Hi there. I am leaving for Mexico next week and am in desperate need of some hotel recommendations. We will be stopping in San Miguel, Guadalajara, Puerta Vallarata, and Zihuatanejo. Maybe some other stops along the way; we're playing it by ear. I'm not supposed to be doing any real planning for this trip, but it would be nice to be armed with a list of clean, safe, and charming hotels under $50 per night.

Thanks for your help,
Jenelle

In Puerto Vallarta: Take a bus marked El Centro to south of downtown around the Rio Cuale:

Near the beach w/pools ~35-45USD:
Hotel Alegre- www.alegre-pv.com
Posada de Roger- www.puerto-vallarta.com/posada
Hotel Rio- hotelrio.com.mx

On Basilo Badillo, near beach no pools:
Posada Lily (25-40USD)
Yasmine (270-310 peso)
Hotel Frankfurt- www.hotelfrankfurt.com

On Madero: Budget basics (in the 150-310 peso range): Hotel Azteca, Villa del Mar, Cartegena, Ana Liz, Bernal, Lina, and Castillo. Also Hortencia www.hotelhortencia.com (180-450 peso).

I love PV dearly & have seen all of these hotels, clean, safe and reasonably charming, in 'Old Vallarta' area.

First choice in Puerto Vallarta is Westin Regina. Second choice is Marriott Casa Magna. Have stayed in both more than once.

For John Hamilton, Are the Westin and Marriott in PV under $50USD per night as requested? I don't think so!

I checked - Depending on type of room and time of year:
Marriott Casa Magna $99-297USD/night
Westin Regina $127-436USD/night

Try the info links at www.mexicomexico.info for a road log from Guad. to Manzanillo. Will tell you some neat places to stop along the way if driving!

Have fun. It's a great drive down the coast!

Adios!

http://www.zihuatanejo.net/

I missed the $50 per night part but fortunately we have suze to monitor the situation and correct any errors.

Lo siento John, Didn't mean to post in an insulting way, I thought it was funny! I'm not a monitor of any one or any thing, believe me. Just happen to know quite a bit about inexpensive hotels having spent alot of time in PV, that's all. No harm meant. Susan

Suze--you've been so helpful to everyone here, I'm hoping you can help me too.

I'm planning to head to PV for the last week in August with some friends. We're all over-worked late-twenty-year-olds in need of some fun and relaxation, and PV sounds perfect.

I've read a lot about the hotels, and feel like downtown is the best area for us, but need to make sure that the workout-a-holics in the group will have a great gym. Do you have any ideas about which place would be best? We were liking the Premiere but now aren't so sure. We've found great deals on most places, so feel free to suggest whatever will be the nicest.

If downtown is lacking in great gyms (and I know this is a semi-straneg request!), where in the Marina would you recommend? The Mariott, Westin?

Thanks in advance for your help!
Dara

Dara, I'm happy to respond but don't have the kind of specific info you're looking for. I always stay 'southside' in under $50USD Mexican 3-star hotels. So don't really have "nicest" recommendations.

I know only a little about The Marina and the Hotel Zone. Marriott Casa Magna is a lovely property (I stayed there 1 night on an airline snaffu). You might post or read on www.puertovallarta.net (go to their BB) for lots of PV-loving posters who frequent the resort properties.

Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful place, but will be hot and possibly a bit rainy at the end of August, same for all along the pacific coast.

Transportation around town via local bus or taxi is cheap to reasonably priced (don't choose a resort out in Nuevo Vallarta if you want to take part in downtown nightlife, it's a 1/2 hour from town).

Hi! I realize that Suze has the most experience with the under 50 USD pr night, however maybe you can help with my accommodation request in PV? We are 2 adults traveling with a 2 year old. Club Marival appears child friendly. I've also looked at the Westin. Any recommendation? Toddler friendly is most important. Night life is of no importance

hi I have been to several hotels I think that the Camino Real has a nice childrens club, however I don't know about October You may inquire about any children's club programs through your travel agent. Hope this helps

For Norway, People consistently say good things about the Westin. Don't know about kid friendly. Hopefully some others can help.

Go to www.puertovallarta.net and see their Bulletin Board. Lots of posters there who know the resorts well, and it's only about PV.