The Riu Jalisco is a 700-room hotel on the ocean. We found the grounds to be clean and well manicured. It is an all-inclusive hotel that always had plenty of food (although the menu does not vary much). In the evening, the Nyarit restaurant requires a reservation - it is not just a meal but part show as well. Make sure you go there at least once.

There are always activities occurring that one can join in on, ranging from Spanish lessons to beach volleyball to croquet. There was entertainment in the evenings - the dancing was quite good but seeing it one night was enough.

The pools and one of the restaurants have an excellent view of the ocean. It really is quite pleasant to eat while hearing the waves crashing onto the beach. Although this resort is right at the ocean, most rooms do not have an ocean view. We were lucky and had a room that faced the center courtyard which has the fountain. It really was quite pretty, and it was fun to watch the weddings on the bridge right from our balcony.

About an hour's walk north on the beach is the flea market - I suggest waiting to purchase until you reached the second row off the beach. The stores there are much cheaper than the first row. You must barter for everything of course. If you aren't able to get to this flea market or the one downtown you don't have to worry. Three nights a week around a dozen vendors, painters, etc set up tables in the center of the resort towards the end of the afternoon and stay for the evening. I preferred to deal with these vendors than the ones on the beach.

If you enjoy alcohol, there are several bars (all free, of course) and alcohol in each room. I recommend the mango daiquiri. Children are allowed at this resort, although there were not many when we were there. The hotel is located about a half-hour north of Puerto Vallarta, and to get there, you can take a bus, which is cheap but takes longer, or a taxi, which will cost about US$18.