DD and I recently returned from five wonderful fun filled days in PV
Nov 14th, 2014, 06:13 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DD and I recently returned from five wonderful fun filled days in PV
November 5 2014
We left the car at the RDT in Denver, as parking there was only $2.00 a night. We left our coats in the car as the temperature was in the high forties and took the bus for $9.00 to the DIA airport.
Not having eaten breakfast we stopped at the Mesa Grill and were amazed that they had no concern for our need to catch a flight.
Once we boarded the pilot announced it was going to be a bumpy ride as there was a front coming in. Just as I was falling asleep the plane took an unexpected lurch. The flight attendants were unable to serve any beverages and the plane rocked and rolled while the pilot kept announcing that he was going to try to find us a smooth ride. We went down to as low as 20,000 feet and as high as 33,000 feet before it finally smoothed out for a brief period and we could get up and move around.
It was over cast when we landed in PV with a 70-80% chance of rain. ( but it never rained). Once off the plane we were hit with the humidity. Locals said this was very out of character for early November.
With our heads down we rushed through the area with everyone trying to get our attention to sell us a condo and found a taxi without difficulty for our ride to the Hacienda Alemana. B&B.
Going in the door of the attached German restaurant we were greeted by a waiter who showed us to our room. Our room was huge. It also had a very large Modern walk in shower, a separate large room for the commode, and a room with a large sink and mirror. The closet had storage with shelves, which held the beach towels for our use. The pool was shaded by palm trees and directly outside our door. The area was decorated with artwork and flowers.
The refrigerator was stocked and we were given 2 bottles of water each day. I don’t remember ever turning on the TV. The free WIFI however worked great.
We hurriedly changed into shorts and headed for the beach only a short distance from the Hacienda. Our first choice was The Buro Bar. We couldn’t wait to get some Guacamole and Chips along with a margarita and some white wine. DD had the Shrimp Cocktail and I had the Seafood Soup. Both were delicious and I remarked how many shrimp were in my soup. We sat there with our feet in the sand while a parade of people tried to sell us everything from Hammocks and rugs to Puppets and jewelry.
Then DD and I walked the Malecon, the pedestrian walkway, taking pictures of the beautiful statues, the beach, the waves, and the people. I was falling in love with PV.
DD had stayed here in February so we walked over to check out the hotel she had stayed at. She remembered there was a candy store near by that sold nuts. We purchased our tasty round nut patties and headed back to the Hacienda to get refreshed for dinner.
For dinner DD wanted to return to the NU Global Tapas Bar for tapas. She had eaten there previously in the upstairs area. That area however was not open as it is off season., Although she was disappointed ,where we sat on the patio was very nice and the waiter brought us chips and a wonderful salsa. While DD sipped a glass of white wine ,I tried a glass of a Mexican Chenin Blanc. We ordered stuffed mushroom caps and a Queso topped with a marmalade to spread on bread.
We walked leisurely back and discovered a Chocolate candy shop XOCODIVA on the street we traveled the rest of our visit on, to get to the beach. I think we tried out every flavor. I loved the espresso and the truffle and the lime. Well you get the idea.
We left the car at the RDT in Denver, as parking there was only $2.00 a night. We left our coats in the car as the temperature was in the high forties and took the bus for $9.00 to the DIA airport.
Not having eaten breakfast we stopped at the Mesa Grill and were amazed that they had no concern for our need to catch a flight.
Once we boarded the pilot announced it was going to be a bumpy ride as there was a front coming in. Just as I was falling asleep the plane took an unexpected lurch. The flight attendants were unable to serve any beverages and the plane rocked and rolled while the pilot kept announcing that he was going to try to find us a smooth ride. We went down to as low as 20,000 feet and as high as 33,000 feet before it finally smoothed out for a brief period and we could get up and move around.
It was over cast when we landed in PV with a 70-80% chance of rain. ( but it never rained). Once off the plane we were hit with the humidity. Locals said this was very out of character for early November.
With our heads down we rushed through the area with everyone trying to get our attention to sell us a condo and found a taxi without difficulty for our ride to the Hacienda Alemana. B&B.
Going in the door of the attached German restaurant we were greeted by a waiter who showed us to our room. Our room was huge. It also had a very large Modern walk in shower, a separate large room for the commode, and a room with a large sink and mirror. The closet had storage with shelves, which held the beach towels for our use. The pool was shaded by palm trees and directly outside our door. The area was decorated with artwork and flowers.
