No questions, just green-eyed envy.

suze I am assuming this is your first trip there.?

How was the weather? Many cruise ships in? Where did you go? Where did you eat? What did you eat? Anything new & exciting? Where did you drink adult beverages?

Trip report????

Glad you enjoyed your trip. My plans to spend 2-3 weeks in PV this November/December fell apart. No decent airfares or FF mile flights.

I know you're kdding me Percy, but it was actually my 20th trip to Vallarta, so a bit of an anniversary celebration for me with that town. Bobmrg, especially with the Seattle weather this year I can see why you would be envious. I'm not getting much sympathy at the office showing off my tan or complaining how cold it is here! JeanH, keep searching those airfare, because 2-3 weeks in PV would be heavenly. Lots of people I talked with this trip were "down for a month", which is my now new goal (lol).

MichelleY, funny I hadn't thought about it but I guess a do owe a little trip report! Lots of new stuff going on around town (the Malecon being torn up is a biggie), and as always manylots of new restaurants opened, old ones closed, businesses moved location, etc.

I did some 'research' which turned out to be an entertaining vacation project... I took along the 2010 Fodor's PV guidebook and did some fact-checking on their various listings. Things change fast in PV, so found over a dozen things incorrect, either wrong in the first place or now out of date (mostly shops and restaurants closed or moved) that I'm going to submit to the editors. Past trips I always stop in and visit a few hotels to keep up to date so this was an extension of that idea.

When I couldn't find decent flights to Puerto Vallarta, I booked us for two weeks between Curacao and Bonaire. Should be fun, but, will be more expensive, I'm sure. Maybe next year for Vallarta.....

wow sorry but that's hard for me to understand. As a long-time lover of Vallarta there's no way I'd let airfare keep me from a trip I wanted to take. hard to believe there were no decent flights. Especially now since going to the Caribbean instead which will most definitely be way more expensive all things taken into account. Once on the ground PV can be very very cheap, if you need it to be.

I was looking for fly on FF miles. The flights left for our dates were way too many miles. Curacao and Bonaire have been on our radar for years. We could get decent flights for a reasonable number of miles. I've only booked the first few nights, wasn't much more expensive than a condo in PV. Downside is we'll need a car. Maybe next year for PV.....

Hi suze, I rather thought you were on a trip. PV, a very favorite place that my late husband and I tried to get to every other year. His birthday was in February so that always worked out perfect especially due to the weather there compared to our winter weather here in N CA. Why is the Malecon being torn up? I am curious.

<Why is the Malecon being torn up?>

THAT is the question of the day. I think it is there are plans for widening it and possibly eliminating vehicle traffic from that street closest to the water. The two articles I saw were in Spanish so I am fuzzy on the details but I saw the renderings of what it is supposed to turn out like, wider more parklike. It did seem to be controversial.

If Cabron stops in to this thread, maybe he can clarify since he lives there and is in the know about this stuff.

Very envious. I love PV. My first trip was in 1978. Last in November, 2009. In 1978 I stayed at the Oceano Hotel - long gone now. In 2009 we stayed at Casa Isabel and loved the view and being able to walk to town. Mind sharing where you stay when you go?

Sure, happy to!

My usual hotel of choice is www.hotelposadaderoger.com I've stayed there a dozen plus times. It's a basic local style place with clean rooms a sunny pool, rooftop deck, Fredy's restaurant, friendly staff. Current price (off-season) for a double $49/usd.

I've also stayed three times at this B&B: www.casa-andrea.com. A couple blocks from the beach, it always say it's like staying with your rich relatives in mexico (if only i had some).

Once I stayed at Mission San Francisco homes wwww.vallartamexico.com which were very nice but inland a bit too far from the beach for me personally and no pool.

One time at Suites Emperador, because I got a really cheap, direct beachfront room with a huge patio terrace overlooking the pier, but it is the one place I've stayed that I would not recommend.

We had a 2-bedroom apartment one trip on Olas Altas over Elsa's Lavanderia but it was awful noisey from the street. This was rented thru Posada Roger so we still have use of their pool.

This trip I had a beautiful 1-bedroom apartment (up the top of the hill overlooking the beach at the dead end of Pino Suarez up near the highway) thru www.vallarta-getaways.com. Highly recommended and similarly priced to a budget hotel since it is off season.

