Just got back from our first trip to Vallarta. The Abbey is a great place to stay. Location was excellent. Luis and his staff did every thing they could to make our stay comfortable and our first trip to PVR memorable. We stayed in suite 604 which had a panoramic views of the ocean and mountains behind. The rooms and the rest of the hotel were kept clean. We will be definitely stay at the Abbey again.

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