Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta???
Feb 5th, 2004, 03:39 PM
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Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta???
My 2 friends and I are trying to plan a trip at the last minute for the Middle of March. We are all 25 and female and have narrowed it down to Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta, but can't decide now. We are wondering about the weather this time of year for both. We're looking for somewhere fun where we can lay on the beach as well as be active and explore the culture. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? Also, we're open to suggestions of places to stay that are nice, but not overly expensive in a good area with good beaches.
Feb 5th, 2004, 04:01 PM
#2
Puerto Vallarta's lovely (I've been there 15 times) but never to Acapulco so can't give you a comparison.
The weather in March is normally around 80 degrees F and sunny (one year out of many many dry ones, I had 2 days of rain).
The local people in PV are very friendly and welcoming and I have always found it safe and comfortable (often traveling solo female).
There are all kinds of hotels from the simplest to the most luxurious. American-style chains, independent Mexican owned 3-stars, funky budget places, all-inclusive resorts... something for everyone pretty much.
The weather in March is normally around 80 degrees F and sunny (one year out of many many dry ones, I had 2 days of rain).
The local people in PV are very friendly and welcoming and I have always found it safe and comfortable (often traveling solo female).
There are all kinds of hotels from the simplest to the most luxurious. American-style chains, independent Mexican owned 3-stars, funky budget places, all-inclusive resorts... something for everyone pretty much.
Feb 6th, 2004, 07:00 AM
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I too! vote for P.Vallarta Four of us are going On March 26th staying at the Sheraton. I like Suze, have been going to P. Valllarta many times just went in December stayed for a week. The weather is almost the same as Acapulco my daughter has been to both and she loves P. Vallarta more. If you need any more info please email me @[email protected] I will be glad to help you. Good Luck
Feb 6th, 2004, 09:49 AM
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Thanks for the tips! I think we're pretty much leaning towards PV too--need to find a good hotel, want a nice pool and beach access and in good location, close to bars and food. one with a good hotel bar would be fun too/live music...just something fun for young singles needed a little R & R!
Feb 6th, 2004, 10:00 AM
#5
If you want structured activities and more typical resort hotels, the areas of The Marina or Hotel Zone are best.
Given your interests, you probably don't want to stay out in Nuevo Vallarta (new resorts, nice beaches) because it's a good 1/2 hour to get downtown from there.
If you want something more low-key you might look into the neighborhood along Olas Altas and the row of hotels on Playa Los Muertos (main local beach on the south side of town).
Given your interests, you probably don't want to stay out in Nuevo Vallarta (new resorts, nice beaches) because it's a good 1/2 hour to get downtown from there.
If you want something more low-key you might look into the neighborhood along Olas Altas and the row of hotels on Playa Los Muertos (main local beach on the south side of town).
Feb 6th, 2004, 02:31 PM
#6
jdrn79
Have you been to PV and Acapulco?
Or have you not been to either and are trying to decide?
Percy
Have you been to PV and Acapulco?
Or have you not been to either and are trying to decide?
Percy
Feb 6th, 2004, 07:06 PM
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If I were 25 again, I'd choose Acapulco. PV is pleasant but a little tame. Probably depends on how much adventure is flowing in your veins. I haven't been to Acapulco yet but it sure is calling me. Weather should be great at either place.
Feb 7th, 2004, 08:05 AM
#9
Been to both and I would go hands down back to Acapulco.
You are 25 years old and you want the action and night life to be at your finger tips.
The hotel resort zone curves around the Acapulco Bay like a pearl necklace.
No matter where you are,you are just across the street from all the night club life you want.
There are quaint little eating places across the street(if you are not going AI).
Next to the Costa Club hotel is this very nice and huge MALL.
Let me tell you when it is 97F , and you are near this Mall , you will want to go in and look around and cool off.
From where ever you are along this resort strip,you can walk in either direction to just see a lot of things.
