Spring on Mexico's Pacific Coast

The resort staff was friendly and helpful for the most part. We did not choose to participate in the "welcome breakfast," which was code for "timeshare sales presentation." We were initially pressured about it, but everything worked out okay.

The resort is rated four stars and is located in the heart of the hotel zone on the bus line and just five minutes south of the airport. They have 24-hour security, purified running water, a nice pool that is large and well maintained, and clean rooms. They said they had a restaurant on-site and a small grocery store; however, they weren't convenient and had little to offer other than postcards and soda. The best part was the quiet surroundings--there were times when we had the pool to ourselves and we were able to walk freely on the resort grounds undisturbed. The beach is just a short walk across the street and fairly easily accessible.

We had a hotel unit that was sufficient for two people -- it had a great bathroom with a HUGE shower! Daily maid service was provided and we were given fresh towels daily.

Best Things Nearby:
On-site beach, golf courses, and NO solicitors on the private beach!

Best Things About the Resort:
The private beaches. INCREDIBLE staff!!! All oceanfront accommodations. Gorgeous pool. Amazing breakfast buffet.

Resort Experience:
The rooms are clean and provide all necessities. The rooms are all oceanfront, so you don't have to worry if you get a smaller room here.

They have the best fresh fruit at the breakfast buffet, as well as omelets to die for, which are made to order while you wait.

The architecture is all open and breezy, giving you a truly tropical feel. Finally, and most importantly, the staff is GREAT!!!!

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

Best Things Nearby:
The best things nearby are the bus line, located in the city, and Mega, a grocery/ department store within walking distance. The beach is across the street and accessible via another resort.

Best Things About the Resort:
It is on the bus route, located in the city, and the hotel room was clean and acceptable. The pool was very nice. Since the resort is set back from the street, it allowed for some quiet R&R.

Resort Experience:
The resort staff was friendly and helpful for the most part. We did not choose to participate in the welcome breakfast, which was code for timeshare sales presentation. We were initially pressured about it, but everything worked out okay.

The resort is rated four stars. It is located in the heart of the hotel zone on the bus line and just 5 minutes south of the airport. They have 24-hour security, purified running water, a nice pool that is large and well maintained, and clean rooms. They said they had a restaurant on site and a small grocery store; however, they weren't convenient and had little to offer other than postcards and soda. The best part was the quiet surroundings--there were times when we had the pool to ourselves, and we were able to walk freely on the resort grounds undisturbed. The beach is just a short walk across the street and fairly easily accessible.

We had a hotel unit that was sufficient for two people--it had a great bathroom with a HUGE shower! Daily maid service was provided, and we were given fresh towels daily.

• Unit Type: Other
• Activities: Fair
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Very Good

You MUST eat breakfast here at least once while in Vallarta! It's no IHOP! I had a Hawaiian breakfast special and the pancakes were out of sight! My cakes came huge, hot, and full of delicious fresh pineapple, coconut, and fruit-flavored syrup.

The staff was exceptionally friendly, the atmosphere cheery and clean, and the food impeccable. My only regret was that we chose to eat there on one of our last days in Vallarta. This is raved about by many tourists, as well as by locals. And for good reason--don't miss it! They serve breakfast daily until 2pm.

This is the most famous seafood dining experience on Mexico's west coast, boasting "The World's Greatest Shrimp". If you want a decent Mexican seafood experience that won't break the bank, this is your place. Before you enter, insist that they give you a coupon to use--this is common practice throughout the city, so don't worry about looking wierd when you ask.

The food was good and the wait staff great. It's definitely worth eating here once. Open: daily 11am-11pm.

This is Vallarta's only secluded gay beach and wilderness park. Located on the remote south coast of the bay, it is the area's most secluded gay beach. This 20-acre refuge is only accessible via boat. No roads! No vendors! A group leaves daily from Club Paco Paco at 11am. Or you can go to Boca de Tomatlan yourself, go to the beach, and ask for Paco's free water-taxi: La Rosita. La Rosita departs to Paco's Paradise daily at 10am, 11am, noon, and 1pm. Daily park admission is just 50 Pesos/day per person. Closed Monday and Tuesdays.

Expect mostly male company and nude sun bathing. The other guests were wonderful and friendly--we actually began a few friendships that afternoon. The actual swimming area isn't that great; however, the seclusion and the "gay" atmosphere were worth our time. Paradise boasts kayaks, snorkeling, nature trails, palapas, chairs, and inner tubes. It's best if you arrive early and stay for the day. Water taxis return you no later than 5pm.

Paco also has rooms for nightly rental. You need to contact someone in advance to check availability. The accommodations are airy, tropical, and definitely secluded. You don't want to stay here unless you have no plans because there is NO where to go. There is a small restaurant/bar on-site. The food was decent and inexpensive, but most guests spent the afternoon drinking.

No one can truly experience Mexico without visiting the local flea markets and shops. They are touristy and everything you would expect at a Mexican marketplace. Haggling is a MUST! Believe me, that is what makes it so much fun. You can pretty much expect that anything you see can be yours for just a little over half the asking price. I purchased all of my souvenirs for family and friends here. There are great pieces of pottery, handmade clothing, jewelry, and hammocks, and plenty of traditional tourist junk like T-shirts, key chains, spoons, etc. You could easily spend two or three afternoons in the flea markets and it's worth every minute!

After about 5pm, many of the shops in the actual markets close up for the day--just in time for happy hour at almost every bar in the city. One of my favorite things about Puerto Vallarta was the buy-one-get-two-FREE drink specials! Now THAT'S a vacation!

The following is a rundown of local events in Puerto Vallarta. These are regular activities that occur weekly and are usually free cultural events.

Sundays and Thursdays: Local band concerts, 6pm, at the bandstand in the main plaza in front of the city hall.

Sundays: Dance music and public dancing, 7:30-9pm, at the main plaza in front of the city hall.

Saturdays and Sundays: The Malecón (seafront walk) is closed to traffic for music shows, begins 6pm, the Malecón, downtown.

First Thursday of every month: Free cultural concert, varies from classical to jazz, even mariachi, 9pm, Hotel Camino Real, 221-5000.

Siesta: Siesta in Puerto Vallarta is from 2 to 4pm and you will find some businesses (not bars and restaurants) closed during those hours, but they will stay open after siesta till 8 or 9pm. Siesta is becoming far less common in town.

Sunday Evenings in Puerto Vallarta: After sundown on Sundays, groups of boys and separate groups of girls, dressed in their best, will promenade up and down the Malecón. The groups of young people will be making eyes at each other as they pass. This is also a time for families to get dressed up and go meet their friends, sit, chat, and watch others walk by. There will be vendors selling anything from roasted corn on the cob to brightly colored windmills and balloons. There is also, on weekend nights, usually some event going on at the small amphitheater at the end of the Malecon by the three arches, Teatro de Los Arcos.

Garbage Collections: When you see bags of garbage on the street corner, don't think that this is a sign of a trashy place. The garbage is collected every day (including Sundays and holidays).

FYI: When you visit, please don't try to apply your standards on the Mexican culture. Remember: the history of Mexico goes back further than any other part of North America. The name "American" applies to all residents of the two continents, from Canada to the tip of South America. So if you happen to come from the United States of America, keep in mind that Mexicans, as well as all the other residents of the two continents, are also Americans. If asked "Where are you from?" the answer "The US" or "The United States" is much preferable to "America".