Which all inclusive in Puerto Vallarta?
 

I am planning a family vacation to PV for mostly adults in late 20's to early 60's, and a couple of teens. We have decided to try an AI, so that is what we are going with. Prefer a good beach or at least nice pool areas. Plan to do lots of sightseeing. Want to be close to town (nuevo vallarta is too far). Not looking for luxury, but something moderate (3 stars minimum). Which one do you recommend or not? Or do you recommend a different AI? Thanks.

Canto Del Sol
Melia
Qualton Club & Spa
Plaza Pelicanos Grand
Las Palmas

Check out the bulletin board over at www.puertovallarta.net.

It is a commercial site but with lots of posters on the BB who stay at the various resorts around town.

I don't recommend the Plaza Pelicanos. I was there in 2003 and was very disappointed. Grant you it was a few months after the hurricane and the hotel had suffered from it. The beach was very small and not safe. The buffet was VERY limited and the animation really left to be desired.

I know it will be more expensive but if you can afford it, I strongly recommend the RIU at Nuevo Vallarta. 5 star hotel - 5 star service - great animation - lots to do. You can always take a cab or a bus and spend the day in Vallarta.

AVOID the Intercontinental for many reasons.........bad food, poor conditions.....dirty...........and the list goes on.

We did get a good price from skyaution.com for the Allegro in Nuevo Vallarta........the price was right, so I cannot complain. Nice beach, pleasant service, rooms so so, good location.

This would be what I would consider 3 stars.....

We were there in Feb, and paid less than $100 a night for the two of us included all taxes. Check out skyauction.com.......there are some good deals.

3 stars can be pretty darn basic in PV (I stay at one, I know!). If you can afford it, I'd look at 4+ (this may still not be 'luxury'). I think these all offer AI, to your list I'd also check Buenaventura, Hotel Rosita, Playa Los Arcos, Dreams (Camino Real).

I've found a GREAT site that offers free full color maps (in PDF format) of Puerto Vallarta and almost every other area in Mexico. Check it out!

http://www.allworldhotel.com/mexico/mexico_map.html

Puerto Vallarta is one of those destinations where AI is not usually a good idea. Good, inexpensive food abounds in the city, and it's FAR too easy to get stuck with a hotel that serves crummy food that you've already paid for.

IMHO, never AI in PVR.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com