There is a "Must See" tree in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel resort along this strip , on the left hand side as you come onto the main resort area from the airport.
If you miss it,then walk over to it and have your picture take in front of this tree.
The other person taking the picture will probably have to stand on the other side of the street.
Then take the Acapulco City Tour..this is very good and it will orientate you to Acapulco...also on this tour you get to see the cliffdivers..always nice to see this.
There is no use telling you of places to eat ,because there are many and they are at your finger tips.
Coming in from the airport just as you are descending down onto Acapulco Bay, hopefully your driver will point out Sylvestor Stallones nice huge white house over looking all of Acapulco Bay...if not you will see it on your City Tour.
I call the main avenue along the resort road where all the hotels are, the "strip" but it is called Costera Miguel Aleman.
Where are you planning on staying.?
If you are going to PV , you could be in a nice resort that is along bus ride from the main downtown area, or you could be in a resort with just a 5 minute walk to downtown.
I do not know what is it like for airlines trips from your City,but from mine I can always go to PV anytime..but getting to Acapulco requires a bit of scheduling.
I do not mean in anyway to say that Puerto Vallarta is not a nice place BUT I think you and your two friends woulkd really enjoy Acapulco.
Here is something else you should do ,after you have taken the city tour,
then a few days later, tell your tour guide at your hotel that the 3 of you want to hire a Private Guide " and that you want the Guide to "take us to all the places in Acapulco that tourist do not go to."
Now you will REALLY see Acapulco!!!!!!
At your hotel resort, on one side is the ocean( Acapulco Bay),now look in the opposite direction...see those small mountains...well on the other side is the real Acapulco.
There are highway tunnels to get here.
This is where all the workers live.
You will also see where the Rambo movie was filmed and he will take you to the edge of the Pacific Ocean where you will see this incredible sunset.
Whereever you go.
Have a great time
Percy
You are 25 years old and you want the action and night life to be at your finger tips.
The hotel resort zone curves around the Acapulco Bay like a pearl necklace.
No matter where you are,you are just across the street from all the night club life you want.
There are quaint little eating places across the street(if you are not going AI).
Next to the Costa Club hotel is this very nice and huge MALL.
Let me tell you when it is 97F , and you are near this Mall , you will want to go in and look around and cool off.
From where ever you are along this resort strip,you can walk in either direction to just see a lot of things.
There is a "Must See" tree in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel resort along this strip , on the left hand side as you come onto the main resort area from the airport.
If you miss it,then walk over to it and have your picture take in front of this tree.
The other person taking the picture will probably have to stand on the other side of the street.
Then take the Acapulco City Tour..this is very good and it will orientate you to Acapulco...also on this tour you get to see the cliffdivers..always nice to see this.
There is no use telling you of places to eat ,because there are many and they are at your finger tips.
Coming in from the airport just as you are descending down onto Acapulco Bay, hopefully your driver will point out Sylvestor Stallones nice huge white house over looking all of Acapulco Bay...if not you will see it on your City Tour.
I call the main avenue along the resort road where all the hotels are, the "strip" but it is called Costera Miguel Aleman.
Where are you planning on staying.?
If you are going to PV , you could be in a nice resort that is along bus ride from the main downtown area, or you could be in a resort with just a 5 minute walk to downtown.
I do not know what is it like for airlines trips from your City,but from mine I can always go to PV anytime..but getting to Acapulco requires a bit of scheduling.
I do not mean in anyway to say that Puerto Vallarta is not a nice place BUT I think you and your two friends woulkd really enjoy Acapulco.
Here is something else you should do ,after you have taken the city tour,
then a few days later, tell your tour guide at your hotel that the 3 of you want to hire a Private Guide " and that you want the Guide to "take us to all the places in Acapulco that tourist do not go to."
Now you will REALLY see Acapulco!!!!!!
At your hotel resort, on one side is the ocean( Acapulco Bay),now look in the opposite direction...see those small mountains...well on the other side is the real Acapulco.
