Wow, it’s hard to believe that we are back again after visiting just a couple months ago! The Nov/Dec 21 trip was because we were unable to travel to Puerto Vallarta in early 2021 so it was postponed. This trip is our regularly scheduled trip, with some extra time added on.
After we booked two weeks for this trip, we asked Phil if he would like to join us. For the first time he felt he was able to, and wanted to come. I couldn’t get him a room at our place (Sheraton Buganvilias) because Lori and a few friends were taking the bonus unit we were allowed. Their time had been scheduled for early 2021 so it had been postponed also. So, looking on Booking.com I was able to find rooms available at Hotel Rosita, which was in a great location, close to the Malecon and all the shops and restaurants, and about a 10-minute walk (or taxi) from our place. Phil went ahead and booked 10 days at the beginning of our trip.
Later, when we were ready to book our airfare we found that the prices were higher than we have ever had to pay. Even with a companion fare it was $1400 for both of us. That’s when we decided to change it up a little! Instead of booking travel on Saturday we decided to go to PV on a Thurs and come home on a Monday. We were able to save several hundred dollars by making that change. Next, we decided to stay an additional week, so I booked our first 2 days at Hotel Rosita, move to the Sheraton for 2 weeks, then back to Hotel Rosita for 9 days. So, this trip was our longest ever, 25 days!
Because Phil was joining us and it was his first trip, we wanted to be sure to have him experience some of our favorite places and really get a feel for what Puerto Vallarta has to offer. When we came in Dec 21, we found that it would be best to reserve some of our favorite restaurants, so I took care of that prior to coming to PV this time. Lori and her friends were also going to be with us for the first week, so we planned for all of us.
Doug and I flew into PV on Thursday 2/3. What a difference flying in on a weekday! The lines were so much shorter, and we were on our way to Hotel Rosita in no time. We were given a room on the second floor. I was surprised to find that although they included a mini refrigerator, they did not include a coffee pot, microwave, or even a hair dryer. Our bed had a sheet only, no blankets. It was clean but a little less than we expected. So, we bought a hair dryer and asked for blankets, and extra towels to use at the pool. They were very accommodating, which was nice. So, for the first couple days we just lived out of our suitcase because we knew we were moving over to the Sheraton on Saturday. There is a restaurant and bar in the lobby if Hotel Rosita, and we had coupons for a free continental breakfast each day.
The pool was much smaller, and colder so I was happy just to sit and read and not swim. Since Hotel Rosita is next the Malecon it was nice to just step out the door and be just a short walk to restaurants. We spent those first few days around that area.
We checked out on Saturday and got a taxi over to the Sheraton. Since it was only 12:30 pm or so we expected to have to wait for our room, but they gave us our keys and told us it was ready. We got settled then took a taxi to the airport to meet up with Lori and her friends, then Phil whose flight was an hour later. We made sure that Lori’s group got a taxi and that she had her check-in information, then sent them on their way. Shortly after they left, we heard from Phil that he had landed early, so he was on his way out also. We got a taxi and headed to the hotel, pointing out different areas to Phil along the way. We went straight to Hotel Rosita and went in with Phil to make sure he was comfortable, then we took a taxi back to our place while he got settled and ready to meet us later.
Once we got back and found the girls, we made dinner plans and let Phil know. The girl’s room wasn’t quite ready, so we made plans to meet in the lobby at 6:30. We took a taxi to Phil’s and leisurely walked the Malecon, catching sunset at 7pm, entertainment and street performers, and just enjoying the evening. We walked all the way to Old Town (the Romantic Zone) and planned to eat dinner at Margarita Grill, but when we got there, it was a 1 hour wait so instead we had a wonderful Italian meal at the new la Dolce Vita.
Most of our days were spent by the pool at our place. Phil came over several times, but also spent some time exploring on his own. One of the days he climbed the 200 plus stairs to the top of Mirador La Cruz! What an accomplishment and once at the top he had a beautiful view of the city. That is now on my list to accomplish next time we come to PV. We met up every night for dinner, and one of the evenings we went to Rhythm of the Nights dinner show. We talked about going to the Botanical Gardens but that will have to be another time also.
Rhythm of the Nights – what a great show! In all the years of coming to Puerto Vallarta, we haven’t ever gone to this show. Doug tends to get seasick, so we have not been able to go, however when I found out that Phil was coming this time I asked him to be my date. Also, I asked if Lori and her friends wanted to go too, which they did so I purchased the tickets at a discount online. The 5 of us went to Puerto Magico which is the port where the cruise ships arrive/depart, and where the tour boats are. Our boat ride was one hour south to the tropical rainforest, Las Caletas, which can only be reached by boat. Along the way we were able to see dolphins and whales. The boat stayed in the area with the dolphins so that we could watch them jump with the boats wake. Although we were able to see some signs of whales, they were not breaching so we didn’t get pictures. The water was a little choppy so at one point Phil and I were talking to a photographer and Phil fell hard when the boat hit a wave. He was okay, other than his elbow getting scraped, and I’m sure a little sore later. Once we got to Las Caletas we were directed to our table for a great buffet dinner of chicken, steak, seafood, salads, veggies, bread and dessert. There was an open bar (on the boat ride as well as at dinner) although neither Phil or I drank on the boat or at dinner. After dinner we went to the show which was a lot like a Cirque du Soliel, with several performers. It was a show that I would like to see again.
