hats/sunglasses; aloe vera for burns; first-aid kit with meds (ibuprofen, anti-diarrhea—resort food can upset stomachs).
• Gear/Tech: Waterproof phone case; binoculars for whale-watching (seasonal, but fun); journal for kids’ drawings; reusable water bottle; Spanish phrasebook/app.
• Kid-Specific: Floaties/snorkel gear; portable snacks; travel games; baby wipes.
• Misc: Beach bag/towel (resort provides, but extras handy); luggage lock; neck wallet for valuables.

Don’t forget passports and any Hyatt loyalty cards. This list keeps you under 20 lbs for carry-on—focus on multi-use items like a sarong that doubles as a towel or picnic blanket.