Puerto Vallarta Forum (PV Bulletin Board)

My husband, sister, brother-in-law, and I are arriving early July for a week. We've exchanged our timeshare for a two-bedroom at the Paradise Village Resort in NV.

Can I hear the good, the bad and the ugly? (Hopefully it's mostly good!)

Please and thank you.

Since you have already made the reservations and are, in fact, going to Paradise Village, here is a thought: Do not ask for or read other people's ideas. Just go there, enjoy your selves and form your own ideas. Point is, if you are looking for something someone else said was bad, you will probably find it. If you are looking for something someone else said was good, you probrbly won't find it. Self fulfilling prophesy. Chuck...

Thanks Chuck and very true (about self-fulfilling prophecies). I expect to have a wonderful time (the last and only other time we were in the area was in Feb of 04; we rented a villa in Mismaloya) - I guess I was just being poetic asking for the "good, the bad and the ugly."

So what I guess I'd really like to know is:

What are the tips others have for staying at Paradise Village - who to ask for help (I know some people tend to be more helpful than others), what kind of activities are there to enjoy - shortcuts to the beach, that sort of thing.

Again, thank you.

Wanda

Sunluvr wrote:What are the tips others have for staying at Paradise Village - who to ask for help (I know some people tend to be more helpful than others), what kind of activities are there to enjoy - shortcuts to the beach, that sort of thing.

Again, thank you.

Wanda

Step out the east door of the resort your at the Marina. Step out the west door your on the beach, doesn't get any shorter than that.

OK so you have been getting some sound advice here...I liked the step out any door to the water comment, it is true.

I live down the road from Paradise Village. There is a small shopping mall with supermarket outside the entrance to the resort.

The best activity in the immediate area is the African Queen river tour at the marina beside the mall. And whatever Vallarta Adventures offers, without a doubt the best tour company and dolphin experience in town.

The resort has more amenities than any other in the timeshare world, so you'll find lots to do on site. Body surfing is awesome in front of the resort. The new fitness and sports club is world class. For Golf, El Tigre, is a beautiful course with great service.

Anything else you would like let me know.

Wanda,

Take advantage of one or two of the Paradise Village Beach Resort nightly themed activities. They are a blast. They might seem expensive but last for hours and usually include all you can eat and drink.

Plan on spending time in Puerto Vallarta as it's a beautiful city and offers a different experience than staying at Paradise Village. We took the little boat which offers ferrying service from Paradise Village to downtown but didn't like it at all. It's not only expensive but then you miss out on the local culture. Take the bus instead. There's a bus stop in front of the Paradise Village shopping mall.


Take the bus further up the road to Bucerias and plop yourself in a beachfront restaurant. We really liked Claudio's at Mason Bay. Heard there is a great bakery called Pie in the Sky. If you will be cooking some meals in the condo, go to carneceria Del Mundo in Bucerias for great meat.

Did you do a canopy tour in '04? If not, do Los Veranos; it's great! Set it up so you are picked up at their Nayarit stop then take the local bus to get there.

Shuffle your feet as you go into the ocean as there are stingrays.

Have extra time? Head to the Sayulita/San Pancho area further up the coast. The hills come right to the ocean and it's beautiful. Have time while in San Pancho, continue walking north on the beachfront road and take it up the hill (very steep) and imagine living in one of those beautiful houses.

Have a great time.

Make sure you go to La Lagunita for dinner. Fantastic seafood.

Arizona Karen wrote:
San Pancho area further up the coast. The hills come right to the ocean and it's beautiful. Have time while in San Pancho, continue walking north on the beachfront road and take it up the hill (very steep) and imagine living in one of those beautiful houses.

Have a great time.

I have always time for beautiful things. The description you gave is very interesting. For sure I will follow your suggestion when I get there. Is there a variety of hotels in the area? I mean from high-end luxury to simple living?

Many of the San Pancho homes are luxurious but there are some in town (not on beach) which are simple living. If you are looking for an adventure all-inclusive, check out Costa Azul resort. Not what many would consider for an all-inclusive stay. It's more laid back and small and quaint. I've also sent you a pm.

I have another question regarding Paradise Village. I see that there are different types of accomodations within the resort (we are confirmed for a two bedroom - we're using a time-share exchange). I'm sure that there are even different grades of units - how can I get the "best" one? Any ideas?

Please and thank you!

I would ask which set of condos that you are in. There are different buildings with different names, like Playa Vista, Grand Marina, Ocean Vista, etc. You can see the names of the different buildings on a map of the property at -www.paradisevillage.com. They do have 2 bedroom units in the hotel, too, so perhaps you have one of those.

Also ask if you are going to have "privileges" at the pools and beach in front of the Paradise Village hotel. It is being run a bit differently than it was a few years ago, and sometimes they charge an extra fee to use the hotel facilities and beach (if you are in one of the condos). If you are travelling as a couple, you might not want to spend time at the hotel pool, as it can be loud, but if you have younger people in your group, you might want to spend time by the hotel pool/beach.

I think all the condos are pretty comparable, but some are on the ocean, and some are on the marina. Some are closer to the hotel than others. If you go onto -www.vrbo.com and search "paradise village," you will see many units for rent in various buildings, that individual owners are renting. That may help you to see the "grades."

Puerto Vallarta boasts first-rate restaurants and you would definitely enjoy its flee markets that offer great bargains. Really a shopping haven. However, I would still suggest that you play it safe. Equip yourself with all information by doing a research. A brochure that tackles the place would come in handy or you can avail a vacation package to the place.

Enjoy your vacation!

Hey, any chance we could get an update on how the trip went?


Associate,