Puerto Vallarta
 

I am lucky enough to work at a dental office who is taking the entire staff to Mexico. There will be 14 of us. We are staying at the Grand Nuevo Vallarta by Occidental. Leaving end of February for a week. Has anyone stayed there? Tips, suggestions,warnings, ect. for the hotel and area. Any points of interest? Thanks!!!

Be sure and vist the "Zona Romantica" (Romantic District) south the Cuale River (very picturesque) as well as the Isla Cuale (an island in the middle of the river). Very nice indeed. Be prepared for hoards of "time share vultures" and other such creatures in the main downtown area.

Enjoy PV.

Ken

check out trip advisor.com they have reviews from people who have stayed there. Going w/all those people you should have a great time. You all must go into town one night and see what Mexico is all about. Have fun

No warnings really. PV isfor the most part very safe, friendly, and welcoming to visitors.

With the exception of, as already mentioned, timeshare sales people (just say no gracias and don't get involved, you may see them at hotels, in booths along the sidewalk that appear to be jeep rentals, activities, etc.)

Be sure to spend some time in El Centro (downtown) and "south of the river" (Zona Romantica or Old Town). Stroll The Malecon (seawall promonade) one evening along with tourists and locals alike. Visit the Cathedral and sit for a few moments of peace and quiet.

Spend a day down on Playa Los Muertos (main local beach) and do your souvenier shopping. Get chairs and palapas at one of the beach bars (free is you have some food/drinks). Get some sun and (if you want) buy Mexican blankets, silver, pareos, etc.

We are planning to visit Puerto Vallarta for the first time. Would two weeks be too long? Any suggestions for side trips (one day) from PV?
Do local buses run between PV and Nuevo Vallarta?

The ATM bus line services Nuevo Vallarta, 10 pesos to town. More information here:
http://vallarta-info.com/puertovallarta4.html

I stayed at the Occidental a couple of years ago. A couple of things you might want to know. You will need to get up early to make reservations at the a la carte restaurants, as they only make reservations for that day.
The theatre is in a very central location, and it can be quite loud in the evening. The rooms above the lobby will be the loudest. The wings to the side will be slightly quieter. Most rooms do not have a balcony. The ground floor rooms have a patio door onto a cement patio. If you want a smoothie in the AM just pick up some fruit and a yogurt from the buffet and get one of the waiters to whip it up for you. By the 3rd morning, they were asking... are you having a smoothie this morning?
Do not go see the concierge if you do not want to be pestered about time share. They are also on the grounds, but just say no, and they usually get the hint.
You can walk north on the beach for hours. Check out if there are any turtles being released from the turtle sanctuary.
Have fun