CasaMagna Marriott, Marina Vallarta

In addition to the many gay-oriented small hotels and inns clustered around the Old Town (Zona Romantica) area, Puerto Vallarta has a number of large-scale, mainstream luxury resorts, many of them in the Marina Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta areas, north of the city center. One of the most gay-friendly of these is the snazzy CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, which occupies a spectacular stretch of sand and has stunning facilities, including a blissful pool area. You're unlikely to encounter too many other gay guests at this rambling ocean-front property that caters heavily to families, honeymooners, and conventioneers, and it's a 15-minute taxi ride from here to Zona Romantica's gay scene. However, if you're seeking luxurious rooms, polished amenities, sterling service, and a more contemporary, resort-style experience, the CasaMagna is an excellent choice. There's a top-notch spa on-site (the Ohtli Spa, opened in Feburary 2007), easy access to some of the top golf courses in the area, free parking, balconies or terraces with every room, and a handful of good restaurants.