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-   -   Puerto Vallarta or Playa Del Carmen? (https://www.fodors.com/community/mexico-and-central-america/puerto-vallarta-or-playa-del-carmen-575859/)

genevieve240 Dec 12th, 2005 11:33 AM

Puerto Vallarta or Playa Del Carmen?
 
We are 2 single girls in our 20's and hoping to travel at the end of Feb. We would like to go all inclusive and just not quite sure where to stay. Decent food and decent nightlife on and off the resort are a must. Any suggestions?

Little_Man Dec 13th, 2005 02:40 PM

they're both just great...
I have to give Playa del Carmen the edge for its wondrous beaches and enjoyable town. Puerto Vallarta wins on restaurants, though :)!!
Check out the Iberostar Resorts, the Iberostar Quetzel is close to town, and gets great reviews.
Have a good time!!!

suze Dec 14th, 2005 06:50 AM

I've been to PV many times and it's a great town but haven't been to PdC to be able to make a comparison for you. Certainly PV has all you describe. It is safe, friendly people, easy to get around. I've only stayed at hotels in town, never an all-inclusive resort.

TioGringo Dec 14th, 2005 09:38 AM

Playa del Carmen if you like great beaches. Puerto Vallarta if you like quaint coastal city life with acceptable beaches.

Neither is a place I'd do AI, though I could see doing it at some of the remote resorts along the Riviera Maya coast between PdC and Cancun, but only if you really do intend to just plop on the beach at the resort and not do much going out.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

blondlady Dec 14th, 2005 09:47 AM

Both are wonderful places. But be sure to check the status of PDC clubs after the hurricane. Puerto Vallarta has great night life along the Malecon. Why go all inclusive with so many wonderful restaurants in PV? Plus you would be buying your drinks in the clubs anyway. If you want the town and not the resort clubs, stick to El Centro or Old Town, Zona Romantica (walk everywhere). The Marina and Nueve Vallarta are taxi rides away from the best part of PV. I believe Grand Pelicanos, Buenaventura and Krystal are AI. They are reasonably close to the town (bus ride or if you're into walking - no problem, except too far for late night walk). If you decide not to do AI, and stay in Old Town and Los Muertos Beach there are lots of places to stay. For one, I love Molina D Agua for its setting.

kudo96 Dec 15th, 2005 05:58 AM

I have been to both Playa de Carmen and PV. Both are great. But... have you considered Cancun? Cancun has the best nightlife, good beaches, and there is plenty to do in and around the city. There are also many all-inclusives located in Cancun.

Little_Man Dec 15th, 2005 08:36 AM

I love Cancun as well, but because of Wilma and the devastation she caused, I might cross it off my list for February...
However, the Riu Palace Las Americas looks like a very good all-inclusive, and had no damage, and the beach is still good there...


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