dutyfree

My daughter is coming into Puerto Vallarta at the end of November after being on a marine science sailing ship for 6 weeks. My husband and I would like to go down and see her come in but are at a loss as to where to stay. We really really aren't resort people and won't be staying longer than 2-3 days(besides trying to get home for Thanksgiving). Would anyone have a recommendation for a hotel that is somewhat near where the ships come in that is nice but not super expensive? Change hotels are fine along with any other suggestions. Thanks!

dutyfree

Make that chain hotels......sorry!

suze

Casa Magna Marriott would be ideal. It's not a mega-resort just a really nice hotel. Located in The Marina between the airport and downtown PV.

suze

Does a marine science sailing ship dock the same place as the cruise ships do?

dutyfree

Yes-its a ship owned by the SEA Education Association out of Woods Hole,Ma. It goes all over the Pacific for 6 week stretches for college students studying oceanography,etc. They spend the first 6 weeks of the semester doing classwork in Woods Hole.She was on the sister ship several years ago out in the North Atlantic and when it came in with all of its sails up it literally took my breath away-something out of a Mutiny on the Bounty look. Thanks for the recommendation-anyone else?

suze

Both Sheraton and Westin are also well recommended and nearby.

Little_Man

if it was me, I'd choose Suze's recommendation, the Marriott.

suze

Hopefully others will chime in but I'm trying to address your not being resort people, plus wanting to be near the port, and staying just a few days.

There're hundreds of hotels in Puerto Vallarta (i've vacationed there 16 times over the past 10 years) in different parts of towns and all styles and price ranges.

If you have specifics in mind, post them and I'll try to think of some other options. Although I think it will be hard to beat the Marriott for what you want, quite honestly.

TioGringo

I concur with the Marriott recommendation. They sometimes have quite competitive rates too, and I've found their service to be excellent (a HUGE step up from some of the timeshare oriented properties).

If you're not into mega hotels, you might also try some of the upscale villa style places. The Casa Isabel is very comfortable and upscale, and a real bargain for the kind of genteel intimacy you get.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

suze

along those lines, also Casa Claudia is a favorite of lots of people.

dutyfree

Okay-my daughter has a reservation at the Marriott(thanks for the recommendations) but am interested in knowing if you would recommend the bus service to the airport or the expense of the taxi for safety and speed from the Marriott? Does anyone know if the Marriott has its own water purification system? Thanks for all of the tips!

suze

The local public busses are great for getting around, cheap, safe, fun, but it is not that easy to get to/from the airport using them.

So it's not so much for "safety" per se but I'd use a taxi because assuming you have at least one small suitcase it's a LOT easier.

Note that a taxi leaving the airport will cost about twice as much (those are white in color usually with an airplane logo and are considered airport "regulated&quot than those that can take you back to the airport (the normal yellow town cabs).

Surely the Marriott has filtered water? Anyone? Pretty much every hotel does.

suze

A taxi returning to the airport from The Marina is probably $7-10 USD max. and takes about >10 mins.

lvitaly

Suze- usually taxi's from the airport to your specific destination are running around $20- $25.00. Thats what we just paid but my sister with her husband and two kids paid $25.00. They may have had a van. From the Sheraton to the airport is $600 pesos so roughly less than $6.00.Considerably cheaper.
I agree i would not try to get on a bus from the airport as that would be difficult with suitcases.
All big hotels do have a water filtration system and i noticed on menus that they advertise that as well.
Nontheless, after all these times i got the dreaded "bug" this time. Not a pleasant experience!!

suze

Thanks so much for telling me that! Wow, 250 peso just to get to The Marina. That's more than I paid last time to go all the way down to the southside/Los Muertos area (granted it was 2 years ago). Also it was that same 60 peso to return to the airport from the same area, Old town or Zona Romantica.

I assumed the taxis operated on a "zone" system of some type, but that sounds like a flat rate whether your ride is 5 mins. or 20 mins.

Again, my thanks for the correction and update.