The refrigerator was stocked and we were given 2 bottles of water each day. I don’t remember ever turning on the TV. The free WIFI however worked great.
We hurriedly changed into shorts and headed for the beach only a short distance from the Hacienda. Our first choice was The Buro Bar. We couldn’t wait to get some Guacamole and Chips along with a margarita and some white wine. DD had the Shrimp Cocktail and I had the Seafood Soup. Both were delicious and I remarked how many shrimp were in my soup. We sat there with our feet in the sand while a parade of people tried to sell us everything from Hammocks and rugs to Puppets and jewelry.
Then DD and I walked the Malecon, the pedestrian walkway, taking pictures of the beautiful statues, the beach, the waves, and the people. I was falling in love with PV.
DD had stayed here in February so we walked over to check out the hotel she had stayed at. She remembered there was a candy store near by that sold nuts. We purchased our tasty round nut patties and headed back to the Hacienda to get refreshed for dinner.
For dinner DD wanted to return to the NU Global Tapas Bar for tapas. She had eaten there previously in the upstairs area. That area however was not open as it is off season., Although she was disappointed ,where we sat on the patio was very nice and the waiter brought us chips and a wonderful salsa. While DD sipped a glass of white wine ,I tried a glass of a Mexican Chenin Blanc. We ordered stuffed mushroom caps and a Queso topped with a marmalade to spread on bread.
We walked leisurely back and discovered a Chocolate candy shop XOCODIVA on the street we traveled the rest of our visit on, to get to the beach. I think we tried out every flavor. I loved the espresso and the truffle and the lime. Well you get the idea.
Nov 15th, 2014, 08:13 AM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
November 6 2014
In the morning, Hacienda Alemana provided breakfast at a lovely poolside table.
The first course, with our coffee, was a big bowl of fruit, honey granola and yogurt. Then the unexpected second course was a delicious cheese and mushroom omelet with a spicy tomatillo salsa with your choice of fresh squeezed orange juice or apple juice. We also had bread with homemade fig jam. What a way great way to start the day! Irma, the owner greeted us and told us of things to do in PV.
This was our shopping day and we didn’t get very far down the street towards the beach when we found a shop with Mexican crafts from all over Mexico. The owner said he and his wife travel to different locations to obtain local crafts. Since I bought my first decorated gourd in El Yunque, Puerto Rico I was excited to find another gourd in his shop. DD bought a coqui frog that is adorable.
My next purchase was a Wiley Coyote puppet. He now hangs on my wall
Later we took a lunch break at Langostinos restaurant on the beach. I ordered the house special of langostino (like crawfish) and a sangria. This was definitely my worst meal in PV. The langoustine’s were like soft mush and the sangria flavorless. This was disappointing since I had read good things about this restaurant online,
Next we return to shopping at the indoor market. I bought a little ceramic Mariachi man, and under the bridge at a shop I found a paper-mache man carrying avocados on his back.
We also visited the amazing Galleria Adante . The owner came out and told us the story behind some of the pieces.There are several rooms and an outdoor courtyard. It is a beautiful gallery.
For dinner we decided on the Vista Grill. This restaurant is straight up a hill, so a taxi ride was a must for me. At the restaurant, we were shown to our table on the outdoor higher-level patio. The view was awesome. We watched the sun go down and the lights of PV come on. You can see the beautiful crown of the cathedral.
The amuse bouche was a shot of margarita edged with a chili powder. DD had white wine and I had a margarita on the rocks .We split the appetizer of marinated tuna/salmon and seared scallops. This was followed by an amuse bouche of raspberry sherbet. The cheese bacon rolls were wonderful. DD entrée was the seared tuna in a spicy crust and I selected the aboda shrimp. Every mouthful was a taste treat. For dessert we shared the rice done 3 ways. Every course and the service was outstanding. To cap it off we were treated to a fireworks display as the cruise ship left port. Our night at Vista Grill turned out to be our best dining experience in all of PV.
In the morning, Hacienda Alemana provided breakfast at a lovely poolside table.
The first course, with our coffee, was a big bowl of fruit, honey granola and yogurt. Then the unexpected second course was a delicious cheese and mushroom omelet with a spicy tomatillo salsa with your choice of fresh squeezed orange juice or apple juice. We also had bread with homemade fig jam. What a way great way to start the day! Irma, the owner greeted us and told us of things to do in PV.
