I and two friends of mine just returned from a three day weekend at Villa David, Puerto Vallarta.

The three of us got two rooms after much discussion about the trade-offs of staying at a Bed and Breakfast versus a full service hotel. As I have Platinum status with Starwood Hotels, we were weighing the pros and cons of staying in a room with two double beds in one of Starwood’s properties in Puerto Vallarta versus for almost the same price we could get two rooms at Villa David. That aside, comparing Villa David to other gay-oriented properties in Puerto Vallarta, another consideration, we choose Villa David for the following reasons:

• Lots of great Trip Advisor reviews – many happy loyal customers who have made it their “home” in PV.
• A clothing optional environment at the pool and Jacuzzi
• Proximity to old Puerto Vallarta nightlife
• Proximity to the gay beach scene but not “in the thick of it”

For my first visit to Puerto Vallarta and first visit to Mexico in over 25 years, I am really glad we made the choice that we did.

Villa David sits in old Puerto Vallarta in the foothills of the city, in a colonial residential neighborhood with cobblestone streets and real Mexico coming to life at every turn. Ladies play Lotteria, a Mexican bingo game, across the street from the Inn’s front door on certain evenings, as they have for years. It’s their home as it was ours during our visit to this city. Across the street from Villa David,
on Calle Miramar is a convenience store locals visit for daily needs and nearby are interesting restaurants, including a fabulous authentic Mexican restaurant “with a soul,” El Arrayan and a surprising, authentic French Bistro La Sigale. We had memorable meals at both establishments. The Villa sits at the intersection of Calle Galeana and Calle Miramar. Calle Miramar is a rather direct route to old Puerto Vallarta’s downtown, if you realize that where Calle Miramar ends it yields to steps, still called Calle Miramar, that take you up and down the foothills. Walking home at 3:00AM these staircases are illuminated to help you make your way. Walking casually from Villa David in 10 minutes you are in the nightlife district, and in 20 minutes you are at the beach near the Blue Chairs Resort and other popular beachfront destinations. It was nice to walk there and nice to return to a quieter, more authentic Mexican environment. It is not everyone’s cup of tea but it suited us just fine.

The morning of our departure for Puerto Vallarta an email from the property reminded us of directions to Villa David for us to give to the taxi driver, which was nice to have along with all the other things you are checking you have in place before an international trip. Upon our arrival at Villa David we were greeted by Bill, one of the owners. He gave us a tour of the property, and showed us to our rooms . In each room is a book the proprietors hope that you will read. It gives honest advice and recommendations for the independent gay traveler to this popular city.

We made our reservations over four months in advance, but found the Inn to be about 50% full during our visit, which according to the other guests we met while there, is somewhat unusual. The pool at the bottom floor gets sunlight during a few hours of the day, and is a great place to cool off after returning from the beach. There are three floors at Villa David, and on the ocean side of the third floor is a hot tub with a view of the Pacific Ocean. My travelling companions had room 1, a very nice room with a large bathtub/shower, skylight, and balcony overlooking another cobblestone street. Adjacent to rooms 1 and 2, but accessible to all, up a spiral staircase, is a rooftop sundeck with lounge chairs, and a gentle breeze passing overhead, which despite the heat of the summer, stills cools the air according to locals that I’ve consulted. I stayed in a less expensive room with a King Bed, room 8, on the lower floor, which was quite large and comfortable, more than enough for one person, and perfectly suitable for a couple as well. There was some street noise on a Saturday night, neighbors having a party or cars driving by playing their music a little louder than they should have, but you are in a neighborhood, not a resort area. Think about this before you make the decision to select Villa David.

In each room is a book the proprietors hope that you will read. It gives honest advice and recommendations for the independent gay traveler to this popular city. There is a living room with a computer, in case you did not bring your laptop, where one can read a book or just relax, and a landline phone for telephone calls to the US and Canada. There are no telephones in the rooms. Nearby is a breakfast room where each morning eggs, a breakfast meat, and a starch such as French toast, cooked potatoes, or blueberry pancakes were available, along with fresh fruit, pastries, juices and coffee. This substantial meal was available until 10:30AM each morning.

I was very impressed with the conscientiousness of the staff in cleaning our rooms; my suitcase was moved to a more appropriate location the first day allowing me to take advantage of more space in my room. My travelling companions were surprised and a bit embarrassed when they returned to find their dirty clothes neatly folded and organized, as was I. A safe is available in each room for one’s valuables and on the wall an iron and ironing board was also available.

