08/17/2025
Back to back resorts. Hard Rock Rivera Nayarit/Puerto Vallarta 1st up.
This was my first trip to Hard Rock Puerto Vallarta, but it absolutely will not be my last. I knew this was an older and smaller resort; however, the area of Rivera Nayarit and the reputation of the staff drew me into booking this trip and neither disappointed!
I knew the rooms would be smaller than what I am used to at other HR resorts. I also knew that I wanted a Rock Royalty Suite since they have a larger balcony. The other rooms, unless going for a Rock Star Suite, have a Juliet balcony. I did tour the Rock Star Suite while on property and now know I will return to this suite with friends for sure! As it’s beautifully done and exceptionally appointed
I arrived late morning, but my room was ready, so I quickly unpacked and made my way to the pool where my butlers (who I adored!) had my chairs reserved. My first meal was lunch at Ciao. Delicious Shrimp ceviche. I did not have high expectations for the food, as I travel to HR properties for the people, areas, and service, but HRPV shocked me at every turn with food. From room service, which was delivered quickly and correctly, to reserved dinners at Frieda and Ciao it was not just good but outstanding. The service in the restaurants far surpassed other resorts. Fresh catch of sea bass means just that, FRESH catch.
A bonus to the delicious meals and service was the views. Frieda and Ciao are both open air and ocean front giving spectacular views of sunset if timed correctly. I was pleased to learn that even with the high humidity of the area, the restaurants were comfortable. There actually was not an area on property that I found which was lacking in comfort. The air conditioning kept me nice and happy and I’m a 70 degrees southern girl.
Waking up to the bay was breathtaking ….sitting on my balcony with coffee watching the boats come and go and the resort come to life was second only to breakfast. The resort has the best breakfast I have had in a long time with the perk of a full smoothie menu and health shots (I had multiple Turmeric shots daily). All were made spot on. The restaurant itself is a buffet but also offered some gems I wasn’t expecting like egg white omelets, bloody Mary bar and a mimosa bar as well. The host staff was very helpful as was Samuel. I learned Samuel was the manager when unfortunately, I had to walk around looking for somebody to place my smoothie and coffee order with after waiting for quite a while. This only occurred one day at breakfast, but it was still aggravating.
I met Samuel again by the pool (not main pool but in front of the beach entrance) when he noticed I had no drink later in the day. I am accustomed to pool staff making frequent stops for drinks and food requests but found that this was not the norm for me at HRPV. I was offered drinks one day after my butler Uriel ( who was fantastic!) pointed out to Juan, a pool server, that I wasn’t receiving service. Fast forward to my last day and I again had not had service. Samuel spoke to another server, Antonio, and I learned I should have done this on day one as pool service was on point the remainder of the day. Was this a huge deal, no. The resort is small, and I am fully capable of getting my own drinks. It was just something I was very aware of since it’s never been an issue for me at resorts previously.
While referencing food and beverage service. I cannot speak highly enough of Ciao and Freda. Regarding staff that stood out above and beyond; Maria, Elias, Christian, Oscar (who made special dessert tableside for me), Giovanni (best bartender on property!) made meals unforgettable.
As with any trip I had a few blips on my end such as my phone charger dying, I was so thankful for Alex and Franscico who helped me to find a location that sold my charger after they both tried feverishly to fix mine. I spent 5 days at HRPV and then the remainder of my trip at Unico which is right next door. The morning of my move to Unico my 3rd butler Uriel handled my checkout and move even checking on the room readiness next door. These three make a wonderful team and I already can’t wait to go back!
Other perks I fell in love with at HRPV include the water sports just steps away. Everything from kayaking, boogie boarding, and stand up paddleboarding to jet skiing and parasailing. Many included at no fee. I fell in love with the Rivera Nayarit area. The beach is stunning with darker sand that glistens gold. The beach is perfect for walking, and you can walk forever in either direction along the bay. ATM, Pharmacy, urgent care, and shopping plaza are all within walking distance and it’s very safe. I am a single woman who travels solo and not once felt uncomfortable on or off property.
Regarding the spa, I am used to Hard Rock Punta Cana which is my favorite spa for many reasons. The hydrotherapy here however was BETTER than HRPC. The attendant is what made it better along with their steam room and the ability to just relax in the hot tub with your party. I never do hydrotherapy more than once during a trip but did so during my stay at HRPV. Sadly, the massage service wasn’t as good. I am sure it was just the therapist I had this time and perhaps she had an off day, but the massage would go from too much pressure to featherlike and back to too much again.
This resort may be small in size and older in age, but it gives all other HR resorts a high bar to reach in many areas. The Rivera Nayarit area and service/people will continue to put Hard Rock Puerto Vallarta over the top. I am already planning my next trip.
