My husband and I are both first time traveler's to Mexico, we hope to spend around 10 days there, with 5 of them being in Ixtapa I got a deal at the Radisson Resort there I couldnt refuse, and would like some feedback from anyone who may have stayed there and even knows second hand perhaps. I have spent hours just reading posts here and on some other boards mentioned here as well and have change my mind and decided to maybe spend more time in PV as opposed to Acapulco. Originally was going to go AI in PV (for only 2 days) but have totally decided not to. Maybe AI in ACA for two days, and something more downscale (I'm a Gemini/Cancer woman so I LOVE EVERYTHING!)and "local" in PV for 3 days....Please all you regular poster's let me know what you think, any and all suggestions are welcome!

Shannon

Especially with only 10 days I wouldn't want to split the trip 3 ways (too much hassle) but would choose either Acapulco or PV in addition to Ixtapa.

My preference is most definitely for Puerto Vallarta (as you may see on my many posts here on the subject). I usually go only to PV and stay 1-2 weeks and have yet to be bored.

Manzanillo and especially the Costa Allegre to the immediate North.
M

Acapulco gets a bad rap by many foreigners - because it doesn't draw the large foreign crowd that Vallarta does so there's less familiarity. If you want to surround yourself with people just like yourself, then Vallarta is an excellent choice. If you want to further immerse yourself in Mexico, surrounded by Mexicans (and fewer foreigners) then ACA makes a good destination.

Thanks for the speedy replies! So many options I am having a hard time deciding, I'd love to see so much but would also like to experience more with getting to explore or "know" an area a little more then just in and out and on to the next place......I do know we will be spending the 5 days in Ixtapa, I work for a Radisson Hotel and there fore get a pretty wicked employee rate! I did check out some posts on trip advisor about the hotel and am pretty excited about checking it out for myself, I do know from experience that a caring, thoughtful staff can make all the difference during your stay! Right now I seem to be leaning towards a full 5 nights in PV, but thats right now lol.

I'm not against Acapulco but think which ever you choose picking only a 2nd (not a 3rd) destination is best for a 10 day trip.

As far as 'gomexico' comments regarding Puerto Vallarta, it depends which part of town you are in. Sure in The Marina, Nuevo Vallarta, Hotel Zone you will be with other tourists, but there's a vibrant city of 250,000 Mexican locals going about their business there as well.

How are the Rosita Hotel and the El Pescador for some inexpensive places, any other suggestions? What about location wise?

puerto vallarta is a great second choice. The San Marino Hotel or the Los Arcos hotel are both in old town and are step up from the Rosita and El Pescador. Have gone to PV for 15 years and have enjoyed the people and the restaurants and the whole area.

Anne

I would not choose those two hotels mostly because they are at the north end of town... in Hotel Zone just north of El Centro. Also they are package deal kind of places.

I *much* prefer the "southside" sometimes called Zona Romantica down by Playa Los Muertos the main local beach (15 trips later myself!).

Also up around Rosita there is not a swimmable beach or really even a place people hang around. It's more just the seawall promonade (The Malecon).

My favorite budget hotels are Posada de Roger and Hotel Rio for >$50.

A small step up and nearer the beach is Hotel Eloisa.

For an extremely charming and quiet B&B type place to stay check out Casa Andrea www.casa-andrea.com

I would hestiate about San Marino only because I believe it is a budget all-inclusive, which I'd never do in PV with all the great cheap places to eat.

None of these are resorts they are simple local-style low-key places. This part of town has tons of fantastic restaurants in all price ranges, cobblestone streets, red tile roofs, like that.

Please post if you need more specifics about anything PV. Happy to help.

Thanks so much for your replies Suze and Ann, I appreciate your opinions. And something on the southside sounds exactly like what I want, a swimable beach is important! I've been checking out some of the boat tours and such in the area, any suggestions on those? Found one that sounds like a great way to spend a day and meet some people, 8 hr trip, with b'fast and lunch, open bar on the boat, swimming, hiking etc. all for $35 CAD My husband and I are both interested in doing some fishing, I have checked out some of the charter trips and they seem kind of expensive if its just two people or even one, not too bad if there is a group of 4 or so hardcore fisherman lol, which I am not! I have read that you can fish from piers as well, does anyone know what that is like? And can you rent gear somewhere for that? Questions questions questions, I've got so many.....

Shannon

I've been to Ixtapa a few times at different hotels and I'm not sure which one the Radisson is because many have changed names since I was last there. Ixtapa is hot and I've never seen rain there. Lots of good restaurants in town as well as in Zihuatenejowhich is a ten minute taxi ride away. The beach is huge but I don't remember it being very swimmable. You can walk from one hotel to the next along the beach. Ixtapa is a modern town, not the "old" Mexico. Zihuatenejo is the old fishing village and very quaint. We found it all very relaxing and enjoyable.

Hello: I definitely agree with Suze. Two areas on a 10 day Mexican trip is preferred over three. Puerto Vallarta is my favorite as I have a Condo in Plaza Dorada which is on the Los Muertos Beach. I have been to many places in Mexico, but not Acapulco because I thought of it as a tourist hang out. You absolutely will love PV. But you must get a place on the beach in old town or a condo with a great view, but still in old town so you can walk to everything. There are many many nice places along Los Muertos beach. They probably are a bit pricey compared to where Suze stays. Rosarita is an OK hotel, but as Suze says, it has no great beach. But it is right at the edge of the Malecon so you are near a lot of activity. I would recommend the Eloise instead. Look up my friend Wendy at "Inside Vallarta Villas" on the internet, she will give you honest answers to any inquiry regarding hotels and may be able to help you find something. If you are going after January 23rd my place is available for a couple of weeks. Ixtapa was boring for me. Zihautanejo is pretty neat though.