The Bellview Hotel Boutique: Historic & Charming Views in Puerto Vallarta

I’ve been coming to the Bellview Hotel property for years to eat at the beautiful La Cappella restaurant attached to it, and finally chose to stay at one of the suites.

It’s a different kind of experience in Puerto Vallarta, away from the busy beach resorts and high-rise condo rentals in the more hectic part of Zona Romantica.

The Bellview provides an upscale, relaxed escape, which is still close enough to the bars and restaurants I love to visit in PV.

Bellview Hotel Suite Prices

Prices at the Bellview range, based on season.  In the summer, when there’s lower demand, the rooms usually start around $200-$250 per night.  In the winter months, they go up to around $400 per night.

Booking the Bellview Hotel in PV

You can plug your dates into this interactive map, which will pull up rates for the Bellview and surrounding hotels in PV:

Rooms & Suites at the Bellview

The entrance to the hotel sits high above the main part of the city, and the walkway is lined with greenery which is very pretty.

There are 7 beautiful suites at the Bellview. They’re all spacious and nicely decorated in an old, ornate kind of way, with big wood-carved furniture and classic saltillo tile floors. 

Junior Suite

• 1 king bed
• 1 double bed
• 2 bathrooms
• 3 balconies

Master Suite

• 1 king bed
• 1.5 bathrooms
• terrace with views

Deluxe Rooms

• 1 king bed
• 1 bathroom
• terrace with views

As spacious as the rooms are, the view outside is the main reason to stay. The patios are perfect for morning coffee.

The Plunge Pool

There’s a small plunge pool at the Bellview, with an infinity edge, a view of the ocean, and a view of the city and churches.

They have a small bar adjacent to the pool, and a few lounge chairs to relax in.

La Cappella: My Favorite Restaurant in PV

We’ve been coming to La Cappella for years, for the great food and views of the bell tower and city.  Sunsets from the large dining patio are stunning!

The menu is a mix of Italian and locally-caught fish.  I usually do the bolognese or the special (often sea bass). 

They also serve great martinis (dirty vodka during dinner and espresso with dessert).

Speaking of dessert, the tiramisu, lava cake, and cheesecake are all favorites!

Make sure to reserve a table the day (or days) before your dinner.  They can accommodate large groups, as long as you book a few days in advance.  

Michelin Recognition

The Bellview Hotel is recognized as a “Michelin One Key” hotel, designated as “a very special stay,” and described by Michelin as “a unique, high-quality, charming, and personalized hotel.”

The Michelin review goes on to cite several factors that helped the Bellview earn its recognition:

• Its historical elegance ( in short supply in PV)
• The views and sunsets
• The location: a more authentic side of Puerto Vallarta
• The menu at La Cappella 

Two Key Things to Know

While the location and service outweigh them, there are two factors that some people might find inconvenient or deal-breakers.

First, there are a lot of stairs involved in a stay at the Bellview: Stairs down (and up) to the beach and shops, and also stairs throughout the property itself.  If you’re with someone who has some mobility challenges, a stay at the Bellview might not work.

Second, at the Bellview, you’ll hear the bells all night.  The beautiful view of the bell tower comes with a view of the bells, which ring on the hour (and off the hour, too).

You’ll find earplugs on the nightstands in the hotel suites, and you might want to use them.

An Icon of Puerto Vallarta: Our Lady of Guadalupe

If there’s one landmark that defines Puerto Vallarta’s skyline, it’s the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  

Originally built as a small chapel in the early 1900s, the church started taking shape in the 1930s and 40s, with additions over the decades.

The most recognizable feature is the crown perched atop the main tower, which is a symbol of the city.  The original was damaged over time and destroyed in a 1995 earthquake, before being rebuilt and replaced in 2009. 

Beyond its looks, the church is still an active and important religious site dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico’s most significant cultural and spiritual figure.  During the annual Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 1-12), the streets around the church fill with nightly processions, traditional dancers, music, and fireworks.