Puerto Vallarta, who's been? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

MoneyGuy · 07-13-2009, 11:32 AM

We're looking at taking a week at the Friendly Hola Vallarta all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta. Has anyone been to PV? What's it like? Has anyone been to this resort? What's it like? I'm more interested in what PV is like so would appreciate anyone's comment. What's in the town and what is nearby of interest? We're not partiers. We like to see the sights and have relaxation time.

Clever_Iggy · 07-13-2009, 11:37 AM

I was there maybe 5 years ago. Had a great time. The boardwalk along the ocean is nice and the "downtown" is geared for tourists. I've heard it's more "authentic" than places like Cancun. The people were very friendly and I didn't feel in danger once. Took the buses, cabs, etc... and everything was really easy for tourists.

We rented a Jeep and went to a couple surfing beaches north of Puerto Vallarta and to a natural rock water slide south of the city. I can't remember the names of either, but it was fun. Other than that we did a lot of partying so my advice is limited... other than it's a great city.

BuzzardsWife · 07-13-2009, 11:59 AM

we were just there in feb. though we didn't stay in PV..we stayed an hours drive north and it was 1/4 of the cost and way quieter..PV looked very nice though..and it has some of the best weather in mexico apparently

The Goon · 07-13-2009, 12:01 PM

I was there last October and stayed in Nuevo Vallarta, just up the coast a bit but not as busy. The RIU resorts are there. You can take a cab into Puerto Vallarta (the city) if you like, or just hang out on a quieter beach back at the resort. Two other points:

1) Very, very humid
2) Every person you meet will try to talk you into attending a timeshare presentation. EVERY person.

Prototype · 07-13-2009, 12:03 PM

My wife and I had a port stop there on our Honeymoon cruise, just over 3 years ago.

Our highlight was doing a jungle tour of where they filmed Predator.

CM ONE · 07-13-2009, 12:05 PM

The jungle tour is pretty cool. If you're staying in PV you can rent scooters and go. The drive is fun on the scooter. However if you are heavier set make sure you fill up before you go.

Tyler · 07-13-2009, 12:07 PM

Stayed at Dreams Resort last year.

Weather was 30' every day and the beaches were great.

Food was pretty top notch too, and unlimited room service definitely came in handy.

Would go there again in a heartbeat.

GoinAllTheWay · 07-13-2009, 12:13 PM

Went way back in high school with my folks, great place to visit. Nice town, great resorts. Cool little towns near by to explore. You can't go wrong with PV.

Mike Oxlong · 07-13-2009, 12:44 PM

We got married in Neuvo Vallarta a couple years ago. PV was a nice town to go visit and hang out in.

2 things I highly reccomend:

1. Eat at Pipi's
Amazing Fajitas, and guacamole. Not too mention huge marguita's. All the cab drivers will now how to get there.

2. Go on the zipline tour. It was without question the cooles thing I have done in my life. There were about 13 different stations and some were ziplines, some you would repell down cliffs. Plus you get to ride donkeys up the mountain. It was amazing. Every single person that went on it with us said they would have paid triple to do that. AWESOME experience. I would go back to PV just for that.

troutman · 07-13-2009, 12:48 PM

If you have time - take an overnight trip to Guadalajara - 2nd biggest city in Mexico.

ken0042 · 07-13-2009, 12:59 PM

Are you staying in PV, or "just" outside? Because when we went it was a small town that was 45-60 minutes away from the airport.

ricoFlame · 07-13-2009, 01:03 PM

we stayed in NV, and it was great. the trip to NV was short and easy and it is a totally pleasant place with enough to to to keep busy and have a great time. some great food in that town.

MoneyGuy · 07-13-2009, 02:23 PM

Thanks for the comments so far. Anyone know if the temp is too hot in September? We'd be right in PV.

The Goon · 07-13-2009, 02:26 PM

In September you will be there right in the heart of storm/rain season. Unless you like huddling in a hurricane shelter, you might want to wait until the end of October to be safe.

Jedi Ninja · 07-13-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

Thanks for the comments so far. Anyone know if the temp is too hot in September? We'd be right in PV.

We were there in September many years ago. It was hot and humid with daily thundershowers. Good margarita and pool weather, terrible if you want to golf.

mikey_the_redneck · 07-13-2009, 02:37 PM

I am also interested in Puerto Vallarta, but I heard the beaches were more rocky than sandy and are not so great..........can anyone comment?

troutman · 07-13-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikey_the_redneck

I am also interested in Puerto Vallarta, but I heard the beaches were more rocky than sandy and are not so great..........can anyone comment?

The water is not as warm as the Gulf of Mexico.

mikey_the_redneck · 07-13-2009, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troutman

The water is not as warm as the Gulf of Mexico.

But are the beaches sandy or rocky??
That is the question.........

Jedi Ninja · 07-13-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikey_the_redneck

But are the beaches sandy or rocky??
That is the question.........

As I recall, the sand is brown and slightly rocky, the water can be choppy. (And as a result of both factors, the water looks brown.) You can go swimming in the ocean, but most people seem to stick to the pools.

troutman · 07-13-2009, 02:52 PM