- 5 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 3
- Reviews
-
1
- Photo
Editor Pick
Casa Iguana Hotel
- August 30, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Koala_D from Olympic Peninsula, Washington
I almost didn't write this review..... I would really like to keep this hotel all to myself !! This is my favorite place to stay when visiting Puerto Vallarta, even though it is quite a way south of town. (It also costs extra to get here from the airport.)
I don't know if he is still there, but part of the reason I enjoyed this hotel so much is because of the manager, Antonio. He is exceptional !!! The other reason is the room size.... they are like small apartments. Each "room" has at least 2 individual bedrooms (with privacy doors), a bathroom/shower, fully-equipped kitchen, dining room with a table and 4 chairs, and a living room area with 2 couches, coffee table, dresser, and TV. The windows slide open and have screens. There is air-conditioning and also ceiling fans.
The hotel is 3 floors... no elevators... but I prefer the upper floors anyway! There is a laundry on the 3rd floor which is available to guests. The hotel has a restaurant on site, an internet place, and a small grocery store with everything I needed.
If you would like to shop for groceries in town, the bus stops 5 minutes away at the main highway, and is never crowded so you will always get a seat. When you get off in the older part of town the large GR grocery store is just a few blocks away near the bridge. The Farmacia Guadalajara is also on the way. When you are ready to return the bus will be waiting, and is also not crowded as this is the beginning of its return trip south.
This is NOT on the beach, but a short and easy 5-10 minute walk takes you to Mismaloya Beach. From there you can walk around the bay and visit the site where they filmed "Night of the Iguana" with Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton. There are restaurants and a few beach vendors here, but it is a pleasant beach to relax at.
If you take the bus going south from here (about 50c) to Boca La Tomatlan, you can ride the water taxis south to Yelapa, Quimixto, or Las Animas beach for a very reasonable price. I paid $6 but it may be more now (but a lot less than the tours from town charge!). This is a great day trip.
If you walk UP the street from the hotel you may visit a fairly new Tequila Tasting place. Just walk in... they are always happy to see people during the day. Most of their visitors arrive in large groups during the day on tour buses, so they enjoy having smaller groups drop in when things are slow.
Farther up this road you will eventually come to the site of the filming of "Predator" with Arnold Swarzennegger. You can see the burned helicopter there in the jungle, and enjoy the small waterfalls and stream. There is also a restaurant here. You can walk to this, but it is usually hot, dry, and dusty. Most people go by taxi.
The Casa Iguana Hotel is very warm and friendly...... and efficiently run. Rooms are very clean and comfortable. One bedroom has a king bed, the other has 2 twin size beds, so it is perfect for a family stay, too. Rates are reasonable, but vary with the seasons. There is an outdoor pool and a children's small pool area, plus a jacuzzi.
At night you will hear the jungle sounds and crickets.... and see little geckos scampering about the hallways and balconies (they are harmless and small).
If you don't want to listen to mariachi bands all night then this is the place to go. Relaxed.... quiet... comfortable... and LOTS of room !!
From journal Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Loved Casa Iguana
- August 10, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Staff was wonderful. Rooms nice- we had a 2bdrm- teens thought the a/c didn't cool the bdrms. Keep in mind we went when it was very humid. We loved that this hotel was out of the way. On site restaurant is good- we had breakfast there 2x- reasonably priced and good service. There is a wonderful restaurant called Tony's hideaway walking distance from hotel.But you have to look for it- left out of hotel and short walk up cobblestone street-restaurant on left up hill. What a meal and service. Would def stay at Casa Iguana again
Nice Place
- April 25, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
I enjoyed our stay at the Casa Iguana Hotel. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Food was fantastic, and the room very comfortable. It's a bit out of the way from the main tourist area, but well worth it!