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Our Favorites for Summer

by Vallarta Online Staff
published:2/13/2003 modified:2/13/2003
 
Summer is a great time to visit Puerto Vallarta. Contrary to popular belief, the "Rainy Season" does not mean it rains constantly. The rainy season in Vallarta typically brings late afternoon showers to late night thunder and lightning spectacles and cooling down pours.

Most mornings and afternoons are crystal clear and fresh and the mountains and jungles explode with greenery and flowers. You have hours upon hours to enjoy the pools and ocean with blue skies and tropical air. Of course, a nice air conditioned siesta is a delight, and by the time you wake up and get ready for a late evening dinner, the rains have usually stopped.

While everyone has different tastes, people who usually travel in the winter months and decided to try the summer season find they enjoy it just as much or more for many reasons. The jungles are incredibly lush and vividly green. There are fewer people, and everything is super relaxed and laid back; even more than usual! And prices… prices can drop as much as 50-60% for accommodations, and many restaurants, bars and shops lower prices or have specials to attract customers. While Puerto Vallarta can be a bargain, it can be a steal in the middle of summer.

For family vacations, many opt to head to one of the Disney Kingdoms. Compare prices and temperatures and you will find Vallarta may be quite a bit less expensive and the temperature about the same… of course, we have a nice big ocean right here, and you won't need to rent a car!

If the thought of heat and humidity get you down, just remember this; a refreshing pool, cold drinks, ice cold ice cream, fresh air conditioning, a mid-day siesta and voila! You are cool as a cucumber the entire trip.

What we like
Our favorite hotels for the summer season. Selected for their location, amenities, staff, service, cleanliness, price and special promotions.

European Plan
Vallarta Sun Suites: Budget priced hotel, close to everything, many amenities, and super clean. Great little pool, and all rooms have airconditioning and balconies or terrace.

Tropicana: Mid-range hotel in an excellent area, on Vallarta's most popular beach. Superior rooms are by far the best rooms for the money and all have balconies or terraces for excellent sunset views.

Marriott: Grand Tourism hotel in the Marina area. Close to golf courses and many of the "by sea" tour meeting points. Excellent grounds, pools and staff.

Casa Isabel: a spectacular villa with a variety of luxurious suites at very reasonable prices. Breath-taking views, two jacuzzi's, a pool, fully stocked kitchens and many personal touches make this a favorite pick of anyone who stays here!


All Inclusive
Las Palmas: The most reasonably priced All Inclusive hotel. You can eat, drink and sleep well for less than $50.00 per person per night in low season. Re-opened after repairs from Hurricane Kenna; fresh, clean, and better than ever!

Canto Del Sol: Perfect hotel for the active! Eat and drink all day, then work it off on one of the 4 clay tennis courts, or during any of the numerous great activities planned daily to keep you busy; close to everything, including shopping, nightlife, and tours.

Hotel Sierra: Everything you can imagine and more! Perfect for large groups, families, and anyone who wants to do nothing but unwind and relax. Excellent pool and the beach; wonderful in the summer far from any rivers. Best rates of the season!


For Families:
All Inclusive is always a great option for families. It gives you more quality time together and less stress of having to pick a restaurant for every meal and trying remove everyone from the pool. Kids can eat all day long, enjoy beach snacks like hot dogs and hamburgers, and grown ups will like the variety of tropical adult beverages and ease of deciding where to dine. Often times, the prices are so good, you can easily splurge for a dinner or two out at one of the incredible restaurants in Puerto Vallarta.

Melia
: The Melia Resort is exceptionally located close to everything in the Marina and is a first rate all-inclusive resort with tons of activities for adults as well as children. Choices range from windsurfing, a batting cage, a climbing wall, tennis, to water aerobics and tons more. Excellent children's club with mini-disco, eco-club, park, and arts and crafts center.

Playa del Sol Condominiums: Located on super-popular Los Muertos beach, in the heart of the trendy Olas Altas area. You have the best of both worlds, a touch of home in a tropical paradise. Playa del Sol condos are the perfect choice for a family or friends who desire their own private condo, full kitchen, beautiful décor and plenty of room to move. Playa del Sol has their own pool and excellent beach. Grocery stores are close by, so in house cooking is a breeze, or top-notch restaurants are a short walk away.