This was our shopping day and we didn’t get very far down the street towards the beach when we found a shop with Mexican crafts from all over Mexico. The owner said he and his wife travel to different locations to obtain local crafts. Since I bought my first decorated gourd in El Yunque, Puerto Rico I was excited to find another gourd in his shop. DD bought a coqui frog that is adorable.
My next purchase was a Wiley Coyote puppet. He now hangs on my wall
Later we took a lunch break at Langostinos restaurant on the beach. I ordered the house special of langostino (like crawfish) and a sangria. This was definitely my worst meal in PV. The langoustine’s were like soft mush and the sangria flavorless. This was disappointing since I had read good things about this restaurant online,
Next we return to shopping at the indoor market. I bought a little ceramic Mariachi man, and under the bridge at a shop I found a paper-mache man carrying avocados on his back.
We also visited the amazing Galleria Adante . The owner came out and told us the story behind some of the pieces.There are several rooms and an outdoor courtyard. It is a beautiful gallery.
For dinner we decided on the Vista Grill. This restaurant is straight up a hill, so a taxi ride was a must for me. At the restaurant, we were shown to our table on the outdoor higher-level patio. The view was awesome. We watched the sun go down and the lights of PV come on. You can see the beautiful crown of the cathedral.
The amuse bouche was a shot of margarita edged with a chili powder. DD had white wine and I had a margarita on the rocks .We split the appetizer of marinated tuna/salmon and seared scallops. This was followed by an amuse bouche of raspberry sherbet. The cheese bacon rolls were wonderful. DD entrée was the seared tuna in a spicy crust and I selected the aboda shrimp. Every mouthful was a taste treat. For dessert we shared the rice done 3 ways. Every course and the service was outstanding. To cap it off we were treated to a fireworks display as the cruise ship left port. Our night at Vista Grill turned out to be our best dining experience in all of PV.
Nov 15th, 2014, 08:19 AM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
November 7 2014
The next morning , we headed to Yelapa by taking a bus to Boca de Tomatlan and a boat from there to Yelapa. The bus ride passes the entrance to the zoo, the private Night of the Iguana filming area, the condos and the hotels. We arrived in Boca and walked down many stairs to get to the dock area. There was a water taxi waiting. The boat held a dozen or so people and the ride over to Yelapa was smoother than I thought it would be. Yelapa is accessible only by boat even though it is on the mainland.
Getting off the boat at Yelapa requires taking off your shoes and jumping in the water. The boat taxi driver helped us all off. On the beach, we ate at Tino’s. We had fish tacos and also a half avocado overfilled with a shrimp salad. The food was wonderful and our waiter was friendly and helpful in giving us tips on what to do and see in Yelapa. We quickly found the pie lady and split the lemon meringue pie. Delicious.
We took a horseback ride up to the gorgeous waterfall, and afterwards walked along the path that extends between the beach area and the town. Later we went back to Tino’s to close-out our trip and wait for our boat taxi back to Boca and our bus back to PV. Seeing Yelapa was really a fun day.
For dinner, we walked to the River Café and sat in the bar with a glass of Pinot Noir. Then we were escorted to our table located over the bubbling water in a jungle-like setting. I had the tomato basil soup as an appetizer. For the entrée, DD had a mushroom risotto and I had the lamb lasagna. We shared the fried ice cream for dessert. The setting is gorgeous. A very nice experience overall.
The next morning , we headed to Yelapa by taking a bus to Boca de Tomatlan and a boat from there to Yelapa. The bus ride passes the entrance to the zoo, the private Night of the Iguana filming area, the condos and the hotels. We arrived in Boca and walked down many stairs to get to the dock area. There was a water taxi waiting. The boat held a dozen or so people and the ride over to Yelapa was smoother than I thought it would be. Yelapa is accessible only by boat even though it is on the mainland.
Getting off the boat at Yelapa requires taking off your shoes and jumping in the water. The boat taxi driver helped us all off. On the beach, we ate at Tino’s. We had fish tacos and also a half avocado overfilled with a shrimp salad. The food was wonderful and our waiter was friendly and helpful in giving us tips on what to do and see in Yelapa. We quickly found the pie lady and split the lemon meringue pie. Delicious.
We took a horseback ride up to the gorgeous waterfall, and afterwards walked along the path that extends between the beach area and the town. Later we went back to Tino’s to close-out our trip and wait for our boat taxi back to Boca and our bus back to PV. Seeing Yelapa was really a fun day.
