Group of 50 year olds, where to stay?

A group of 50 year olds, married, looking for a great place in Puerto Vallarta. Requirements are fantastic beach and pools, swimming in ocean, close to shopping (for the wives) and COLD BEER!(for the guys). All-inclusive is a must. Have traveled to Cancun many times, never to the West coast of Mexico. It is all new to us. Would appreciate any advice. Thank you

OK, we have stayed numerous times at the Golden Crown Paradise, adults only, all inclusive, will be back one week from now. The time of year depends on the water temperature, winter months the water is cooler. The water is not like Cancun or Playa Del Carmen but still OK for floating around on a boogie board or swimming close to shore IMO. Puerto Vallarta still has its old section which you really feel like you are in Mexico. Unfortunately it is being really built up with high rise condos on the \"hotel strip\", but I still prefer it to the east side, but I do like an occassional visit to the calm turquoise waters over there. You will enjoy your visit, walking the malecon, stumbling through the coblestone streets and there are many little ares mentioned above to take a day visit to.

you might also consider Nuevo. The beaches are great and the surf is consistent. But you only have beach vendor shopping and the expensive Paradise Village mall. Plus the trip into town is long and getting longer.

Los Tules in the heart of the Hotel Zone had 22 acres of coconut palms, 7 separate pools (pick one for your group), a restaurant, and close to shopping including Super La Playa for beer. A short bus ride into town. Great white sand beach and good water for the strong swimmer.

jrdr...the requirements you list do not exist in PV...there are some nice beaches but not fantastic, ocean swimming is not great and anything nice beachwise is not close to quality shopping options...however, if you want to experience some real Mexican culture, first class dining options and genuine hospitality you just might enjoy a trip to PV...sonofdob.

Just a thought... we have 6 senses... more than just sight... ??

and most people who love PV do not like Cancun because it is more like Miami Beach than Mexico.

I want to thank all of you who left a message. Your opinions have been helpful and confusing. I have determined that it is best to sit back and have someone else in our group make the decision as to what resort to stay. Much easier than all the blame going my way!

Once again, thanks.

I hear you! My mother always said... when a decision is not forthcoming... do nothing and the right decision will present itself...!

Enjoy your vacation ..!

check out www.premiereonline.com.mx/

having been traveling to pv since 1972,with close to 100 visits under my belt...and a dozen plus trips to yucatan,when in cozumel in 1975 pre cruise ships and only generators for electicity i feel qualifed to comment on your dilema....first , let me say if you guys have been to isla mujeras,,you will find pv with a very similar laid back atmousphere......without the incredible clear water-
if you havent been to isla.....check it out---i have found traveling to cancun area just as stisfying as pv in most ways if you venture out with a retal car or just go to the bus station and take a day trip to vallalodid,,,,,a small town half way to merida----no gringos in sight---for me mexico has always been about the people and the incredible culture----pv has always been in my heart as with so many people on this forum---it has change alot over the years ,,,but at the same time it still feels the same everytime i get off the plane---or drive thru laredo,
i remember driveing to pv in the early 70s in winter time--the interstate highway was closed because of ice and snow ,we went around the barricade and kept on going,
slideing down the interstate sideways on black ice----
we finally made it to laredo----and that peaceful mexico feeling hit us---drove 10 times from wash dc to mexico in the 70s-----youll be hooked on pv too--no matter where you stay---hotel rio in old town is my favorite
rate in 1973 was about $8.00 us today its only in the $40s----great hotel now has air cond rooms and one of the best little bars in town---fantastic bloody marys--
or also playa los arcos,,,beachfront nice pool--under $100----

Thanks Steve,
We are booked for the 24th of February at the Vallarta Palace. We decided it was time to try Puerto Vallarta. Yes we have been to Isla, so maybe understand some of what you say. Needless to say we are ready to get out of the Illinois winter! Thanks again.