PV is THE place to be! Puerto Vallarta is home to a variety of stunning gay hotels as well as a mix of exciting clothing-optional and all-inclusive gay resorts.
The abbreviation “PV” could stand for many things — Partying Vivaciously, Paradise Vibes, Puerto Vallarta — but it clearly means all of the above! When you’re in Puerto Vallarta, you are going to party away your days and nights in this captivating gay Mexican oasis.
Puerto Vallarta is not only a stunning beach resort city located right on the Pacific Coast, but it's also a wild destination for gay boys to have a little fun in the sun.
We had a blast exploring the city and always felt relaxed and safe walking hand in hand through the colorful cobblestone streets. We especially savored our time in both Zona Romantica and Playa de los Muertos, which are the primary gay hotspots of Puerto Vallarta.
If you head to Puerto Vallarta in May, you'll also get to experience their gay Pride, which takes place during the US Memorial Day weekend. With pool parties, boat parties, beach parties, a drag derby, the gay pride parade of Puerto Vallarta, and more events, you'll need somewhere comfy to rest your head each night.
Choosing where to stay when you’re venturing on a tropical holiday is hard enough when your location isn’t a fraction as fabulous as PV, which is why we decided to break this guide down into specific sections that will show you the best of the best lodgings across the board. Be prepared to hear about some of the most fascinating and accommodating gay hotels that Puerto Vallarta has to offer!
Heads up: We just wanted to let you know that this post contains affiliate links. That means if you book something through one of those links, we'll get a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep our blog going – so thank you in advance for your support! ♥
Our friends at Out Adventures just launched an all-gay tour of Mexico City and its surrounding sites. The short and sweet escape ticks off the megalópolis' best-known attractions such as Frida Kahlo's house, Chapultepec Castle, and nearby Teotihuacan. Best of all, the tour mambos over to Zona Rosa where boys, booze and bad decisions await.
Tips for choosing your gay hotel in Puerto Vallarta
Here are some practical tips for choosing your gay hotel in Puerto Vallarta based on our first-hand experience:
An all-inclusive experience is not necessarily the best one
Zona Romantica, the gay heart of PV, is full of restaurants and bars, all within walking distance of one another. If you choose to stay in an all-inclusive gay resort, you'll miss out on all those little gems. As you will see on our list here, there are plenty of stunning non-all-inclusive gay resorts to stay in Zona Romantica, so don’t sweat it if you can’t fit an all-inclusive resort on your itinerary.
The best all-inclusive resorts are outside Zona Romantica
If all-inclusive is totally your thing, you'll find the best ones outside of the gay area. It might sound counterproductive to be outside of the gay neighborhood, but trust us, you won’t mind the distance when you’re on the receiving end of the beachfront luxury of these gay, all-inclusive resorts.
Avoid non-gay-friendly resorts
There are two all-inclusive options we recommend that you avoid at all costs: Playa los Arcos and San Marino. The former has a family-friendly policy and quite unfriendly staff, while the latter has a rep for pretty bad food and drinks… You will be much better off staying elsewhere, but sadly, these are the only all-inclusive options in Zona Romantica, which is why we strongly advise looking further afield for the best gay friendly options.
Choose the right hotel for your trip
If it's your first time in Puerto Vallarta and you want to be right in the heart of the gay scene, stay in Zona Romántica so you can walk everywhere.
- Looking for pool parties and a social atmosphere? Book Almar!
- Prefer something quieter and more romantic? Casa Cupula is our favorite.
- Traveling on a tighter budget? Hotel Mercurio offers fantastic value while still putting you close to all the action.
Tips for choosing your gay hotel in Puerto Vallarta
Planning ahead can make a huge difference in Puerto Vallarta, particularly if you have your heart set on staying in one of the city's most popular gay hotels. We've visited throughout the year and have found that while there's rarely a bad time to come, some months are much busier than others.
- Puerto Vallarta Pride (May): This is one of the busiest weeks of the year. Hotels, especially those in Zona Romantica, often sell out months in advance. We'd recommend booking at least 6 to 9 months ahead if you're visiting for Pride.
