We are considering Paradise Village for <BR>May 5-12. If we like it we want to book for <BR>Christmas. Having read past posts here we <BR>are impressed but at the same time more than <BR>a little concerned by the 'time-share sales <BR>pitch' comments and the 'zoo' reports. We <BR>are not into glitz and watching animals <BR>in captivity! In fact, we abhor this! So, <BR>my question is: For 2 adults & a 12 year <BR>old looking for a 'beach holiday' (long <BR>walks, swimming, tennis, watersports, luxury <BR>oceanfront room where we could have breakfast <BR>in our own room...Hate having to get dressed to go out for breakfast!!) where would <BR>you suggest we stay? Thanks for any help you <BR>can give! By the way, we are open to suggestions for anywhere in Mexico, not only <BR>Puerto/Nuevo Vallarta area!

Paula <BR>We have been to Paradise Village five times in the past four years and will be returning at Christmas with our extended family. Needless to say, we think it is a great place, and everything you suggested you were looking for, you will find there. It's a first-class resort with miles of uninterrupted beach to walk along. Every imaginable watersport is available at the resort. There is also a marina on site from which many of the sea excurions depart. There is an exceptional spa on site. Every room has a kitchen and balcony. You must request an ocean-view room if you want to over-look the ocean. The other side of the hotel also has beautiful views of the mountains and marina. It is true that this is a time-share resort, however, you will find absolutely no pressure to be involved in a sales meeting. No-one will look for you to pitch their sale. On our first visit there, we had the very same concern, but loved the place so much, decided we wanted to buy, then had to go looking for a sales-person to talk to. You do get a discount on the cost of accommodations if you take in their sales meeting. It is very low-key, lasts about and hour and a half, which includes a tour, and they pride themselves on having no pressure. This is a place that every one of our family members loves, and are excited to return to at Christmas. The "zoo" is tiny and somewhat archaic with their cages, however, some of the birds and animals are let out to wander daily. <BR>If you have any quetions, feel free to e-mail us.

Hi, Mike! Thanks for your reply! <BR>Sounds wonderful! Do you have an email <BR>address for Paradise Village? I would like to ask them to send us some <BR>brochures. <BR> <BR>I have one further question: How long does it take to drive to the 'old town' <BR>of Puerto Vallarta from Paradise Village? When you are there do you <BR>pretty much stay on the resort <BR>property or do you tend to go exploring? <BR>We are interested in experiencing the <BR>'Mexican Culture'.I need to know <BR>if the attractions are readily accessible from Paradise Village. <BR>Thanks for your help! <BR>Paula

Hi Paula, I do agree on most of what is said about the Paradise Village. It is a beautiful resort and well , if you do not want to attend the time-share meetings ( i wouldn't ) you just tell them that you are not interested and that's it. <BR>Otherwise, the zoo is tiny indeed, you will see them every time you go into the hotel , because they are placed along the lane to go into the hotel. <BR>Another good option would be La Jolla de Mismaloya, where you also can get two bedroom suites with kitchenettes. <BR>Paradise Village is about half an hour driving distance from the old town. <BR>If you would like to see a little more of the Mexican culture and the surroundings, I would suggest you take a couple of excursions with good , qualified guides. Have a look at the web-site of http://www.royale-tours.com <BR>They have great excursions and you can contact them with any questions. I have used them before and I was really happy to have arranged everything in advance. It just made our entire stay much smoother. Royale Tours can also help you with the transfers from the airport, it makes you feel so welcome when they are waiting for you with a sign with your name. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hi Paula <BR>In answer to your question, we certainly have explored around Puerto Vallarta and enjoyed ourselves, however, as we have been to town numerous times, we now mostly stay at the resort and enjoy the occasional meal in town, and take an occasional sailing trip in the bay. Downtown PV is easily accessible either by taxi (approx $7.00 US), or by city bus which leaves the site every 20 minutes (approx $1.00 US). You will see lots of Mexican life there, especially along the downtown boardwalk along the ocean. It's a very charming place. The hotel can help you with booking tours, and operate several themselves as they insist on only the best quality. You can get a better idea of what Paradise Village looks like and what is offered by viewing their web site at www.paradisevillage.com. Their e-mail address is [email protected]. I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions. As you can tell, we think this is the greatest place. My wife travels extensively with her job, and compares everything to Paradise Village. Nothing has quite matched up to it yet! <BR>Mike

Thanks to Pamela & Mike for your comments on LJdM & PV! I went to the site you provided, Mike & I sent them an email. <BR> <BR>Pam, it sounds as if you are familiar with both LJdM & PV. I know this may be <BR>a tough one...but....if you had to choose, which one, in your opinion, has <BR>the better beach? pool? golf? accessibility to the 'old' town? <BR>

Hi Paula, <BR>Allright, for accessibility to the old town , definitely La Jolla de Mismlaya, it is closer and the taxi would be less expensive, but you would still have to take a taxi. <BR>For the beach, both beaches are good, although different, but I am sure you will enjoy either of the beaches. <BR>Swimming-pool, likewise, both of them are good. I like the style of La Jolla de Mismaloya a little better myself, as it is just a little more elegant, and there is of course no time-share. <BR>At La Jolla de Mismaloya there is no golf nearby, you will have to go to the marina. At Paradise Village the Flamingos Golf Course will be the closest, but it is not the best one. <BR>Let me know if you have any other questions !