OK now for a few favorite restaurants:

along Basilo Badillo, 200 block:
Fredy's El Tucan for breakfast, sit on the patio, everything's good
El Mole de Jovita, serving all 3 meals, with mexican homecooked specialties of pozole, mole, and other wonderful things. the flan was fabulous.
Joe Jack's Fish Shack, go for their Friday fish & chips all you can eat special or 2x1 mojitos (the pineapple or ginger are excellent) i think that's noon to 5
Cafe de Olla, open all day, closed Tuesdays, chicken sopes with a big margarita is my favorite. it's too popular/crowded at dinner go for a late lunch is best.
300 block: Johnny's Diner, great breakfasts

Seafood: Polo's (mariscos) on Madero at 376. Closed Tuesday. Fantastic shrimp. great local style family restaurant

Bakeries:
Pie in the Sky Aquiles Serdan 242. Heavenly pies and cakes.
La Ciabatta I. Vallarta 130 (in the new Molino de Aqua complex) both savory and sweet.
Yarita Bakery, B. Badillo 244, traditional Mexican bakery. excellent.

Forgot these two which are both great places, for food and atmosphere both: Cafe Bohemio (on F. Rodriguez) and Coco's Kitchen (on Pulpito) between Olas Altas and the beach.

http://cafebohemio.org/

http://www.cocoskitchen.net/about#!__about

suze ... glad you had a great stay!!

We thought of trying Coco's Kitchen, but just did not get around to it, maybe next time. Did not do Cafe Bohemio this stay, like it best when Sol & Chris are there (small correction to your post: it's on Rodolfo Gomez, near the San Marino Hotel, not on Francisca Rodriguez as you stated).

Do you think I should post the notes (here) on our dining? Heh, you're the one here, and if you think others would/might be interested, or not, I would go with your decision.

I'll bet you returned home feeling great after all that sun, warmth, and exercise!!!

Good wishes!!

Thanks for the correction on Bohemio location, I just mixed up the street names, sorry. RODOLFO GOMEZ 127/CORNER OF OLAS ALTAS.

Sure, you're welcomed to add on your dining notes here, that would be great. I have no idea if anyone's interested or not (in your notes or my notes either one -lol!).

I still want to add my exercise info here too. Besides doing the natural staircases, since my apartment was way on the top of the hill on Pino Suarez, I took 7 Zumba fitness classes at 2 different places.

Thanks suze ... will consider doing so, but under a separate thread of course (will tag such as a trip report, I guess).
I think others would like to read about your 'exercise info' - you covered a lot of places, helpful for others considering some of the same stuff.
Cheers!

I do (and love) Zumba Fitness at home so like to find places to take class when I'm on vacation.

In PV I found the best at Yoga Vallarta www.yogavallarta.com My favorite teachers are Efren and Salvador. They offer Zumba classes in the mornings on tues, thur, sat, sun and starting soon in the evenings on mon, wed. They also have a new room with Reformer and Pilates equipment. As well as a full schedule of group classes for yoga, gentle yoga, pilates mat. 8 class card punchcard 800p/$80usd, drop in individuals 100 peso/$10usd.

I also went to the Fit Club, which is a large, spankin new gym in the Molino de Agua condo complex. It is air conditioned, fancy lockerrooms/showers, loads of machines, equipment, free weights. And a schedule of group exercise in a room at the back of the club overlooking the river, like Ritmos Latinos, Salsa Fitness, Muai-Thai, Circuit, etc. Drop-ins 120peso. One week membership 600peso. www.thefitclub.mx

There are also a couple more clubs/studios out in the north hotel zone-ish area - Gold's Gym and Shanti. These also have full weekly class schedules. I didn't make it to those since it's all the way across town from where I was staying, but if your hotel was in that area, would be convenient.

suze - lucky you, all those trips to PV - we're planning our first!!! - thanx for the specific hotels/restaurant listings - now can search easier - is north along the coast quieter & less tourismo-tacky than i've heard PV can be?

