Casa Velas — Hotel in Jalisco

Overall, we were pretty disappointed with Casa Velas given our high expectations and the price. We took a chance based on the amazing online reviews and because Google erroneously reports Casa Velas as a 5-star resort. It's not - it's 4 stars. For the price, we found Garza Blanca, which is ACTUALLY a 5-star resort, to be far superior in nearly every way.

The Good: The staff is super nice and friendly. We had a pleasant check-in experience and the fancy juice handed to us upon arrival was a luxurious touch. We enjoyed the mojito making experience as well as the evening singing entertainment. I loved the turtle pond out front and the peacock roaming the grounds. We absolutely loved the freshly made donuts every morning! The resort never felt crowded, which was really nice. We were usually the only ones swimming in the pool. The resort is super close to the airport, which is convenient. Nice selection of pillows/bedding to suit your tastes.

The Bad: *The room was sub-par, with bizarre/low-quality furnishings. Our room had two double beds rather than one queen bed, which the resort was unable to change for us. There was no view from the room. We were excited about the hot tub on our balcony, but became disappointed when we realized it was far too cold to actually use. The bathroom only had a shower, no bathtub. For the same price, we had a MASSIVE one-bedroom suite complete with living room and kitchen at Garza Blanca with unobstructed views directly on the ocean. It had a huge Jacuzzi soaking tub in addition to separate shower in the bathroom. *The nicest way to describe the food at Casa Velas is "hit or miss". Two or three of the items we ordered during our stay were truly 5-star quality, including the ahi tacos and the warm soups (seafood and asparagus/avocado). We also enjoyed the shrimp burrito at Emiliano's. From there, the food went downhill pretty quickly. The main dinner courses at Emiliano's were mediocre despite their beautiful presentation. The quality reminded me of what you'd expect at a Red Lobster. While meals included delicious ingredients such as filet, prawns and lobster, they were extremely over-cooked and drenched in butter/oil. The in-suite service was a complete disaster. None of the staff seems to know what is listed on the menu and acted very confused every time we'd try to order something from it. After being told the 4th item we requested wasn't available, we switched tactics and asked what WAS available. The operator then rattled off a number of items that weren't listed on the menu at all. Beyond the fiasco we encountered during EVERY order attempt, the food that eventually arrived inevitably didn't match what we'd ordered. During our stay, it became a running joke that we'd encounter at least one problem at every meal and we'd try to guess what it would be this time. At least 80% of the meals we had at Casa Velas encountered an issue in some way - and often multiple issues - either we got something different than what was ordered, items were forgotten, they were out of something, etc. etc. The only exception was the Beach Club where we didn't encounter issues - but we only had one meal and a few cocktails there. *I knew this going into it, but Casa Velas isn't on the beach. There is a private "beach club" you can go to by shuttle or 10 minute walk. I didn't think this was going to be a big deal but it was a bit of a bummer not to see the ocean from our room or the main grounds. Having to plan when to go to the beach and not being able to quickly go between the beach and our room was slightly inconvenient. *I was expecting a lot more activities and things to do at the resort. There were cocktail evenings and one yoga class during the whole week. At Garza Blanca, the list of activities is much more extensive and included things like free snorkel and paddleboard rentals. By the end of our stay I was ready to leave because we were so bored.

If you're under the age of 70 and don't consider Red Lobster to be a high-end culinary experience, you should really consider...

My partner and I had an absolutely fantastic experience from arrival to check-out. Not only is the property beautiful at Casa Velas, but so are the staff and the energy as a whole. We arrived at check-in to a complimentary head and neck massage, which was wonderful after traveling all morning. We left check-in with an incredible tequila cocktail made with fresh juices and all of our luggage was taken off of our hands by the concierge as we were led to our Jr.Master Suite. The door opened and we were hit with incredible aromatherapy - citrus, verbena, lily scents. The balcony off our room was an excellent hang out spot to watch and listen to all of the birds, mostly great kiskadees, in the mornings. In the evenings, we sat out and watched the fruit bats feeding at dusk. Suite service for a few meals was an awesome experience, and very easy to order. The delivery was fantastic, as they don't just leave the cart for you, they ask to be invited in to set up food service at the dining table in the room. We were impressed with not only the quality and taste of the food we ordered for room service, but also the top notch presentation. The food was fresh and delivered at an edible temperature - for hot and cold alike.

