Paseo De Los Cocoteros No 18, Nuevo Vallarta, NAY, 63732, Mexico
Contact: +1 (888) 605-1350
honest review
Is Occidental Nuevo Vallarta Worth It? Honest Review (Pros, Cons & Who It's Best For)
Trying to decide whether Occidental Nuevo Vallarta is worth booking? This in-depth guide breaks down the resort’s biggest pros and cons, including its beachfront setting, all-inclusive dining, pools, Royal Level perks, kids’ facilities, entertainment, and overall value—so you can see where it shines and where expectations matter. Whether you are traveling as a family, couple, or mixed-age group, this honest review shows who the resort suits best and when an upgrade may be worthwhile.
Planning your stay guide
Wondering "Is Occidental Nuevo Vallarta worth it?" This honest review explains the real value of this all-inclusive resort in Riviera Nayarit—what's amazing, what's not, and who it's best for (families, couples seeking beach access, and travelers who want Pacific coast proximity to Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita).
Quick verdict:
Yes—Occidental Nuevo Vallarta is worth it if you want a beachfront all-inclusive resort in Riviera Nayarit with solid amenities, family-friendly facilities, and convenient access to Puerto Vallarta's dining and culture. It's less ideal if you want ultra-luxury experiences, boutique intimacy, or prefer Caribbean-side Cancún/Riviera Maya locations over Pacific coast settings.
Best for: families + couples
Best vibe: beachfront comfort + accessibility
Best length: 4–6 nights
Not ideal for: ultra-luxury seekers
Tip: This resort's signature appeal is "Riviera Nayarit beachfront + family-friendly value"—perfect for travelers who want Pacific coast access with Puerto Vallarta proximity.
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Explore the resort
Continue planning your stay at Occidental Nuevo Vallarta with these quick guides. Explore room categories including Royal Level options, browse restaurants and bars, preview activities and family amenities, and learn about the spa, weddings, and meeting spaces—so you can book the best experience for your Riviera Nayarit getaway.
Is Occidental Nuevo Vallarta Worth It?
For most travelers looking for a beachfront all-inclusive resort in Riviera Nayarit, Occidental Nuevo Vallarta is worth it because it delivers solid fundamentals: Pacific Ocean beach access, proximity to Puerto Vallarta's cultural attractions and dining scene, family-friendly facilities including kids' programs, multiple dining options, and room upgrades like Royal Level that enhance the all-inclusive experience—all at a price point that offers good value for the amenities provided.
Worth it if you want…
- Beachfront location on Riviera Nayarit's Pacific coast
- Easy access to Puerto Vallarta's restaurants, culture, and Malecón boardwalk
- Family-friendly facilities with kids' programs and activities
- Multiple dining options including specialty restaurants and bars
- Room upgrade options like Royal Level for enhanced service and amenities
- Proximity to Sayulita, Punta Mita, and other Nayarit attractions
Not worth it if you want…
- Ultra-luxury boutique resort experiences with high-end finishes
- Caribbean-style turquoise water (Pacific has different color/wave patterns)
- Complete isolation from other travelers or resort activity
- Walkable beach town setting (resort is in hotel corridor)
- Adults-only exclusivity throughout the entire property
Best-trip formula: Book 4–6 nights, plan 1-2 off-site activities (Puerto Vallarta food tour, Sayulita day trip, or whale watching in season), and balance resort beach time with exploring the destination's local flavor.
Occidental Nuevo Vallarta Pros & Cons (Honest Breakdown)
Top pros
- Pacific Ocean beachfront location with direct beach access
- Proximity to Puerto Vallarta (20-30 minutes) for cultural excursions and dining
- Family-friendly facilities including kids' clubs and activities
- Multiple dining venues: Le Buffet, Los Olivos, El Mariachi, Tokyo, Royal Level Restaurant, and Lounge Bar
- Royal Level upgrade options provide enhanced service and exclusive amenities
- Good value pricing for beachfront all-inclusive in this destination
- Access to Riviera Nayarit attractions like Sayulita and Punta Mita
Top cons
- Pacific Ocean waves can be stronger than Caribbean calm waters
- Not ultra-luxury tier—more value-focused than high-end boutique experience
- Some rooms may show wear typical of established properties
- Restaurant reservations may be needed during peak times
- If you prefer Caribbean turquoise water, this Pacific coast setting differs visually
- Resort corridor location means less authentic beach town immersion
What to Expect at Occidental Nuevo Vallarta
This section covers what travelers actually search for: Riviera Nayarit location benefits, beach and ocean experience, dining variety, room categories, and whether the beachfront setting delivers good value for your Pacific coast vacation.
