I want to be in the "heart of it all"

Hey guys.. i am really looking to be in the heart of PV, and experience the local flavour, and way of life, restaurants, shops, steet vendors, arts, culture, etc...but I am having a hard time finding out exactly where this is? Can someone please inform me? Is this the \"Macelon\" area? Or Romantica area? Or Old Vallarta?

Then my next question is.. what would be yoru reccomendation for someone who wants stay close to the place, not trying to break the budget, and not stay in a dive either?? Dont know if i can have my cake and eat it to, but if we could find a place on the beach, yet close to the heart, it would be ideal!!!

Cheers,
jeremy

The heart of the Beach action is the pier on Los Muertos.

Bars and restaurants are along The Malecon on the North Side.

There are also lots of bars and restaurants on the South side.

Personally I would rather stay in the Romantic Zone than the Malecon area. You can walk everywhere from either location, but I prefer the vibe in the Romantic Zone.

If you want to stay north of but close to the Malecon, the Buenaventura Hotel is within walking distance of everything.

In the Romantic Zone, there are many oceanfront options, both hotels and condo rentals. I have rented condos through --www.pvrpv.com or -www.vrbo.com. Hotel versus condo, to me, just depends on your needs and personality. I really like having a kitchen to make coffee and have cereal in the morning, and have drinks and appetizers while watching the sunset, before going out for dinner. I like a bit of room to spread out, and condos always have a living area in addition to the bedrooms. Some even have washer and dryer.

Have fun!!

Sally

Thanks guys! Very much appreciated. It seems like its hard to find something rigth in the centre of it all that is really good. When i look at a hotel or even condo map, it seems that Playa Los Arcos is the only one in the heart and close walkign distance to everything. But all the reviews i have had on this say its a dump. Sally, can you specifically reccomend a condo? Preferrably in the $60-$120 per night range?? ANy other suggestions guys? Buenaventura looks great, but I agree, as it looks like the Romantica place is the better spot to be.

Thanks Sally, I am going to check these out right now. Yes, I am travelling with my girlfriend. We are going the last weekend of August.