Kelly I am sorry you have chosen not to visit Puerto Vallarta..
Just my humble :)
The AI Resorts in Cancun are what keep me away from there..
Puerto Vallarta is so much more than beach...clear blue water and Resorts..
Puerto Vallarta has a life of its own.. The people are wonderful..
Puerto Vallarta still has the old world charm ..
For our Christmas vacation I have been searching places like Cancun... Manzanillo ...mazatlan :P Cuba... Dominican etc..
I just keep comparing the places to PV and they just seem not have to offer what I (we) are looking for..
Kelly have you checked out the Fiesta American.. Our friends smitty and his wife stayed there... Very nice rooms and the Resort looked lovely..Smitty can tell you more about the place if you like..
It is only 2 ? miles from downtown.. Easy bus ride...cheap cab fare...long walk...
Wherever you decide to have your BDay Vacation may it be a good one and many more to come... :)