Hanging out at resort hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan an

Magoo · #1 (**permalink**) March 18th, 2005, 11:30 AM

Are there any nice resort hotels that let you "hang out" for the day and enjoy their facilities? If so, do they charge? Any suggestions would be helpful. We will have 4 kids w/us age 7-14, and I think they'd rather hang out at a pool/beach then go on tours in the heat (August). Thanks.

Harry Martin · #2 (**permalink**) March 18th, 2005, 11:46 AM

Magoo, I seem to recall Krystal and teh Fiesta Americana in PV allow day use ... maybe do a Google search.

Harry

nancalderon · #3 (**permalink**) March 18th, 2005, 06:09 PM

Harry,

What do you sugguest I search for on Google? Not sure what to type?

Nan

Chuck Palm · #4 (**permalink**) March 18th, 2005, 08:00 PM

The Krystal does allow cruisers to use their hotel facilities for the day. Also the Hotel Molina de Agua allows cruisers to use their facilities on a day use basis.

Molina de Agua charges 100 pesos for Adults, which is around nine dollars. I remember that it is 50 pesos or about $4.50 for children. This is an older Greek-owned hotel that has a lot of true Mexican charm. There are two very nice pools. One is on the beach and the other is on their frontage street, Vallarta Blvd.

The advantage of the Krystal is that it is right by the cruise ship terminal. The advantage of the Molina de Agua is that it is near most of the better restaurants and also near to excellent downtown shopping, if that is your preference.

My favorite lunch places are :

Mariscos Polo for outstanding seafood at a very moderate price.

River Cafe for American and Mexican dishes

Le Bistro for Mexican food with a French flair

El Torito for an excellent sports bar w/ great ribs and steamed shrimp

Las Carmelitas for super meat dishes and by far the most amazing view anywhere in Vallarta

El Adobe for Euro/Mexican faire

Harry Martin · #5 (**permalink**) March 19th, 2005, 11:41 AM

Chuck, thanks so much for the additional info! That should help a lot. And, Chuck is our resident PV expert. :-) I would also add that the Agua hotel is right near Burros on the beach, which has killer margaritas.

Harry

Post Edited (03-19-05 11:57)

Harry Martin · #6 (**permalink**) March 19th, 2005, 12:02 PM

I just uploaded a photo of the Agua Molina Hotel in the photo galleries. (I took in October when were on the Diamond because Chuck had mentioned it before.)

http://www.cruise-forums.com/gallery/view.php?id=2313

Harry

Kristine · #7 (**permalink**) March 19th, 2005, 12:50 PM

I know that the Krystal charges $15 per adult but that could be used for food or beverage credit. Personally, I don't think the Krystal has that much charm and I wouldn't go back. In Mazatlan try the El Cid, one of the coolest pools and beach fronts Imho. Most places will allow you to stay for a fee but most also will use that as food credit. I will go with you if you like and be your tour guide lol

Chuck Palm · #8 (**permalink**) March 19th, 2005, 01:00 PM

I forgot to mention my new "favorite" restaurant in P.V. It is "El Arrayan." This restaurant has some of the finest upscale Mexican food I have ever experienced. It is better than most great restaurants in Oaxaca, for instance. And Oaxaca is considered the culinary capital of Mexico by many "foodies."

It is located in the central part of downtown near great shopping, the big church, etc.

#9 (**permalink**) March 19th, 2005, 04:52 PM

We spent a few hours at the El Cid...and ..never again. The Beach was AWFUL...UGLY...the pool was so-so.

The highlight in Mazatlan was the couple of hours we spent in town. The theatre is awesome and the streets around it are interesting (architecturally,speaking)

So many of you have been helpful...so I wanted to share my observations.

#10 (**permalink**) March 22nd, 2005, 08:20 AM

anyone know of any good restaurants for lunch in mazatlan?

#11 (**permalink**) April 15th, 2005, 02:06 PM

In P.V. we went to the Holiday Inn not too far from the marina. We rented boogie boards for $10 for 4. There is parasailing for $40. The waves were too big - no waverunners allowed that day. Kids had fun just body surfing and playing on the water trampoline. We just purchased chips and salsa and drinks. We were running late - two taxis for $10 back to the marina. Pool is nice.

Kristine · #12 (**permalink**) April 15th, 2005, 08:12 PM

I just rembered that there is a water slid park in PV at the marina. It used to be like $10 each for the day. It is part of a hotel and it isn't too well know and so it is not very crowded. they have great facilities for swimming and relaxing.

SUSAN CURTIS · #13 (**permalink**) April 26th, 2005, 01:40 AM

In PV and probably others the time share hotels will not only let you use there facilities but alot more if you sit thru their presentation. Our guide told us that the pay the guides and Taxi drivers to bring you to them. So that is something you may what to consider. Also stop by the CVC on the ship. I know they have resort properties in some of the ports and I am sure they could arrange a day pass. Tell Wayne Ron & Susan said hi.