All Inclusive Vs. Non AI

Myself and a couple friends are visiting PV soon and one of us wants AI, myself and the other would rather experience more than just a resort. What are the pros and cons of either.

I have done a couple of cruises and absolutely hated them due to being stuck and not around locals.

Thank you :D

Oh and Sorry I didnt introduce myself...I am new on these boards. I am from Vancouver and cant wait to get to PV, it just snowed today. I will probably be asking many questions...hope I dont get on your nerves

Cheers :D

Wow...Thanks for the replies. so there is quite a bit to ponder. We were thinking a hotel with a kitchenette, I dont mind doing a breakfast for everyone...has never bothered me in the least :lol:
We will be taking the bus system...I dont drink, so I do save money there on every trip.

I will definately sit down with the girls and make a plan of action. We have thought about the Casa Iguana because it is out of the way but close enough. Two of us are Psych Nurses and need to be away from hectic so that we dont end up being each others patients :lol:

What are the thoughts on the Casa Iguana...the area seems perfect for our needs.

bcsurfgirl,

Was also thinking.... how long are you going for? Are you all sharing a room? or getting your own? These may help you in deciding.

If you are all going to stay in together I would suggest staying in an apartment that way there will be more room. I find that when I go with a few friends.. one is in the shower, one is in the kitchen getting a snack, someone has ran to the store, some one is ironing something, someone may be taking a nap, etc. I like to have my own music and most apartments/condos have stereos. Also about food, there are all kinds of markets around to get fresh fruit, bread, milk, cheese, eggs. I usually go out for dinner and the rest is consumed in the apartment or something small on the beach. I mentioned a website in my last reply, the area that I would suggest in staying is called the romantic zone it more laid back then downtown. ( in my opinion)
You can also Private message me if like and we can exchange numbers and chat about it all.

patty

Thank you so much everyone!!!

I checked out the link for the apartments and condos, great idea btw, so I am saving that for the next trip.

We are sharing, we are on a budget for sure and we are coming for a week. We plan to use the bus system and we are all pretty laid back.

What we are looking for is a budget hotel with 3 beds, kitchenette, close enough but not too loud. within a block, if not on the beach. We will be planning out our days before going down. There will be days i will be doing solo trips to go surfing.

I know I will love it there...I was also told I could go to a place called No Name something to catch a Canucks game. I know it is completely geeky but I have to do it.

The No Name Cafe has been torn down, but I am sure that there are other sports bars in which to find your hockey games. El Torito, Blakes, Steves, to name a few.

the los arcos suites have kitchenettes, it is across olas altas from the beach and you get all playa los arcos (on the beach) priveledges. easy walking distance to the gr rizzo grocery store and easy 3 dollar cab ride back with your groceries.

Thanks again to everyone for the info!!! Just awesome. We cant wait to get down there...my friends really have their hearts set on the hotel in Mismaloya, so we are probably going with that....I love the idea of all the different venders, restaurants and seafood available.

I am going to check out, during a walkabout, all the other hotels around...My Son and I will most probably be back next year when the Olympics hit Vancouver. We want to get away for at least 3 weeks to avoid the chaos here :lol:

Which is better to take at night...Buses or Cabs?

What is night? From what I gather buses stop working earlier, whereas taxis are available all through the night.

Greetings

Mogens

Hey everyone,

How far is San Blas from Puerto Vallarta and is it even feasible to think about going to ?

My friend has been there once and is in love with the area.

Cheers

probably around 3 hours on a winding slow going road.

My humble opinion on going AI vs non AI is that if you are going to be staying in the same place more than 2 weeks it would be better to go non AI but for those going for a week or 2 you just cannot beat the AI deals
also :lol:
There is no way when on vacation for only a week or 2 that I am going to cook ..wash dishes http://bestsmileys.Com/cleaning/6.gif" alt="User image" loading="lazy"> shop for groceries etc... Give me a 3rd or 4th week I might consider it...

I have seen Resorts in PV go for as low as 498.00 plus 269.00 taxes for one week...2 weeks 898.00 plus taxes..
The past 2 years we have stayed a the same resort...I have been lucky to get the resort for 698.00 plus tax for one person 1 week..
Same resort in April is going for 1600.00 and at Christmas goes for 2500.00 for 1 week 1 person...


Curious...What are the costs of Air fair to PV... :?
What are the costs of renting a condo or a Hotel room for one week
Now add in transfers
ALL drinks one consumes in a day ..That includes coffee juice bottled water etc.
All food including snacks.. No offense :) but not thinking ham sandwiches for lunch and cereal for breakfast..

We are never tied to the resort unless we want to be and somedays I want to just have a lazy in the sun beach day...Other days we enjoy exploring the area we are in
The variety of very good food that is offered at an AI is amazing.. :)
I wish my tummy was way bigger so I could try more of the yummy foods offered...
Some of the Ala Carte restaurants make you feel like you are dining in a 5 star restaurant...

Just a note...
If you are a single person travelling you would have to pay a bit but not a lot more for your AI room.. Most AI rooms are booked on double occupancy..

To each is own I guess... :)

:evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

Hi, I have been going to PV now for 9 years and LOVE the meals down town. We eat at all the street vendors and never spend enough to compare to the AI. We do have a condo with a kitchenette tho and so we can eat breakfast in and then go to town for lunch and/or dinner. We love the town and can not get enough of it so I would not ever go AI as I am not ever at the condo long enough.
I know ppl give rave reviews and say it is the only way to go but I love the experience of the town and ppl. Would not ever just stick to a resort for food!

We have done both in Vallarta and will probably never go all inclusive again. We just prefer the little hotels in old town and wandering the streets in search of interesting places to eat, drink & relax.

Just got back from another perfect holiday in PV. Stayed at the Tropicana....prefer the condo even though we had a suite here....Missing the food and bevvies of PV already!!

I have used several websites...I just google Puerto Vallara cheap hotels...lol...Stayed at Hotel Rio Centro (close to the Rio Cuale and just 1/2 block from the malecon). Great location and found a 15% coupon so it ended up being around 52/night for two of us.