Suze, I have a ton of questions. Is October a good month? Or would February be better? I heard June-September are way too hot(and I hate to leave Seattle the one time of the year we USUALLY get nice weather). I heard February is crowded, and possibly more expensive, but is it worth it?
And last but not least, is it good for kids? We felt like Kauai was perfect for our kids(we DON'T like doing constant activities, just playing at the beach, some cultural stuff/sight seeing, easy hikes, and good food). We are going to Kauai for the second time this year, but want to go somewhere new next time. If this is too much I can start a new thread! Thanks!

Hi Mom0509, Thanks for topping this post. Happy to help.

October might be OK but it is the tail end of the summer-rainy season. February would definitely be "better".

Nov-May are the ideal months weather-wise. I've been down as 'late' as June (3 different trips) which was still nice but was more hot, humid, with occasional rain. The tourists in summer are more Mexicans than US/Canadians which is a good atmosphere.

I haven't found February terribly crowded or any expensive than Jan or March, let's say. Off-season (when hotel prices can be noticeably lower but weather is still good) is Nov thru mid-Dec & then again after Easter thru mid-June. Later summer and early fall is "rainy season".

I don't have kids myself, but the ones I see on vacation in PV sure seem to be having a great time! Just get some sand toys and head to the beach. Food is fabulous, all price ranges and types.

PV is different from Kauai in that it IS a mid-sized city. But no need to do "constant activities"... I've been to Vallarta 20x now and have yet to ever do a single formal tour or activity myself! I just stay in downtown near the beach, do a lot of walking around town, poking around neighborhoods and shops, go to the beach every day, spend lots of time in the sun at the hotel/apartment pool, take a bus or taxi now and then, do a little people-watching, try to get somewhere to watch sunset every day (they are amazing in PV), visit the church, explore around downtown ("Centro"), maybe a day trip to a nearby but outlying town or beach.

Your questions are OK on this thread, or if you do start a new one, I'll answer there too.

Other resources besides Fodors: There is a very active and helpful group on the Puerto Vallarta forum over at www.tripadvisor.com. And www.allvallarta.com and www.info-vallarta.com are two of the best websites for other general info.

The last two weeks on October should be fine.
The Malecón is a project by our mayor, most locals don't understand the need to change it and are very upset, basically they are making the roadway and the walkways at the same level, modernisation (not what I think most tourists come here for). Then there's the money thing, contractors would have had to pay something to get the contract, so you would need some 'public works' to get the "wheels" greased.
BTW Printed travel guides are always out-of-date by the time they are printed.

I use guidebooks for an introduction to get to know an area. I have a copy of Fodor's & Moon Handbooks for the Vallarta area, both are decent... with history, lots of photos, maps, ideas for daytrips and activities. I agree they are out-of-date by the time they are published for things like restaurants and hotels. Things change fast in PV. For those the internet is definitely better I agree.

Thank you suze! Been to the library & barnes & noble a bunch to read things, and that helped me decided on PV. It's great to get up to date advice here!

Glad it's different from Kauai since we do want something different this time. Maybe late Oct/early Nov will be best, unless we find some good deals for this coming Feb. I love everything you describe doing! That sound ideal.

We don't really like staying in big hotels/resorts, and would rather rent a condo, maybe that has a pool. What would be a good area to rent? I like the idea of walking to everything, but we wouldn't mind renting a car - seems like we'd need to with 2 kids?

No you don't need a car for most parts of Puerto Vallarta imo. If you are staying right in town I think it would be more trouble than it's worth. It's very easy to get around on foot, by bus, and with taxis. If you decide to stay outside of town to the north or south, you might like to have one.

The maps at www.info-vallarta.com are very detailed and current and will give you an idea of the areas. Basically if you start at the airport, you could go out to the north to the town of Bucerias and the area called Nuevo Vallarta (but that is the newer resort area). From the airport heading into town you go thru: The Marina, north Hotel Zone, south Hotel zone, El Centro (downtown), the Southside (sometimes dubbed Zona Romantica), Conchas Chinas (hillside above the beach lots of condos), then outside town heading south on the highway to resorts like Dreams. That's the basic lay of the land.

There are lots of condos with pools available, many walking distance to the beach and downtown. I rented an absolutely lovely 1-bedroom thru www.vallarta-getaways.com my most recent trip in May.

Good for you Suze! I am just back from my 3 month camping trip in California's Trinity Alps.
Looking forward to my next Mexico trip although PV will not be on the list until 2013.

