littlebella777

Hi. I'm planning on taking my 3 year old to PV in February. I was wondering which hotels/resorts you would recommend. Originally thought I wanted an all-inclusive with a kids club so that I could drop her off while I get a massage or relax by the pool for a bit. Now that I've done my research I think I like the authenticity of Zona Romantica over the big resorts in Nuevo Vallarta. I would like to find a place in Zona Romantica for a couple of nights that would be convenient for a mom and toddler. I just want to make sure it's 1- right on the beach 2-has easy access to meals.

I've already booked the Marriott Casa Magna for three nights(that's all they had available) but I would like to spend the next two nights on the souther part of PV to get a feel for it. If I find a place that works in Zona Romantica I may cancel my Marriott reservation all together.

Thanks!

suze

"Zona Romantica" and "right on the beach" hotels are not all that many... The Tropicana, Hotel Playa Los Arcos, Emperador, San Marino. Those are in the order imo from nicest to more basic. None are more than what most people would call a "3-star" even though they may list as 4-stars I think that's a stretch.

Theh other beach-front properties in Zona Romantica are condo buildings or B&Bs. Other hotels on the South-side (aka ZR) are a few blocks in from the beach.

The authenticity you mentioned is true in my experience but that's also exactly why they aren't the high end places like Casa Magna in that part of town.

Let me know if you have any questions, I'm in Puerto Vallarta a couple times a year, and have been going for several decadees
suze

littlebella777

Suze...do you have a recommendation on where I should stay in Nuevo Vallarta? Casa Magna was only available 3 nights, so where should I spend another 2? I still would like to be on the beach.

Should I consider spending time somewhere else like Sayulita?

maried11

The dreams villamagna in Nuevo is on a great beach and it has a kids club that starts at three and most start at 4. The crown paradise and Melissa in town start earlier as well. Those resorts are higher end than any hotels in the romantic zone/south side but they do have the convenience of being walkable to many a lot of restaurants etc. Just a choice of location IMO. We do both but depends on what we want that trip. We've taken our kind da many many times

andrews98682

I've been to PV a few times. I stayed at the Marriott last year. It's excellent. There were some pretty good restaurants in the marina shopping center nearby (unfortunately, I can't remember the names). I've never stayed in the Romantic Zone, but I did spend one night at the Hotel Playa Conchas Chinas just south of there a few years ago and had a bad experience. Place was really run down. I checked out after the first night and wound up at the Fiesta Americana, which was also excellent.

MichelleY

Andrew- good to know about Conchas Chinas. We have also checked out of places after one night in PV

Stewbear

Conchas Chinas was a below average hotel 25 years ago when I stayed in a friends time share at the Linda Mar next door. Now the Linda Mar is very nice or was in those days.
What I most liked about it was decent (not great) snorkeling on the postage stamp beach with just a couple of peddlers hanging o it.

andrews98682

The beach at Conchas Chinas was/is great. As for the hotel? It struck me as a place that probably was really nice when it opened 40 years ago or whatever and could be again if new owners would come in and renovate the place. But when I was there, it was in disrepair.

suze

Sorry, no idea. I always have stayed right in town, and never at a resort.

buena suerte, Suze

maried11

The Lindo mar is absolutely in disrepair and I have never been so excited for a restaurant to be so disappointed in their "La Playita". Totally not worth the time or the money.

Stewbear

Sorry to hear that Married. As I said it was over 25 year ago I stayed there so I will take your word for it.

cabron

Well very different strokes for different folks, I know dozens of people who absolutely love Lindo Mar and the Playita restaurant. Plus one of the best small beaches close to town.

suze

Same here. Lindo Mar and la Playita still gets positive comments elsewhere from recent guests (Trip Advisor forums). Actually this is the first negative I've heard.

www.vallarta-info.com

is another good source for all things Vallarta

littlebella777

Thank you for all of the advice. Looks like I'll be able to stay at the Marriott for 4 nights. Dreams looked good but is booked already.

Now onto finding restaurants. I'll probably just go into Zona Romantica to explore. This is my first trip to PV so I'm just trying to get a lay of the land.

Stewbear

Guess I'll check out The Linda Mar for myself when we are in town in March. It was very nice a number of years ago.

suze

Dreams is way out in Nuevo. Casa Magna Marriott is a lovely hotel in the Marina, so much closer to seeing Centro and Zona Romantica in PV. Good choice!

Use the maps on the website I posted, they will give you a lay of the land. Look at the Marina, Hotel Zone north and south, into north and south Centro, across the Rio Cuale (river) into Zona Romantica aka Southside.

maried11

The Marriott is very nice. Iwouldn't bother with La Playita. Go to the Sheraton for a nice brunch. The one at Lindo Mar was really not worth it (it is cheaper than the Sheraton so I guess you get what you pay for). My most disappointing breakfast in PV but I guess I had it built up in my mind. Enjoy the Marriott

maried11

I'm curious to the last time Suze or Cabron have been to La Playita for brunch to have an opinion? I have been recently. Just curious before they dispute my opinion?

cabron

2 months ago !

janisj

And for suze -- I think I remember she was there about 6 weeks ago.