pete

We are going on our honeymoon late Aug to early Sept--are considering Puerta Vallarta or Zinhuantanejo, or maybe Belize or Costa Rica---can anyone help us decide where to go, thanks!

Tricia

Pete, please do not listen to that jerk Manuel who wrote about PV. His phone number is not even in Mexico! PV is wonderful and can be a great destination for a honeymoon. And I am sure Zihuatenajo also is very nice - I have never been but, have heard good about it. If you choose Pv there is lot's to do for just about everyone! Lot's of good food, beaches, shopping, exploring and beautiful hotels. If you need more information on PV, please do not hesitate to write - I am a local of Pv for 10 years and don't know where this Manuelito is from Mars?! Congratulations!

pete

Tricia,
thanks for your response.....that guy is sick--there's one in every
crowd! oh well, on to the good stuff...please tell me more, like what
are the best hotels, restaurants. We are outdoors active people, will
want to snorkel, parasail, surf, horseback riding, hiking in jungle,
etc. What about Yelapa, also--very important question...our honeymoon is
Aug 23-Sept 4....is this the rainy season, what is it like at this time
of year?
Thanks again for the help.
Pete

how much to rent motorbikes? or Jeep?

any nearby villages to explore?

Cheryl Z.

My vote is for PV, tho we've never been to Z. (not even going to try to spell it!) PV is beautiful, charming, clean, easy to walk around, the people are great, and it's a VERY romantic town. I've posted other msgs about restaurants but if you want more or didn't see them, let me know. That time of year will be very hot, humid, maybe rainy but don't let that worry you. It may rain for awhile, then it's clear again. Gets windy late afternoon. You'll have great sunsets, lots of shopping, wonderful food - we've been over 20 times since '84 and it's our favorite r and r. (one advantage to that time of year is that it will be less crowded)

David

I've been to both cities and P.V. in my opinion is a better choice if you want more options and things to do. Actually we spent out honeymoon in P.V and stayed at the Camino Real way back in 1980. Since then we have returned a couple of times each year and somtimes more. We love the city. As far as prices that you asked about I would recommend that you shop around and avoid the free deals that the time share people offer unless you want to waste the better part of a day in their hard sales meetings disguised as a free breakfast. Puerto Vallarta has many things to offer and the price is right for people with US dollars. The restaurants are really outstanding and reasonably priced. Nice hotels depending on what you are looking for,you should choose carefully. Hotel row has some nice hotels that are close to the main city. Less expensive hotels downtown and Los Muertos area. The marina area is a little farther away but very nice. Nuevo Vallarta has some fine new hotels but is even further north of town. And then you have the hotels south of town (Camino Real etc.) It really depends on what you are looking for. I have my personal favorites and would help if you need it. Good luck and have a great time were ever you chose. David
PS. As I tell all my friends that travel to Mexico. Please be kind to the venders on the beach. They are only trying to make a small living. If you say no thanks with a smile they will eventually get to know you and leave you alone, no need to be rude as some are.

Cheryl Z.

'ola - just want to "ditto" David's postscript and am glad he mentioned that. I hate it and am always embarassed by Americans or others who are so rude to them. Besides just trying to make a living, as uneducated as they are they STILL know two languages! Most of them often speak better English than lots of us ever will. "no, gracias" with a smile will handle everything (altho you might have to be more persistent with the timeshare people, but I must add that we bought a timeshare our first time there after SWEARING we'd never do that, and have lived happily ever after with our place!) Have a great time.

pete

wow...thanks to everyone for some excellent responses and info---give me more, also I will continue reading older messages for more recommendations...as far as hotels, what are some of the most romantic, beautiful physically, and best located (near Rio Cuale?) how about thatch-roof palapa in jungle or on remote beach? or what are your favorites, all things considered?

Gail

Puerto Vallarta is more developed and touristy than Zihuatanejo (probably more activities to do). Look into the Bel Air property in P.V. - may be a great luxury choice. Zihuatanejo is next to Cancun and has its own charm. Has two great hotels: Villa Del Sol, where we stayed just last October and we loved it - great service and a wonderful Friday night Mexican buffet. Classy and quiet. The Casa Que Canta is quite stunning. We had a drink there and saw the spectacular pool that overlooks the bay. Both hotels would be wonderful and romantic for honeymoon. If you rate the hotel quality as high priorty, then you might enjoy either of these.

Gail

Message, Pete, I misspoke on my last reply when I said Zihuatanejo was near "Cancun" - I meant Ixtapa. However, the latter two places are almost interchangeable types of resorts.

david

In reference to your question concerning other places to stay. Jeff Walker has an interesting web site at http://www.nwrain.net/~jwalk/ (It was up last time I checked anyway. He is an interesting fellow who vacations in Puerto Vallarta every year
for $600 a month. He has compliled as list of hotels , private homes ,rooms etc. that he lists w/ photos and a little info about each. I've used his service and got a couple of really nice places to stay on the cliffs over looking the beach w/ great views for under $60 a day. Check his site out. You cut out the middle man and deal directly with the owners. He charges a small fee but only if you enjoy and use his service . He gives you a pass word first and if you like the info asks for a $5 donation. A very trusting guy I guess. It's worth it or email me and I'll give you my password and if you like and use his site you can send him $5. Also as I said in my last post I've stayed at most of the hotels in P.V and I'd be very happy to answer any questions.