Our family stayed in Plaza Mar room 505 owned by Jeff Musto. He was prompt in answering questions by Email and once we had made our reservation we received instructions to check in quickly.
A cab from the airport was 475 pesos and on the way back 240 pesos for four. I believe that if we had walked the hundred yards to get off the airport property that the rate would have been 240 pesos for the ride to the condo.
The location was perfect for us right in the middle of things and with only a beach restaurant separating us from the ocean. Restaurants and taco stands were numerous within 5 - 6 blocks. It pays to do a little research about where to eat on Trip Advisor before going out. We enjoyed Cafe Roma for the 30 peso Margaritas and 5 peso beer (off season rate, 15 peso during high season) along with the pizza and pasta and Polos for the great seafood and service. The Malecon starts right out the front door and is a wonderful safe stroll during the day or at night. Several loud nightclubs add excitement to the stroll at night. There is a great grocery store at the far end of the Malecon about a mile from the condo. We went there several times because we enjoyed the morning walk and the fresh baked goods were scrumptulous.
Our maid came twice during the week for which we were told repeatedly that the customary tip should be $28. The service wasn't worth $28 not to mention the tip which was to be left in a special envelope at the front desk. I doubt that the maid really sees all of this.
We had 4 towels for 4 people during the humid season. We had dry towels only on check in and after the 2 maid services--the rest of the time we dried ourselves with wet towels. We always took at least 2 showers a day with the humidity, the heat and swimming in the ocean. The room air conditioner in the master bedroom sounded like a washing maching spinning while running and when it turned off and on sounded like the broad side of a hammer hitting the side of the washing machine. We used the other room air conditioners and got by OK. One stool wouldn't flush, but after telling the front desk staff, this was fixed in just a couple of hours.
The balcony was large and the views of the ocean and the hills were magnificant. The kitchen is well equiped. We enjoyed the small swimming pool on the roof with very nice padded lounge chairs and an even better view of the area.
There were stained glass doors off the master bedroom and a stained glass window off the kitchen which were nice touches.
The beds are box springs with 2 inch foam pads on top. "Real" mattress beds would be a great improvement. These were NOT comfortable. Even though we were told that the king beds could be converted to two twin beds, they could not be separated unless you chose not to use the king sized 2 inch foam and just use the box springs. The sheets smelled musty.
During rainy season the streets are generally always flooded (these serve as the storm drains). We walked through a inch up to literally a foot of water almost all of the time when crossing the streets, so bring sandals that are made to get wet. Each afternoon we got a downpour and sometimes it rained all night and for part of the day. We enjoyed the thunder storms at first but it became a little too much as the week went on. September may not have been the best time to visit. During most of the year I doubt that this is a problem.
Local buses are 6 1/2 pesos and are numerous and an inexpensive way to see the city. Buses north and south of the city are priced only a little higher.
Jeff allowed us to check out late so that we could enjoy our last day before our 5:30PM flight. We were able to clean up before getting on the plane which was very nice with the hot humid weather.
The Oreo flavored smoothies at OXXOs were great!
- Plazamar Puerto Vallarta
- Plazamar Hotel Puerto Vallarta
