Second try (threw this in the wrong category before) - We are heading to PV and want to stay in old town (going for more of a quaint, authentic feel as opposed to the highbrow resort). We're looking for something heavy on charm, with a nice patio and a good location that's accessible to the beach and sights. We've looked at a few, including Posada de Roger and Los Arcos Vallarta, but narrowed it to Molino de Agua and Villa Mercedes. Any recommendations on which is preferable? Previous experience or word of mouth recommendations/advice are all welcome!

Stan & Shirley, Rogers's is fun, funky, fairly cheap still ~$45US. But no comparison to Molino de Agua ($100+) which is a large and very beautiful property, ocean front, 2 pools, great brick & wrought iron building, or cabins or ocean "view" garden rooms. Sorry, I don't recognize the name Villa Mercedes (it's in old town somewhere??). Casa Andrea is my personal current favorite (~$70 w/patio kitchens!) wwww.casa-andrea.com.<BR><BR>I've spent 15 vacations in PV over the past 10 years, always in Old Town. Feel free to write me direct at address above if you have any other specific question. I'm happy to share my experiences.

The Villa Mercedes website looks great. Their location is very close to the main local beach but about a 15 mins. walk north to get up into town 'proper'. Do you know if they have a pool? I didn't see it mentioned (and to me this is important ;-). I'm still a bit curious that I've never heard anyone mention it or noticed it before since I stay only a few blocks away.

Thanks for the advice! We hadn't heard about Casa Andrea, but it looks beautiful. We are checking into that one now as well. This will be our first trip to PV, so a place that we know people come back to is a great sign for us. Thanks again.

Stan & Shirley, You're most welcome. I found Casa Andrea one PV trip when I was staying at Posada de Roger & other friends had a room at Andrea's. It's a gem. There're only 10 units (casita-style) so reserve early; it's very private, beautiful, and quiet... kind of like staying in a lovely private home. There's a few quirks about the place (like you have to send a deposit by mail & they don't accept credit cards). But plenty to offset that... great rooms, free coffee and rolls on the patio in the morning, a gorgeous pool and garden area, 1@coin-op washer/dryer available, paperback lending library. It's 1-1/2 blocks from the beach. -Susan