We are 4 post university females looking for a place to relax. We want to be by the beach, but also by nightlife that offers immersion in the mexican culture. I know how to speak spanish so the language is not a problem. We just have no idea of the areas...any suggestions? thanks

I'd choose Puerto Vallarta on the west coast. It offers exactly what you describe. I've not been to Mazatlan, because the friends I travel with who have been to both, infinitely prefer PV. There's plenty of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife available, but if you venture inland even 6 blocks in downtown you are in a 'normal' working, living Mexican family neighborhood.

But if a prettier beach is important then Playa del Carmen, because the ocean on the Caribbean side is more typically-beautiful than the pacific. I'm not sure about 'immersion in the mexican culture' as possible in PDC though.

Thanks Suze
Yea beach isn't a big deal...it's nice just to have one around...what type of hotels would you suggest? The location is what I'm concerned with...something nice and convenient. Also where would we fly into from chicago? Thanks again.

Hi I agree w/Suze you will all love P.Vallarta have been there many many times infact we are going in March just went in December love it that much. Let me know what you are looking for in hotel atmosphere and restaurants and I will be glad to help. Have been to many hotels can say that they are pretty much the same I only try to go to the top hotels so I know what to expect. Good Luck By the way you I don't know when you were planning on going but they have perfect weather until the end of May (no rain) that is what you don't get anywhere in the Caribbean except Aruba. If I can help please ask away, I can't wait to go again and I have been going for 15 yrs.

Thanks Butsey! We don't need anything too fancy, but it would be nice to have a nice atmosphere in the hotel and maybe a pool/bar/etc. I dont know what they usually have there...in puerto rico we stayed at our hotel because it was a total social spot in the evenings and the pool and bar was amazing as well. I dont know what to expect in Mexico though, and if they have all inclusive packages would that benefit us? Thanks for all the help.

You fly into 'PVR', it's a major airport just north of town. I'm not much help with resorts because I stay in more local style places. But Puerto Vallarta is great and I'm sure you can find something you like. I'd suggest a map so you see how the different resort and downtown areas lay around the Bay of Banderas.

If you stay in a resort out in Nuevo Vallarta (1/2 hour north) you might take an all inclusive. If you want to get out around town for shopping, galleries, activities, etc. then I wouldn't as PV has tons of great restaurants.