The location advantage
Occidental Nuevo Vallarta's Riviera Nayarit position gives you the best of both worlds: beachfront resort relaxation plus convenient access to Puerto Vallarta's authentic culture, restaurants, and attractions. The area offers more local flavor than isolated resort-only experiences.
- Best for: travelers who want resort amenities + destination exploration
- Distance to Puerto Vallarta: 20-30 minutes by taxi or shuttle
- Day trip access: Sayulita (30 min), Punta Mita (40 min), San Pancho (35 min)
- Tip: plan at least one evening in Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romántica for dining
Beach & Pacific Ocean experience
Expect Pacific Ocean beachfront with golden sand and more wave action than Caribbean destinations. The beach is beautiful but different from Cancún/Riviera Maya—waves are typically stronger, water is bluer-gray rather than turquoise, and sunsets over the water are spectacular.
- Ocean conditions: waves suitable for bodysurfing, more active than calm Caribbean
- Swimming: good for confident swimmers; kids may prefer pool depending on wave size
- Best feature: direct Pacific sunset views from the beach and resort
- Tip: morning beach time offers calmest ocean conditions
Dining & drinks
Occidental Nuevo Vallarta offers six dining and bar venues covering buffet, international, Mexican, and Asian cuisines. The variety provides good rotation options, and Royal Level guests enjoy access to an exclusive restaurant with elevated service.
- Restaurants: Le Buffet (buffet), Los Olivos (international), El Mariachi (Mexican), Tokyo (Asian), Royal Level Restaurant (exclusive)
- Bar: Lounge Bar for cocktails and evening drinks
- Best strategy: rotate between specialty restaurants and revisit favorites
- Tip: Royal Level Restaurant offers more intimate dining if you book that tier
Rooms & accommodations
The resort offers five room categories: Royal Level Junior Suite, Deluxe Room, Royal Level Luxury Room, Deluxe Room Ocean View, and Junior Suite. Royal Level options include enhanced amenities, exclusive access, and upgraded service.
- Entry option: Deluxe Room provides solid all-inclusive value
- Ocean view upgrade: worth it for sunset and Pacific views
- Royal Level: best for travelers wanting enhanced service and exclusive dining
- Tip: junior suites offer more space for families or longer stays
How to Decide If It's Worth It (Fast Value Checklist)
| Question | If "yes"… | If "no"… |
|---|---|---|
| Do you want Pacific coast beach access? | Occidental Nuevo Vallarta delivers beachfront location. | Caribbean destinations offer calmer, turquoise water. |
| Will you explore Puerto Vallarta during your trip? | Proximity makes cultural excursions and dining easy. | If staying resort-only, location advantage is less relevant. |
| Are you traveling with children? | Family facilities and kids' programs enhance value. | Adults-only resorts may better suit couples-only trips. |
| Is value pricing important for your budget? | This resort offers solid all-inclusive value. | Ultra-luxury seekers should budget for higher-tier properties. |
| Do you want Royal Level enhanced amenities? | Royal Level upgrades provide exclusive benefits and dining. | Standard rooms deliver core all-inclusive experience. |
Tips to Make Your Stay Feel More "Worth It"
Book the optimal length of stay
Most travelers maximize value at 4–6 nights. This gives you time to enjoy the resort's beach and pools, experience multiple restaurants, explore Puerto Vallarta's culture and dining scene, and potentially take one day trip to Sayulita or Punta Mita for surf towns and local flavor.
- 3-4 nights = quick Pacific coast beach getaway
- 5-6 nights = ideal balance of resort relaxation + Puerto Vallarta exploration
- 7+ nights = maximum beach time with multiple excursion opportunities
Use the Puerto Vallarta proximity strategically
Don't just stay at the resort—leverage the Puerto Vallarta access. Plan at least one evening in the Zona Romántica for authentic Mexican dining, walk the Malecón boardwalk, or take a Puerto Vallarta food tour. The destination's culture adds significant value to the trip.
