Water world: The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort in Puerto Vallarta. |
BY MARK CHESNUT
THE STYLE:
Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Centeroffers an overall design that’s typical for large Puerto Vallarta resort hotels: an open-air lobby and hallways, with unobtrusive décor that keeps you focused on the view of the water. Rooms are similar resort style; not distracting (except for the cool, vessel-style stone sink in the bathroom of my Club-Level room), but attractive. Subdued colors make the Club-Level rooms a bit more stylish than the brighter décor in the standard rooms.
Good lighting: A Club Level room at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort in Puerto Vallarta. |
THE AMENITIES: Club-level rooms (like where I slept, on the 19th floor) are decently sized, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the ocean. Travelers looking for more outdoor time should splurge on one of the few rooms with outdoor balconies. The free WiFi is a big selling point in my book (too many upscale chains nickel-and-dime their guests by charging for this). I found a decent amenity kit in the bathroom that includes toothpaste, scope and razors, as well as lotion, shampoo and conditioner. All rooms have an ocean view, which is a very nice plus.
Fashion statement: I like the vessel-style sinks at the Sheraton Buganvilias hotel in Puerto Vallarta. |
The Sheraton Buganvilias is not a fully all-inclusive property, but you can pay for that option. One of the hotel’s biggest selling points, as far as I’m concerned, is that it’s closer to downtown Puerto Vallarta than most large hotels (about a 15-minute walk or U.S.$4 ride to the Malecón, the waterfront promenade) — which means you’re fairly close to the town’s interesting dining options (although immediately outside of the hotel there isn’t much, aside from a 100% Natural restaurant and an Oxxo convenience store).
A large, oceanfront swimming pool is well divided between game-oriented and free-swim areas. There is also a tennis club with two courts, a 24-hour gym that’s free for all guests, and multiple restaurants (I had some rather good ceviche at Gaviotas, which has indoor and open-air seating near the pool). The on-site Mexican Fiesta, which takes place every Thursday, includes a Mexican buffet as well as a live mariachi band and folkloric dance performance.
Room with a view: All rooms at the Sheraton Buganvilias in Puerto Vallarta have views of the pool and ocean. |
Daily activities include morning yoga classes, dance classes and pool contests. Travelers with kids can make use of the Sheratoons children’s program, while adults can indulge in the spa and business travelers can use some 13,000 square feet of meeting space. Weddings also seem to be a big deal at this property, as I’ve seen multiple ceremonies taking place on the beach.
BEST FOR: The Sheraton Buganvilias works best for travelers looking for the amenities of a large, full-service Puerto Vallarta hotel that is relatively close to downtown. Families are probably the ideal candidates for the all-inclusive package, which allows two children up to age 11 to stay for free and join the children’s program (rates start at about $209 per room, per night). My own personal biggest selling points for the property: Free WiFi, free gym access, ocean view and location close to downtown.
Standard rooms (all of which are ocean view) start at about $146 per room, per night, although I’ve found online deals as low as $85.
FOR MORE INFO:
Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center
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