needmorevacation

SO wants to go on a last-minute trip to Mexico at the end of October/first week of November for 5 days- as we cancelled our Costa Rica trip for earlier this month as we weren't sure if I'd be able to travel (I can now, but no hiking/adventure activities which was a large part of why we chose CR)- this trip will include a lot of relaxing and reading!

I've been to Mexico once- on a cruise with my Grandma when I was 12- to Cozumel, so I'm open to anything that's a direct flight from DFW- PV, San Jose del Cabo, Cancun (party town??), Cozumel

Requirements-
Beach
Balcony
Peace & Quiet
Pool
Walking distance to shops/restaurants
Under $400 USD/night
Adults-Only would be a plus

I found a place in PV that I almost booked, Casa Velas, but decided to read the 'terrible' reviews on TA first- glad I did- it's not on the beach! All of the photos would lead you to believe otherwise... Also 30 minutes to town- no thanks!

Looking at hotels in San Jose Del Cabo, and while they look nice, a number are still rebuilding it seems.

I'm just lost and my lightning-struck brain is becoming frazzled, so any places you recommend or would avoid- please let me know!

jamie99

Sounds like you might be looking for all-inclusive since you mention AO is this correct?
I love PV but would not stay AI there, lots of fabulous restaurants in all price ranges.
Beaches would be better over on the Caribbean side though, my preference is for places south of Playa del Carmen, IMO they have better beaches.

needmorevacation

SO and I, while not foodies, appreciate good food. From what I've read AI= not good food. If Adults Only= All Inclusive, then I'll tolerate screaming children for yummy food

Was thinking about Caribbean side but seaweed turned me off... that plus hurricanes (granted Cabo got hit last year so...)

baldone

Isla Mujeres might fit your bill as well, last I read/heard, no problems with Sargassum.

suze

I love Puerto Vallarta and go there often.

Something's not quite right about what you quoted though. Casa Velas is a very nice resort in The Marina district, right in town in PV, between the airport and downtown.

The "30 minutes away" would be the resorts out in Nuevo Vallarta, the district to the north of the city.

But there are literally dozens of nice resorts that meet your requirements easily found in PV for under $400/night. Casa Magna Marriott, Westin, Sheraton, Villa Premiere, Sunset Plaza, Secrets/Now Amber, etc. etc.

As a point of reference regarding pricing... my favorite budget hotel is $47/night that time of year, and the beautiful condos I've rented the past four years in early Novembers go for ~$375-$750/week.

suze

I also like Cabo San Lucas, and you can find places on Medano Beach (Casa Dorado, for example) that are walking distance to shops and restaurants downtown.

I personally would NOT do all-inclusive in either PV or Cabo, because food is so great in the restaurants, cafes, bars around town.

suze

<it's not on the beach! All of the photos would lead you to believe otherwise>

I'm pretty sure that's because Velas Vallarta, the sister resort, is on the beach and you have privileges there when you stay at Casa. If you want more info, check out the PV forum on Trip Advisor. It's very active (much more so than this forum on Fodor's). People talk about all these resorts often.

Stewbear

West Coast my beach preferences
Zihuatanejo, La Paz, PV, Acapulco
Beaches at Cabo not swimable with a few exceptions.

needmorevacation

Thanks Suze, I actually read your trip reports which had me leaning towards PV due to the restaurants
It's very possible in the hundreds of reviews I read today that I mixed up Nueva V and the Marina.

Can you easily walk to resturants/downtown from Casa Velas? I'm still recovering from the lightning and my burns/joints seem to be more upset in the evening

Theanks Stewbear- definetley want to swim to help with the joints- will focus less on Cabo!

changemaven

We are not AI types, preferring local restaurants. Went to San Jose Del Cabo last year for the first time. Stayed at a lovely condo on the beach and across the street/easy walking from grocery store - Las Mananitas. Large pool on the beach. Beach is not fine sand, more small pebbles but walkable with shoes. Not swimmable. Much preferred this town vs Cabo.
We are trying NV this year. Cancelled Playa Del Carmen because of seaweed. hope this helps

needmorevacation

Thanks changemaven! SO is big on beach walking, 'feeling the sand between his toes' so SJDC may be off the list as well Looks like NV, PV may be our best bet in terms of beach and lack of seaweed!

cabron

No the Marina, where Velas is located is not walking distance to Town, seee map http://vallartainfo.com/vallarta_marina_map.html
Villa Premiere is much closer and is adult only, with European Pla

cabron

No the Marina, where Velas is located is not walking distance to Town, seee map http://vallartainfo.com/vallarta_marina_map.html
Villa Premiere is much closer and is adult only, with European Pla

suze

<very possible in the hundreds of reviews I read today that I mixed up Nueva V and the Marina>

I think that's probably it.

<Can you easily walk to resturants/downtown from Casa Velas? >

No, it's a bit too far. You would want a taxi or to take the local bus.

Villa Premiere, suggested by carbon above, is a good idea. Because it is upscale and close to town and adults only.

suze

I prefer Vallarta, but Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas (as I mentioned earlier) is a nice stretch of beach... walkable, with white sand, swimmable, and walking distance to town where you'd find more restaurants and bars (in addition to the beach bars that line Medano).

jamie99

I agree with checking out Isla Mujeres, no seaweed on Playa Norte or Playa Sol. Only on the east side which is usually not swimmable anyway.
Over 150 restaurants on Isla Mujeres, so no need at all for an AI (all inclusive). Many different price ranges. You can look at hotels on North Beach, like Na Balam, Playa Media Luna (around the corner from North Beach, 3 minute walk, fall asleep to the waves. Or maybe a condo at Nautibeach. Privileges Alux has an AI plan or breakfast only and while they do not prohibit children, they do nothing for them like kids' clubs, etc.
Also take a look at a couple of Adult Only B&Bs, Villa la Bella over on the Caribbean side (need taxis or a golf cart) and Casa Sirena B&B, closer to town.

needmorevacation

Thanks Jamie, Isla Mujeres looks lovely. After looking at a bunch of hotels, by brain kicked in and I realized Isla = Island which means I have to take a boat (duh). Not sure how I will do as it will be my first time on a boat since the lightning- I'd rather not base my hotel choice on the chance I won't get on it! (Silly I know, but this PTSD thing they say I have now flares up at the worst times)

Thanks Cabron and Suze, I'll look into Villa Premiere, seems PV may be the best fit for us!

suze

I do think Puerto Vallarta has everything you are hoping to find. And no ferry/boat rides required!

needmorevacation

Yes! Thanks Suze

suze

de nada. I love talking about Puerto Vallarta. As you plan, if you decide to go, feel free to ask any questions that come up here on this thread. I'll answer if I can.

I'll be down 2 weeks in early November myself (and not a moment too soon!).