Million dollar view - Great location - Bring ear plugs

Guest: M&D (United States)
Date of Stay: 01/11/12 Review Submitted: 02/01/12

The View Outstanding. A full panorama of the bay of Bandaras. You are high up overlooking the historical city, so you can see the major architectural highlights of the city. The Location This condo has its finger on the pulse of Puerto Vallarta. You can see and hear everything that is going on in the city. You are 4 short blocks to walk to the malecón and about 5 blocks from the "romantic zone" with its selection of some of the best restaurants in the city. The Noise There is a negative side to being in the heart of this wonderful community. It is a city, it is loud, and it goes on all night long. The biggest problem is the discos. Senor Frogs is directly down the block; it can and does blast out bass-thumping disco beats until the sun comes up. There are other discos so Sr. Frogs is not the only contributor. We didn't get much sleep the first night because of the noise. The rest of the nights, I closed all the doors and turned the fans on high to mask the outside sound. This worked for me, but my wife needed additional ear plugs to be able to sleep. I should note that there is no air conditioning in the condo, and since we were there in January, we could shut all the doors against the noise, but in hotter months this may not be a good option. The Condo Unit Very spacious, well equipped, clean and comfortable. There were two missing items we had to buy ourselves - Kleenex and paper towels for the kitchen. I mention this because most condos I rent from VRBO provide these items. A one week rental has a mandatory mid-week maid service. The maid service was excellent. Entry and Exit We were met by an agent of the owner, who speaks excellent English. He gave us a very good verbal tour of the area and made many good suggestions regarding things to do and places to eat. He also met us when we checked out, and kindly drove us in his personal auto to a taxi stand. Pricing I think the condo is fairly priced. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms this is a very good deal for a family or two couples. But I was annoyed at the extra charge for internet connection ($30/week). And then she asked for another refundable deposit on the keys. This is a "nickle-and-dime" way of doing business that I do not appreciate. Owner Relations The owner was very responsive to any questions we had prior to the stay and seemed very sincere in making sure things would go smoothly. On the negative side, she contacted us too many times to urge us to write this review.

Owner response:Hello Diane, Thanks for taking the time to write this review. I had a real and honest interest to know your opinion and will check about your suggestions. Tourism has its positive and negative side. One is loud music to feel happiness and party time at its fullest. I believe you got your refundable deposit for the set of keys back, didn't you? This is to make sure our guests take care of the keys--we can't afford to loose them everytime! It works, let me tell you. Best regards. Patricia

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NYs in Puerto Vallarta

Guest: Rigatoni (Washington state)
Date of Stay: 12/28/11 Review Submitted: 01/19/12

We just returned from 2 weeks of fun in the sun in PV. The apartment location was excellent with ocean views and nearby shops and restaurants. The fireworks on NYs eve seemed liked you could reach out and touch them on our balcony. Beautiful! Patricia, was very kind in answering all our questions and the property was well maintained and accurate description from photos, etc. . The only thing I would mention is that due to the location in the center of activities, there is noise at night from some of the clubs. The new walkway on the Malecon was lovely with many beautiful sculptures. We enjoyed Gaby's restaurant which was very close to the apartment. Also, the hotel across the street on the roof at night for cocktails was much fun and lovely night views. We hope to come and visit again. Rick and Toni Washington State

Owner response:Hello Rick and Toni. Thanks for your nice words about your stay at my home. I really, really hope you come back someday. Please keep my data in your file. You have been a wonderful, nice and kind guest and I am so pleased you liked the experience. So long, but not very long, eh?

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, adventure seekers, sightseeing.

Charming apartment but very dirty and uncomfortable

Guest: Patti Karsh (Pueblo CO US)
Date of Stay: 03/15/11 Review Submitted: 04/10/11

I just got back from PV and stayed at the condo for 2 weeks with 2 friends. I have been to PV many times and do know about its accommodations fairly well. On the plus side, the condo itself and the building are very nice. The location is superb as are the sea breezes and views. The furniture is frightful in the regard that it is very old, in very poor condition, uncomfortable and dirty. There is a new mattress on the queen bed which was very comfortable and a new fridge but that is it. The twin beds are so dirty and old and stiff that it is actually scary to sleep on them. The owner would not allow me to move a twin bed to the living room as she was concerned with floor tiles being scratched yet there are tiles in the kitchen floor that are just about loose enough to remove with your hand. We bought an inflatable mattress and I asked the owner since the master bedroom mattress is a queen size as is the inflatable bed could we use a set of sheets. She told us to bring our own. And, then when the cleaning lady opened a locked linen closet and one of my friends saw it well stocked, I felt it was just too much. I am baffled about all the comments that other guests have written about the condo being clean and comfortable (we must have stayed at different condos.) I really do not enjoy having to write these words but they are truly needed. If the condo were clean and fixed up, it would be rentable for more money and would be a good investment. Sincerely, 3 women from Pueblo Colorado

