What is your rewards status? I am A-List Preferred with Southwest Rapid Rewards and a Diamond Member with Hilton Honors. When you are aware of your rewards status, you travel differently. In this post, I use my Puerto Vallarta trip to demonstrate the benefits of participating in travel rewards programs.

Companion Pass and A-List Preferred Rewards Status

Because I earned a companion pass with Southwest, I redeemed a pass for my flight to Puerto Vallarta and Virginia Beach in February. You can change your companion up to three times. If I were flying solo, this trip would have cost $554.59 with taxes and fees, but Kim is also flying with me. I booked the trip and paid the taxes ($114.69) for her flight; we split the total cost. We both flew to Puerto Vallarta for $334.64 each. Lynn’s flight was on a different airline. If you do not have a passport, stop reading this post and apply now. I never check my luggage. However, two checked bags fly free on Southwest. If you travel through Midway, there is a line dedicated for A-List and A-List Preferred members. What is your rewards status?

Transportation to Resort

We had a connecting flight with a layover in Houston. I looked for a layover with a lounge, but I had no luck. Houston (HOU) is a lounge desert. The flight from Midway was at 5:50AM, and we landed in Puerto Vallarta at 1:00PM. After passing through customs and immigration, we left the terminal to look for a taxi. Do not stop to talk to anyone. Keep walking past the timeshare solicitors until you are outside. Be prepared to wait about 20-30 minutes for a taxi. I exchanged $35 for 600 pesos and saved $5. By the way, our taxi driver was great. Did you know there is an airport lounge at PUV for arrivals? Because I have access to Priority Pass lounges, Kim and I could have waited for Lynn in the lounge.

Diamond Member at Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort

There are two Hilton all-inclusive properties, but we booked at the Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort. The rates are slightly less expensive at this property, and we were close to the airport. The check-in process for Diamond Members is different. I received an upgrade to a junior suite. We had a view of the pools, restaurants, and ocean. In addition, we had two balconies. Because I used 55,418 points and one guest is free, this room cost $639.81. We paid $213.27 each. Kim and I spent less than $600 for airfare and lodging because of my Companion Pass and Diamond Member status. There was also an executive lounge available for our convenience. Light refreshments and libations were available.

Additional Perks for Diamond Rewards Status

Noeh ensured we received every benefit entitled to Diamond Members. You will receive an upgrade based on availability. If you want an ocean view, book an ocean view. However, I looked at the number of rooms available and booked a less expensive room, and it worked out. Although our friends received an upgrade, they did not have the same view. We also received three free COVID-19 tests instead of two per room. If you travel to Mexico, you will need to test before re-entering the United States. Check your testing arrangements as you plan your trip. We tested 24 hours before take-off. Noel booked the appointments. The bellman called a taxi, and the driver waited for us while we took the tests. The fare was $20 round trip for three people. What is your rewards status? Even if you are not a Diamond Member, make friends with the Concierge.

Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort

Did I mention the resort is all-inclusive? We enjoyed Mexican Fiesta Night. The food was delicious, and the entertainment was worth sitting outside to watch the sunset. However, I must mention that our room was above the festivities. While we did not stay for the entire event, the festivities continued. We ate breakfast at the same place each morning. For lunch, we had sushi or visited one of the smaller venues on the property. Even though we heard mixed reviews about the Italian restaurant, we tried it anyway. Everyone had chicken except me; I ordered lasagna. The food was tasty. A Mediterranean option was also available. Some of the restaurants require reservations. Noeh took care of that for us. Dip your feet in the ocean. The saltwater will do wonders for your skin. Although we did not shop, there are two malls and plenty of nightlife activities near the resort.

Airport Check-in, VIP Lounge, and Denver Centurion Lounge 

We received our test results in two hours. You must fill out the attestation form before checking in at the airport. Even though I submitted my paperwork correctly, Kim and Lynn missed a step. However, we were in the A-List Preferred line, no problem. We showed our negative test results, and we were on our way. There are three airport lounges; one for arriving and two for departing flights. The VIP Lounge near Gate 10 has an upper and lower level. The lounge serves light refreshments, and you must order your food from your server. We had a layover in Denver, and unfortunately, the Centurion Lounge closed at 5:00PM. I called Amex. They were unaware of the change in hours. We spent Super Bowl Sunday at Mesa Verde in the airport. 

Budget

Are you planning a vacation soon? Book your stay at the Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort. You will not be disappointed. Do not forget your sunscreen. Click on the Amazon link below. Although we went to Mexico for a birthday celebration, we did not stay at the same property. It was simply more cost-effective to stay at the Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort. The cost to stay at the birthday property was $770 for four nights, and we still had to pay for the flight.