Resort Report: Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta

by Violet Baron
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Thu February 18, 2016

Photos courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta

THE BUZZ

For several years, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta has been the smallest Hard Rock Hotel all-inclusive property, with only 348 ocean-facing rooms at the doorstep of Mexico's hot Riviera Nayarit.

But change is already stirring: All Inclusive Collection opened its new 12,900 square foot Sanctuary Convention Center at the business-friendly resort in Fall 2015, and the child-oriented Little Big Club in the winter.Now Vallarta has much more to offer its family, business and group travelers.

THE PACKAGE

Hard Rock has several perks to pump up its all-inclusive offers. The "All Day, All Night, All Included" package means rooms have drinks on tap and restaurants serve a la carte and buffet-style throughout the day, with room service always available for guests. Nightly performances, sports on the beach and free Wi-Fi all come with the deal.

The "Limitless Resort Credit" program allows guests staying for three nights or more to claim off-site tours, spa sessions and beauty salon treatments, plus private beachside dining with upgraded drinks to order. A 20 percent service fee applies.

An ample spread of eats is situated around the pool area, with six restaurants offering cuisines ranging from Mexican to Asian Fusion. Pizzeto, a small pizza stand, serves up slices poolside, while Ciao and Frida's Italian and Mexican fare provide more variety. Just off the lobby, The Market restaurant has classic Mexican dishes and a Continental buffet breakfast. Zen offers Asian foods to order, and Ipanema is a Brazilian grill.

Also included is a nightly live show, where skilled dancers perform familiar hits. Creative costume design adds to the experience, enjoyed by both families and adult guests.

THE DIGS

The hotel celebrates the history and audacity of rock, from the permanent exhibitions of memorabilia like autographed guitars and legendary jackets to daily live renditions of rock's greatest hits. It also hopes to accommodate the stars it reveres, or at least those guests who fancy themselves star material.

Enter the Rock Star Suite. At 2,511 square feet, this accommodation should satisfy the aesthetic sensibilities of the rich and famous. It includes a large common area with a full-size wet bar and dining table, a UV-lit bathroom decorated to look like a late-night club, and a small balcony and large veranda with eighth-floor views of the resort's pools and beachfront. The master bedroom has a king-size bed and generous bathroom with a large Jacuzzi and built-in television. The room can be connected to a second bedroom with two double beds and an en-suite bathroom.

PHOTO: Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta Rock Star Suite.

Guests most commonly pick the 457.5 square foot Deluxe, Deluxe Gold and Deluxe Platinum rooms, all of which have a king-size bed or double beds with a Jacuzzi holding court beside them. Rooms include a standard shower with a separate powder room, and a balcony space overlooking the pool and beach. Above the fourth floor, balconies reach over palm trees for a clearer view. There are also 18 connecting Deluxe Family rooms with enough space for six adults, children and infants at 763 square feet.

THE BONUS

For the truly musical, the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta has "The Sound of Your Stay" program. 20 Fender electric guitars are available to order along with a Fender Mustang amplifier and Nixon headphones. Guests may try them out in their rooms for free with the cost of a stay. There is also a custom music playlist available for download to all guests.

Through Dec. 23, 2016, additional children stay for free when two adults and two children book a Deluxe Family Suite, starting at $647.25 per night for double occupancy plus $54 per night for children aged 4-17.