During our travels, we stayed at a modern apartment in Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone that left a lasting impression. This brand-new 2-bedroom unit with spectacular ocean and city views taught us several valuable lessons about what makes an Airbnb truly exceptional—lessons we've since applied to our own Winnipeg property.

The Power of Location and Views

This apartment's location in the Romantic Zone, just minutes from the main church and old town, was perfect. But what truly set it apart were the expansive windows offering panoramic views of both the ocean and the city skyline. Every morning, we'd wake up to the sight of the main church's bell tower and the sparkling bay beyond.

What we learned: Views aren't just a nice-to-have—they're a game-changer. When you can see the destination from your window, you feel more connected to the place. In our Winnipeg home, we've maximized natural light and ensured our guests can appreciate the neighborhood's character, even if we don't have ocean views.

Modern Design with Thoughtful Furnishings

The apartment was brand new, which meant everything felt fresh and clean. But more importantly, the furnishings were stylish and intentional. The living room, dining area, and kitchen flowed seamlessly together, creating a space that felt both functional and inviting. The 42-inch HDTV with Apple TV and Netflix was a thoughtful touch for evenings in.

What we learned: Modern doesn't mean cold or sterile. The combination of contemporary design with comfortable, stylish furnishings created a space that felt both luxurious and livable. We've applied this philosophy to our Winnipeg property, choosing pieces that are both beautiful and practical.

Self Check-In Done Right

The self check-in process was seamless. A lockbox system meant we could arrive on our own schedule without coordinating with the host. This flexibility was especially appreciated after a long travel day.

What we learned: Self check-in isn't just convenient—it's essential for many travelers. It shows respect for guests' time and schedules. We've implemented a similar system in Winnipeg, ensuring our guests can check in smoothly regardless of their arrival time.

The Importance of a Great Host

The host, Richie, was a Superhost with 11 years of experience. The apartment had earned a 4.88-star rating with 86 reviews and was designated as a "Guest Favourite"—one of the most loved homes on Airbnb. This reputation wasn't accidental; it came from years of attention to detail and guest satisfaction.

What we learned: Consistency matters. Being a Superhost isn't about one perfect stay—it's about maintaining high standards over time. Every detail, from the cleanliness to the amenities to the communication, contributes to that reputation.

Location Highlights That Matter

The listing highlighted three key features: self check-in, great location, and spectacular views. These weren't just marketing points—they were the actual standout features of our stay. The location truly was excellent, the views were breathtaking, and the self check-in made everything effortless.

What we learned: Be honest about what makes your property special. Don't oversell, but don't undersell either. If you have a great location, amazing views, or unique features, highlight them. Guests appreciate transparency and accurate descriptions.

Practical Amenities That Enhance the Stay

Beyond the views and design, the apartment had practical amenities that made our stay comfortable: a fully equipped kitchen, reliable WiFi, and entertainment options. These might seem standard, but when they're done well, they make a significant difference.

What we learned: The basics matter. A well-stocked kitchen, fast WiFi, and good entertainment options might not be glamorous, but they're what guests actually use. We've ensured our Winnipeg property has all these essentials, plus a few extras that make stays memorable.

Key Takeaway: This Puerto Vallarta apartment showed us that exceptional Airbnbs combine location, views, modern design, and thoughtful hosting. While we can't replicate the ocean views in Winnipeg, we can apply the same principles: maximize what makes our location special, create beautiful and functional spaces, and consistently deliver excellent guest experiences.

Bringing These Lessons Home

Every stay teaches us something new. This Puerto Vallarta apartment reinforced that great Airbnbs aren't just about the property—they're about the entire experience. From the moment we booked to the moment we checked out, everything felt intentional and well-executed.

As hosts ourselves, we're constantly learning from the places we stay. This apartment in Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone reminded us why we love hosting: the opportunity to create spaces that guests will remember long after they've checked out.