- Peak winter season (January to March): This is when many visitors from the US and Canada escape the cold, so expect higher prices and limited availability. Book several months in advance for the best choice.
- High season events: Popular events such as BeefDip Bear Week and other major LGBTQ+ festivals also see demand increase, so it's worth reserving your hotel as early as possible if your trip coincides with these dates.
- Best value (June to October): Aside from Pride, summer and early fall are generally quieter. You'll often find lower hotel rates, although afternoon tropical showers are common during the rainy season.
- Christmas and New Year: If you're planning to celebrate the holidays in Puerto Vallarta, don't leave your booking until the last minute. Many of the best gay hotels are fully booked well before December.
01
Almar Resort Luxury LGBT Beach Front Experience
(includes Mantamar Beach Club)
In a nutshell
- Luxury LGBTQ+ resort by the sea
- Infinity pool overlooking the sea
- Mantama gay beach club one of the most popular in PV
- Skybar with weekly drag shows
If you were to ask me what I believe to be the most important attribute of a gay friendly resort, I would have an answer for you in seconds flat. It’s so easy and simple. At the end of the day, it all boils down to balance.
And I can just as quickly say that Almar Resort expertly walks along that fine line between action and relaxation, with plenty of options for pampering or excitement.
With 89 luxurious and contemporary suites, each complete with its own private balcony that offers unbeatable views of Playa de los Muertos, we were able to savor a full night of peaceful rest. The Mantamar Beach Club is one of the most popular gay beach clubs in PV, so staying here felt like we were at the heart of all the action during the day.
Other highlights of Mantamar we loved – romantic beach walks, the infinity pool, and those Balinese beds. And of course, the themed parties that take place here, especially during a big event like PV Pride. Also worth checking out is the Almar Resort’s sky bar, The Top, which also hosts themed parties – when we visited, it was a drag show on the weekends, which made us cackle!
Zona Romantica is around a 5-minute walk away, so staying literally meant we were right at the heart of the PV gay scene.
Prices at Almar LGBT Resort start from $144 per night:
STAY WITH A GAY LOCAL
Misterb&b is the Airbnb equivalent for the LGBTQ community. Unlike on Airbnb, you know your host is gay, avoiding any nasty surprises when you check in. It's also a great way to meet gay locals and discover the underground gay scene. Click below to get €10 / $10 off your first booking.
02
Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel and Romantic Getaway
In a nutshell
- All-inclusive gay friendly boutique hotel
- Three gourmet restaurants on site
- Free welcoming massage
- In-room aromatherapy
If any place on this list really proves its dedication to its clientele, Villa Premiere takes the cake! I mean, a five-minute anti-stress welcoming massage? Helloooooo? Need I go on?
That’s just the beginning of your adventure into this slice of gay friendly heaven. At any hour of the day, we had direct access to butler service, concierge assistance, and an expansive fitness center.
One of the things we loved most was the pillow and scent menu, which is based on aromatherapy practices – sage for Seby and lemongrass for me 🙂 Other flavors include honey and grapefruit.
Heads up, if you're on a honeymoon or want to impress your date, book their deluxe suite and ask for the butler to give your room the romance treatment. Seby actually surprised me with this during our time at Villa Premiere. We first attended the resort’s private dinner opportunity, which included a three-course sunset meal with the sound of the ocean waves in the background. I was already swooning by this point, but then, upon returning to our room, I was greeted by our Jacuzzi decked out with candles, rose petals, and chocolates. I was gushing into the early hours 🙂
While I would obviously recommend one of these grand bedrooms for your Villa Premiere arrangement, I guarantee you'll enjoy a passionate trip with your partner, no matter what your lodgings look like. With two pools surrounded by luscious flower gardens and three sumptuous restaurants, you will have no shortage of excuses to share a few tender moments with your beloved.
Prices at Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel start from $158 per night:
03
Casa Velas
In a nutshell
- Authentic Mexican decor and architecture
- A beautiful garden surrounds the pool
- In-house restaurant and four more nearby
- Live peacocks roam the property
The moment we crossed through the sophisticated metal gates of Casa Velas, we knew we were in for a treat. It's a sumptuous adults-only retreat, with a swimming pool, private beach, and exclusive beach club as well.
