My husband and I are looking at Puerto Vallarta for some relaxation as well as some fun in the sun. The hotels we're trying to decide between are the Westin, Fiesta Americana or the Camino Real. Any help you can offer would be appreciated. We really want to enjoy ourselves and no endure any hassles!! Thanks

I just returned from PV and spent 8 nights at Camino Real. I had a great time in PV and I would highly recommend the hotel. I prefer the area where Camino Real is because it's close to the old-town area of PV which is beautiful and more traditional (i.e., less Americanized). The staff is very helpful and pleasant, the views/sunsets spectacular... and it has a private beach which I found to be a major plus. The grounds of the Camino Real are also spectacular -- beautifully landscaped. And you're less than a 10 minute cab ride into town -- cabs are available at all hours of the day/night and it's 29 pesos into town. I've heard of timeshare hawks elsewhere -- you won't get that at Camino Real since, simply enough, there are no time shares.<BR><BR>The rooms are more than adequate (I didn't stay in the Club towers and still enjoyed it) and twice daily maid service was very nice.<BR><BR>My only 2 complaints -- 1) took 45 minutes to check out, and that seems to be the norm (waiting in line mostly), and 2) many jerks who insist on using a towel to save a chair at the beach while also saving a chair at the pool, but I guess that's life. <BR><BR>Good luck and if you'd like more info, please let me know.<BR>

Fiesta Americana is one of my favorite hotels. The service is friendly, the rooms are nice, have a balcony with an ocean view, the beach and pool are perfect. It feels very authentic and luxurious there.<BR><BR>ENJOY!!!

Hi Beth,<BR>I'd go with the Camino Real. It's a perfect choice. I stayed there in October and I'm going back for 5 days in May. It's excellent.

Hi. We just came back last Friday from PV. We stayed at the Fiesta Americana for 2 weeks. It was FABULOUS!! This is a Mexican hotel chain so it is not Americanized. The grounds are beautiful, and has a unique beach in PV. Of all the resort we saw, this was the only one that had beautiful palm trees right on the beach. So if you wanted some natural shade, it was awesome!! I also liked this resort since it was central. You could walk along the beach for miles both north and south. Whereas people who we got to know this trip, went and viewed the Westin and said the hotel is very nice but the beach is awful. It is in the marina, which tends to have a lot of rocks on the beach. The Camino Real looks very nice. We saw it 3 yrs ago when we drove to Mismaloya. People staying at the resort said it is very beautiful too, but they like our beach better, only because they are walkers, like I am, and at the Camino Real it is situated in a cove. We actually took the all inclusive pkg at the Fiesta Americana and never regretted it, either. We got more than we payed for, by far!! The food was wonderful, especially the suppers at the La Hacienda. The meals there were top notch, with gourmet meals served by very attentive staff. We will return to this resort. It is a more quiet resort than most in the hotel zone. I liked that we could get to the marina or downtown very easily. Cannot say enough about this resort. With all rooms facing the ocean, this was truly a bonus. Anyways, I hope this helps in your decision making. It is always tough to decide. All these hotels are lovely!! Good luck.

I have toured the Westin and it is very beautiful and modern (not very mexican) but many timeshare sellers there. I have stayed at Camino Real and loved it, plus it has no timeshare sellers (rare in PV!) and a beautiful secluded beach (also rare in PV). Haven't been to the Fiesta, but I would not go all inclusive in PV or you will miss the great restaurants in town, some of the best anywhere.

Hi Beth - I just got back from PV and stayed at the Camino Real. I would highly recommend it. The private beach is perfect. Even though people will "save" beach chairs (as Brad mentioned) we never had a problem finding an open seat. The food at the four restaurants was delicious and you'll be a short bus or cab ride to town.

I have not stayed at these three places as I travel more budget minded. But I do go to PV 1-2 times each year. I'd vote for the Camino Real because of its location. The other two are between the airport and El Centro (downtown) as mentioned already, in The Marina or Hotel Zone. Camino Real is south of town on its own beach therefore not feeling part of a "hotel row" like the other two seem (at least from the outside).