Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta (Riviera Nayarit): What you need to know BEFORE you bring your family (2023)

If you have a budding musician in your family, or one who has a fascination with the great rock musicians of the world, Hard Rock Vallarta is a vacation destination to foster their love of all things rock culture. A Hard Rock brand standard, the hotel is filled with authentic costumes, instruments and other paraphernalia from the superstar music world.

Built in 2012, Hard Rock Vallarta features over 1,000 feet of sandy beach, the longest of any Banderas Bay hotel. More than 250 of the 348 rooms face the sea. With six restaurants, three pools and the entire Pacific Ocean just steps away, Hard Rock is one of the most popular all-inclusive resorts on Mexico's Pacific Coast.

The Kids Club offers a range of engaging, educational and downright fun activities for children aged 4 to 12. There are plans to expand the children's programme. So be sure to ask for details to know if the club is open when your family is visiting.
The same goes for the Rock Spa - an expansion is planned for 2016. The spa is currently a beautiful destination with two outdoor cabanas for treatments and stunning views.

Lyrics from our favorite songs and quotes from our favorite musicians fill space on the wall not already adorned with drums, guitars, costumes and awards. A daily walking tour of the memorabilia is a highlight for everyone from the Woodstock era to those who enjoy the latest hits on the charts. Remember the lollipop that Katie Perry wore when she jumped in the big birthday cake at the MTV Video Music Awards? Yes, this is where frosting and cakes are long gone.

As in all Hard Rock hotels, it is now possible to borrow a Fender guitar and take it up to your room for private jam sessions.

Minibars, often off-limits to children due to cost concerns, are a ubiquitous feature in all Hard Rock rooms. In addition to soft drinks and beer, the minibar is stocked with orange and grape juice for the children. Mom and Dad will love the in-room liquor dispenser, which offers the perfect shot of rum, tequila, vodka or whiskey depending on your taste.

A limited number of connecting rooms are available. If this is important to your family's comfort and safety, book early. Baby cots are available on request and Wi-Fi is free.

Deluxe-Zimmer
These all have double beds and the headboards are usually a picture of a famous concert or musician. All rooms have either their own balcony or French balcony or terrace if you are on the ground floor. There is plenty of extra space for a cot, but the only bathtub for bathing little ones is the huge two-person whirlpool. Otherwise, big screen TVs, spacious bathrooms and other amenities should meet your needs. Try it - the safe in the room is also a charging station for your electronic devices.

Deluxe Family Room
There are 18 of these rooms, which have two bedrooms and two bathrooms. An X-Box 360, beach toys and children's shampoo are among the extra amenities that make this a great choice for your family.

Rock License Level (3. sal)
The third floor is an adults-only floor, with the exception of the Rock Star Suite, an over-the-top two-bedroom suite with its own cinema, surround sound and multiple balconies.

Organized games
Whatever beach vacation you can imagine, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta probably has it on offer. Each day, the staff coordinates a game of beach volleyball or soccer, a game of basketball, bingo or a Texas Hold'em poker tournament. You can find more information on the TV screens in the lobby, in the elevators and on the hotel channel in your room.

Amphitheater
There's always something going on at the Hard Rock Amphitheater. There is a cultural program, a circus or a musical event five nights a week. Other evenings there are game nights for the whole family or something seasonal.

bicycle rental
Bicycles can be rented for children aged 10 and over and their parents. Every morning at At 10:00 a.m. a staff-led bike tour takes you to the Little Zoo Paradise Village Golf Course. It is not a large zoo, but there is a Bengal tiger on the grounds, among other birds and wildlife. Remember to pack tennis shoes or closed shoes for the bike ride.

Golf
Hard Rock Vallarta guests receive discounts at two nearby golf courses - the Jack Nicholas designed Vista Vallarta Club and the Percy Clifford designed Flamingo Club.

Karaoke/family movie
The Sun Bar, located just off the lobby, has a large family living area with large sofas and large chairs. Family movie nights and karaoke are held here regularly.

children's club
Your kids ages 4 to 12 will have a blast. If they like playing football at home, they will love beach football, one of the many activities organized for the children. Water polo - that's something else.

Pools
The hardest decision you'll make on this trip may be which pool to splash around in, or whether to relax on the beach instead. A 1.5-foot deep kiddie pool with no entry and water slides is a perfect playground for the little ones. The two larger pools have sun loungers in the water, a pool bar and a meandering format under lush palm trees. Two outdoor hot tubs complete the relaxing water offerings at the Hard Rock.

water sports
Wow, they pretty much have it all here - boogie boarding, paddle boating, kayaking and more. A scuba tank helps first-time divers get comfortable before venturing into the deep waters around the Marietta Islands and Los Arcos National Park. Snorkeling is also possible, although the water here is not as clear as in some parts of the world, so don't expect an amazing experience.

Dolphin swimming and whale watching (in the winter months) will definitely be a highlight of your vacation.

Hard Rock does not offer motorized water sports, but you can book a deep-sea fishing trip or a sunset sail around the bay.

youth center
Air hockey, billiards, video and arcade games, Wii and all kinds of board games give teens their own space and the opportunity to meet other teens vacationing at the Hard Rock.

Six different on-site restaurants should cover pretty much anything your family might want at any time of day. For an overview, visit the interactive touchscreen menu board in the lobby to get an idea of ​​what's on offer and where the restaurants are located. All restaurants offer a selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well as soy milk and other special dishes. All restaurants also offer the exact same children's menu, including hamburgers, fish and chicken sandwiches, margarita pizza, pasta or ham and cheese sandwiches. No reservation necessary.