Owner response:Hello Patti, Thanks for your review. It confirms my home is at the best location. I am glad you liked how windy and fresh it is with great ocean views to enjoy everything that happens at the Malecón area and all the boats sailing the ocean. In short, you confirm the photos shown in my VRBO web page are indeed of the place that many previous guests have enjoyed and have thanked me for. My standard to keep the condo clean is very important--that is why I have a new stove, new fridge, new bed, new linen, including new beach towels. You received the condo absolutely clean, and two mandatory mid-week cleaning with linen laundry were included in your 14-nights rate. I respect my guests privacy so extra cleaning days are optional and upon request. I wonder why didn't you ask for extra cleaning? Three guests with lots of luggage--including portable oxygen equipment an inflatable queen-size mattress--for sure needed it, especially with all the shopping and packages you bought everyday and I believe my housekeeper's rate is very reasonable. Yes, my linens sets are for the beds and not to be used on the floor, since I have future guests to keep in mind with very well-cared linen. I am sorry you didn't want to share with your caregiver or maid one of the two beds in the second bedroom. Understandable, maybe you should have booked a larger, three-rooms accomodation, of course, you would have had to pay much more than this condo I share in good faith. I am not a corporation. I cannot post rates in this response but you got a fantastic deal for three people 14 nights, I wonder if you know how much you would have had to pay in a hotel suite? Loosing your bag with your belongings and money, credit cards and ID in a taxi during your visit might be a reason of your negative perspective about the condo at the end of your first week. There was nothing my administrator could have been able to do since you stop the taxi on the street but did not know his name or taxi number. Impossible to help. Maybe the taxi driver didn't notice your bag either and it was taken by a new passenger. I learned a lot with your visit, I should have paid more attention to all the red lights. I sincerely believe there are guests who are better off in big hotels because they need concierges, room service, employees and limo at the door, and there are guests who are able to enjoy homes shared by friends with reasonable rates like mine. Regards, Patrici

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Our best vacation yet!

Guest: Mama (Port Coquitlam, B.C., Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/09/11 Review Submitted: 02/26/11

If you are looking for an affordable place to stay that is clean and comfy, and that is centrally located with a fantastic view out over the red rooftops of downtown Puerto Vallarta, the Malecon, and out into the bay, then this is it! The location of this condo is perfect. We could walk to almost anywhere in town, and if we didn't feel like walking, all we had to do was walk two blocks, and taxis and buses were everywhere. We found it very easy and inexpensive to get around. We didn't do a lot of cooking, but prepared some breakfast a few mornings, and everything we needed was there. When it came to deciding where to have dinner, all we needed to do was step out the door and walk in almost any direction for no more than a few blocks and then choose one. Most days, we were able to spot whales in the bay and the nightly shenanigans and fireworks display from the pirate ship were fun to watch from our balcony each evening. It was also fun to watch the cruise ships come and go, and the performances by those guys that spin around the pole upside down. And then there are those beautiful sunsets! Out of 14 nights, there was only one that was sunsetless due to some low cloud that drifted in late in the day. Next morning though, we woke up to a beautiful sunny day, as usual. We really enjoyed the privacy that the condo offered as well. We felt as though we were living in Mexico, just the two of us, with a place of our own to come home to at the end of each day's activities. No lobby, no hotel staff, no other guests everywhere. We may never stay in another hotel again!Patricia, we really appreciated your call about midway through our stay to make sure that everything was fine. It shows you really care about your guests, and want to make sure they are having a nice vacation. Your prompt response to all my emails were also greatly appreciated. Communicating back and forth both before and after our stay was a breeze. You are truly a charming lady! We have fallen in love with Puerto Vallarta, and we will be back, maybe even next year!

Owner response:Enter TextHello Gayle and Rory: I love your beautiful detailed comments about your vacation at my place in Puerto Vallarta. It is so thorough that I can really imagine you both relaxing in front of the oceanview windy and fresh balconies with all the activity the downtown area offers. I really appreciate the time you put into writing this comment. Thanks so much for your great sunset photos also. It is hard to believe is the moon, not the sun, in one of the nights you pictured. Keep in mind for future vacations. There is a lot more to explore in Puerto Vallarta, I promise. Best regards, Patricia

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway.

