Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway

I’ve been to Puerto Vallarta several times and usually stay in Zona Romántica or the main Hotel Zone. I prefer smaller, boutique hotels and was genuinely looking forward to this stay based on the reviews. I have to believe the 5-star reviews are either fake or for a different property, because this was one of the worst hotel experiences I’ve had. Dates of stay: December 27 – January 1 Room: 2412 I did NOT book an all-inclusive package. My wristband reflected this. This was a standard room booking, paid in full by me, with advertised amenities. What I booked: a deluxe king room overlooking the ocean with a kitchenette, parking, and access to the gym/property. What I got: a king room overlooking the ocean with access to the gym. What I did not get (or received instead): - A professional or welcoming check-in. There was no welcome drink, no overview of amenities, and I was not given Wi-Fi information. Instead, I was repeatedly questioned about why I was checking in alone and why a second guest “wasn’t coming.” I booked the room and paid with my own credit card. This fixation on whether there was a second guest continued throughout my stay and felt inappropriate and intrusive. - A functional and comfortable air-conditioning system. The AC did not work properly my first night. Maintenance took roughly two hours to address it, only for me to learn the temperature had been locked so the room would not cool. Once running, the unit was extremely loud and disruptive. The vent had visible dust trails and buildup. I asked that the filter be changed. It was not. The vent was not cleaned, the filter was not changed, and the AC never fully worked for the remainder of my stay. - The kitchenette that was advertised. It did not exist. No utensils, plates, or cookware. Just three empty cabinets. - Basic amenities expected at a so-called 5-star hotel. There was no complimentary water or coffee/tea, and the hotel does not filter its water, which is standard at comparable properties in Puerto Vallarta. - A usable gym. Multiple pieces of equipment were broken. - Reasonable or clearly disclosed guest policies. My very first interaction with door staff was being told that guests were not allowed in my room, despite this not being an all-inclusive booking and despite this rule never being disclosed at booking or check-in. This is highly unusual for a non-all-inclusive hotel and something I have never experienced elsewhere. - Respect for guests and their visitors. The two friends who came to pick me up each day were repeatedly stopped, blocked, or chased down by door staff. They were prevented from entering the lobby, denied use of the lobby bathroom, and treated rudely until I physically appeared. Even when I did, door staff would step in front of me to interrogate me about who I was with and what my plans were. On December 31, I was told for the first time that in order for my friends to even sit with me in the lobby, I would need to purchase a day pass for them. This was never disclosed beforehand. Hotels typically welcome people into their lobby. It is the first impression of the property. Harassing or intimidating guests and their visitors is not hospitality. - Use of the parking spot that came with my room. I was told I could not use the parking because my friends drove the car, even though we rented it together and they were driving so I would not be alone at night. - Inappropriate questioning at checkout. At checkout, Julio asked whether my “second guest” would be checking out with me. This question was unnecessary, irrelevant, and part of a recurring pattern throughout my stay. There was no second registered guest, and my booking did not require one. - Unauthorized charges. I was charged a “donation” for a music group without my consent. It was only removed after I insisted. I also had to insist on receiving a checkout folio showing all charges and the final balance, which is standard practice at every hotel. What made this experience even more jarring is that on my final day, the staff suddenly became overly friendly and accommodating. The contrast was striking and did not undo the prior days of poor treatment. This behavior was not isolated or subjective. Two friends and, on the final day, their uncle were all witnesses to and targets of the same treatment. All three have since told others not to stay here. I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience deserves to be documented. A hotel charging luxury prices should offer transparency, basic amenities, and respectful treatment of both guests and their visitors. This property failed on all counts. I strongly recommend staying elsewhere.

The tequila tasting and food pairing experience with Enrique at Villa Premiere was remarkable! His passion and knowledge of agave spirits is amazing and he guided us through a selection of mezcal and tequila, explaining the unique characteristics and process of each. The food pairing was a standout, featuring gourmet pairings designed to complement the spirits. We’ve cried at one point because it was so good! We’ve been coming to Villa Premiere for 15 years and always look forward to this experience. Enrique is a charismatic host who makes everyone feel welcome. Whether you are new to this type of experience or an enthusiast, his passion makes this a memorable experience. For anyone looking to experience a blend of culinary skill and tequila, go see Enrique at Villa Premiere!

The property is beautiful and the service is impeccable. Two staff members were extraordinary. Paul oversaw the pool area and made sure everyone had a chair as well as all the comfort available. We would return just for the enjoyment of the pool service. Tammy, concierge, assisted from the moment we arrived the the last detail of the trip. We will be returning!

Overall, a mediocre experience. We opted to splurge a bit for our honeymoon (23 December 2025 to 29 December 2025), specifically for the all-inclusive package with an advertised on-balcony Jacuzzi at an adults-only (18+) resort. 1. There is an optional "sales" presentation that is essentially, still a timeshare for nights to be purchased. Not too pushy, but it was not pleasant either! You'll need to make a "reservation" with one of the sales team, who will ask for a $20 USD cash deposit to secure your spot. If you bring two (2) credit cards to the sales pitch - the salesperson gets more incentive? But don't worry, they only mark the logo (VISA / MasterCard / Discover / AMEX) and the expiration date. 2. The property is showing its age (~1999?), which is why renovations are in talks. Hence the "investment opportunities" that are available to secure your future vacations for up to 10-20 years. 3. The Jacuzzi is more of an outside bathtub. The water is as warm as the tap allows. The honeymoon suite is the only room type available with this option. All other types is JUST a bathtub with jets. 4. The drink menus need to be updated - most were tequila and rum based. Understandably because of the locally sourced, but I'm a vodka and whiskey (whisky) kind of girl! 5. We were specifically looking for adults only resorts, which is why we went with Villa Premiere. The sister property (Buenaventura Grand) is right next door and is family-friendly (read: LOUD). 6. The beaches did NOT have the white, soft, sandy allure. It was very rocky and usually overrun with kids, peddlers, and random travelers just walking along the coast.

The service at Villa Premier of top notch! Paul kept everything at the pool running smoothly. Jorge checked in regularly without being too frequent, just really turned in to when guess might want another drink or food from the pool menu. Luis at La Perla was a great bartender as well. The restaurants on site are solid. If you want to switch it up and do something different there's lots of options just a short walk away The pools we kept warm but not unenjoyably so. No cold shock getting in either. More resorts should keep their pools warmed a little bit. Rooms were kept clean with service multiple times a day, and the property was over all kept very tidy.