Top:Plan a visit to a restaurant in the evening. Enjoy a snack in one, a starter in another and dessert in the third.

The market
Conveniently located in the center of the resort, just off the main lobby, The Market is the most popular all-inclusive restaurant of Hard Rock's six restaurants. The buffet offers a selection of international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The dinner buffet features a different theme and cuisine each night, ranging from Asian to Mediterranean to popular Mexican fare. The market shorts between each meal to offer a new deal, otherwise it's open from 7am to 11pm.

Frida
Do your kids want something light for lunch - maybe a taco or quesadilla? Frida is the right place for you. Since you are of course in Mexico, good tacos, burritos and churros for dessert or as an afternoon snack are a must. For dinner you can order à la carte. Salmon lime is spectacular, as are fish tacos. Don't worry about clothing. Shorts and t-shirts are perfectly fine.

Ciao
In high season, this Italian restaurant opens with a breakfast buffet and serves an extensive selection of fruits, pancakes, waffles and egg dishes like those available at The Market. Lunch is also a relaxed, extensive buffet. But for dinner you can enjoy the Italian cuisine here, specializing in seafood and pasta. Dinner is served à la carte.

Zen
You may be in Mexico, but when you step through the doors of Zen, you'll find yourself in Asia. Specializing in Japanese cuisine, you can satisfy your appetite for sushi as well as teppanyaki, sashimi and other Japanese specialties. It is only open from 17 for dinner. They want to dress up a bit in resort-casual attire.

Ipanema
Open for dinner only, this restaurant offers dishes from Brazil that are always a delicious experience at the table. Your waiter will stop by several times during the meal and offer you another piece of grilled pork, beef or chicken - sliced ​​right at the table. Brazilian cuisine always offers a lot of meat, but also root vegetables such as carrots, beetroot and potatoes. But remember that if you are traveling with children, Hard Rock has a children's menu in all its restaurants. The dress is resort casual.

Pizza
Open lunchtime until 10.30pm for families who fancy freshly baked wood-fired pizza.

food in the room
If your kids wake up in the middle of the night and want cookies or Cheerios, or you want a steak and lobster - no need to worry. Menus at all six Hard Rock Vallarta restaurants are available 24-hour room service.

Resort credits
Here's something to add to your budget. For each additional night after three nights, you and your family collect "resort credits" that you can use for wellness offers or excursions coordinated by the hotel.

Parental policy
The resort encourages parents to accompany children under the age of 12 on site to ensure everyone's safety.

International phone calls
If you don't have international calling on your cell phone, you can call anywhere in the US or Canada from your room at no extra cost.

Pet
Unfortunately, family pets cannot accompany you on this Hard Rock Vallarta vacation.

Medical supplies
A 24 hour pharmacy is directly across from the Hard Rock and a 24 hour doctor is only 5 minutes away.

download music
Each Hard Rock Hotel has a dedicated music concierge who programs the perfect tunes for the beach/pools, restaurants and public areas. Upon check-in, you will receive a password that will allow you to download all music played during your stay at Hard Rock Vallarta.

Fitness center
The Rock Fitness Center is fully air-conditioned and overlooks the energetic pool area. Choose between free weights and LifeFitness cardio machines.

Rock Spa
Make an appointment in advance for a massage in one of the two outdoor treatment cabins, which offer sea breezes and the warmth of the sun. Otherwise, the nine indoor treatment rooms offer all the services you would expect from a high-end spa. Treatments are available for children, including hair braiding and manicures. But before you promise the children anything, check the price. Some consider these treatments to be a bit expensive. For example, a manicure/pedicure package for children costs $90.

birthdays/celebrations
Inform the hotel staff of any special celebrations during your stay. In addition to the cakes or edible treats, the birthday person's name will be displayed on the touch screen in the lobby and event monitors in the elevator.

Handle ind
Head to the Rock Shop for the coolest souvenirs ever. Hard Rock Vallarta Drumsticks are a must have for the percussionist in your family. For the little ones, Rox Star's soft toy collection is simply the cutest. Clothes, glassware and other trinkets must make everyone else happy when they buy souvenirs.

A mini market nearby offers things you might have forgotten - sunglasses, sunscreen and other small items. Here you will find pool toys, magazines, books and other typical market items.

Check in/out
Check-in is at 3 p.m. daily and check-out is at 12.00. However, if your flight leaves Puerto Vallarta later, you can hang out at the resort until 18.00 and enjoy Hard Rock's all-inclusive perks. At check-in, a beer will be offered to the father, a rose to the mother and a Shirley Temple to the children. Children also get a chocolate clown. And here's a special treat: At check-out, everyone will receive a necklace made of native pearls, a reflection of Riviera Nayarit's culture.

Arts at intelligent timing
Wouldn't it make a great gift to take your family to Riviera Nayarit for the winter holidays? As expected, this is the busiest time of year in sunny Mexico and the most expensive for families. All winter months until the spring break are the same price. For a good deal, plan a trip in late August or September if your children's educational schedule allows. However, be aware that this is hurricane season.

Reach
Hard Rock Vallarta is located just 20 minutes north of Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). Within 10 minutes of leaving the airport, the road turns into a wide, palm-lined boulevard with friendly signs welcoming your family to Riviera Nayarit.

Cumin
Taxis or private cars are the best way to explore Riviera Nayarit outside the Hard Rock Hotel. The wide, tree-lined Paseo de Los Cocoteros is an easy stroll for several kilometers. The public bus also stops nearby.

For mom and dad
How romantic and relaxing would a candlelit dinner on the beach be? The red carpet and roses treatment includes steak and lobster.