Cadence visits Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!
Travel Review by Steve MacKnight: Part 1 of 2
Arrangements by Classic Custom Vacations.
Air Travel to Puerto Vallarta
We flew non-stop from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta on Alaska Airlines, an easy 2 ½ hour flight. We returned Alaska to LAX, American Eagle home.
Alaska coach class on newer 737s, 3-3 configuration, was comfortable enough. In-flight crews were professional, pleasant and courteous. American Eagle now flies regional jets LAXSAN – much better than the old 35 seat turboprops. Alaska currently flies non-stop each direction Friday-Sunday only. We returned on Monday so couldn’t avoid LAX.
Important note – Alaska offers same day upgrades at the airport from most coach fares for as low as $50, depending on length of flight. We were able to get one (I sat in coach!) on the return for $50.00. But, in the end, it only cost $10.00 additional as you can check two bags free if you’re in first, saving the $20.00 per bag fee. It’s pretty much a no-brainer to do this if available.
Airports/Ground Transportation in Puerto Vallarta
PVR has a modern enough airport, and the air conditioning worked. Customs and immigration were a breeze.
We had been specifically told by our ground operator to ignore the chaos inside the airport and proceed directly outside where we would be met for our private transfers. There is a swarm of people outside customs and baggage claim insisting you must stop at one of the desks to ‘register’ even if you already have transportation. I made it out. Gretchen stopped and they tried to lure her into time share presentations. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s not necessary and there is no need whatsoever to stop.
Mayaland Tours was right outside with a sign and a nice SUV to transport us. They were also right on time with newer vehicles for our other transfers later in the week, hotel-hotel, hotel-airport.
Taxis from Secrets Vallarta Bay to downtown were $5.00 each way. Taxis from Gran Velas (Nuevo Vallarta) to downtown Puerto Vallarta were $20.00 each way.
Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
Secrets Vallarta Bay – Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
We spent our first three nights at Secrets Vallarta Bay, about 20 minutes south of the airport, 10 minutes (further south) to the downtown Puerto Vallarta area.
This a 270 room/suite adults only all inclusive property, newly built, that opened about April 1st of this year. It adjoins the equally new Now property (same company – AM resorts) that allows children. It’s built in a horseshoe shape, with the two left side buildings Secrets, the two right side buildings Now.
When we first got to our 8th floor full oceanfront room we could see and hear the kids on the Now side, which was a little worrisome at first. We later learned you can’t see or hear them at all from the pools and bars on the Secrets side and it wasn’t a concern. The two hotels have cross privileges for bars and restaurants but the children are not allowed on the Secrets side at all.
Our Room
“Ocean-View Junior Suite” category was very nice and well appointed. I remember in years past Mexico has tons of beautiful hotels and resorts…and awful beds. That seems to have changed. Bed was very comfortable. The double vanity bathroom and big Jacuzzi jetted tub, and the beautiful shower – extra big with two shower heads – were all in the main room. The toilet did have a door. The room had all the expected amenities – flat screen TV, in-room safe, I-pod docking station, fully stocked mini-refrigerator, etc.
Food & Beverage in Puerto Vallarta
We sampled three restaurants – the Marketplace for full breakfasts, Oceana for dinner, the pool/beach bar for lunch. Food was better than average, service very friendly and efficient. There are four additional restaurants at the resort. Reservations are required for the Teppanyaki part of the Asian restaurant, suggested but not required elsewhere. Long pants for men are required for dinner in all but Oceana. 24 hour room service is available and complimentary.
The Lobby Bar was the perfect spot for sunset watching and post-dinner drinks and socializing. There is a nightclub on the Now side as well.
The Rest
The pools and beach are very pleasant, with plenty of chairs, umbrellas, etc. We thoroughly enjoyed Secrets, as did everyone we met, and would absolutely return, and recommend. Introductory rates are available as low as about $320 per couple per night.
The highlights – room, staff.
The lowlights – pool bar closed at 5p. Way too early when the sun doesn’t set until after 8p.
Steve spent the next six nights Nuevo Vallarta- click here to read Part 2!
Interested in spending your next getaway on the coast of Mexico?
Our leisure travel specialists would be happy to plan your itinerary!
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