Hotel Estancia San Carlos (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)

Only three blocks away from the beach, this hotel is also within easy walking distance of the popular market as well as a variety of excellent restaurants, clubs, and bars.

The staff is dedicated to making sure each guest is taken care of and enjoys their stay. Greeting you with a friendly smile and providing attentive service, they're available to help with any needs you may have.

The hotel includes a lovely pool for guests' use. So if you prefer to swim away from the sand, salt, and crowds of the beach, you're covered. Air conditioning means you'll be able to be comfortable in your room even when it's hot outside. Rooms include small kitchenettes you can use, and the hotel provides coffee and tea on demand.

The nearby bars and nightclubs tend to create a fair bit of noise. And, depending on your room's location, you may be able to hear them late into the night. A good pair of earplugs will save you the trouble and help you get a good night's sleep, regardless.

Though some guests may balk at this, for security reasons the hotel has a policy forbidding outside visitors late at night. If you want to hang out with friends or companions, you'll need to do so earlier in the evening or do so elsewhere.

The beds and pillows rest on concrete slabs rather than frames and box springs, so they tend toward the hard side. If you need softer bedding, you may be better off staying somewhere else.