Will be back

Guest: Lynn and Brian (Jacksdonville, OR)
Date of Stay: 01/19/11 Review Submitted: 01/27/11

My husband and I reluctantly returned from a week at this wonderful condo, and we would return in a heartbeat! Everything was clean and comfortable, the view is amazing, and the area is beautiful. There is so much to see and do close by, or just as wonderful to sit back and watch the nightly fireworks from the balcony. We found wonderful local artist's works at the smaller, locally owned shops and found wonderful restaurants away from the commotion of the Malecon. I highly recommend both this condo and Puerto Vallarta for a vacation like no other! Can't wait to go back next year.

Owner response:Hello Lynn and Brian, I am so happy you enjoyed your Puerto Vallarta vacation at my place. You have been a wonderful guest right from the very beginning and your initial VRBO inquiry. Please, try to come back for your next vacation and do some more exploring. Keep my data in your file. If you have a photo of you and Brian at Puerto Vallarta, I'll love to have a copy. Sincerely yours, Patricia.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing.

Guest: Sally & Doug Young1 (White Rock, B.C.)
Date of Stay: 03/10/09 Review Submitted: 03/10/09

March, 2009We returned to this Condo for the first week in February, prior to heading up to a rental house in San Pancho for the rest of the month. It was very much like coming home. The location of this Condo remains, to us, the very best in Puerto Vallarta; so near to PV’s best restaurants and attractions and yet so distant from the hectic and huge all-inclusive resorts. We were pleasantly surprised to be able to find the Super Bowl game with English commentary on the new TV just as we arrived.This year the whale watching from the balcony was incredible! Almost every day we saw Humpback whales in the Bay, a few very close in (especially a mother with calf). We even saw a large group pass by and, from what we know about whale behaviour, this was probably a number of males in pursuit of a female. In the distance we watched whales flapping their flukes on the surface of the water and once one even breached right out of the water (had never seen that before). Other than going out to sea (which we did with Ecotours in a zodiac), this is to us the best place to see whales in Banderas Bay.We certainly highly recommend this Condo as a great place to stay in Puerto Vallarta!

Owner response:Sally and Doug, Thanks so much for coming back and enjoy my place!! I love the whale spout and cruise sail boat photo. It is part of my photo album now for everyone to enjoy. Keep in touch and think of coming back as soon as possible!!! Your friends in Puerto Vallarta Patricia and son Roberto.

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Guest: Denis Fillion (Manitoba Ca)
Date of Stay: 03/09/09 Review Submitted: 03/09/09

We really enjoyed the stay this Jan of 2009. The apartment was as advertised and the view was spectacular. Our son who had never been to Mexico before told us he much preferred such an apartment than any luxury resort. That means a lot. Carlos was very helpful and we were close to everything we needed. Old Vallarta has a lot to offer. The only regret was that the vacation went by too fast.

Owner response:Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Fillion and son, It is great to have your nice comment about your stay at my place. Now you know your way home at Puerto Vallarta any time you want to come back, why not!!!Thanks, Patricia

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Guest: Terry & Susan Peterson (Warrenville, IL)
Date of Stay: 03/02/09 Review Submitted: 03/02/09

My wife Susan and I stayed a week in this charming affordable condo in February 2009. It was clean, cool, well-equipped and very comfortable. It's location near the Malecon, the beach, great restaurants and convenient transportation is excellent. The Chez Elena restaurant across the street is superb. A quick telephone call to Advantage rent-a-car brought a rental to our door for excursions up the coast to Bucerias, Sayulita, etc. Best of all was the wonderful interaction with Patricia, the Unit owner, and Carlos, her administrator. As usual, the weather and people of PV were the best!

Owner response:Terry and Susan, I appreciate so much your nice words. It has been my pleasure to have you and I really appreciate your very nice photos. Keep in touch and make plans to come back soon!! Patricia

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Guest: Denny Li (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 03/31/08 Review Submitted: 03/31/08

The condo was as advertised. The view was beautiful and the cool ceramic tile floors much appreciated. Carlos was extremely helpful during our visit and very gracious as well. I only wished for more quiet. Much of the noise issue stemmed from our visit there during semana santa (holy week -the week preceding Easter Sunday). Techno-pop was blasted out from the Malacon every night until 6:00 a.m. in the morning.

Owner response: Denny Li, thanks for your comment. I will insist with authorities about the noise issue during Holidays, since I believe it is out of control,

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Guest: BonnIe Mussman (New York City, New York)
Date of Stay: 02/26/08 Review Submitted: 02/26/08

My husband and I spent a week in January 2008 at the Condo. It was perfect. Beautiful view of the bay with balcony and terraces. Condo was clean and cheery. The location was great. I loved being in the middle of old town, yet out of the tourist areas. I could walk everywhere- beach, restaurants, shops. Our only problem was my husband's mobility. He has difficulty walking hills and steps so we frequently used taxis- easy to get and inexpensive.

Owner response:Thanks Bonnie for your nice comment. Patricia

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