We are in our early 60's and need a quick and easy one week getaway from home on the west coast. Never been to Puerto Vallarta and would like to go but concerned about the weather in Sept, which is when we would have to go. We don't mind some rain, but typhoons and hurricanes are a different matter. We like to snorkel, golf and interested in rain forest tours which seem to be offered by most hotels. I am looking over this sight for hotels and getting lots of ideas.
We like up scale, beach oriented hotels. Are we crazy to go to PV in September due to weather concerns?
Package prices on Expedia seem very reasonable given time of year.

Yes! You should go!

While storms are always a possibility (PVR did get hit by a hurricane just 2 years ago), Puerto Vallarta does not get nailed by tropical storms every year, the way that some places along the Caribbean coast do. Chances are GOOD that you'll have lots of warm sunshine and plenty of opportunities to get out and see the town, do your golfing, and getting in on some of those jungle tours.

By the way, personally, I think the Marriott Casamagna is among the best hotels in the marina district, though the pools at Velas are exceptional (but I hate the AI plans they're pushing on folks these days).

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

Puerto Vallarta's great any time of year! While summer is the "rainy season" even then it is normally showers in the evening or night with clearing in between. It would be very unusual for it to pour rain for an entire week.

That hurricane was more like 4 years ago by now, and I believe it was the 1st one in 50 years or something like that. So hurricanes or typhoons should not be a concern!

Your hotel choices are basically divided up into Nuevo Vallarta which is approx. 1 hour north of the city and is the newer development (more Cancun style). Or you can stay in The Marina which is a nice compromise and much closer to town, that's where Casa Magna Marriott hotel is, or even with the Hotel Zone or El Centro, making it walking distance to shops, restaurants, galleries, the Malecon, the cathedral, etc.

I am not a golfer but know there are excellent offerings. Vallarta Lifestyles is a magazine where I've seen the different courses advertised.

Another website with an active bulletin board about PV resorts is at www.puertovallarta.net (it's a commercial website but you can go to the message boards).

I agree w/Tio Gringo & Suze, "GO" The Marriott is the best hotel in P.V. It offers the best service. I have stayed at different hotels and believe this is the Best One, not too expensive either. Go to trip advisor.com and check out the reviews. Good Luck I am going back in November was at the Marriott in April but staying at the Sheraton in Nov (Got a good deal) that is a nice hotel too but can't compare the service from at the Marriott. Good Luck

Thank you one and all. We are used to rain and such on tropical trips. You have helped us decide to go to PV in Sept. Now we are deciding on hotels. I am drawn to the La Jolla Mismaloya, but it seems inconviently "far away" from restaurants, shopping etc. Also on my list is the Hotel Playa Los Arcos, Fiesta Americana, Hyatt, and Marriott Casamagna.
We think we don't want all inclusive as there seems to be just too many good restaurant choices in town and it would be nice to be relatively close to those choices. We like beach side living. Any thoughts?
Thanks again.

Definitely no AI in PV

You might read on the bulletin boards over on www.puertovallarta.net. It's a commercial website but has a free board and many postings and opinions about hotel choices.

Also www.allvallarta.com has an excellent and lively community of posters, they are more experienced with budget travel and apartments, but several regulars live and work in PV.

hi Bill,
just wanted to say that LaJolla de Mismaloya is inconveniently situated if you want to visit PV at all...and I was under the impression it's completely AI?
I'd choose the Marriott over LdeMis...

Hi Bill Have been to all the hotels you were thinking of Believe me the Marriott is the best for service, food, and ambience. The Sheraton & Fiesta Americana I would rate the both of them my 2nd choice, La Jolla I would not go back to because it is so far away, we stayed there one night and left, too far away. Good Luck

Playa los Arcos is in a different category from the rest of the properties you mention. If you decide on that one, be sure to get an ocean front room (otherwise you can be on a side street). The Fiesta Americana, Hyatt, etc are all very good hotels, but I prefer the location (walk everywhere, and some great small restaurants right on the beach are nearby) and size of Los Arcos. Although my favorite, and in the same location, is Molina de Agua. Not that I'm trying to open a can of worms on our favorite PVR hotels!

cjackson, have you been to Molino de Agua recently? i love that hotel but heard rumors of a sale or change in ownership.

p.s. bill has decided to go with Mismaloya.