There are highway tunnels to get here.
This is where all the workers live.
You will also see where the Rambo movie was filmed and he will take you to the edge of the Pacific Ocean where you will see this incredible sunset.
Whereever you go.
Have a great time
Percy
Feb 8th, 2004, 11:12 AM
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Ok, Percy, I don't know if you've sold jdrn79 or not but you're convincing me. Can I ask you a couple of questions?
What hotel would you recommend in Acapulco? Probably close to stores. The Princess looks so nice but I think it's too far out of town for us; maybe just go there for lunch or dinner one day? Touring, photography, shopping are what we like. Would 7 days there be enough? I like your idea of the private guide tour.
Guanajuato and Oaxaca look very interesting, too. What do you think?
What hotel would you recommend in Acapulco? Probably close to stores. The Princess looks so nice but I think it's too far out of town for us; maybe just go there for lunch or dinner one day? Touring, photography, shopping are what we like. Would 7 days there be enough? I like your idea of the private guide tour.
Guanajuato and Oaxaca look very interesting, too. What do you think?
Feb 8th, 2004, 04:27 PM
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Thanks for the great advice...Acapulco was our first choice, but then questioned PV. Now Acapulco is sounding pretty ideal. Places to stay...we'd looked at the Fiesta American, Camino Real Diamonte, Hyatt...any suggestions? We want nice but also in a good/close to action location. I wasn't sure if Hyatt and Camino Real are too far away from everything. Also, we've been looking through Expedia mainly, any other better ideas on how to find best deals?
Feb 8th, 2004, 04:44 PM
#12
Hi Dolores
Yes , the Fairmount Princess is too far away and it is sort of isolated, it has its own nice beach and golf course.
You will see this place on the Acauplco City tour and you will have time to spend time here.
It is expensive to be here.
Since there will be three of you,by all means rent a private guide..split the cost three ways and you will see more, "up close and personal", then being on a tour bus with 20 others.!!
I stayed at the Costa Club,which is right in the centre of the Hotel Zone.
Almost next door is this beautiful large Mall called "Plaza Bahia", it has two floors and has over 90 stores.
Everything from local designs to Calvin Klein.
There is another large Mall, not far away along the Costera(strip), just one block past the Diana Circle.
What is the Diana cirlce??!!..it is a large traffic circle on the Costera , about 5 blocks from the Costa Club Hotel.
This Mall is called the Gran Plaza.
There is a large department store near this circle called Sanborns.. it is a pretty nice place. I went in here to get some postcard..very nice inside.
Here are some things I would do:
1. Walk down to the Fort San Diego..just to look around.
2.Almost across the street from here( the street is the Costera), there may be some cruise ships coming in..if there is there will be lots of shoppers but only for a while.
3.See the Cliff Divers...they dive at these times:
1,7,8,9, & 10 PM
The 10 PM dive is done with torches , so at night it looks very nice.
Then they scale the wall back up again from the water , with torches lit.
Terrific!!
The dive is 110 feet, and they have to wait for the tide to just be coming in rather than receding and then they dive ,one by one ,sometimes in a pair.
The divers then come out of the water when all the diving is over and they come up to the gathering of people watching them and you give them a tip, $1.00 to $5.00, and have your camera ready because they will pose for pictures with your.
Yeah, girls, these young nice looking Mexican boys with good bodies!! Now you have to take your picture with them..to show to your friends back home,right !!!
4.Before you come to Fort San Diego , on the same side of the street ( Costera), you will be passing Papagayo Park..go in here and walk around and see the birds and animal. There is no charge.
5. Further down is the Zocalo , this is the Cathedral Square Zoo.
But let me tell you this first.
IF you take this boat ride and let us say there are 8-12 people in the boat and no one speaks English, and the boat is very near the Isla Roquet but it stops in the water and the driver is circling around for something, and circling around..this is what he is searching for...there is a Submerged Statue of "The Virgin of Guadalupe" and me may want to show it to you.