And, of all the gay friendly, inclusive resorts we have come across in PV, we think that Casa Velas felt the most authentic towards Mexican culture.
This little gay oasis, nestled precariously against the coast, gives its visitors a chance to roam about huge tropical gardens, to sit beneath towering palm trees, to glance into tranquil koi ponds, and, my personal favorite, to co-exist with their wild, resident peacocks! I think every gay man has probably felt a connection to a peacock at least once in his life, right? Proudly strutting your stuff with all of your colors on display? Come on, don’t tell me that’s just my thing…
Either way, no matter how pleasant you find the rooms at Casa Velas (they are incredibly serene with their warm, traditional Mexican furnishings), you will likely see yourself spending the majority of your time in the great outdoors. One minute we were wandering about the property, helping ourselves to a dip in their oversized swimming pool, the next we were scarfing down a delicious meal at their signature AAA four-diamond restaurant, Emiliano. The list of activities is extensive, including wine and cheese tastings, painting classes, Wellness Wednesdays, and so much more,
It’s clear why Casa Velas has been rated one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the region. With all of their extravagant offerings, staying at this gay friendly all-inclusive resort felt like a refreshing dream that we never wanted to wake up from.
Prices for all-inclusive at Casa Velas start from $490 per night:
04
Casa Cupula
In a nutshell
- Male-only clothing-optional resort with just 19 rooms
- Two pools: 1 clothing-optional and 1 infinity
- Sunday brunch at The Taste
- Suites have their own private hot tubs
I feel like Casa Cupula poses as Piñata Hotel’s older sister.
She’s a little more sophisticated and mature, especially with her international reputation and award-winning style, but at the same time, you can tell she appreciates the same party atmosphere as Piñata. Am I actually making any sense here? Let me try to explain it differently…
The service and amenities offered at the gay retreat Casa Cupula mirror those of any 5-star resort, but the energy is a lot more intimate and personal. The gay owners treat their guests like family. Within moments, we made new squirrel friends that we've since bumped into on other trips.
And when I say gorgeous, I mean the views are just tod1e for! Whether we were spending time in our room, hanging out with friends at the pool club, or relishing in the delicious food options at their in-house restaurant, Casa Cupula impresses with grand sights of the neighboring ocean and the nearby jungle.
Above all else, there are two places at this gay hotel you must promise me you’ll seek out during your stay: The Taste restaurant and the swimming pool. The Taste serves breakfast and lunch and provides outdoor seating to fully immerse guests in their tropical location. However, the biggest reason you need to make sure you stop at The Taste is for their famous Sunday brunch. They mix classic Mexican and American foods in such a way… It’s hard to describe, but it’s really magical, okay? As for the pool, Casa Cupula hosts regular parties featuring exotic dancers and DJs from CC Slaughters Nightclub at their primary, clothing-optional swimming pool. You will not want to miss out on these impressive blowouts!
We've not even started on the infinity pool on the rooftop 🙂
Prices at Casa Cupula start from $139 per night:
Travel, Twerk, and Chill!
Don’t be that queen who skips travel insurance. ‘Cause nothing ruins a trip faster than tears, tantrums, and tragic bills…
Stay covered, stay fabulous, and keep your vacation free, fun, and frivolous!
05
Villa Lola
In a nutshell
- Rooftop plunge pool with a fountain
- An open-air kitchen that can be stocked for you
- Mexican decor with modern facilities
- Brownies and wine available every night
I’m going to say three words, and I want you to continue reading if any of them call to you: Dream! Sip! Splash! …Okay, so I assume all who are interested have stuck around, so allow me to give you the hot deetz on gay friendly Villa Lola!
This adult-only bed and breakfast serves high-end, classy vibes with its rooftop dipping pool, welcoming lounge area, and modern, open-air kitchen.