For dinner, we walked to the River Café and sat in the bar with a glass of Pinot Noir. Then we were escorted to our table located over the bubbling water in a jungle-like setting. I had the tomato basil soup as an appetizer. For the entrée, DD had a mushroom risotto and I had the lamb lasagna. We shared the fried ice cream for dessert. The setting is gorgeous. A very nice experience overall.
Nov 15th, 2014, 08:34 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
November 8, 2014
Today, after another wonderful breakfast , we took a taxi to the marina, strolled around the shops, and looked at the yachts and sailboats. I bought a lovely piece of Mexican silver.
Back in PV, we walked over to Café San Angel and had crepes for lunch. DD had the banana and I had the strawberry. Go to Café San Angel for a taste treat, but choose the banana crepe for the fresh bananas.
After some relaxing time at the pool at the Hacienda, we visited the De Vino Dante Tapas and Wine Bar. We were seated overlooking the fantastic art gallery that we had visited previously. Our amuse buche was tasty mushroom soup. We ordered a glass of wine and the tortilla de española and a curry chicken over sweet potatoes on a skewer. The waiter took our picture and made our experience wonderful.
We continued down to the beach, watch a beach wedding party celebrating the night, and then walked to 116 Pulpito Gastro Bar. I had a bowl of gazpacho and DD and I shared the salmon croquettes and the cocoanut shrimp. The food presentation (including little shrimp served hanging on a line with clothes pins) gets an A+.
Today, after another wonderful breakfast , we took a taxi to the marina, strolled around the shops, and looked at the yachts and sailboats. I bought a lovely piece of Mexican silver.
Back in PV, we walked over to Café San Angel and had crepes for lunch. DD had the banana and I had the strawberry. Go to Café San Angel for a taste treat, but choose the banana crepe for the fresh bananas.
After some relaxing time at the pool at the Hacienda, we visited the De Vino Dante Tapas and Wine Bar. We were seated overlooking the fantastic art gallery that we had visited previously. Our amuse buche was tasty mushroom soup. We ordered a glass of wine and the tortilla de española and a curry chicken over sweet potatoes on a skewer. The waiter took our picture and made our experience wonderful.
We continued down to the beach, watch a beach wedding party celebrating the night, and then walked to 116 Pulpito Gastro Bar. I had a bowl of gazpacho and DD and I shared the salmon croquettes and the cocoanut shrimp. The food presentation (including little shrimp served hanging on a line with clothes pins) gets an A+.
Nov 15th, 2014, 08:40 AM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
November 9 2014
This morning the Hacienda provided another stellar breakfast of tropical fruit, yogurt, granola, and chicken tamales.
After breakfast, we walked along the Malecon, and passed by the cathedral trying to imagine which house Elizabeth Taylor stayed at during the filming of The Night of the Iguana. We peaked in the church and then continue to the beach. We stopped in Los Muertos Brewery for beer and a souvenir t-shirt.
At the Hacienda, we relaxed at the pool again before getting ready to go to Dinner.
Tonight, our last night, was Café Des Artistes. The beauty and décor of this restaurant really is quite amazing. Once inside we are asked if we would like to have a drink at the bar before going to our table and we agree to this. Then we are escorted into the garden area and seated under a canopy of trees. The amuse bouche is a spoon of delectable tuna. DD had the mushroom risotto appetizer and I have the gazpacho blanco which was fabulous. DD ordered the catch of the day and I had the sea bass. DD dish was the winner and that isn’t to say mine wasn’t exceptional. For dessert, DD ordered a mango creation and I had the “Torta de Sol.” This time mine was the clear winner, a piece of art on the plate. By US standards, we thought the price was actually quite reasonable for a fine dining experience like this.
Reflecting on this wonderful trip, we walked back to the Hacienda along the Malecon. It was getting later, but families with little kids are still enjoying the night and playing on the beach. We never felt that we weren’t safe walking around in Old Town PV. We stopped to watch the fireworks before heading back to the hotel to pack.
This morning the Hacienda provided another stellar breakfast of tropical fruit, yogurt, granola, and chicken tamales.
After breakfast, we walked along the Malecon, and passed by the cathedral trying to imagine which house Elizabeth Taylor stayed at during the filming of The Night of the Iguana. We peaked in the church and then continue to the beach. We stopped in Los Muertos Brewery for beer and a souvenir t-shirt.
