Best Puerto Vallarta Hotels: Casa Kimberly

In case you weren’t already aware, Puerto Vallarta is my favorite beach town in Mexico. But believe it or not, my favorite hotel in Puerto Vallarta is not on the beach at all. I know that seems crazy for a town with so many fantastic beach resorts. And truly, the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta on the beach are lovely. But for me one of the best Puerto Vallarta hotels (if not the best) is high up on a hill overlooking the iconic Zona Romantica.

I’m talking about the famous Casa Kimberly. This opulent hilltop villa was originally put on the map as the home of Elizabeth Taylor. She was given the home by her husband, Richard Burton, and the world-famous couple spent many of their years together (the good ones and the bad) in Puerto Vallarta.

This hotel is gorgeous. I mean stunning. It gives lavish Italian villa along the Amalfi Coast, right in the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s historic downtown. When it comes to boutique hotels in Puerto Vallarta, you cannot top Casa Kimberly.

I love it for its historic value, its design, the location, and its overall essence. In a city like Puerto Vallarta where so much is changing and expanding by the day, it’s comforting to be able to check into a place like Casa Kimberly and be instantly transported back to a world of elegance and glamor.

And if you’d like to book Casa Kimberly for yourself, you can do so right here.

Casa Kimberly Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

Best Puerto Vallarta Hotels: The Vibe of Casa Kimberly

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

The experience at Casa Kimberly begins when you ring the oversized brass bell that hangs over the wrought-iron gate. From there, you're whisked up the marble steps to the open-air lobby, which sits beneath a glittering chandelier and a larger-than-life-sized portrait of Liz — her piercing blue eyes make it impossible to look away. Be sure to climb the steps to the Puente de Amor (Lover’s Bridge), which connects Taylor’s house to Richard Burton’s just over the street. Legend has it that after their many passionate arguments, they’d meet to make up on the bridge between their homes.

Up another flight of steps and you'll be in the restaurant and courtyard before ascending in the elevator to the nine, individually styled rooms. During the afternoons and evenings, the courtyard and restaurant are buzzing with live music and elegantly dressed patrons sipping cocktails and drinking in the stunning views over Zona Romantica. Casa Kimberly sets the tone for an elegant, yet understated, five-star hotel experience. For this reason, I would say Casa Kimberly is one of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta for adults. It’s super romantic, too, so perhaps leave the kids at home.

Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta for Adults: The Amenities at Casa Kimberly

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

I think that Casa Kimberly has the best location in Puerto Vallarta. For a hotel that is not on the beach, this is saying something. The beauty of Puerto Vallarta is that it is a historic beachfront town, with so much to see and do away from the ocean. Casa Kimberly gives guests the opportunity to explore the winding cobblestone streets, walk into the buzzy Zona Romantica, and watch the epic sunsets from its regal terraces. The hotel also features a beautiful pool, and with only nine rooms you’ll find the pool is never crowded. When it comes to boutique hotels in Puerto Vallarta, it really takes the lead.

Boutique Hotels in Puerto Vallarta: The Rooms at Casa Kimberly

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

That said, you may never want to venture out of the hotel once you’ve checked into your suite. With massive floor-to-ceiling windows, billowing curatins, marble, deep soaking tubs, and plush, cloud-like beds, the rooms at Casa Kimberly are among the best in the city. And have I mentioned the views yet? Spectacular.

But you’ll also find strong A/C, plenty of outlets, and good Wi-Fi — all of which are absolutely crucial.

Puerto Vallarta Hotels Downtown: The Dining at Casa Kimberly

Overall Score: Extremely Memorable

Casa Kimberly's onsite restaurant, The Iguana Restaurant & Tequila Bar, is frequently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. So you can expect that the food is excellent. But even if the food was sub-par (it isn't), the views from the restaurant would be enough to save its reputation.

The elegant, open-air restaurant serves contemporary Mexican cuisine, with a beautiful wine and cocktail list. The restaurant frequently has live music, as well. But every night guests can expect the most picture-perfect views over Puerto Vallarta, including the fiery sunsets for which the city is so famous.

I also highly recommend ordering room service for breakfast and having them set it up on your terrace. A morning coffee and fresh fruit overlooking the Bay of Banderas is the perfect way to start the morning in Puerto Vallarta.

Stay at Casa Kimberly

Interested in booking a stay at Casa Kimberly? You can do so right here.