Choosing Villa Lola means you’ll be near the heart of the gay action in Zona Romantica and only two blocks away from Playa de los Muertos. With 7 rooms that can sleep up to 16 people, I say the best way to vacay here would be to grab a large group of friends, rent out the B&B together, and let everyone hit the town for some wild, uninhibited fun. That's what we did for one PV Pride trip many moons ago 🙂
One of the biggest draws to Villa Lola is that, despite being settled among the everyday commotion of Zona Romantica, it's a tranquil sanctuary for those who want nothing more than to relax in a charming and contemporary environment. Seby wanted me to make special reference to the distinct decor and local art in each room, along with the tile floors and iron spiral staircase. The number of hours he spent re-taking the same Insta photo….
My highlight was the breakfast they serve daily on their terrace. The chefs, Rosa and Ellie, cook with an extensive knowledge of the outstanding local flavors and can whip up some mean omelettes. And if they’re the ones who bake the brownies that the staff sets out in the evening… Girls, I want that recipe! They are so yummy and fudgy and gooey, please tell me your secrets…
If you haven’t been sold on their slogan yet, then you need to understand that Villa Lola offers fantastic gay friendly service that guarantees your chance to sleep well, drink freely, and entertain yourself in the open ocean.
Prices at Villa Lola start from $189 per night:
06
Secrets Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
In a nutshell
- Ocean-view suites with hot tubs
- Fabulous infinity pool with bar
- Delicious themed dining options
- LGBTQ+ friendly and luxurious vibes
When Seby and I arrived at Secrets Vallarta Bay Resort, I whispered, “They call it Secrets, but everyone’s gonna know we’re living our best lives here.” And wow—did it deliver! From the moment we stepped into the sleek, adults-only lobby, we knew this was no ordinary getaway.
Our suite was pure indulgence: a king-sized bed, rainfall shower, and, wait for it… a hot tub on the balcony overlooking the ocean. Naturally, Seby insisted on a bubble bath immediately. “Is this our honeymoon we didn’t know we were having?” he asked, champagne glass in hand. (No complaints from me.)
Days started with gourmet breakfasts and coffee on the terrace, followed by endless poolside lounging at the infinity pool. The pool bar? Iconic. We made fast friends with the bartender, who knew our cocktail orders by day two. Evenings were for themed dinners—Asian fusion one night, steakhouse the next—and entertainment that ranged from live music to shows that had just the right touch of campy fabulousness.
“Do you think I could live here?” Seby asked during one particularly gorgeous sunset. “As long as they keep the margaritas flowing,” I replied.
Puerto Vallarta’s gay-friendly energy was felt throughout the resort, with other LGBTQ+ couples mingling, relaxing, and celebrating life. Secrets Vallarta Bay isn’t just a resort—it’s an experience, perfect for gay couples craving luxury, romance, and a sprinkle of sass.
Prices at Secrets Vallart Bay Resort & Spa start from $670 per night:
07
Casa 567
In a nutshell
- Sweet hosts Mario and Keith
- Proximity to Emiliano Zapato Mercado
- Fully stocked media room and library
- Unique charms of each bedroom
Interested in staying at one of the original townhomes of Puerto Vallarta’s old town? Then you will adore gay Casa 567!
Mario and Keith, the passionate gay couple duo who own Casa 567, painstakingly restored this breathtaking residence back to its original glory before opening. Hand-painted murals on the inside and outside walls tell any guest or passerby that love lives within this four-story masterpiece.
Each room differs from the next, but they all retain a certain Mexican charm. While we find no faults with any of the lodgings, we would still likely spring for the Penthouse room on the third floor if given the option. I just can’t resist the temptation of an open-air shower and a natural stone bath existing in one place. Alternatively, if you’re traveling with a group of gay friends, the apartment on the first floor presents a great opportunity since it comes with two bedrooms, four beds, a full kitchen, a living room…and (hallelujah!!)…another natural stone bath.
Despite being 9 blocks away from Playa de los Muertos and Zona Romantica, there is no shortage of thrilling entertainment in the surrounding area. We highly suggest you venture out and experience the thriving Mexican market, Emiliano Zapata Mercado, especially since it is located right outside the doors of Casa 567. You will also be a mere 4 blocks away from sensational local bars and taco stands.
