KVR

Still looking for a hotel for the 3rd week of April, 2008. We have ruled out Villa Preimier, Golden Crown Paradise, Barcelo de Jolla Mismoyla, and Dreams.

Between Playa Los Arcos and Buenaventura Hotel & Beach Club which hotel would be less crowded, not partish or spring breakish, and not as family friendly? Which hotel is closer to resturants, shops, bars and entertainment? Any other recommendations other than the hotels we've listed? Thanks.

Bill_H

I looked at Los Arcos once, it seemed very noisy with the pool area inside an inner square and on a major road, but as we didn't stay there I can't say for sure how noisy it was at night (we get up early).

Stayed once at Buenaventura and didn't like it. You have to wear a wrist band for ID and the staff was pretty up-tight. Room was very small (but quiet). Web site said they had free parking but that was a lie, you just park on the main street (if you can find a spot). One other problem I already forgot about (but it bugged me at the time ... maybe they said it was a non-smoking room but it wasn't, something like that) ... it wasn't a terrible place but we wouldn't stay there again.

<b>Which hotel is closer to resturants, shops, bars and entertainment?</b>

Los Arcos is near the heart of town. Buenaventura is a bit north of the beginning of the malecon, maybe 20-30 minutes walk to the stuff you mention (but a nice walk on the malecon to get there).

Bill

suze

On the south-side near Los Muertos I would recommend The Tropicana Hotel. It's on Playa Los Arcos and much more quiet.

Playa Los Arcos is very touristy, very family-friendly with a very noisy pool area. I have not stayed there but walk thru the property often since I stay nearby every year.

You might look at their other two properties which are 1 block away so more quiet but you still get use of the beach-front. They are all on the website.

Nothing against the Buenaventura as a hotel, because I have never stayed there I do not know, but I don't like the Hotel Zone where it is located, personally. Too hectic and a very different atmosphere than down &quot;south of the river&quot; in the Zona Romantica.

suze

Oops, do you want an all-inclusive? (I realized after I posted above that the all the places you mention offer AI plans.)

KVR

Bill_H, the things you mentioned regarding the Buenaventura are not issues to us. What would bother us is screaming/crying kids running around acting up as well as dominating the pool and hot tubs while splashing everyone and not being properly supervised by their &quot;vacationing&quot; parents. (Yes, we've been to one of those type of hotels). What would also bother us is 20+ somethings spending all of their time drinking and being rowdy, loud and obnoxious. (Yes, we've been to one of those type of hotels also.)

suze,

Yes, we want AI. Mainly for breakfast, some lunches, snacks and unlimited drinks. We plan on going out for dinner. So, don't want to pay too high of a price for AI since we won't be all of it's inclusions. Definalty want walking distance to resturants and bars.

Can you recommend any other hotels we should look at? Do any hotels offer an inclusive of just drinks and breakfast?

suze

I'm sorry I have never stayed at an all-inclusive myself. I think the list you stated in your original post pretty much covers your options.

suze

Unfortunately less expensive all-inclusive do attract lots of families and kids. I really don't think either of these are what you're after.

Have you been to Puerto Vallarta before? I ask because breakfast and drinks can be very inexpensive. I would not choose my hotel based on those requirements, personally.

KVR

Suze,

No, we haven't been to PV before. We have been to to the Caribbean and Caribbean Mexico several times. We've done 2 non-AI vacations; Hawaii and Turks and Cacios. Plus several trips throughout the US. We will never vacation again non-AI if the destination we are going to has the option.

We tried to not go AI in Aruba after reading so many recommendations about wonderful and numerous resturants. We were so glad we did not heed the advise. We stayed at the Holiday Inn on a very inexpensive AI plan and throughly enjoyed it for breakfast a few lunches, a couple of buffet dinners and many, many $4.50 pina colodas and $3.00 beers. We were still able to enjoy several excursions that included meals and some other dining off propery and didn't feel that we had paid so much in an AI plan that we were obligated to stay on the property.

The dinners we did have off property averaged about $100 with drinks. ($50 p/p) So 7 nights of that would have been way too expensive and wouldn't have included breakfast, lunches, snacks and cocktails on the beach or around the pool. So for us, not having an AI plan would not work.

The Holiday Inn was decent. No issues with screaming children or unruly drunks and we went Labor Day weekend.

As of now, I'm thinking Playa Los Arcos and hope for the best since we are going after Spring Break and not on any holidays. However, we do have several months to do more research. Thanks so much for your input.

suze

Sure I can understand preferring going AI. You may find food &quot;off property&quot; less expensive than in Aruba. I eat out every night in that same area and pay more like $25pp.

blondlady

I think the Krystal has the AI choice. I personally like the Playa Los Arcos because of the location and all the activities they offer (even though I usually just watch people). They have good buffets-- If you want your breakfast cooked to order it is available. Although Playa Los Arcos is definitely family oriented, there are plenty of places to go sit away from the &quot;family areas&quot; just down the beach, you don't have to stay all day in front of Playa Los Arcos. If you get a good rate, I wouldn't pass it up, especially since you will most likely out walking around the shops, flea markets and doings on the Malecon.

arriba

You mentioned wanting to avoid unruly children and young party age types--I know you have ruled out the Premiere--they don't allow children and the spring break type crowd is not there. They have AI or not and the food is good. I love the atmosphere there, also, you can walk to town from there. Maybe you could reconsider it?

KVR

arriba, the reason we ruled out the Priemier was due to price. A little too expensive for their AI plan when we plan on eating off property also. Their pool also looks a bit drab.

suze

KVR~ I don't mean to sound down about Playa Los Arcos because it's a nice enough hotel. But it is almost exactly the opposite of what you asked for in the first place. The pool always seems fairly crowded with families and kids, and fairly noisy because the hotel is a horseshoe around this pool and restaurant area. If you do choose it you'll want to spring for one of the more expensive rooms. The least desirable are facing Olas Altas (street) and are noisy because of that and often posted for being dreary, dark and gloomy. Read Trip Advisor if you haven't yet. April is still a very busy time for tourists in Vallarta.

KVR

Thanks for everyones input. After more research and re-adjusting our priorities, we chose the Playa Los Arcos. Yes, it's not exactly what we're looking for, but I think the location can't be beat. We plan on getting the king superior oceanview room.

Now, I'm looking in to things to see and do, resturants, bars and entertainment. Any suggestions? So far, we're interested in Andales, Daquiri Dicks, Pipi's, Constantini, La Bodeguita del Medio, El Faro Lighthouse, Bianco and Rythem of the Night. Would like to find a day trip to the waterfalls. I don't think we're interested in the dance clubs and discos, but thought about trying the Vamonous (sp?) party bus just to say we've been there.

I understand that there is a La Bodeguita del Medio in Playa del Carmen also. We are going to Playa the first week of September. Does anyone know where it is located and the best way to get there?