You will be in a Glass Bottom Boat.
You take this boat from the Playa Caleta or Playa Caletilla , which is right next door almost.
Both of these beaches are waaaaay down the Costera past San Diego Fort and further down.. take a bus or taxi.
I took the bus.
6. There is swampy area near the airport called Tres Palo, this wilderness area is where many Tarzan movies were filmed and one of the Rambo movies..another Rambo movie was filmed on the other side of Acapulco.
Do not forget the departure tax
If you are not going AI , then dinner is eaten a little later in Mexico but I am sure for all the tourists they are ready to serve you on American time!
As for day trip:
Taxco is the silver capital of the world..I have been told and it is a full trip going there and back.
If you hire a private guide , then you could leave for Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo..these towns are only 5 miles apart.( about 150 miles from Acapulco)
Ixtapa is the tourist resort centre and Zihuatanejo it the quaint Mexican town with lovely Bays and lot of little shop.
I think going here and sort of getting 2 places for one and would be better and shorter that going to Oaxaca.
I do not know if the private guide we had is still there but if he is he is terrrrific.
Jose Aguirre
Home phone 484-8223
Phone Office 485 8483, 484-4755
Cell Phone 044 744 407-3829
He is a Private Tour Guide..and really knows everything about Mexico
Go to Acapulco...have a great time..
Anymore questions ..just ask,glad to help
Take Care
percy
Yes , the Fairmount Princess is too far away and it is sort of isolated, it has its own nice beach and golf course.
You will see this place on the Acauplco City tour and you will have time to spend time here.
It is expensive to be here.
Since there will be three of you,by all means rent a private guide..split the cost three ways and you will see more, "up close and personal", then being on a tour bus with 20 others.!!
I stayed at the Costa Club,which is right in the centre of the Hotel Zone.
Almost next door is this beautiful large Mall called "Plaza Bahia", it has two floors and has over 90 stores.
Everything from local designs to Calvin Klein.
There is another large Mall, not far away along the Costera(strip), just one block past the Diana Circle.
What is the Diana cirlce??!!..it is a large traffic circle on the Costera , about 5 blocks from the Costa Club Hotel.
This Mall is called the Gran Plaza.
There is a large department store near this circle called Sanborns.. it is a pretty nice place. I went in here to get some postcard..very nice inside.
Here are some things I would do:
1. Walk down to the Fort San Diego..just to look around.
2.Almost across the street from here( the street is the Costera), there may be some cruise ships coming in..if there is there will be lots of shoppers but only for a while.
3.See the Cliff Divers...they dive at these times:
1,7,8,9, & 10 PM
The 10 PM dive is done with torches , so at night it looks very nice.
Then they scale the wall back up again from the water , with torches lit.
Terrific!!
The dive is 110 feet, and they have to wait for the tide to just be coming in rather than receding and then they dive ,one by one ,sometimes in a pair.
The divers then come out of the water when all the diving is over and they come up to the gathering of people watching them and you give them a tip, $1.00 to $5.00, and have your camera ready because they will pose for pictures with your.
Yeah, girls, these young nice looking Mexican boys with good bodies!! Now you have to take your picture with them..to show to your friends back home,right !!!
4.Before you come to Fort San Diego , on the same side of the street ( Costera), you will be passing Papagayo Park..go in here and walk around and see the birds and animal. There is no charge.
5. Further down is the Zocalo , this is the Cathedral Square Zoo.
But let me tell you this first.
IF you take this boat ride and let us say there are 8-12 people in the boat and no one speaks English, and the boat is very near the Isla Roquet but it stops in the water and the driver is circling around for something, and circling around..this is what he is searching for...there is a Submerged Statue of "The Virgin of Guadalupe" and me may want to show it to you.
You will be in a Glass Bottom Boat.
