Garlands del Río is a charming boutique hotel that hugs the Cuale River at 367 Aquiles Serdan in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a cool combination of being close to the pulse of town, the Romantic Zone, but with the river and tropical foliage, you feel like you are off somewhere deep in the jungle. Well, call me Jungle Jane because I left my stress swinging on the vine while I enjoyed the river patio, gorgeous pool, and penthouse room all to myself!
When you enter the hotel, you come through a garden hallway; I realized that the plant-covered stone walls of the walkway are actually a portal. A portal into the hotel and a portal escape from the dusty and busy world outside.
I was greeted warmly by a front desk attendant and an icy cold margarita with chips and salsa, a welcoming detail that again helped to transition me into getaway/stay-cation mode.
I was impressed with the concierge service, armed and ready to share recommendations or help me get whatever I needed. The service was top-notch. Which was great, because my suitcase was heavy, and there were a lot of stairs to the 4th-floor penthouse.
My room, named Amelia, was lovely, with an inviting king-size bed, a black and white checkered floor, and a gorgeous balcony facing the river. The view framed by the emerald green leaves of the tall bank-side trees reached beyond the penthouse level and added to the teaming lushness of the location.
Garlands del Río exists in a traditional Mexican villa. The hotel gives you a great old-world Mexican feel with its red-tiled roof, lush gardens, and solid antique decor. The hotel has 19 rooms they describe as “true Vallartan style,” and each room has a name and personality.
The inviting courtyard is the location of their sapphire blue-tiled pool. With lounge chairs, a bar, and a stone fountain—you get the feeling that it was built for Roman nymphs. And I must admit, I met a few there splashing at the edge of the water.
Inside the hotel are dining rooms decorated with dark wood antique chairs and finely finished tables, while the walls are adorned with carefully selected art. If I were a pop star wanting to make a video where I play an eccentric millionaire, I’d film my music video in these rooms.
Outside on their long stretch of patio next to the Rio Cuale, I was excited to find the unique feature of a jacuzzi. What a perfect spot. You can soak in the tub while you soak in the surroundings. The river was clear and strong, unlike my head after my complimentary margarita. Chilling there amongst the garden and the cheeky river, I watched tropical birds flutter, iguanas munch on leaves, and a couple of kittens strolling down from the river island. It was so serene I forgot that the busy streets of town were just half a block away.
About three blocks away is their sister hotel, Rivera del Rio, at 104 Rivera del Rio, also in the Emiliano Zapata colony. The concierge recommended I walk over to enjoy a look around that hotel, famous for its 360-degree view of the river, jungle, and town. Another great location with a very different decor. The hotel interior is sophisticatedly decorated in a more opulent style. I also enjoyed a mescalita on the third-floor pool bar and was impressed with this unexpected location, not far from some fabulous restaurants and nightlife but facing the river and lush green hills of Gringo Gulch.
During my two-night stay at Garlands, I got to know a super sweet dog staying at the pet-friendly hotel. Seeing people on vacation with their pets made it feel even more homey and appealing.
My stay at Garlands del Río was an idyllic retreat that blended a casual rustic aesthetic with a relaxing and romantic ambiance. It was a jungle escape if the jungle had an OXXO just 40 meters from your door.