Thank you suze! The map helps. If we don't need a car, then we certainly don't want one. It would be great to walk to most things. My only concern was to getting to say Costco or Wallmart to get supplies(diapers, sand toys, etc), and thinking maybe a car would be best...

PV is not that large, if you feel the need to go to that type of store you can easily bus there and taxi back (there are always taxis waiting outside grocery stores as many locals don't have cars either). It would be cheap and way easier then renting a car, driving is CRAZY in downtown Vallarta, nothing I would ever attempt personally!

I'd have to ask around over on TA forum (or cabron can clarify if he stops back to this thread since he lives in PV)... I'm not even sure there is a Costco? I think it's a Sams Club and Walmart but am not sure as I've never shopped there.

I buy everything I need just at a normal Mexican grocery stores (Rizo's or Ley's are the closest to southside) and pharmacies, along with hundreds of little corner tiendas or OXXO (like 7/11) all around town.

Right near the beach are a whole bunch of little local shops that offer postcards, souveniers, suntan lotion, beach toys, floats, and stuff.

Costco is in the Fluvial area, see it on this map, http://vallartainfo.com/hotelzone.html
But no need to go that far, there are many local markets and supermarkets, like Soriana, Mega and Leys.

Thank you cabron. Excellent map. I knew about the Sams and Walmart out by Liverpool. I hadn't realized about those others inland (not a part of town I've ever been).

Thanks suze and cabron. If the local markets are the way to go, then that is what we'll do! We just found that for Hawaii it was super cheap to just pack light and get the beach gear/baby supplies at Costco/Wallmart. Was attempting the same thing for PV, but will skip that idea if it isn't needed.
My husband is usually the one that likes to drive on vacations, but he said this time he's excited that no one has to drive. Sounds relaxing to us!

You don't need "beach gear" in PV, it's different than Hawaii that way. Other than personal stuff like toys for kids, sunhat, sunscreen, etc. when you go to Los Muertos (the main local beach) there are beach bars/restaurants lining it that open right on the sand. For the price of a few drinks or food during the day you get... a chair or lounger, umbrella or palapa for shade, a small table, waiter service, use of restrooms, sometimes even an outdoor shower. It's very handy and fun.

I find it very relaxing not to have to a car or have to think about driving and parking on vacation in PV. If you stay in or near town, it's definitely not needed (I've never in 20 trips rented one, and of all my friends who also love PV, don't know anyone else who has either).

Puerto Vallarta is very modern, the "local markets" we are mention are similar to those in the US (most definitely would stock diapers, etc.). There are also other places that are more traditional neighborhood outdoor market stalls, as far as produce or just to see what's up.

Thank you for explaining suze!
I'm a little concerned that pedestrians don't have the right-of-way. Would that make it too difficult to walk around town with the kids? Their safety is my first concern.

Pedestrians do have the right of way, they changed the law years ago, unfortunately they didn't tell anyone, LOL, it's not a problem, make eye contact and they will stop for you. BTW www.info-vallarta.com is not a web site, vallartainfo.com is.

That's interesting to know cabron. But certainly not what is standard practice (lol)! Mom0509, it's not "difficult" to walk around town at all, you just need to be careful when crossing streets.

More than once a friendly local has shouted out to me or put their hand on my shoulder when I wasn't paying attention and nearly stepped in front of a car or a bus (that was turning a corner right as I was getting ready to step off a curb, at a crossing without benefit of a traffic light in the downtown area).

Can you advise the 'cab' situation there. Are the cabs regulated, metered, etc. It is our first time and we'll be taking a cab from airport to Nuevo Vallarta.

twotravelnuts, Sure... In the lobby of the airport you will see several booths selling tickets clearly marked TAXI. The rates are posted by "zone" and have a set fare. These are federally regulated taxis (white in color). You can pay in USD (exchange rate 10/1) or peso (which is a slightly better deal because you can get peso from the ATM more like 12.5/1).

As a side note, do NOT talk to anyone who approaches YOU. Those are timeshare salesmen who prey on new arrivals.

