I'm dreaming of a getaway next winter to Puerto Vallarta. I'm envisioning renting a house with one other family (3-4 bedrooms) and the must-haves include a pool, easy access to a beach, and staff to bring me margaritas poolside. Ha! A lot of the places I see on VRBO are further south in Conchas Chinas. I pretty much don't know anything about these areas and have only been to Mexico once over ten years ago (childless, a b&b in Guayabitos). Can any one offer experienced advice on staying in PV, benefits of VRBO with staff vs a resort, and things like that? Thanks in advance!

consider the caribbean side of mexico , isla mujures. so much more beautiful and wonderful beaches for swimming. white sand blue waters!

Check out Hacienda Patrizia Bucerias. I believe owners are Canadians. Never been but a friend highly recommends this place. https://www.facebook.com/Hacienda-Patrizia-306817019351927/

Holy amazing! A bit beyond our budget but I will dream well tonight!

Love PV and the colonial old town. Real Mexico. I know people who have stayed down that way but not sure about beach access. We never ever stay in a resort. Always a great rental south of the river.

I hate resorts and the same people bellied up to the bar and at breakfast every day. Bored to tears laying by the pool. We are off to La Manzanilla Friday for 5 weeks. 45 mins north of Manzanillo. Tons of great houses to rent and the best beach in the pacific coast. 4K flat walkable and calm waters. Tons of great little restaurants and shops. Locals live here. No resorts or hotels. Quite a few Canadians live full time or for a few months in winter. We kayak every day and eat 20p fish tacos on the beach. Super chill. Hire a cook and cleaner and make your own darn Margs or hang out at a beach palapa restaurant and drink there for 50p each. More fun. The water is so calm and swimmable. Leave your bags at your table. All safe.

Visitlamanzanilla.com
VISITLAMANZANILLA.COM
La Manzanilla Vacation Rentals & Information: Vacation rentals in La Manzanilla Mexico

I found the temp of water along that coast much cooler than the other side.

Water is special on east yes yes but Cancun is an American made mad house of resorts and ugly tourists. Playa has gotten so so busy too. To each their own

Jeannett agree! Went many times, but last 4 years have been in Belize Islands which are also getting Americanized. I enjoyed Roatan Honduras, but not on the days the ship comes in. Lots of natural areas left so far.

I suggest staying a wee bit out of PV and renting a place in Buecerias. You can head to Sayalita from there and in and out of PV quite easily. There are beautiful vacation homes there. Not sure about the staff part though, you'd have to look at the write ups, sorry!

Sayulita has gone mad. 3 Oxxo in the last 2 years. Bars in every corner. The sewers overflow at Xmas from too many people. The beaches have gotten super busy and there are vendors at you every 30 seconds. We had stayed there 3 times and were so sad when we last did a day trip Feb 2015. Not the cute place it used to be.

oh noooo, that's terrible to hear. I hope Bucerias hasn't become like that too!

Melanie don't think it has the surfer appeal and reputation of Sayulita