From reception to the rooms the hotel is very clean and comfortable. Very close to everything. Beach, Bars, Restaurants, Shopping. I will not stay anywhere else in Vallarta. Not to mention the great pool and hot tub!

When my partner told me that he had booked a gay hotel in Puerto Vallarta, I wasn't entirely sure what we might find when we got there. I usually choose our hotels. But I was pleasantly surprised.

When we arrived, our suite was reassigned so that we would face the beach --we didn't ask about it or grumble, they just changed it for us. We found ourselves in a one bedroom suite that was VERY large, nicely cooled, and with a well-equipped kitchen, a clean bath, and two terraces. We and our computers were perfectly comfortable throughout our stay.

The hotel is smallish, seven levels I think. There are no Norma Desmond staircases or grand fixtures in the lobby, but this will be familiar enough if you have stayed at small urban hotels in Europe. All of the staff were courteous and responsive to requests, from the housekeepers to Luis (an owner) to the barkeep behind the lobby bar. We didn't have any complaints about the service.

The location is nice. Calle Pulpito is quiet. The gay beach is very close. The popular bars are close as well. We stumbled home from them every night on foot without getting lost once. Small grocery and liquor stores are nearby, along with numerous restaurants and bank ATMs.

When I visited this page to write my review, the subject line of the most recent review caught my eye: “Hated this Hotel” I read the whole thing, and I won't presume to know what sort of hotel experience that reviewer is accustomed to. Maybe he expected the Peninsula at this price point? It's not the Peninsula. But it was clean, comfortable and safe, and we had a great week there.

Also note that the term "gay-friendly" is well understood all over the world. It does not mean that heterosexuals are not allowed to register as guests. That would be rather silly, not to mention impractical to evaluate at the front desk. It means that it is inclusive. Friendly to gay people, but welcoming to all people who are accepting of diverse lifestyles.

No disrespect intended to Mr. tabirdman.

Date: April 9, 2008
Reviewer: Brian from Tulsa, OK

The 5 nights we stayed at the Abbey were great! We were welcomed by Luis and offered a complimentary cocktail upon arrival. YUM. Very convenient to Ritmos Beach where the awesome service continues. The Abbey was also close to great restaurants, night life & shops. The large clean guest rooms were nice, the beds were not the pillowtop mattresses that we have at home but when you pass out each night it doesnt matter. But a great home away from home. Usually, do not do the same vacation spot twice. But, we will definitely be back. Thank you Luis and Staff

See you next year.

Brian & Corbin

We did not like this hotel and will not come back.

The staff at the Abbey Hotel do not go out of their way to make you feel at home in this beautiful beach resort town.

If you want to stay in some sterile resort hotel, then the Abbey is the best choice for you. If you want a great hotel, in a perfect location with an exceptionally friendly staff and great views...go somewhere else.

Let's be clear...the Abbey is NOT a gay hotel...but this hotel flies the gay flag trying to attract the pink dollar. When I asked the staff, they said they are “gay friendly.” I’m not sure what this means other than they don’t want to rule anyone out.

The clientele are NOT all gay. There are many families and small children in this hotel. Breakfast is not provided but extra charge, as are most of the amenities. The price for this hotel is at least 3 times the price of others that offer more.

There isn’t really a place to socialize in this hotel as in other hotels—the atmosphere doesn’t allow for it. The days we were there, the bar was full of multi-colored balloons for a children’s party.


As the owner Luis will tell you, the Abbey is a work in progress...and there is a lot of room for improvement. In fact, it’s been a year since I last stayed at the Abbey and nothing has been improved other than the Jacuzzi was working this time. The pool is not heated, as are other hotel pools. The beds are hard, the hot tub temperature isn't consistent, and the bar/pool scene feels like it could be a much hotter meeting place than it is. That’s why everyone goes to meet people elsewhere.

And this time—they made us wear a colored band on our wrist to make sure we were actually staying at the hotel. For the price we paid, they should remember who we are and not treat us like we are staying at a nightclub instead of a hotel. We ended up cutting the band off our wrists within the hour as it cuts into your skin—as tight as they put them on. This hotel must have other problems if they have to tag their “guests” to control who comes in and out of the hotel.

Honestly—there are much cheaper, cleaner, quieter, and more socially exciting hotels to stay in—whatever your sexual orientation. I recommend NOT staying at this hotel: you have been warned!