We also enjoyed several meals for lunch and dinner at the on-site restaurant, Emiliano. Another incredible experience with not only the food, but also the service. A major detail we noticed about every single meal, including pool-side and beach-side service, are the portion sizes - they were perfect! Enough food to feel fed and comfortable, not over stuffed or leaving hungry whatsoever.

The whole vibe of Casa Velas is exceptional - we felt relaxed, quiet, comfortable, and totally taken care of in every way possible, It was awesome! We spent the majority of our time at the pool, as it was very hot (heat index above 100F) and the palm trees on the property provided ample shade. Ulises was our main host, and was an exceptional representation of the hospitality we received at Casa Velas. Pool-side service was awesome - service directly to your cabana is wonderful. Juan, Ramon, and Ulises will notice you sit down and before you know it, you have a menu and within minutes your first beverage - whether it be our favorite, club soda with lime, or one of the amazing craft cocktails listed on the drink menu. The staff really becomes very in-tune with needs and habits of the guests, it legit felt like a movie so many times.

All of this hospitality is felt at Tau Beach club as well. Pool-side and beach-side service was exceptional. Tau has beautiful views of the ocean and mountains, cabanas set up and ready for you to enjoy the beach breeze. We had beach-side lunch, some club sodas, and a couple virgin mojitos. Tau is also great for a sunset dinner, the menu is incredible.

My partner and I worked hard at speaking Spanish as much as possible with staff in order to help them feel as comfortable with us as we did with them. This was so great as we were all taking turns learning Spanish and English together - such a beautiful symbiosis. We spent most of our time at the pool with Ulises, and we all exchanged favorite music selections and got to know one another. Again, an amazing connection of 2 different cultures appreciating and learning from each other. Not just a guest to staff relationship, but a real human connection. Very rare to experience on a resort vacation! Can't wait to go...

🌟 Hotel Review: A Perfect 5-Star Experience from Start to Finish

From the moment we arrived at this stunning property, we knew we were in for an unforgettable experience. Everything—from the check-in process to the moment we checked out—was flawless.

🏨 Stay & Comfort: 10/10

The room was impeccably clean, spacious, and elegantly decorated with modern touches. Casa Velas offers elegantly spacious suites—from Master Suites to expansive Ambassador Suites—many featuring private plunge pools or Jacuzzis, terraces, marble bathrooms, and original Mexican artwork for that boutique, cultural touch.

Guests can enjoy premium in-room amenities like goose-down comforters, Molton Brown or L’Occitane bath products, Nespresso machines, minibar stocked with snacks, ceiling fans, and personalized touches like tea deliveries.

💰 Price: Excellent Value for Money

While the hotel is in the luxury category, it offered exceptional value compared to others in the area. There were no hidden charges, and every dollar felt well-spent for the level of service and amenities provided.

🛎️ Service: Beyond Expectations

The staff deserves a special mention. Every team member—from the front desk to room service to concierge—was professional, warm, and genuinely attentive. They remembered our names, offered great local recommendations, and went above and beyond (even arranging a surprise cake when we left at no extra cost). The attention to detail and hospitality were unmatched.

🏊 Amenities: Everything You Could Ask For

Pool & Garden: Relax in the large free-form pool with swim-up bar, surrounded by lush gardens, koi ponds, and peacocks roaming freely. Beach Club: Exclusive VIP access to the Táu Beach Club featuring a coastal pool, jacuzzi, restaurants, bars, and beach loungers—with complimentary shuttle rides. Spa & Wellness: The ABJA Spa offers healing hydrotherapy circuits, massages, facials, steam rooms, and even wellness cabanas with aromatherapy, meditation aids, and personal touches available for added serenity. Fitness & Activities: A fully equipped gym with garden views, yoga sessions, mixology classes, guided meditation, and other enriching experiences. Dining: Emiliano, the on-site restaurant, serves refined Mexican cuisine with attentive service in a stylish setting. Additional dining and sunset views are available at the beach club and sister resort. Extras: Boutique shopping, concierge and tour assistance, golf privileges, valet parking, medical services, beauty salon, and 24-hour room/laundry services.

⭐ Final Verdict: 5/5 Stars

This hotel redefines hospitality and luxury. Whether you’re here for business, romance, or a relaxing getaway, it ticks every box. We left already planning our return. Highly recommended without hesitation! Casa Velas feels like your private hacienda—luxurious, peaceful, and rich in Mexican charm. Though not the cheapest option in Puerto Vallarta, its inclusive pricing, top-tier service, romantic ambiance, and elevated amenities deliver exceptional value. This resort is especially perfect for couples, solo travelers, and anyone seeking high-end relaxation with thoughtful...