Hacienda San Angel

Style

Amor and artefacts

Setting

La Zona Romántica

Rooted in romance, Hacienda San Angel hotel, Puerto Vallarta’s hilltop hideaway in Old Town (aka la Zona Romántica), was once a Valentine’s Day gift. Actor Richard Burton gave the hacienda’s main villa to his wife Susan in the late 1970s. Later, when American Janice Chatterton stepped in as owner, she combined the original house and surrounding villas into one property connected by a series of statue-strewn courtyards and bougainvillea-lined pathways. Today, the suites are filled with antiques, the views of the Bay of Banderas are sublime and love is still in the air.

Facilities

Rooms

12, all suites.

Checkout

11am; check-in 3pm, but both are flexible, depending on availability.

More Details

Rates include a Continental breakfast (freshly squeezed orange juice, coffee or tea, pastry basket and the choice of a fresh fruit plate or assorted yogurts), plus free long-distance and local phone calls.

Free Internet Access

Laundry

Pet Friendly

On-Site Restaurant

Room Service

At the Hotel

Three swimming pools, laundry, air-conditioning, concierge services, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: TV, hair dryer, drinking water, fridge.

Our Favourite Rooms

Honeymooners, anniversary celebrants and anyone who appreciates a stunning sunset soak should splurge on the presidential San Miguel Suite. It has a private Jacuzzi in an open-walled structure that overlooks Old Town, plus panoramic views of Banderas Bay from the king-size bed.

Poolside

There are three pools – two inside intimate courtyards and the third on a rooftop, overlooking Puerto Vallarta. Have your breakfast or lunch delivered lido-side and eat on cushioned white loungers under the shade of bougainvillea plants. For a little sand, venture six blocks to the nearest swimming beach.

Packing Tips

Visiting between December and March? Toss a pair of binoculars in your bag. This is whale-watching season and it’s possible to catch a glimpse from certain rooms, especially the Master Suites.

Also

Setting off on an afternoon walking tour? Just remember to save some juice for the trip back – the hotel sits on top of a steep hill.

Children

Hacienda San Angel welcomes over-18s only, but can accommodate older teenagers on request.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

The nearer you can get to the rooftop railing, the easier it’ll be to soak up the mind-boggling views.

Dress Code

Beach duds are for daytime – Hacienda’s restaurant is more formal than tank tops and flip-flops.

Hotel Restaurant

The good news? The hotel’s much-lauded rooftop restaurant, Hacienda San Angel Gourmet, has 180-degree views of the ocean, the jungle and Puerto Vallarta’s colonial rooftops, plus a chef – Juan Carlos Perez Alvarez – who serves up fine international cuisine so good that even the locals scramble for a table. The caveat? The restaurant is only open October to June, so if you visit at an opportune time, be sure to take advantage.

Last Orders

Go ahead, sleep in. Breakfast goes until 11.30am. As for dinner, the last reservation is taken at 9.30pm.

Room Service

Order chow to your room from 9am to 6pm during the summer and 9am to 10pm the rest of the year.

Planes

Fly into Puerto Vallarta Airport (officially Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport). From there, it’s a 25-minute drive to the hotel.

Automobiles

There’s no need to rent a car, as restaurants, bars, and shops are all just a five to 10-minute minute walk from the hotel, plus there’s no parking at the Hacienda. If you didn’t pack your walking shoes, you can always grab a cab or hop on a local bus.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Beyond the Hacienda’s impressive sculpture collection (try to keep count of all the angels on the grounds), there’s a thriving art scene in Old Town. Dozens of art galleries feature painting, photography, glasswork, ceramics and more, from both Mexican and international artists. If you come from October to May, visit the city’s ArtWalk, a self-guided stroll between nine galleries. You’re also in walking distance of the beach, so take some time to feel the sand between your toes or the waves beneath your board. Puerto Vallarta is an ideal spot for both surfing and stand-up paddle. Try ziplining through the jungle or sample Mexico's spirit in a tequila tasting.

If you’re keen to get out of town, rent a car or hire a driver and head 40 minutes north to the much-less-known coastal town of Sayulita. Known as the ‘Pacific Tulum,’ Sayulita has yoga classes for Zen seekers, one-of-a-kind boutiques and secluded beaches. Take a day trip to the Marietas Islands and explore hidden beaches or snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .