Avenida Mexico 1301, Puerto Vallarta, JAL, 48350, Mexico
resort comparison guide

Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments vs Hotel Riu Jalisco

Choosing between Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments and Hotel Riu Jalisco? This in-depth comparison breaks down location, vibe, rooms, food, nightlife, price & more so you can decide which resort is the best fit for your next all-inclusive getaway.

Buenaventura Grand Hotel and Great Moments all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta with oceanfront pool deck and downtown location.
Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments
All-Ages • Downtown Puerto Vallarta • Beachfront

Best for travelers who want a boutique-style all-inclusive in the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta with walkable access to the Malecón, local restaurants, and authentic Mexican culture.

Hotel Riu Jalisco family-friendly beachfront all-inclusive resort in Nuevo Vallarta with large pool complex.
Hotel Riu Jalisco
All-Ages • Nuevo Vallarta • Large-Scale Resort

Better for families and groups who want a larger-scale all-inclusive in Nuevo Vallarta with expansive pools, a kids' club, and a self-contained resort atmosphere.

Quick Verdict: Buenaventura Grand vs Hotel Riu Jalisco

If you want a boutique-style all-inclusive with a prime downtown Puerto Vallarta location, Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments is typically the better pick—especially for travelers who value walkable access to the Malecón, local culture, and a more intimate resort atmosphere.

If your priority is a larger-scale resort with extensive pools and a self-contained vacation experience, Hotel Riu Jalisco usually comes out ahead—particularly for families who want kids' programming, more on-site activities, and a Nuevo Vallarta beachfront setting.

Bottom line: choose Buenaventura Grand for a downtown Puerto Vallarta escape with authentic local access, and choose Riu Jalisco for a bigger resort experience with more amenities in Nuevo Vallarta.

Buenaventura Grand vs Hotel Riu Jalisco – At a Glance

Category Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments Hotel Riu Jalisco
Overall Vibe Boutique-style all-inclusive with a prime downtown Puerto Vallarta location, beachfront setting, and easy access to local culture and the Malecón.
Best for Local Access
Large-scale all-inclusive resort in Nuevo Vallarta with expansive pools, a self-contained atmosphere, and family-friendly programming.
Best for Resort Amenities
Location Downtown Puerto Vallarta, steps from the Malecón boardwalk, local shops, restaurants, and the authentic heart of the city. Nuevo Vallarta, a planned resort corridor north of Puerto Vallarta with a quieter, more resort-focused beach setting.
Rooms & Suites Comfortable rooms and suites with ocean or city views, suited for couples and families who want a more intimate property. Larger room inventory with various categories, swim-out options, and accommodations designed for families and groups.
Dining On-site restaurants plus the advantage of walking to dozens of local Puerto Vallarta dining options beyond the resort. Multiple on-site restaurants and bars with more variety within the resort, though less access to off-property dining.
Pools & Beach Beachfront pool deck with ocean views, a more intimate pool atmosphere, and direct beach access in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Expansive pool complex with multiple pools, water features, and a Nuevo Vallarta beach setting with more pool variety.
Kids & Family Welcomes families with children's facilities available, though the resort has a more relaxed, boutique atmosphere overall. Dedicated kids' club with supervised activities, more family-focused programming, and amenities designed for children.
Price & Value Best value for travelers who want downtown location, local culture access, and a more intimate resort experience. Best value for families who want extensive on-site amenities, larger pools, and a self-contained resort vacation.

Rooms & Suites: Boutique Comfort vs Large-Scale Resort

Buenaventura Grand – Room Style

Rooms and suites at Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments offer a comfortable, boutique-style atmosphere with views of the ocean or downtown Puerto Vallarta, suited for travelers who prefer a more intimate property.

  • Ocean-view and city-view room options available
  • More personal feel with a smaller property footprint
  • Ideal for couples and families who want downtown convenience

Buenaventura Grand is the better pick if you want a cozier resort with walkable access to Puerto Vallarta's best attractions.

Hotel Riu Jalisco – Room Style

Hotel Riu Jalisco offers a larger room inventory with more category options, including swim-out rooms—ideal for families and groups who want more space and resort-style accommodations.

  • More room categories and configurations available
  • Swim-out room options for direct pool access
  • Best for travelers who want a bigger resort with more room choices

If you want more room variety, swim-out access, and a larger-scale resort experience, Riu Jalisco is usually the stronger fit.

Dining & Drinks: Local Access vs On-Site Variety

Buenaventura Grand – Restaurants & Bars

Dining at Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments includes on-site restaurants plus the unique advantage of being steps from Puerto Vallarta's vibrant local dining scene.

Expect:

  • On-site all-inclusive dining options
  • Walking distance to local taquerias, seafood spots, and fine dining
  • Best for travelers who want to explore beyond the resort

Hotel Riu Jalisco – Restaurants & Bars

Hotel Riu Jalisco offers a larger selection of on-site restaurants and bars, providing more dining variety within the resort for guests who prefer a self-contained experience.

  • Multiple themed restaurants and buffet options
  • More bars and lounges throughout the property
  • Ideal if you want more on-site dining choices

If you prefer staying on-property with more restaurant variety, Riu Jalisco is usually the better match.

Pools & Beach: Downtown Beachfront vs Expansive Pool Complex

Buenaventura Grand – Pool & Beach Scene

Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments features a beachfront pool deck with ocean views and a more intimate pool atmosphere in the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta.

  • Oceanfront pool with views of Banderas Bay
  • Direct beach access from the property
  • Best for travelers who want a downtown beach setting

Hotel Riu Jalisco – Pool & Beach Scene

Hotel Riu Jalisco offers an expansive pool complex with multiple pools, water features, and more space for families and groups to spread out.

  • Multiple pools with more variety and water features
  • Nuevo Vallarta beach setting with a resort corridor atmosphere
  • Better for travelers who want extensive pool amenities

If you want bigger pools, more variety, and a larger-scale beach resort experience, Riu Jalisco usually wins.

Kids & Family: Boutique Atmosphere vs Dedicated Programming

Buenaventura Grand – Family Experience

Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments welcomes families with children's facilities available, though the resort maintains a more relaxed, boutique atmosphere overall.

  • Family-friendly with facilities for children
  • More intimate setting suited for families who enjoy exploring
  • Great for families who want local Puerto Vallarta experiences

Hotel Riu Jalisco – Family Experience

Hotel Riu Jalisco offers dedicated kids' club programming with supervised activities, making it a stronger choice for families with children who want structured entertainment.

  • Kids' club with supervised activities and programming
  • More family-focused amenities throughout the resort
  • Better for families who want on-site kids' entertainment

If you're traveling with kids who'll benefit from dedicated programming, Riu Jalisco offers more structured family activities.

Price & Value: Which Puerto Vallarta All-Inclusive Feels More Worth It?

Buenaventura Grand – Value Snapshot

Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments offers the most value when you want downtown Puerto Vallarta location, local culture access, and a more intimate resort experience.

  • Best for travelers who want to explore beyond the resort
  • Great if you value walkable access to the Malecón and local dining
  • Strong value for couples and families who prioritize authenticity

Hotel Riu Jalisco – Value Snapshot

Hotel Riu Jalisco is the better value if your priorities are extensive on-site amenities, larger pools, and dedicated kids' programming.

  • Best for families who want a self-contained resort vacation
  • Stronger for travelers who prefer staying on-property
  • Worth it if you want more dining variety and pool options

Who Wins? Best Puerto Vallarta All-Inclusive by Travel Style

Best for Culture & Local Exploration
Buenaventura Grand Hotel and Great Moments all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta with oceanfront pool deck and downtown location.

Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments

Choose Buenaventura Grand if you want walkable access to the Malecón, local restaurants, and the authentic heart of Puerto Vallarta.

Best for Families with Kids
Hotel Riu Jalisco family-friendly beachfront all-inclusive resort in Nuevo Vallarta with large pool complex.

Hotel Riu Jalisco

Riu Jalisco is the better pick for families who want dedicated kids' programming, expansive pools, and a self-contained resort experience.

Best for Couples & Romance
Buenaventura Grand Hotel and Great Moments all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta with oceanfront pool deck and downtown location.

Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments

For couples who want romantic strolls on the Malecón, local dining discoveries, and a more intimate resort atmosphere, Buenaventura Grand delivers.

Best for All-Day Resort Fun
Hotel Riu Jalisco family-friendly beachfront all-inclusive resort in Nuevo Vallarta with large pool complex.

Hotel Riu Jalisco

If you want extensive pools, more on-site dining, and a larger resort atmosphere, Riu Jalisco offers more amenities to enjoy without leaving the property.

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Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments

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