Your airport arrival goes like this:
1) get off the plane
2) go thru immigrations (passport check; tourist card)
3) pick up luggage
4) go thru customs (red/light green light, customs form)
5) exit thru the next partitioned 'room' which is where all the timeshare folks hang out... just keep walking!
6) you'll come into the large open lobby of the airport, this is where you'll see the TAXI booths. i usually use the one over to the right (as you exit the shark tank), as there is a restroom and ATM machines all there together.

Thanks for the recommendation of Joe Jack's Fish Shack, suze........you're right, the ginger mojitos are amazing!!

The Mojitos are good, but much better Fish & Chips at Que?Pasa http://quepasavallarta.com/

de nada mi amiga

One of my travelling companions is a fish & chips expert~I'll suggest that to him if we go to PV next year! I had the shrimp tacos at Joe Jack's, and they were very good. He had the fish & chips and was quite pleased.

Hi Suze, just joined this amazing site from a friend's recommendation! And I hope to benefit from the wealth of experience on here. I am planning a trip to PV in June for 2 weeks, possibly 3. Bringing my mother down (from New York) for surgery, y'know, the whole medical tourism bit! We actually found a good deal at supposedly one of the best hospitals in Mexico, and the travel agency for the hospital group found us a couple of hotels there for both what they call EP (European Plan) and AI (All-inclusive) plans. EP = no meals whatsoever, and AI = all meals provided. In some cases, the AI plans are way way way more $ than we could imagine. And I'm just wondering if anyone here could give me ideas, suggestions, recommendations, opinions on the best/most reasonable way to stay and enjoy PV by the ocean for 2 -3 weeks?! Given that my mom would be quite limited in mobility, I was leaning towards taking the AI plan, but then just wondering how easy it is to buy and prepare our own meals? A friend even suggested looking into renting a house/condo instead of staying in a hotel. Any insights on these will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the great info here. You answered my post looking for a place to go for a month in Feb. and got me interested in PV-it's now my #1 choice. Questions: should we stay in the hotel zone or romantic zone? How do the cruise ships impact crowds in the different zones? Is the malecon supposed to be finished by Feb.? Do you have any comment on the Holiday Inn Sea River Tower condos? Thanks again!

IMO the south side of town (romantic zone) is far more attractive than the Hotel Zone, which is what it says, a area of Hotels. The Malecón was finished some time ago, now we are waiting for the new pier. The cruise ship passengers tend to travel around in air-conditioned busses and hardly impact the normal visitor at all.

hola snorklesue-
I also say definitely stay on the "southside", sometimes dubbed Zona Romantica in the brochures. I don't care for the hotel zone at all. The cruiseships don't impact the south side of town at all (except maybe for the occasional busload of tourists that gets dropped off at a specific gift or silver shop as cabron mentions above).

Don't know a thing about Holiday Inn Sea River Tower condos. Have you checked reviews on Trip Advisor?

we're looking at mexico for vacation this month...kind of last minute trip and it sure looks like PV gets 2 thumbs up from you all...have you been eslewhere in MX and would you recommend this over all others? for relaxing sunny vaca...
and where to stay? We want to feel like its a getaway so nothing too cheapy...but still under $100/nt.
I liked the look of casa andrea...what were rates like? and food/coffee served at all?

I've also been to Cabo once, La Paz once, Puerto Vallarta many many times.

Casa Andrea is a lovely place. I'm not sure the current rates but I believe about your price range. Yes there is coffee and a light breakfast served on the patio in the mornings. Plus all the units have full kitchens.

You can also rent an apartment for that price. I use www.vallarta-getaways.com for that.

I've seen some good deals on lovely condos in Mismaloya. Is it too far from the action, esp. for a first time visitor to PV?
Also, saw a nice place at Brisas Del Mar, but the TripAdvisor reviews are bad for the resort. Want to make a decision soon and get my life back. Thanks again.

A visit to Riviera Nayarit is well worth your time, unless you only like the glitz of Puerto Vallarta proper. The charm of some of the beach communities north are an experience you will not get in PV. Drive north and stop in and check them out. Chacala is the hidden gem and can be found approx 50 miles north. The jungle cascades down to the white sand and blue sea. Palapa restaurants line the sand with fresh, cheap seafood and cold margaritas and beer. There is a great left hand surf break just a few minutes out via panga boat with the main beach offering great swimming. in fact Chacala recently won the coveted "clean beach award". It's an adventurers delight for sure. www.nayarit4fun.com