Great Authentic Mexican Experience
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 2/16/09
We just returned from a one week stay at the Hacienda Hotel & Spa (Feb 09). We wanted an authentic Mexican vacation and that's what we got! If you're looking for a 5 star glossy hotel - go somewhere else. The Hacienda decor is rustic but clean. Yes, the beds are hard, but we slept like babies! The staff are friendly and are continually grooming the grounds, sweeping tiles, wiping tables. They waited on us hand and foot. The two a la cartes are great - one visit per restuarant per week. Fresh made-to-order omlettes every morning, fresh fruit galore! The beach is about a 2 block walk and yes, it's through construction, but you do have the option of using the hotel bus service to the beach. There's a great beach club. Hotel is a great location - grocery store next door, 10 minute walk to Wal-Mart, bus to downtown right at the corner. About 5 minutes from Marina where a lot of the tours leave from. On the last day I found a neat little market about 3 blocks from the hotel (right at the Marina) – walk north to the gas station and turn left – a couple blocks and you’re there!. The Malecon is a "must see". Shows on Sunday evening are spectacular. We went on three tours - Sans Sebastian (great culture), City Tour (they put us on the wrong bus so we had the wrong tour but they gave us our money back) and Rhythms of the Night. Next time we'll skip the tours and stay at the hotel. We already paid for all inclusive meals and drinks - when you go on tours you pay again. A bus trip to nearby Buscerias is another must-see! The buses are everything you hear about - fast and rattly! But all part of the experience. Be on the look-out for time-share agents everywhere! One tour guide said PV has a very low crime rate. We felt safe but of course, be careful at all times. We'd stay here again in a heartbeat!