Just finished up our 7-day visit to Puerto Vallarta. This condo really does live up to the high marks given by other reviewers. Spacious, well-equipped, spotlessly clean, views of the ocean to the front and the mountains in back, plenty of cross-breeze, and air conditioning for when the breeze isn't enough.

The property staff was courteous and helpful. We were there in late October, low season, and felt like we had the pool and beach practically to ourselves.

Advice if you're new to the area and traveling from the U.S.: Everything is cheaper if you pay in pesos, and many places don't take credit cards. There's a little row of banks with ATMs just next door, and the transaction fees are cheap. Get pesos and spend like a local.

More advice: Do the Los Veranos Canopy Tour zipline. Our 3 kids (9, 11, and 15) and my wife (who is deathly afraid of heights) and I had the time of our lives. The bus ride there and the location are beautiful.

More advice: Get the fresh salsa from the Soriana grocery store, which is just a few blocks to the north. It's worth the walk, but if you want to take a cab it will only cost you a few bucks.