A girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Mexico. We have narrowed down our destination locations to Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. I am leaning towards Mazatlan from what I have read. I am wondering if Mazatlan would be a safe destination for two females and if anyone has stayed at Hotel La Siesta. If so, did you enjoy the experience and is it close to where "the action" is? Meaning, nightlife, bars and restaurants, etc. The price is right – but is the location?? Thanks so much!!

While i cannot comment on Matzatlan to much as i have been there just for a day via a cruise a couple of times.
I liked it well enough but after going to P.V a few times also a cruise i liked it so much better. In fact so much so, that i bought a timeshare there. So now i go once or twice a year.
I think it depends on what you are looking for but P.V seems so charming with it's cobblestone streets and the Malecon to stroll at night on.

I would pick Puerto Vallarta in a heartbeat! It is safe, charming, authentic along with having tourist ammenities. Its setting is on the Bay of Banderas which is surrounded by mountains and jungle. It has a population of 250,000 so is a normal working town which I enjoy.

Cabo is the most expensive of the three places, and sits at the tip of the Baja peninsula, which is a desert. It is a tourist destination and not a regular town (although there is a small one over nearer the airport called San Jose del Cabo).

I researched Mazatlan this year since I was interested in going, but could not find hotels that suited me (in PV I know of several nice 3-stars within walking distance to the beach for ~$40USD). It is MUCH larger city so you need to choose between staying in downtown or out in the golden zone (tourist zone). I'm not against Mazatlan but feel it would take more planning to have a good experience there.

While in PV I'd say you'd have to try hard or fall on some pretty bad luck not to have a fantastic trip.

Thanks for your feedback. Suze, can you please tell me the names of the nice 3-star hotels in PV within walking distance to the beach for ~$40USD??

~$40 w/pools
Posada de Roger
Hotel Rio

~$40 no pool but right at the beach
Posada Lily

~$60 w/ 2 pools right at the beach
Hotel Eloisa

www.hotelposadaderoger.com
www.hotelrio.com.mx
www.hoteleloisa.com

I've stayed at Posada Roger at least a dozen times. It's my favorite because it has the best sunniest small rooftop pool, but I would stay at any of these three above.

Please understand these places are not resorts and certainly are not the Ritz. They are clean, safe, simple, friendly family owned local hotels.

No websites or pools but other popular hotels near the main local beach:
Posada Lily Basilo Badillo No. 109
Yasmine Basilo Badillo No. 168

www.vallartaspecials.com is a group website for a number of other low-key local hotels.

For Mazatlan, Los Arcos on the beach in the golden zone was my hotel pick, but my vacation was during the carnival time and I had not made arrangements soon enough.

Hola travelinmommy,

I would have to agree w/suze. My sister, Mom & I went to PV last spring just us girls and we had a blast! Very safe, we stayed at an awesome all inclusive resort 4 star, right on beach, great pool and easy access to downtown.

We also did a zip line tour that was a lot of fun. Enough nightlife to enjoy, good food, I can't say enough about PV, we had such a good time. The people were very friendly it was an awesome time.

Good luck!

This is for jtm727...sorry...looks like they are going to the Pacific side.