Is there any other way to start off your morning on your Mexico vacation than waking up to the sounds of the gentle morning ocean waves while shades of pink and purple dance over the horizon?
Grabbing a seat on your balcony, overlooking the serene sandy beach and sipping your Café con leche? Watching the palm trees delicately sway in the salty ocean breeze?
The jury’s out – I don’t think there’s a better way! And this was one of my favorite parts about my time in Sayulita.
If you’re planning a trip to this colorful beach town, here are my recommendations about where to stay in Sayulita to get all these vibes!
The great thing about spending a few days in Sayulita is that you have a variety of options to choose from.
Small boutique hotels are the most common type of lodging here.
And you can find these either right on the beach, in the middle of the downtown core where all the action is, or up in the hills for a quieter stay with gorgeous views below.
But you also have a selection of villa style accommodations, complete with palapa thatched roofs, bamboo walls and open air kitchens!
Unlike the mega resorts found in Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta, Sayulita hotels are mostly boutique style and sometimes referred to as hotelito (which is just super cute).
So if you’re looking for a break from these massive complexes in the busy city, Sayulita is the perfect option just 45 minutes north.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Sayulita, I’ve broken down this list into the following options based on your travel style or budget:
» Beachfront and Best Choices for Surfing
» Bungalows and Villas
» Best Rooftop Views
» Unique Places to Stay
» Luxury Accommodations
» Quiet Areas/Best Options for Couples
» Budget Picks
I was not paid or compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own. However, this post does contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through them I may make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. All hotels on this list are either ones I have stayed at, were recommended by family/friends or have been thoroughly researched.
Beachfront Hotels in Sayulita
These options are perfect if you want to surf as well!
This place is not only beachfront but also on one of the streets that leads right into the core of the town center.
It’s also one of the better options if you’re on a budget but still want that ocean view from your window. Some rooms have your own private terrace for those unbeatable views.
Inside Tip: this place is a hop, skip and a jump from Don Pedros restaurant and beach bar, which is the number one spot in Sayulita to have a beverage (margaritas are unreal here) and people watch!
This is where we stayed and we can’t wait to come back.
It’s a colorful boutique hotel with less than 12 rooms and the ocean view rooms are very reasonably priced.
You get your own balcony with floor to ceiling patio doors for 360 degree views and a welcome drink on arrival!
They also reserve beach loungers and umbrellas for hotel guests and have several hammocks in the courtyard.
Inside Tip: the Sayulita surf school sets up their tent just steps from this hotel and we received an amazing 2-hour lesson from these guys.
We went back the next morning and rented surf boards and the hotel kept our beach loungers and umbrella free for when we needed a cerveza break!
It was the perfect hotel for setup for learning how to surf.
If you’re looking for something a little more modern or for a longer term stay, try La Esquina which is described as an apartment-style hotel, meaning full kitchenettes in every room.
They also provide water dispensers, so not having to worry about having enough bottled water is also a plus.
With a pool onsite and a 3 minute walk into the main area of downtown, you can’t go wrong with this choice.
Inside Tip: the kitchenettes here are equipped with blenders, so you can walk to the market and get fresh bananas and pineapples to make your own piña coladas healthy smoothies every morning 😉
Bungalows and Villas in Sayulita
Now, we didn’t stay here but this property is owned and managed by the same family who own the villa we stayed at in Bucerías.
And since we liked that place so much (and based on the ratings) I think it’s safe to assume that this place is also a great choice.
You get the bright Mexican decor palette, hammocks and palapa-style roofs.
The location is superb, being one block to the beach and the same to the heart of town.
And if you’re coming to Sayulita to learn how to surf (or at least give it your best shot), they offer discounts on lessons and rentals. There’s also a yoga studio on site for any traveling yogis!
Room tip: try to get the penthouse room, or any of the rooms on the second floor towards the back for a little more privacy.
You Might Also Like: Escape the Tourists in PuertoVallarta and Head to the Charming Town of Bucerías, Mexico
This is an adorable little complex that’s technically beachfront and built up on the hill. There are a few types of room options here.
You can get a standard room with a beach view, or you can choose a bungalow casita style overlooking the jungle.
Either way, you’ll get your fill of vibrant colors and pool time here!