Three Pomeranians and one cat also make up part of Villa David’s family, it’s nice to emerge from the swimming pool and be greeted by kisses from a friendly happy dog, who also happens to be watching your every move at breakfast, hoping for that piece of sausage to fall to the floor. They help make Villa David place your home during your visit.

“The book” in each room reminds one of the plusses and minuses of staying at the B & B, and from reading it I can envision a history of rules and suggestions created from the poor behavior of certain past guests. Villa David is not a wild party place but a retreat. Treat it as such and you will leave with fond memories of Puerto Vallarta, a city whose citizens appreciate your visit and hope you do not disturb their culture and lifestyle in the process.

During our visit we met a lovely couple of 22 years who call both Florida and Long Island their home. Villa David is their destination in Mexico. They were visiting this time for a week, as were others we met. Flying home on the airplane I realize I didn’t give the city the chance it deserves, meaning I should have stayed a little longer. Next time I return it will be to Villa David, if they have space. Lots of people appreciate this special place, so if you like what I described, which I consider a true and honest account, I hope you will visit and enjoy this lovely place as I did. There is street noise, no phones in the room, and no front desk, but these details were not of a concern to myself and my travelling companions. A place where gay men who enjoy being travelers, not tourists, this is what villa David resonated to me. Take this little essay and do with it what you want, and visit Mexico, and relax. The people of Puerto Vallarta appreciate your business, your visit, and hope you will create your own paradise while not disturbing theirs.

Please don’t disturb the neighbors who live around this hidden gem, as you would not want to be disturbed while going about your daily life you live while saving up, and waiting for your next holiday. Instead say “Hola” and they will most likely appreciate your being polite. Just be respectful, and enjoy.

Now that I have visited Villa David six times in the past four years, I believe that I am entitled and qualified for an honest review. I can't say enough for Bill (owner/manager) and the staff at Villa David. They all do a great job in making everyone feel at home. The entire complex is kept immaculate with a staff of three always working to please their guests. Bill is always updating the facilities and doesn't mind spending money on the Villa. The spot is a great place to make new friends. Two of my best friends are from Canada, I see them there every year. It's a 20 minute walk to the gay beach, which is a pleasant way to start your day walking through the local surroundings and a great way to end your afternoon. The walk clears your head after a few too many cervazas on the beach. I can go on and on about all the extras at the villa, such as Aldeberto's (resident masseuse) great massages, an hour a half for $40.00, can't beat that. Tell you what! Just try it for yourself when visiting Puerto Vallarta, it's a great find and enjoyable place to stay, you won't be disappointed.

Generally a nice place with a decent breakfast. The dogs (3) could be a problem at times, barking at guests early in the morning and doing their business in strategic traffic areas, with cleanup sometimes slow. Pool was nice but didn't get much sunlight. Wi-Fi was available in some locations, but not the lower level. The 4 units on the lower level (7, 8, 9 & 10) had an operable inner and in-operable outer window. The outer window had an open area which measured approx. 8" x 32", allowing less than 2 square feet of fresh air. Because of the stained and frosted glass (due to the sidewalk outside) the view from these 4 rooms is very poor. One of these lower units may be used by staff rather than being used as guest lodging. If one of the upper units (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6) is available, this can be a pleasant experience. If the only unit available is on the lower level, consider looking elsewhere.

We had searched long and hard for a place to celebrate our 20th Anniversary. Other than Canada we had never been out of the U.S. so we bombarded Bill with many emails and questions; sorry Bill. He was always prompt with a reply. The taxi drove us from the airport to the door of Villa David. It is up on a hill with cobblestone streets and beautiful views. We were greeted by Adalberto and given a tour of the property. The Villa is beautiful with heated pool, hot tub, setting areas. It's like being in another world. We stayed in room #6 with king sized bed, private bath and a balcony overlooking the pacific ocean. Our room was clean, well appointed and very comfortable. Each morning Bill prepared an extensive breakfast that could have fed Cox's Army. If you left the breakfast table hungry it was your own fault. They have a common area with sofas, internet, house phone and T.V. where a lot of the house guests congregate to interact with other guests. We met some wonderful people there, enjoyed great conversation and laughs. They also invited us to join them for dinner on more than one occasion. Several of the guests have been returning for years which, that in itself should tell you something. These are the people that you want to talk to about area attractions and places to dine. They are in close proximity to local restaurants, the Malecon and area attractions. When touring around you just have to watch your step on the cobblestone streets and stairways. We love to walk, but if you don't the cabs are very inexpensive. We had a wonderful time at the Villa David. We couldn't have found a better place to celebrate our 20th Anniversary and we will surely return in the future. If you are looking for the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Vallarta well you need look no further. Thanks again Bill, David and staff!!