Frequently Asked Questions and Informaton about Puerto Vallarta

Q: How far is Puerto Vallarta from me?
A: It is a 2 hours direct flight from Los Angeles, 3 hours direct flight from San Francisco, and 6.5 hours direct flight from New York.

Q: How many people can the house accomodate?
A: Up to 16 people can live comfortably in Villa Marbella.

Q: How far is the house from the beach? From downtown? From the airport?
A: The beach is a ten minute walk down the hill. Downtown is five minutes away by taxi. You can catch a taxi at the bottom of the hill, or call one to the house. The airport is twenty minutes away by taxi.

Q: How far in advance should I book Villa Marbella?
A: If you want to stay during high season, from November to April, you should make reservations a few months ahead of time. But don't hesitate to email us with your desired dates. We will do our best to accomodate you.

Q: Can I connect to the internet?
Wireless internet access is available free of charge. Please bring your own laptop.

Q: Does the house have a phone and a fax?
A: Yes. Local calls are free. Calls to the US are free.

Q: What about laundry?
A: There is a washer and dryer set available for your use. The staff will perform basic maid service on the rooms every day. Towels, sheets, and soap are provided for you.

Q: Does the house have a TV and DVD player?
A: Yes. The house is equipped with the following electronics:
35" television
DVD player and a small collection of movies
iPod docking station
CD/tape/radio player
VCR player

Q: Will the staff cook for us?
A: Yes. You can eat at home if you like. Every morning, tell the cook what you would like to eat. The cook will go shopping for you and cook your meals. You will have to pay for the groceries however.

Q: Is the house air conditioned?
A: Each bedroom is air conditioned. The other areas are not air conditioned, but are usually kept cool by the ocean breezes.

Q: Can I bring my own food?
A: Sure. But the fridge is only standard size so don't bring too much.

Q: Should I rent a car?
A: Most likely not. Taxis are inexpensive and plentiful in Puerto Vallarta. But if you want to rent a car, there is space to park 3 cars behind the kitchen.

Q: Can I get a Private Pickup at the airport?
A: Yes, we have a Private Driver who will greet you holding a sign with your name on it as you come out of baggage claim.
Contact us for rates and information.

Q: Who should I contact in case of an emergency?
A: You should contact an English speaking doctor is case of a medical emergency. You should contact your consulate if you lose your passport or tourist card, or for legal problems.

Q: Should we tip the staff?
A: If the service was acceptable, then the staff would very much appreciate a tip.

Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful tropical resort destination filled with romance and adventure. Located on the same latitude as Hawaii, Vallarta enjoys a year-round tropical climate. Enjoy the enchanting downtown where cobblestone streets are lined with quaint white-washed houses, century-old churches and an inviting array of shops and restaurants.

Puerto Vallarta offers deep-sea fishing, a range of water sports, sightseeing attractions, golf courses, tennis facilities, and a sizzling nightlife. Vallarta is magical; it is a paradise that can truly give you the vacation of a lifetime. And there is no better way to enjoy Vallarta than with a stay at Villa Marbella.

Location
Puerto Vallarta is situated on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the northwest corner of the state of Jalisco.

Geography
Puerto Vallarta is a quaint, colonial seaside village encircled by rugged, tropical Sierra Madre mountains to the east and fronted by the Bay of Banderas, Mexico's largest natural bay. The center of town is divided by the Cuale River.

Climate
January - April Average High 86 / low 63 May - December Average High 92 / low 70 Rainy Season: Late June through September, mainly afternoon showers.

Arrival
The Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport located four miles north of downtown (centro). There are frequent taxi or van transfers from the airport at reasonable rates. Pay at the taxi booth and they'll assign you to a taxi/van that will take you to your destination.

Proof of citizenship is necessary to cross the border into Mexico.
Either a current passport, birth certificate or voter's registration will suffice. Upon arrival, visitors are given a Tourist Card which must be turned in upon departure at the airport. At that time, a departure tax is charged and payable in U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos. Some airlines now include this tax when ticketing, but check ahead to make sure.

Non-US citizens need to check with a Mexican consulate for possible visa requirements.

Currency
Pesos, although U.S. dollars are widely accepted in businesses throughout town. Major credit cards are also accepted in most establishments.

Population
Puerto Vallarta is home to 350,000 residents and attracts more than 2 million visitors annually.

Water
The water and ice in local restaurants is pure and safe to drink. Our water authority, Seapal, has received certification for four consecutive years ensuring that our water is clean for human consumption. If you want to play it extra safe, bottled water is sold in town. Microdine is sold to purify vegetable and salad greens.

Taxis
Puerto Vallarta has more than 1,000 taxis available around town. The union has preset tariffs for travel rather than meters. Fare within the Centro zone, downtown, is only a few dollars. Hotels often post the rates to popular destinations, but it is always a good idea to ask about the cost before you travel. Also, you are not expected to tip the drivers. Rates coming out of the airport can be higher than Independant taxis. If you would like a private driver to pick you up and take you to the Villa Marbella please contact us for rates and information.

Buses
Buses will take you from one end of town to the other, or anywhere in-between for about $.50. If you are downtown around the plaza or on the Malecon, take the bus that says "Olas Altas." This will take you to the south part of town across the Rio Cuale, towards Los Muertos beach. To head north towards the airport and large hotels, take a bus that says "Hotels" or "Airport." Travel to and within the Marina Vallarta area is also possible, just look for the Marina buses. Push the button marked "timbre" to signal the driver to stop.

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Puerto Vallarta Properties
1344 S. Wright St.
Lakewood, CO. 80228 USA
303.986.8000
Email: Puerto Vallarta Properties