Hotel tip: since the rooms are built up on the hill, there are lots of stairs to climb. But this also means you get incredible views, especially watching the fishing boats heading out at sunrise!
Places with the Best Rootop Views in Sayulita
Brand New Condo With Rooftop Pool
Not only is this condo perfectly located in the heart of downtown and 3 blocks from the beach, you’ve got access to a rooftop lounge area.
Complete with a heated infinity pool and a bar (with swings)!
This condo has one of the best rooftop terrace views in all of Sayulita.
Bonus mention: I’m recommending the Hotel Peix again because their rooftop bar is one of the best in town!
UNIQUE PLACES TO STAY
Sometimes the best part about booking a trip to Mexico is finding somewhere to stay that’s fun and unique! Here are a couple of those options:
This casa offers you your own private oasis above Sayulita with a 45-foot patio overlooking the entire area below.
This Mexican Casa is designed for indoor-outdoor living, complete with a thatched-palapa roof so you can dine al fresco and listen to the ocean breeze.
Room tip: It’s the perfect place to rent if you’re travelling with a group. 6 adults would fit comfortably here. And guests have access to the pool tucked away in the serene garden
If you love the open air style vibes to enjoy the sounds of the ocean waves and bird songs, this Airbnb is as close to a treehouse as you’ll get!
It comes complete with the romantic mosquito net over the bed and a private outdoor shower. There’s even been couples who have held their intimate wedding ceremony here!
Room tip: if you’re new to Airbnb, you can get over $30 off your booking with this link.
You Might Want to Read This Next: Useful Tips to Guarantee You Get a Great Airbnb (or other vacation rental) Every Time!
LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS
If you’re looking for luxury but still authentic, this place should tick all the boxes. What’s incredible about this place is that you get views of the ocean, the town and the jungle and your own private pool.
Just look at the photos of this this penthouse suite with a yoga studio in the middle of the property.
Complete with an infinity pool and your own private outdoor jacuzzi hot tub, this place is the definition of luxury.
Hotel tip: If the penthouse is out of your budget, you can rent other rooms here for less.
You can also book a reasonably priced massage overlooking the ocean, or use the paddle boards or surf boards for free.
QUIET PLACES and BEST OPTIONS FOR A ROMANTIC COUPLES GETAWAY
Villa Amor is located at the edge of the main Sayulita beach and as soon as you step one foot on this property you will see why it’s the perfect place for a romantic couples getaway or honeymoon.
It’s also super close to Playa de Los Muertos, a hidden gem away from the main beach in Sayulita.
All rooms have dreamy outdoor showers and unique Moroccan and Indian inspired decor.
Room tip: try to get a room with the private plunge pools, there are a few of them here. Who can say no to a sunset dip with your love and a glass bottle of champagne?
In a quiet area on the edge of downtown, is this lovely casa villa. With a fully equipped kitchen, private patio are and pool, it’s perfect for an extended stay.
This is probably your best bang for your buck option. While it lives up its name (being close to everything), it’s far enough from the popular bars that get loud at night.
It’s been recently redone and many rooms are decorated in airy bohemian style, almost like something you’d find in Tulum.
Breakfast is included and it’s a pet-friendly hotel, too!
For anyone who has stayed in Sayulita before, you’ll remember that this hotel used to be the one that had themed rooms named (and decorated) after classic rock bands.
While the rooms have since been redone, the fun vibe here still rocks!
BUDGET PICKS
This was our second choice if Hotel Peix wasn’t available. While it’s not on the beach, it’s located in the heart of downtown and you’re only minutes away from any restaurant or the main beach.
This place is one of the best value options in town and has the best breakfast in Sayulita!
We stopped here on our last morning and thoroughly enjoyed the fresh homemade breakfast cooked right in front of us in the adorable open air courtyard.
If access to a hearty breakfast and amazing coffee is important when choosing a hotel, this place is for you.
Room tip: try to get the ‘turquesa’ room which has a live tree growing through it! Or the room with the open air seating area.
For a modest price, you can get a clean room with air conditioning and good WiFi for about $50 a night. If you’re fine with minimalist amenities, this is a great choice as it’s close to everything.
There are so many options when choosing where to stay in Sayulita. I would personally stay at any of the hotels I included on this list. No matter where you end up booking, you will have a blast in this laid-back surfer town.
Don’t forget to save a pin to your travel boards for your next trip!
