Puerto Vallarta Hotel
 

Hello, my husband and kids 3 and 5 are looking to go to PV in June. Wondering about hotels. Want to be in town, on beach and not AI. We're considering Playa Los Arcos, Villa del Palmar, NH Krystal, (inexplicably) Holiday Inn PV and Buenaventura. Any thoughts? We want clean and nice but doesn't have to be 5 star by any means. Mellow laid back is more our style, but able to walk to restaurants shops etc. Thank you all very much.

From that list, I would pick Playa Los Arcos. It's a fine moderate hotel, but mostly because it's the only one on the "southside" of town in the area sometimes dubbed Old Town or Zona Romantica. In my opinion this neighborhood is MUCH nicer (in a true Mexican way, cobblestone streets, red tile roofs, bouganvilla) and more low-key than out in the Hotel Zone north of downtown.

Thanks Suze. Is there another hotel not on this list that you would say is better? Thank you.

I think your list is fine, I didn't mean it that way. But there are just not that many hotels located what I would consider *IN* town and ON the beach both.

One other I like is Molino de Agua which is a unique place, perfect location in a huge walled garden, two pools... but I hesitate to recommend it because it has been two years since I've been, and there were some management (rumor has it hotel is for sale) and construction issues (Malecon extension) I've heard could be negatives for staying there now.

Los Arcos has two sister properties that have suites just a block away, but you still have use of the pool and beachfront at Playa Los Arcos. You might check out those (same website).

I usually stay at the smaller local hotels, that are several blocks in off the beach in the same neighborhood.

Since you mentioned laid back style, uou might want to consider this one. It's a "real Mexican" hotel not a resort, definitely not 5 star (3 I think) and is ALMOST on the beach but not quite.

www.hoteleloisa.com

I stayed at the Hotel Eloisa last year. I thought it was great. It is ALMOST right on the beach. (It's across the street). They have a small roof top pool and also a pool in the lobby. I paid $70.00/night in high season February.

One thing about Playa Los Muertos (the stretch of local public beach in this area), even if your hotel is not on the beach, most of the restaurants and bars have palapas, umbrellas, chairs, waiter service, etc. so for the price of a snack, or lunch & drinks, you can have a pretty nice set up for the afternoon.

Thank you so much for all your help. Based on all the reading on this board and elsewhere we definitely want to stay in the Zona Romantica. We're leaning towards Playa los Arcos because we can get a better hotel/air deal than if we just do air and hotel separate. Thanks.

just got back from PV yesterday - YOu might what to try the Sheraton. It's located in a good spot. All the hotels seem to be friendly and laid back. I would not do AI unless you drink a lot. There are many good places to eat and experience the town. If you need any info just ask - We had a wonderful time

jenm,

I am planning a trip to PV in June ...our first. Who is doing your air/hotel package? I will be in PV for five days and then on to Yelapa for 10 days (flying from Boston). I have made my plans wholly based on what I read here. I cannot thank everybody enough for the help I am gleaning from these posts.

oops, I just realized that jenm's post is dated 04/25/2005. I am a rookie at posting and so, forgive me.