OT - Puerto Vallarta

[BhamDawg91]

Trying to plan a vacation at PVR with the Mrs. sometime in February. Looking to stay at all inclusive. Preferably adult only but not mandatory. We have stayed at both excellence resorts in cancun, sun palace in cancun, Atlantis in Bahamas. Don't like the crowds of the Atlantis. Really want to just relax at take it easy for a week. Any suggestions for resorts in PVR that are comparable to excellence or palace resorts?

 

[Shmuley]

May not make any difference to you, but I'd double check the State Department advisory on travel to the State of Jalisco before booking anything. They issued a non-essential travel restriction on December 24. Of course, the problem areas may be far removed from the coast, but I'd take a look before booking.

 

[MaroonOldCrow]

Not sure I'd go there, based on having been there. Flip side of that argument is that I was there in 1997. However, unless they've really spruced the place up, it's a real ********, or as my Dad described it when we were walking around checking the town out: "This reminds me of Naples, Italy in 1961."

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

It's ok. I'm going to Excellence Riviera Maya on the 24th, how did you like it? Are you set on PVR? I didn't like it as much as the Cancun area. The Excellence Punta Cana is fantastic if your just looking for something different. I can't wait for the trip, I love all inclusive no-kids resorts, get drunk twice each day. Im trying to remember where I stayed in PV to tell you not to stay there.

 

[BhamDawg91]

It's ok. I'm going to Excellence Riviera Maya on the 24th, how did you like it? Are you set on PVR? I didn't like it as much as the Cancun area. The Excellence Punta Cana is fantastic if your just looking for something different. I think El Dorado Seaside Suites may have a place in PVR, the one in RIviera is top shelf. I can't wait for the trip, I love all inclusive no-kids resorts, get drunk twice each day.

Been to ERC twice and Excellence Playa Mujeres. Never been to punta Cana. Thought about going there this time but more expensive than flights to cancun or pvr. The beach is nicer at EPM. Both have lots of seaweed. The last time we were at ERC last February the service seemed to have dropped off from our previous visits. We stayed in an ocean view club room. Really like the club service but Something seemed different this last time. Could have been just different people working than last time. Who knows.
puerto Morelos is the closest town. It's a long walk to puerto Morelos but we took a cab. Puerto Morelos is a small fishing village with a few restaurants and shops. There is also a straw market where you can get souvenirs. Also check out the book store in the town square.
If you just want to stay at the resort there is plenty to do. A different show every night. The fire show is pretty cool. The Michael Jackson show is ok. If you play poker there is usually a game around lunch time near one of the outside bars. we played $20 buy in. beach and pool volleyball. Plenty to do.

We we are interested in the excellence punta Cana. Would be interested to hear the comparison between the two after your trip.

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

El Dorado Seaside Suites is a great one there too. They grow their own food. I'm not getting the club, I didn't think it was worth it. It's not hard to get a bed on the beach, and the service is great everywhere. Punta Cana has a casino, which is a nice extra, it's small but has everything. We may go fishing one day, but I don't mind staying at the resort the whole time. There are enough restaurants and bars to last me a week. I'm getting a swim up room, so I can float to the bar.

 

[Bulldogg31]

Great little taco place in PV called Tacos de Los Arcos. I remember it being in the space underneath Hooters.

 

[WhiteShepherd07]

Check out St Regis in Punta Mita. It's not far from PV. I'm going in 3 weeks.

 

[columbiadawg2]

I went to Puerto Vallarta last May for my honeymoon. We stayed at the Secrets Vallarta Bay and really enjoyed it. It's has 2 separate sides, adults only and families. Adults are allowed to go to both sides for food since restaurants are on both sides but kids can only be on the one side which was nice during the day and if you wanted a dining experience with no children in the place. We also went zip-lining through Vallarta Adventures and it was a blast. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It ends with a mile long ride where you get some serious speed, pretty fun if you like that stuff.

 

[rem101]

Excellence Punta Cana was unbelievable when we went in April for honeymoon. Have lots of friends who went there as well. Food was good, service was good, had different activities around the resort each day if you wanted something to do. We also zip lined one day. I would recommend going for sure. From NOLA, wasn't bad flight at all. We used a travel agent who got us better deals on flights.

We almost went back this summer but chose the Riu Palace in Costa Rica instead.

 

[Xenomorph]

We love that area south of Cancun. Never stayed at ERC but have close by. It's a beautiful resort from the beach. I highly recommend a trip into Puerto Morelos. Barter for your souvenirs and eat at one of the little restaurants on the beach. It's still kinda old-world Mexico and the people always thank you for coming to the village.

Also if you like snorkeling/scuba there is a great dive shop right on the beach. My wife is scared of any water that's not in the backyard pool, but I got her to try SNUBA a couple of years ago and she loved it. Easiest snorkel trip you'll ever take too. Incredible reef a half mile off the beach. In the webcams you can see the snorkel boats just off shore. http://wetset.com/puerto-morelos-webcam/

The most amazing thing we've done there is swimming with the turtles down at Akumal. It's a 45 min ride past PM. Rent scuba gear right on the beach for $10 and take off to start finding turtles. Never seen anything like it...

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

Stayed at the Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel Punta Cana two years ago, small but very nice. Adults only and reasonably priced.