My husband and I are considering renting a condo on Playas Gemelas beach (right next to the Presidente Intercontintal Hotel) but wasn't sure if this was too far from town. As this is the 1st time we're visiting Puerto Vallarta, we would appreciate any recommendations.

Some people love being a ways out of town, some prefer to stay downtown so they are walking distance to restaurants, shops, galleries, etc. (I fall in the second camp).

It's hard to know which you might prefer. You can use taxis to get back and forth into town, they are quite reasonable priced.

It is a ways away from downtown, but it's also a very pretty area (much nicer than the Nuevo Vallarta area.)
Fodors has a great restaurant section, or just type Puerto Vallarta restaurants into the search box and you'll find tons of ideas!

I stayed in that part of town for one night then moved closer was way too far to travel to different restaurants in P.V. Just my opinion I prefer to be closer to town.

Does anyone have any suggestions on hotels or rentals that are closer to town but itsn't over run by the Spring break crowd?

I have never experienced a spring break crowd in PV (15 trips later) staying in the Old Town. I think as long as you stay away from the low to mid range AI type resorts (think volleyball in the pool) or Senor Frogs et al. you should be fine.

I haven't been there at that time, but I have never heard of PV as a Spring Break destination. I don't think so. It is too far away and the airfare is too expensive. Kids who want a cheap spring break go to Florida or places in Mexico real cheap and closer (ie, Cancun).

It is true you will get younger folks who may like to drink and "party" more than others at some of those chain bars and places off the malecon (as Suze said), but that's still not a spring break crowd.

Have to differ--but PV is a Spring Break trip to those of us on the "left coast"--sometimes families with teenagers out to test their tequila capacity. Not pretty. Have you considered Zihua? We rented a cabana above Playa La Ropa and loved it. Kandi

If you want to avoid the Spring Break crowd and there is one the usually go to the inexpensive hotels and all inclusive ones. Here are my recommendations, The Marriott is my first choice however I don't think you will be able to get a reservation until April I tried Think that because of Cancun hurricane all Marriott must have been sent to P.V. Also there is the Fiesta Americana not far from town about $3.00 taxi ride also the Sheraton you can walk into town a t a leisurely pace but if you choose to ride also $3.00 cab ride. One more place is Dreams nice secluded beach but it is all inclusive now Previously Camino Real It is close to town but on a mountain road and need to take a cab. $3.00. They are th only hotels I have stayed, They are in the more expensive hotel category. I doubt too many spring breakers at these hotels. Try trip advisor.com and check out the reviews. Good Luck I am leaving on Feb 4th staying at the Sheraton.

Kandi- Would you share the resorts, hotels, parts of town where you saw this problem? I believe you(!) but am curious to have details because people often ask this question, and clearly our two experiences are different.

Hi Blue! We rent at the same place you are thinking of. We'll be there again this year for 6 weeks. We love it there. The bus stop going into town is directly across the road and takes 10 minutes to get there. The
bus stops right in front of the building coming back and you can also head further south to Mismaloya. There is a small superette and a great little restaurant on the premises. The people who work there are very nice, the place is kept very clean and the people who go there for the most part are friendly and welcoming. Many Canadians and Americans. The beaches (2) are great!!! The units are studio types, some nicer than others. It definitely is not "posh" but very utilitarian. The view from any terraces is to die for. You will see whales,dolphins and skates from your unit. All in all, I highly recommend it. Have fun no matter where you go!!

We just returned from our first PV vacation. We spent a week at the Sheraton Buganvilias (timeshare). Our 10th floor balcony view was fantastic, closeness to the beach allowed great views of cruise ships coming in and listening to the waves hit the beach. The Sheraton's location allowed many walks to Old Town, resturants, shopping/walking on the malecon. The Mega grocery store is 2 blocks north of the hotel. Taxis were $5, bus $.40, safe and a PV experience everyone must do. Take the Rythmns of the Night trip through Vallarta Adventures. It was great!!! Book it on-line and you get a 10% discount.

For a first time in PV, get closer to Centro. Sheraton would be better than Playas Gemelas At least you could walk to the Malecon. There is a lot to see and explore in Centro PV and old town over the River Cuale. I recommend something in Old Town for your first trip. You don't want to be taking the bus or a taxi every time to get to the Malecon.

sheraton does get mixed reviews but I have stayed there numerous times as well as other hotels. If you want to walk into town that is the place to be. In fact I am leaving on the 4th of Feb. I never had any real complaints about this place. Good Luck