Foley and Fitzgerald

Our first journey was back to one of our favorite hotels, The El Camino Real in Puerto Vallarta. Guess what. The hotel was purchased by DREAM VACATIONS earlier this year. Say goodbye to the past, but the future is looking good for this old stylish hotel South of Town.
The new place is currently under renovation. The rooms should be completed by mid-December. The staff is under orders to make it work for the guests and it really shows. They are so friendly and accomodating. Even with a few bumps (our door key kept locking us out of our room and the plumbing was having a few problems while the construction was going on - which was from 7am till 10pm some nights) the
Hotel gave us great value and luxury for our stay.

Alejandro, a great young man from Mexico City, gave us Spanish lessons on the beach and by the pool. He was so helpful and took his teaching job very seriously. I picked up some new verbs and just had alot of fun talking to him.

Our morning breakfast staff were by far the most entertaining and gracious. Once they new we wanted to work on our Spanish they were always helping and playing with us. There was Carlos, the clown in the group, Fernando, Alberto, and Alejandro. These guys work so hard.
Their tips are pooled with the entire Hotel staff, as this is now an inclusive resort with all meals included in one price. We always tipped them separately. The Hotel was only 30% occupied due to construction, so we know these guys are having a tough time making it and they pick up other jobs at night to support their families. Sound familair?

There was a great concierge, Hector, who served as bell hop and any other hat that was necessary at the time. He logged people into the computer and grab the taxi and carried the bags. He spent three years, like almost all the staff did in the US learning the language and working hard and to return to their home country.

The food at the Hotel was above average. We had a great Mexican dinner the first night at Maria Bonita and met the young, self taught Chef who came out to our table. I had a killer stuffed Chile with scallops and shrimp in mole. And to think the entire bill was included.

They also include drinks and snacks at the beach, brought by food runners...all you want at your whim. The cost for this package is 150.00 per night. That's $75 per person. amazing value.

We ate in town at Marisma fish tacos almost everyday. This is the best taco in town and its' a tiny stand under a huge ficus tree run exclusively by her daughters and their friends. You get a fish taco for 110 pesos and shrimp for 120 pesos. Each one has a generous portion of fish plus shredded cabbage and this amazing secret sauce.

Also of note was Felipe's, an old family run place way up on the hill just South of town. We had a stunning view of the City with fireworks from the cruise boat and a Lobster/Shrimp platter for two that included crisp blanched and sauteed vegetable of broccoli, cauliflower, chayote and onion. I am so glad that Mexico is growing new vegetables. I had never seen Broccoli down here before. Phillip had the best pina colada he has ever tasted. It was one of those great restaurant experiences. The only thing of note is that it was very expensive. Equal to anything in SF. But worth every penny.