My wife and I stayed at the Los Arcos Vallarta Hotel February 18 - 22, 2007. We stayed in a Standard Room. The Hotel has a great location. You are in the heart of the Romanic Zone and a block from the beach. The Hotel is a 10 or 15 minute walk to any place downtown. Great restaurants within a few blocks. The Los Arcos Vallarta Hotel we think could be compared to a older "Motel 6" here in the States. Here are the Pro's and Con's.
Pro's:
1) Great Location
2) Beautiful Roof Top Patio and Pool with a Great View
3) Nice Commons Area
4) Friendly Staff
5) Clean Room
6) No mildew
7) Refrigerator in Room
8) Air conditioner Worked Great
9) Reasonable Price

Con's:
1) The Bed is the worst I've slept on and I'm in the Military. It was like sleeping on the box spring only(without the mattress).
2) The room had a very strong musty smell that you didn't get use to.
3) The Standard Room didn't have a window that you could see out of, so it was like sleeping in an inside cabin on a cruise ship.

We would stay here again only if they had a Deluxe Room with a balcony available .

Booked fully inclusive package over the internet.

Travelled economy fare, and left afternoon flight from
Toronto. Arrived at hotel late that night...this timetable works best.

Arrived at Hotel:

Courteous staff directed us to our room. It was at the
back of the hotel, and rather a "bunker" with no
windows, musty and broken TV.

We were not fazed by this: Expecting "economy" fare accommodations.

We did upgrade to a room with window and view of the town.

It was clean, freshly paint with nicer bathroom ammendies and
generally a comfortable locally flavoured decorated
room. For an extra 12 dollar US a night. (Well worth it) - Even though you spend little time in your room. But, made the experience that much nicer.

It was no hassle to upgrading, if you inquiring early.

There was a small issue (in the new room) that the
safe in the room was not operational, but they had a
safety deposit box, that was less convienant, but
served the purpose.

We found most of the receptionist helpful. The bell
boys and maids were also very professional and
helpful.

We tipped the maid every day (in Peso's) and she was
very grateful. Considering most jobs in Mexico make $
5.00 a day!

Its also a hassle for them to go to the bank to
exchange U.S dollars. We saved them the trip and exchange rates.

Again; if you are an inexperienced traveller or one
that wishes to live in your own countries expectations -
stay at the holiday Inn, or newer suburban Hotels.

This interesting, "cozy hotel" and (real Mexican hotel)
and its excellent downtown location will give you a much better
deal/feel and cultural "reality" of a Mexican
city + tourism area , than out at the Marina area.

North Area (is definitely more of a mall
feel) with its fast food joints and its middle class
suburban landscape.

The one issue beyond the weather (that was a little
cloudy) was the 1/2 day tours. Be careful.........

There was a local office of Air Transit at the main
resort. We setup a meeting to go over our options for
our (first) day trips. San Sebastin
(a traditional Mountain side Mexician town) and a boat trip to an island beach were our personal choices)

We accepted what the tour rep. suggested in both
cases..but she was frankly ill informed on specifics
of the events of either trip. (We found out after)

Infact; the boat trip was disappointing. (Even though
there were half the people as normal) because of the
weather. Once on board - it was "wanta be party time"
with a overly enthusiastic host (with microphone) a
"Video girl" and an encouraged open bar, i.e party
"dude" atmosphere.

It was loud, totally uncreative to say the least.
Something for the younger, party type participates I
suppose. But, somewhat lame and distrupive to say the least.

The boat trip also stopped several times along the way
- whale watching, "booze cruzing" and the constant
shatter from our "host" the entire trip was definitely
not what we expected (or told) by the event rep.

It also took 2 hours out of our beach
time - on an island - (that we thought we signed up
for) Thus, the beach time ended up being only 2 hours.

Once there.

I would suggest for the next time: (day trips) there was a fellow, selling the same trips on the beach -that I heard and spoke to that was articulate and informative at almost half the cost for sight seeing trips. He has brochures and a helpful disposition.

I think next time we will rent a car.

Generally; if you want a true experience of a Mexican City and a
down to earth hotel..this is it.

We also had access to the parent Hotel that included
the main pool, hot tub (that was warm) and where we
ate and daily beached. It was pleasent, and when checking the rooms for comparision they looked "used". In need of paint.

Nightly semi-professional music with Latin, Spanish
and English /nostalgic tunes delivered from 7-10 p.m
each night. Very nice martini type (open air) feel, area to
sit and relax in the evening.

I would also add the hotel and resort facilities
demographics we saw were 40-70 age group. (At least in
Jan.) That was a pleasent surprise. Not to many kids, or overly parting types.

P.S - Watch out for the traffic (crossing the street )
and the cabs, and if your interested to "party" please
do not book here. Great older resort feel, not the holiday Inn.

Room had a moldy odor, the air conditioner was leaking into the room, and my father-in-law had $300 stolen from his room.

Well my girlfriend and I left Toronto, on December 1st of this year. We booked our trip last minute with my travel agent. I usually travel all over the world about 4-8 times a year so I know what to expect from everywhere....
We read all the reviews about the hotel and the night life; we really weren't looking for anything expensive or high end. We were hoping to go to a resort where there would be tons of people our age so we can party and have a great time away from the cold here in Toronto.

Originally when I spoke to my agent I told her I wanted to be at the Playa Los Arcos, which is directly on the beach. We looked at the information together and we booked it. Well of course when we got to the hotel (which was about 20/25 minutes away from the airport-great viewing... Get to see downtown and all the night life stuff) when I get to the front desk I find out that I was booked for the Los Arcos Vallarta, I was a bit irritated, Not with the staff at all, cause it wasn't their fault, they were actually very helpful.

It only took us 30 seconds to cross the street and only took us about 5-8 minutes to check-in. When my girlfriend and I opened up the door to our room, we understand what other people meant by the room smelling. It's just smells damp or muggy. That usually happens to most hotels (even 5 start hotels) if they don't have proper ventilation systems. (Remember that in our room we only had one window that opened to the outside and that was in the bathroom). During our stay the hotels pool and top 4th floor is under construction so we had to visit the other two hotels just for the pool. (But again like I said before it's only a 30 second walk-I'm sure the local guys didn't mind my girlfriend and I walking past in our bikini's hehehe) The buffet often repeated itself, so it got boring at times, but at least during lunch you get a chance to order from the snack menu (we recommend the club house and the shrimp sandwich.

We were disappointed to see that there really weren't that many people our own age, but we found out that it's just the time year that we have traveled. Most people our age travel to Puerto Vallarta during Spring break. So we have already told our bosses that we'll be traveling again in March!!

The best thing about where the hotel is located is it is only 3 blocks away from the BEST place!! Senior Frogs. Don't be confused because there are many locations, but this one is the best! The staff makes you feel 100 % comfortable!! Ask for Fernando, tell him his Canadian Girlfriend Danielle (who he wants to steal) Say's Hi ;)

As I said before I travel a lot, and I've even been to Cancun. I would like to admit that the beaches in Cancun are much better, but the Night life in Puerto Vallarta... IS AMAZING!!

OHHHH and one other thing... Make sure you all take this trip:
CANOPY RIVER TOUR VALLARTA
It is the most amazing thing anyone can possibly do!!

Enjoy Everything that Puerto Vallarta can offer you !! Partying, great food, and great weather!!

Your friends here in Toronto Canada!!
Danielle And Matilda (P.S. If there is anyone else traveling this Spring Break 2007 make sure to let us know !! )