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How does renting from the owner work?
We immediately send you a information sheet on the condo as well as a 20 page "what to do and where to go" document. These are sent via e-mail. When you arrive at our condo, you will feel right at home. Since our building is primarily occupied by owners, the staff does not handle transactions for our guests. By the way, our home base is in the Seattle area.
We are very choosy and are used to staying in luxury hotels. How does your condo compare?
We provide you with a more realistic view of life in Puerto Vallarta. Hotels are great but they insulate you from the real pulse of the city and rather than being surrounded by people who live here, you are surrounded by other tourists. We have the following:
- A Mexican style terrace, garden area and swimming pool complete with lounging chairs and a bathroom/changing room.
- wonderful restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner just five minutes by car or 10 minutes by foot away
- Stunning views of the ocean, city, and bay.
- A laundry room in our condo (try getting that in a hotel!)
- A full kitchen stocked with condiments and staples
- Two private decks.
This is different from an American style tourist accomodation but extremly cozy, clean, and relaxing. We feel confident you will enjoy the private condo experience much more than staying in a "tourist zone" hotel.
What about linens?
Naturally we provide all the sheets and towels as well as kitchen linens that you will ever need. We do ask that you do not use our regular towels for the beach or swimming pool. Beach towels are there for that purpose.
Do I get a better value by staying in a private condo?
You bet! Since we live here four months a year, there are more comfortable extras in our condo like food staples, condiments, spices in the cupboards and refrigerator, lots of kitchen equipment, videos, CDs, books and games. Besides you can arrive with just your favorite clothes and wash them in our washer/dryer as often as you require.
I've seen advertisements for condos cheaper than yours. Why the difference?
It's all about LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION and VIEW, VIEW, VIEW. No doubt other condos can compare with their amenities but none can beat the location of our unit. This is a amall Mexican style condominium building which is located close in to town, it sits directly on a clean and quiet beach which is 95% vendor free, and you can easily walk into the hub of town if you wish. This building is not full of other guests - you can interact with people who actually live here and can be very helpful to you.
Are there a variety of restaurants?
We give you a list with recommended restaurants and in the condo, there are many local lifestyle books with loads of advertisements for food from local cuisine to gourmet cuisine. It has been said there are 1,800 eating establishments in Puerto Vallarta. You can choose from American, Mexican, French, Italian, Chinese, Argentinean, Greek, Brazilian, BBQ, Seafood, and more. Seafood lovers will be heaven in PV. Purified water and ice are always served in restaurants and we have never had a problem at any of our favorite eating establishments.
What about exchanging our currency for pesos?
Your debit or ATM card will work just fine here. There are many machines around town but one that we like and use a lot is located in the Guadalajara Farmacia on Calle Insurgentes on the south side of town. There are any number of banks with ATM machines located outside just like you find at home. We withdraw the maximum each time we use a machine so that we get the best rates and lowest ATM charges. When you arrive at the airport, there is a money exchange window with a decent rate. It is the best place to get pesos initially.
Should I rent a car?
That depends on where you want to go. If you are not going to venture far out of Puerto Vallarta, you can take local transport - the Mexican buses which run about ever 15 minutes or a taxi to the destination of your choice. You can ride the buses as far as Boca Tomalaton to the south or Bucerais to the North. You can even ride a bus out to Punta Mita, home of the Jack Nickalous golf course and the Four Seasons resort. You won't have to share your ride with live chickens but you might get seranded by mobile musicians - all for 4.5 pesos. Our maps tell you where to catch the bus in and back from our condo. Otherwise just look for crowds of people standing on the sidewalk and then be sure and ask the driver if he is going to your destination. If not, he will tell you what color of bus to look for. Before you enter a taxi, be sure and ask what the fare will be. Fares are regulated but sometimes you get a renagade driver who will give you an inflated price. Negotiate if you think that is the case or wait for another taxi. Tips are not required but the drivers will be most appreciative of a little extra reward for good service. If you rent a car, you will have to park it on the street outside of the condo. The covered two story garage is exclusively for owner's autos and to park there requires a parking permit.
What can I expect from the weather?
Just perfect weather day after day - ho hum... Our visits have ranged from late October to mid-June and the majority of the time, we wake to clear skies, sunny days, and comfortable temperatures. High season ranges from 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit or 27 to 29 degrees Centigrade. You could get a little rain when you visit in low season months (June to October). After April until November, it can get humid. In July and August, the monsoon rains arrive and you can expect downpours for a short period and then sun again. Rainy season is from July to October and if you like thunder and light shows, this is for you.
Anything I need to know about local customs?
Sure - don't forget Siesta for some occurs between 2 and 4 p.m. Some businesses close and some stay open. Most stores stay open until about 9 p.m. to make up for the afternoon closing. Strolling down the Malecon after sundown is a favorite pasttime of Mexican families. Groups of girls and boys can be seen coyly flirting with each other as they pass. This is a time for the locals to get dressed up and meet their friends, sit on the benches, chat and watch the crowd go by. Vendors sell roasted corn, drinks from gourds, paintings, cotton candy, balloons, and more. On weekend nights and some week nights, there is usually some event being held at the amphitheater at the end of the Malecon by the three arches. All over town you will find English newspapers that are free and list the week's events, festivals, performances, tours, lessons, meetings, etc. Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for shopping, mercados featuring arts and crafts, galleries with fine art, restaurants for fine or casual eating and people watching.
What about crime?
Forget it. Local crime is practically non-existant other than the petty variety. Policemen room the streets, beach patrols are frequent visitors to the popular beaches, and truckloads of armed police cruise through the town. There is a special force of Tourist Police recognizable by their uniforms of white shirt, shorts and white safari helmets. Most of the members of this force speak English so you can feel free to ask them for directions or assistance.
How do I contact you?
You can e-mail us at kcotton@kathleencotton.com or call one of our two cell phones - 425-876-4299 or 425-750-8709.
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