wondering if puerto vallerta is the place for a gal that wants a relaxing vacation and not in the center of consumer tourism- ?

If you stay away from the tourist areas, try the south side of town, south of the Rio Cuale. Or go further south to Boca de Tomatlan, or north to Bucerias.

I am single, female, and go to Puerto Vallarta at least once a year, twice if I can swing it. I *love* it there. Very relaxing, the people are friendly and welcoming, lots to do or not do as your choose.<BR><BR>As JR mentioned above to avoid consumer tourism do *not* stay out in Nuevo Vallarta, The Marina or Hotel Zone, but rather come into downtown, El Centro area or best of all south of the river. A lovely part of town, near the main local beach called Playa Los Muertos, cobblestone streets, red tile roofs, bouganvilla over brick and black wrought iron. Lots of smaller independent hotels you can choose from in the $15-45US/night range.

Would you consider the Hotel Buenaventura touristy? Last year we stayed at the Melia in the Marina area and don't want to do that again. We want to stay in town this time. I'm bringing my 73 year old mom again and we enjoyed the trips to the center and south of the river.

What's the status with dengue? Hear it's still raining from time to time.

For Suzy~~ As far as the Buenaventura, yes I would consider it &quot;touristy&quot; because it is often offered on various package deals and it is still north of downtown a ways in the Hotel Zone. That area is nowhere near as charming as south of the river IMHO. Having said that, I have never stayed there, just driven thru in a taxi from the airport.<BR><BR>For your trip with your Mom take a look at www.casa-andrea.com and www.molinodeagua.com. I have other less expensive, favorite hotels on the southside too, but if I were taking my mom these are two I'd consider... for what it's worth ;-)

No rain. We had a little 'sprinkle' just before Christmas - that's all.

Do does that mean no dengue?

No Dengue

PV is an excellent choice. As far as consumer tourism, you just might *have* to buy a Mexican blanket though ;-)<BR><BR>Find a place to stay in El Centro or on or near Playa Los Muertos for a low-key non-resort vacation.

Absolutely! Stay in the Zona Romantica - it is a lovely area with cobblestone streets, planty of restaurants and right along the beach, without the soulless resorts looming. It is also more reasonably priced than the major hotel strip area. We were there this summer and I can't wait to go back! Oh, and if you are talking about relaxing - make sure to take a boat ride to Yelapa for a day. You won't regret it (ask at the pier).

For those new to Puerto Vallarta, I just want to throw out...<BR><BR>Zona Romantica, south of the river, Olas Altas, the southside, and sometimes even (not correctly used) Old Town... all refer to the same lovely neighborhood, south of downtown (check a map and it will be clear, you're wanting to get south of the Rio Cuale).