We wanted to take Phil and the girls to some of our favorites so during their visit we went to the following restaurants:
La Dolce Vita - Romantic Zone location – the food was very good, elegant, and we had a great time
Victor’s - in the Marina – always a favorite and free shots of tequila!
Joe Jack’s Fish Shack – love the fish and chips!
Margarita Grill – very busy but great music and authentic Mexican food
Casa Isabel – reservations required – we made sure we went at sunset, what an awesome view! After a wonderful dinner we ordered the Mexican Coffee, which is made tableside. It is a great presentation with tequila heated, then poured (flaming) into a sugar rimmed glass with coffee. Then more tequila poured directly into the glass and lit. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. We each had a sip, it was great! While we were there, Isabel came to our table, pulled up a chair and talked to us for a while. It was at least 10 minutes before any of us realized who this lady was! Once we figured it out, we enjoyed her visit as she told us a little history of Casa Isabel which is a boutique hotel as well as a beautiful restaurant. She was a character, and I was so glad we were able to visit with her. The food was amazing, as well as the view and the service.
Oasis Bay – on the Malecon – great food. We went on the girl’s last night so they could enjoy the Malecon one last time
Hot Mama’s Whiskey Kitchen – Phil, Doug and I had reservations the evening after the girls left. This is our new favorite, one that we had tried in December and loved it. This time Doug had the fish and chips and said they were the best he’d ever had – even better than Joe Jacks! They are in the process of opening a new restaurant in Versailles area which we had hoped would be open before we left but it wasn’t. No problem, we will catch it next time!
Pipi’s – Phil’s friend had mentioned it to him, so we decided to go. We hadn’t been for years. It was ok, but not too impressive. A lot of food for the price and the drinks were huge.
999 – at our resort – Earlier we planned to watch the Superbowl there. We had to reserve ahead for 1350 pesos each (about $60 each), but we were credited that amount for food and drinks. Since we were there several hours we had drinks, appetizers, entrees and with credit still available we had dessert. Their food is good, upscale bar food. I had a very good flank steak for dinner, which was cooked to perfection. I would order again.
Fredy's Tucan - Romantic Zone, great place for breakfast. We've been going there for years. They have a new location near Versailles which we didn't try.
Phil left on Tuesday 2/15, so we were once again on our own for the next couple weeks. We decided to take turns selecting where to eat for dinner, which works well to satisfy Doug’s desire for familiar places, and my desire to try new places. More often than not, we love the new places and they become our familiar and favorites in the future! Whisky Kitchen was a suggestion from a Facebook group that we decided to try and fell in love with.
Some of our favorites that we went back to:
Senor Frogs
Café Olla
Dz’s Diner – In addition to the Elvis impersonator, they have a new singer who does a great Johnny Cash show
Joe Jacks Fish Shack (yes, 2nd time this trip!)
Derby Burger (had not been for years – it was great!)
Margarita Grill (yes, again!)
Whiskey Kitchen (we went for a second time on our last night)
Pancho Villa, not a fav but the food was ok. Service was better than December, but they still need to step it up. We shouldn’t have to ask for something 3 times.
And, some new places we tried:
Siam Thai – great, authentic Thai food, and will now be my go-to for Thai food
L’ angolo d’ Napoli – I was craving pizza. We waited a long time, then once seated it took a while to even get menus. We weren’t impressed with food or service.
Dragon Chino – we wanted Chinese food and this place was one mentioned on the Facebook page. It was in Versailles, on the main highway. Although the food was tasty, I wasn’t impressed.
El Palomar – beautiful view, great dinner. Caesar salad made tableside as well as Mexican coffee. Definitely moving this to a favorites list along with Casa Isabel for a more elegant dinner with great view.
Gaby’s – right in el Centro, a couple blocks north of Lady of Guadalupe Church. Great dinner but be prepared for climbing stairs to get to rooftop terrace.
Pepe’s Tacos – a few blocks from Hotel Rosita. We went for lunch to try them out. Great street tacos, and there is a line if you go in the evening. Their waiters do not speak much English so be sure to be clear about what you want to order.
Prior to coming I had joined a Facebook group called Puerto Vallarta: Everything You Need Or Want To Know which was a great resource for almost anything. I started keeping track of restaurants I wanted to try and had the list with me. We only went to a few so I wanted to use this post to list places to go and things to do in the future.
Things to do:
Hike the 200 plus steps to the top of the hill with the cross - Mirador La Cruz
Botanical Garden
Rhythm of the Nights again
Restaurants to try:
Jeans – hamburgers, by the airport
Fredy’s Tucan - Versailles location
Whiskey Kitchen - Versailles location
Bravo’s – next to Siam Thai, same owners
Oregano - Caribbean food, across from Secrets. They have a pet pig.
The Food Park, across from Villa Del Palmer
Que? Pasa Bar and Grill - great ribs
Panchos Takos - next to Cafe Olla, always a long line so never have been there
Salty Caesar - bar and grill
Martini Grill - Romantic Zone
For romance try the following:
Barcelona Tapas
Cafe de Artistes
La Capella
Tre Piatti