- Evening trip: Zona Romántica for dinner and Malecón sunset walk
- Day trips: Sayulita for surf culture, San Pancho for art galleries
- Activities: whale watching (Dec-March), zip-lining, tequila tasting
- Best balance: 60% resort time, 40% exploring the region
Occidental Nuevo Vallarta vs. Caribbean Resorts: Location Comparison
One of the most common questions: "Should I choose Pacific coast Riviera Nayarit or Caribbean Riviera Maya?" Here's how Occidental Nuevo Vallarta's Pacific location compares to Caribbean resort destinations.
Occidental Nuevo Vallarta (Pacific/Riviera Nayarit)
- 20-30 min to Puerto Vallarta culture and dining
- Pacific Ocean beach with wave action and golden sand
- Spectacular sunsets over the ocean
- Access to authentic Mexican culture and local flavor
- Best for: travelers who want destination exploration + resort amenities
- Day trip options: Sayulita, Punta Mita, San Pancho, whale watching
Caribbean Resorts (Cancún/Riviera Maya)
- Turquoise, calm water with white-sand beaches
- Typically calmer ocean conditions for swimming
- Sunrise views over the ocean
- Mayan ruins and cenotes as primary cultural attractions
- Best for: travelers prioritizing calm water and beach-focused stays
- Day trip options: Tulum ruins, cenotes, Playa del Carmen
Quick recommendation: Choose Occidental Nuevo Vallarta if you want Pacific sunsets, Puerto Vallarta cultural access, and don't mind more active ocean waves. Choose Caribbean resorts if calm turquoise water and white-sand beaches are your top priority.
FAQ: Is Occidental Nuevo Vallarta Worth It?
Is Occidental Nuevo Vallarta worth it for families?
Yes—the resort offers family-friendly facilities including kids' programs and activities. The beachfront location, multiple pools, and variety of dining options make it a solid choice for families. Royal Level Junior Suites provide extra space for families needing more room.
Is Occidental Nuevo Vallarta worth it for couples?
Yes, especially for couples who want Pacific beach access with proximity to Puerto Vallarta's romantic dining and culture. Royal Level options offer more intimate experiences with exclusive dining and enhanced service. Sunset views over the Pacific Ocean create beautiful romantic moments.
What's the best length of stay at Occidental Nuevo Vallarta?
4–6 nights is optimal for most travelers. This length allows you to enjoy the resort's beach and pools, experience multiple restaurants, explore Puerto Vallarta's culture and dining, and potentially include one day trip to Sayulita or Punta Mita while still feeling relaxed rather than rushed.
How does Occidental Nuevo Vallarta compare to Caribbean all-inclusives?
The main difference is Pacific Ocean vs. Caribbean Sea. Occidental Nuevo Vallarta offers more wave action, golden-sand beaches, Pacific sunsets, and closer proximity to Puerto Vallarta's authentic culture. Caribbean resorts typically have calmer turquoise water, white-sand beaches, and access to Mayan ruins and cenotes instead.
When is Occidental Nuevo Vallarta NOT worth it?
It may not be worth it if you want ultra-luxury boutique experiences, prefer Caribbean calm turquoise water over Pacific waves, need adults-only exclusivity throughout the property, or want a more intimate small-scale resort rather than a larger property with more guests.
Is Royal Level worth the upgrade at Occidental Nuevo Vallarta?
For travelers who value enhanced service, exclusive dining access, and upgraded amenities, Royal Level is worth considering. The Royal Level Restaurant, priority service, and exclusive benefits add value—especially for couples celebrating special occasions or travelers who want a more refined experience within the resort.
Can you walk to Puerto Vallarta from Occidental Nuevo Vallarta?
No, Puerto Vallarta is approximately 20-30 minutes by taxi or shuttle. The resort is located in the hotel corridor of Riviera Nayarit, not in the heart of Puerto Vallarta's town center. However, taxis and resort transportation make access easy for evening dining trips or day excursions to the city.