JPinBC

We have always stayed at a hotel or small resort-hotel during our Puerto Vallarta stays. Since fall, 2007, we have stayed at a small, all-suites hotel in the city's south side (Los Arcos Suites). The suites there have kitchenettes, thus, have allowed us to be able to cook when we wish to.

We are thinking of possibly taking this kind of lodging a step further during our next stay (hopefully, spring = May, 2011), and switching to staying at a condo -- where we could get a little more 'apartment-style' accommodation (with more and better kitchen amenities, and the like). We seek a property where we could get a monthly rate, or a very good weekly rate, that we could extend into a month-long stay -- for a stay of one month minimum.

We wish to stay in the same general location of the city - i.e., near Los Muertos beach, and the other attractions of the south side, etc. We like the "feel" of that part of the city, and it 'fits' what we like to do during our Vallarta stays.

Here are some properties we wish to consider and research -

- Vista del Sol (entrance on Aquiles Serdan, a few feet away from Los Muertos beach) - we would be interested in an apartment on either the beach side and/or the Francisco Madero street side - we have been into one unit on each of these sides, and they have the best views.

- Plaza Mar (Lazaro Cardenas, just a few feet from Los Muertos beach) - beach side units face Burros Bar (yuck!), L. Cardenas units face Parque Lazaro Cardenas (a parking garage, with loud concerts and other "noise makers" at times).

- Plaza Dorado (Olas Altas, on Los Muertos beach) - beach views, some restaurant, restaurant/bar music and noise, etc.

- Casa Franca (Francisco Madero, about a half-block from Los Muerto beach) - small property, three units, one a two-floor penthouse (with small outside patio). Dead-end street, not very busy. Units though, are very small, from what we can tell from pictures. Reasonable 'off-season' rates -- but there's no A/C, or pool.

Have any members stayed at these properties? Would sure appreciate some feedback, comments, suggestions, and the like.

Thanks!!
John

suze

John~ There's only a handful of PV posters here on Fodor's. You might want to read &/or ask your question over at Trip Advisor's Vallarta destination forum. Very busy & lots more people there.

JPinBC

suze .... yes, will be considering such, do know that a good many who post over there, stay in condo's (and actually know several personally, so easy to get some first-hand info).

Just thought it might be good to get and provide some information here - it's a new place for me, and chance to meet new travellers, and share info and ideas, and etc.

Cheers!

cabron

I know all these places and am a personal friend of Franca. Go for what you can afford, there's nothing wrong with any of these places. Franca's units are on the small side, but the price is right. Jeff Musto who has rentals at Plaza Mar is also a buddy and you won't go wrong dealing with him.

suze

Sure, yes, please do continue to post about Puerto Vallarta on Fodor's. It's would be great to get more conversation going. It's wonderful to have your information here. Sometimes cabron and I do get lonely (ha-ha).

suze

Oops, and to the original question, I haven't stayed in any of those you mention but agree all of them are good options in excellent locations.

JPinBC

cabron ... thanks. I like your "go for what you can afford ..." comment. I think that will really be the deciding factor for us, should we decide to switch to such accommodation. We cannot afford the high season rates, but if able to catch something lower during the off-season, it could be a go. Thanks for the tips re: Franca and Jeff.

JPinBC

Thanks suze!!