You take this boat from the Playa Caleta or Playa Caletilla , which is right next door almost.
Both of these beaches are waaaaay down the Costera past San Diego Fort and further down.. take a bus or taxi.
I took the bus.
6. There is swampy area near the airport called Tres Palo, this wilderness area is where many Tarzan movies were filmed and one of the Rambo movies..another Rambo movie was filmed on the other side of Acapulco.
Do not forget the departure tax
If you are not going AI , then dinner is eaten a little later in Mexico but I am sure for all the tourists they are ready to serve you on American time!
As for day trip:
Taxco is the silver capital of the world..I have been told and it is a full trip going there and back.
If you hire a private guide , then you could leave for Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo..these towns are only 5 miles apart.( about 150 miles from Acapulco)
Ixtapa is the tourist resort centre and Zihuatanejo it the quaint Mexican town with lovely Bays and lot of little shop.
I think going here and sort of getting 2 places for one and would be better and shorter that going to Oaxaca.
I do not know if the private guide we had is still there but if he is he is terrrrific.
Jose Aguirre
Home phone 484-8223
Phone Office 485 8483, 484-4755
Cell Phone 044 744 407-3829
He is a Private Tour Guide..and really knows everything about Mexico
Go to Acapulco...have a great time..
Anymore questions ..just ask,glad to help
Take Care
percy
Feb 8th, 2004, 06:16 PM
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Why someone 25 years of age would be attracted to Acapulco is beyond me!
Years past ACA was a world class resort city-today it's a refuge for middle managers from Mexico City and waddling Euro Tourists.
Years past ACA was a world class resort city-today it's a refuge for middle managers from Mexico City and waddling Euro Tourists.
Feb 9th, 2004, 01:37 PM
#14
Gee Sam that is nice to hear.
So where do you think a 25 year old should go in Mexico.!!??
Cancun?
PV?
Los Cabos?
Ixtapa and Zihua?
Mazatalan??
Cozumel.??
Manzanillo??
Been to all these places,toured the country side in all these places also, and I loved everyplace I went to.
I liked Acapulco and so did my wife.
No we are not 25 but we are not seniors either.
If I was 25 I maybe would have been at the all night disco parties.
Every place has something to offer.
My next place to Mexico is Huatulco...
Maybe this is a place for "Old Folks", so I guess I better stay away and never see it !!!!!.
Thank you for your comments.
Percy
So where do you think a 25 year old should go in Mexico.!!??
Cancun?
PV?
Los Cabos?
Ixtapa and Zihua?
Mazatalan??
Cozumel.??
Manzanillo??
Been to all these places,toured the country side in all these places also, and I loved everyplace I went to.
I liked Acapulco and so did my wife.
No we are not 25 but we are not seniors either.
If I was 25 I maybe would have been at the all night disco parties.
Every place has something to offer.
My next place to Mexico is Huatulco...
Maybe this is a place for "Old Folks", so I guess I better stay away and never see it !!!!!.
Thank you for your comments.
Percy
Feb 10th, 2004, 09:25 AM
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Basically, all we really need is a break from the cold, some hot sunshine and some cold margaritas...pretty much anything will do the trick. Sorry you think so poorly of Acapulco, any better suggestions? Everyone has their opinion, but I know it will be a good time wherever we end up!
Feb 10th, 2004, 02:11 PM
#16
If your thoughts are set on Acapulco.
Then go there.
Don't always wish you had of gone.
Two years ago I went to Manzanillo and stayed at the 5 star Las Hadas.
I was a little hesitant at first , because none of my friends had ever been there... they were at the usual places, Mazatlan, PV, Los Cabos and Cancun ,and they repeated this cycle , now all of these places are nice..
But I wanted to see something different for a change...How was Manzanillo...terrific.
Every tour I took was just great.
When you go to a nice beach, nice hotel , nice Mexican people, great sunshine,Miriachi Band playing... good food ( and you did not get sick)!!....now tell me what is there not to like.