However, if you’re having a day where you’d like to hang back at the hotel, you will not be disappointed at all by the common areas in your B&B. Casa 567 has a rooftop pool, an open patio, a shared kitchen, a media room complete with a vast movie collection, and a well-stocked library.
Prices at Casa 567 start from $55 per night:
08
Piñata PV Gay Hotel
In a nutshell
- Gay clothing-optional resort
- Fun balls to toss around during pool parties
- Atmospheric rainbow lights outside
- Casual yet modern bedrooms
Seeking rural Mexico meets urban New York vibes for your hotel? Then, have I got the place for you! Piñata PV Gay Hotel combines cute, colorful decor with natural brick walls and vibrant vegetation to achieve a perfectly imperfect, quirky design.
During the day, Piñata Hotel probably seems like a casual, quiet place to hang out with friends, which is honestly pretty true, not that there's anything wrong with that!
Owners Ronnie and David cater to their guests in such a way that we genuinely felt like we were visiting the home of a few of our old acquaintances. The boys were always there to steer us in the right direction, from inviting us on exciting local tours to recommending their preferred restaurants. You will also be in a prime PV location – right in the heart of Zona Romantica and only a few minutes' walk away from Playa de los Muertos.
However, once the sun sets on this busy town, Piñata PV Gay Hotel lights up and transforms into party central. In fact, we recommend trying out a couple of gay bars before returning to the hotel for the evening. Because with how wild the crowd can get during the clothing-optional pool parties… You’re going to want to pre-game! The large pool and neighboring hot tub are the go-to spots for enjoying the fun-loving company of your fellow travelers, but if you’re interested in finding a more secluded location for you and your date, the rooftop gym and steam room are both fully available for all of your, er, cruising needs 🙂
Our stay at Piñata PV Gay Hotel was nothing but an overwhelmingly positive experience. No matter the time of day, when you visit this hotel, you will be on the receiving end of an astonishingly dependable and valuable adventure.
Prices at Piñata PV Gay Hotel start from $189 per night:
What to do in Puerto Vallarta?
It's not all about the gay partying in Puerto Vallarta (although sometimes it kinda is)! As well as beautiful beaches the city is filled with cultural delights and you're ideally situated to get up close to wildlife like dolphins. No matter what you like, there'll be plenty to entertain you…
Why trust our Puerto Vallarta gay hotel guide?
We've been visiting Puerto Vallarta for years and have stayed in many of the city's best gay hotels ourselves. We regularly revisit the destination, check in with local friends and hotel owners, and update this guide whenever properties open, close, or change. Our aim is always to recommend places we'd happily stay in ourselves.
Why trust our recommendations?
- We've been publishing LGBTQ+ travel guides on Nomadic Boys since 2013.
- We've visited Puerto Vallarta multiple times and know the gay scene inside out.
- Many of the hotels featured here are places we've personally stayed at or inspected ourselves.
- We regularly update this guide to reflect new openings, renovations, and changes in the local hotel scene.
- Every recommendation is made independently based on our own experiences and research, helping over 3 million LGBTQ+ travelers each year plan their trips.
- We're the authors of Out in the World: The Gay Guide to Travelling with Pride, published by Pavilion Books, sharing first-hand advice from our travels to LGBTQ+ destinations around the world. We have a dedicated section for Mexico and, of course, for Puerto Vallarta.
Read more travel adventures like this in our book!
We've published our very own gay travel book called, ‘Out in the World'. It has all our practical safety tips, first-hand advice, and travel stories from some of our favorite destinations.
We hope it inspires you to have a fun and safe trip!
Click on the book to order:
For more inspiration:
- Make sure you also check out our San Miguel de Allende gay guide
- Find out what it's like to grow up gay in Mexico in our interview with local boy Andres
- Another awesome place to check out in Mexico is the gorgeously gay friendly Riviera Maya
- As well as our gay country guide to Colombia
- Don't miss out on our guide to the beautiful seaside city of Cartagena while you're there
- As well as our gay city guide to Bogota, Colombia's capital
- We also have a gay guide to fabulous Medellin
- And make sure you check out the best gay bars in Medellin while you're there
