I am completely torn where our first trip to Mexico should be to. Just looking for nice hotels, good food, take an occasional trip into town for dinner and shopping and to kick back and relax. We have been going to the Caribbean the past few years and wanted to try somewhere different. We thought of Cancun but thought it would be to similar to where we have already been. We're planning to go in October, any suggestions or comments would be extremely helpful.

Thank you!!

That's easy, Vallarta is soooo much nicer than Cabo, cheaper too. Better restaurants, a real attractive town and safer by far.

Puerto Vallarta, no contest (IMO)!!!

Try a 'search' on this BB. PV wins hands down, over and over, as the favorite destination.

I'm sure some people must enjoy Cabo but it comes along with a large number of horror stories (regarding crime, rip-offs, drugs, prostitution, things not being clean, aggressive timeshare sales, etc. which may or may not be true, I have no idea).

It is rare to see a negative post on Puerto Vallarta. It is a town with something for everyone, from budget to luxury. Beautiful setting on the Bay of Banderas (mountains, jungles, beaches) extremely friendly local people, wonderful restaurants and shopping. I have been there 15 times, and admit I am prejudice in favor of it. But there's plenty of good reasons I keep returning!!

Every once in a while my husband mentions trying Cabo instead of our annual trip to PV, but I have my heels dug in all the way up to my knees! PV all the way. The best food you will ever find, great city, VERY safe, great shopping. The locals are great, too!

The Costa Alegre south of Puerto Vallarta gets my vote: La Manzanilla, Melaque, Barra de NavidadM

Having been to both and enjoying both in different ways, I would suggest PV for your first visit to Mexico. PV has great restaurants and shopping and just a completely relaxing place to be. I really liked both spots but I think PV would give you a better sense of being in Mexico.

Have a great trip!!

Thanks so much for your advice. I really appreciate it.

I am also going to get in on this. P. Vallarta is the best!!!!! We have been going for 15yrs. Have also been going to Cancun because it is so close to our home, however it doesn't compare to P. Vallarta. Have been to Ixtapa which is also very nice but doesn't have the ambience P. Vallarta has. Go for it. Joann

Thanks so much.

Any suggestions on where to stay? Would like to stay at one of the nicer hotels.

Thanks again.

Hotels and also vacation rentals here
http://vallarta-info.com/index.html

Ok here we go. I always go to the Sheraton they are not opened yet. Hope it opens again soon. I know that the Marriott is a wonderful property, also the Fiesta Americana, and the Westin. They are the top hotels that I know of.
Oh I forgot one more The Camino Real is wonderful it's a little older but beautiful beach and great service. Any other info just ask away. Also you can contact me at [email protected]

Throwing in my two cents worth! My first trip to Mexico was PV. Then two trips to Cabo San Lucas (Pueblo Bonito Blanco). Cabo is the best, by far. Great swimming beach, people are friendly, and lots of shops and things to do. Am going back to PV on 11/4 (Velas Vallarta, all-inclusive). Was a toss-up between that and the Marriott. For your first visit to Mexico, I also would suggest PV.

My humble opinion Cabo was the worst vacation by far, outrageous prices, intense humid heat, dust , desert and a storm to boot, Couldn't breath, couldn't walk and couldn't hide in my room, the air conditioning got blown out with the storm that went through.

The town a tawdry example of tourist tacky with loud noisy drunken bars, tackless trashy noisy music and incredible din very little to offer in culture. Girly Bars next to the tacky tourist bars.

Tijuana with a beach at Cancun prices. Worst Vacation of my lifetime.

Go to Peurta Vallarta then take the bus down the Coast. Very enjoyable town, pleasant people and good choice of restaurants. A bargain compared to overpriced Cabo.

For a nice hotel property maybe the Casa Magna Marriott or the Krystal?

Although I spend alot of time in PV it's on the 'southside' and more budget accomodations so my own regular favorites probably aren't right for you.

Realize as you start to look at the various resorts, when they say "Nuevo Vallarta" this can be as far as 1/2 hour drive north of town, so you have to travel aLOT if you like the ambiance, restaurants, shopping, activities in El Centro (downtown).

That's why I'd recommend something in the Marina or Hotel Zone, especially for a first time trip.

If I were you,I would stay away from Cabo given the fact that you plan to travel during the month of October. I do not know a thing about PV, but have heard nothing but good about it. Cabo is a great spot to golf, deep sea fish, and the night life is LIVELY, for sure. It is not for the faint at heart or the careless. That said, you can still have a wonderful time in Cabo, but be prepared to experience poverty and lush resorts all within an eye shot.

I agree with previous the Marriott Casa
Magna is the on to go for the first time. It is a first class hotel you will not be disappointed

Have been to both more than once. This is a no brainer.....Puerto Vallarta. Recommend Westin Regina as place to stay and have dinner one night at Senor Chico's... awesome view of PV and Banderas Bay

Can't thank you all enough.
We're going to PV in October.

Now that that's settled does anyone have any restaurant recommendations?

Thanks again!!

Yes, for the budget minded:-
http://vallartainfo.com/puertovallartainsider.html#bar

Some PV Restaurant Favorites:

Hidden gem/Mexican food:
The Red Cabbage
Calle Rivera del Rio 204A
22-304-11

Mexican food on Basilo Badillo:
Cafe de Olla or Fajita Republic

Breakfast on Basilo Badillo:
Fredy's El Tucan
(wait for a patio table)
Memo's Casa de Hotcakes
(try the banana pancakes!)

Chez Elena & El Nido
(fantastic view back over the Bay from the rooftop bar, go for sunset, stay for dinner in the courtyard)
at Cuatro Vientos Hotel
Matamoros 520
(located behind the main church)

Dessert: Pie in the Sky
on Vallarta, just south of the bridge

Papaya 3 for lunch
Abasolo St. 169
(turn in at Hard Rock Cafe off the Malecon, 1-1/2 block on left side)
(have a "big" sandwich and fresh fruit smoothie)

Mariscos Tino's
Avenida 333 & Revolucion in Pitillal
For excellent seafood and wonderful atmosphere, 224-5584

Plus many choices of the more expensive places if you're looking for an elegant dining experience: Cafe des Artistes, Daiquiri Dick's, La Palapa, The River Cafe, and Trio to name a few.