At the Hacienda, we relaxed at the pool again before getting ready to go to Dinner.
Tonight, our last night, was Café Des Artistes. The beauty and décor of this restaurant really is quite amazing. Once inside we are asked if we would like to have a drink at the bar before going to our table and we agree to this. Then we are escorted into the garden area and seated under a canopy of trees. The amuse bouche is a spoon of delectable tuna. DD had the mushroom risotto appetizer and I have the gazpacho blanco which was fabulous. DD ordered the catch of the day and I had the sea bass. DD dish was the winner and that isn’t to say mine wasn’t exceptional. For dessert, DD ordered a mango creation and I had the “Torta de Sol.” This time mine was the clear winner, a piece of art on the plate. By US standards, we thought the price was actually quite reasonable for a fine dining experience like this.
Reflecting on this wonderful trip, we walked back to the Hacienda along the Malecon. It was getting later, but families with little kids are still enjoying the night and playing on the beach. We never felt that we weren’t safe walking around in Old Town PV. We stopped to watch the fireworks before heading back to the hotel to pack.
Nov 15th, 2014, 08:41 AM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
November 10, 2014
On our last morning in PV, we awoke to rain. We enjoyed breakfast at the Hacienda and planned for a ride from the Hacienda to the airport.
Our flight back was nice and smooth, but getting off the plane in Denver was a shock to the system! We had only light sweaters, and the temperature was 18 degrees. We waited in the cold for the bus which would take us to our car, then DD ran from the bus to the car to get things warmed up!
All in all, I just loved Puerto Vallarta. We experienced terrific food, wonderful people, and lots to see and do. I can’t wait to return!
On our last morning in PV, we awoke to rain. We enjoyed breakfast at the Hacienda and planned for a ride from the Hacienda to the airport.
Our flight back was nice and smooth, but getting off the plane in Denver was a shock to the system! We had only light sweaters, and the temperature was 18 degrees. We waited in the cold for the bus which would take us to our car, then DD ran from the bus to the car to get things warmed up!
All in all, I just loved Puerto Vallarta. We experienced terrific food, wonderful people, and lots to see and do. I can’t wait to return!
Nov 16th, 2014, 08:24 AM
#9
Beautiful trip report Carol thanks so very much for posting!
I was in PV at the same times, but yours is a more interesting trip than mine. You got out just in time it poured rain all day Mon and Tues but then cleared up. I was fortunately to have a 2-week stay this time but mostly just kicked around town. You have inspired me to get a trip report posted.
Thanks again you really make Vallarta come alive in your descriptions. I miss it so much already!
I was in PV at the same times, but yours is a more interesting trip than mine. You got out just in time it poured rain all day Mon and Tues but then cleared up. I was fortunately to have a 2-week stay this time but mostly just kicked around town. You have inspired me to get a trip report posted.
Thanks again you really make Vallarta come alive in your descriptions. I miss it so much already!
Nov 16th, 2014, 08:42 AM
#10
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That "shop with Mexican crafts from all over Mexico" was Lucy's CuCú Cabaña, Basilio Badillo #295.
Richard and Elizabeth stayed for a time at the Oceana Hotel, now condos, by the "lighthouse" before moving to Casa Kimberly, up behind the church on Zaragosa.
Great report glad you liked Hacienda Alemana, Mike and Irma have been friends for many years
Richard and Elizabeth stayed for a time at the Oceana Hotel, now condos, by the "lighthouse" before moving to Casa Kimberly, up behind the church on Zaragosa.
Great report glad you liked Hacienda Alemana, Mike and Irma have been friends for many years
Nov 16th, 2014, 12:25 PM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for your feedback. It looks like Casa Kimberly is a hotel. I wish I had this information when we were trying to find which place it was.
I forgot to mention we went to the The Museo Historico Naval (Naval Museum) It is small but very well done and informative. It is staffed by military personnel.
Yes Suze I miss it already but I'm glad for all the sunny days we had.
I forgot to mention we went to the The Museo Historico Naval (Naval Museum) It is small but very well done and informative. It is staffed by military personnel.
Yes Suze I miss it already but I'm glad for all the sunny days we had.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
suze
Mexico & Central America
12
Nov 24th, 2013 04:44 PM
JPinBC
Mexico & Central America
12
Sep 16th, 2010 03:26 PM
TrishMcH
Mexico & Central America
10
Feb 16th, 2007 04:06 PM