It is always easier going to PV then to Acapulco.
Percy
Then go there.
Don't always wish you had of gone.
Two years ago I went to Manzanillo and stayed at the 5 star Las Hadas.
I was a little hesitant at first , because none of my friends had ever been there... they were at the usual places, Mazatlan, PV, Los Cabos and Cancun ,and they repeated this cycle , now all of these places are nice..
But I wanted to see something different for a change...How was Manzanillo...terrific.
Every tour I took was just great.
When you go to a nice beach, nice hotel , nice Mexican people, great sunshine,Miriachi Band playing... good food ( and you did not get sick)!!....now tell me what is there not to like.
It is always easier going to PV then to Acapulco.
Percy
Feb 10th, 2004, 02:28 PM
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My husband and I have been to PV 3 times now and will be going this Friday. This is so far our favorite Mexico destination. We like the Mexican influence of this community, with the cobblestoen streets and the friendly people. The fun is; you can party with all the discos on one side of town and if you want quite and relaxation you head to the Marina side of PV. There are great tours by boat or by four wheel to explore the area. Most of the time we walk everywhere, or you can grab a taxi at very low prices. We think Cabo is more a Americanized town with high tourist prices and more of an all party type scene if that is what you want. When I go, I like to laze by the pool and drink Margarita's with Nachos and fresh salsa or stroll the beach and sit under a quite palapa.It is always in the 80's when we have gone. At night you just hop a bus to town or a taxi only 10 min. away and you have the party scene.Any disco or party place you can think of is there along the Malecon. We have been there the last 3 years in a row and going back yearly. You would love it there. The resorts have a friendly staff with activities going on if you want to join in. A couple years ago we bought a timeshare at Mayan Palace, if you are interested we have 2 weeks that sleep up to 8 people, floating time.We normally rent the time out since we can't take vacations as often as we like to. We own 5 weeks and only go 2. Let me know if you are interested in the details and I can send more info.With our timeshare you can also go to Cancun, Aculpulco, Mazatlan, Puerto Penasco, and Nuevo vallarta. The Mayan is on the beach in the Marina and has a pool overlooking the beach, a 5 star resort.You feel safe in this town to, because of the security at the resorts and in town. We walked to town every night for the excersize then had dinner and drinks and watched all the excitement in the town. There are free shows going on along the Malecon at night and little markets and shops everywhere. We have not been to Aculpulco yet but have heard it is not as clean and too populated. We like PV for all it has to offer. This April we are trying Cancun with the kids. We are not as young as you but still like to act that way and know you would like PV. What is nice about he timeshare we have is the full kitchen if you want to save money on eating out. You also have a full size suite to enjoy which gives aeveryone more privacy. Let me know if you want to see some pics.
Feb 11th, 2004, 02:22 PM
#18
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Thanks for all the good tips from everyone. We book the trip yesterday to Puerto Vallarta...finally made our decision. We could get better flight times and decent prices. We're staying at the NH Krystal PV. Does anyone know anything about this resort? Anybody have anymore suggestions for fun activities or any must sees. Thanks again for all your help.
Feb 11th, 2004, 05:52 PM
#19
I won't argue with sunshinelady , as I have been to PV several timesand have done just what she outlined in her report.
Like I said the prices and flight times are better to PV then to Acapulco.
But I very much enjoyed Acapulco also.
I think in 1999 there had this terrible Hurricane Pauline that came through and messed up a lot of things and it took the City a while to recover, but I just cannot say that Acapulco is a dirty place...if it was I would say
Have a good time in PV
Percy
Like I said the prices and flight times are better to PV then to Acapulco.
But I very much enjoyed Acapulco also.
I think in 1999 there had this terrible Hurricane Pauline that came through and messed up a lot of things and it took the City a while to recover, but I just cannot say that Acapulco is a dirty place...if it was I would say
Have a good time in PV
Percy
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