Apartments In Puerto Vallarta Article

GUADALAJARA

BEST HOTEL

Considered the finest hotel in the city, Camino Real is just eight minutes from the Expo convention center, 12 minutes from the historic downtown and 25 minutes from the international airport. It has 198 rooms and seven suites decorated in a modern Mexican style, spacious terraces and the highest levels of service. The 40,000 square-meter building covers three hectares with four pools, a lighted tennis court, a miniature golf course and a kiddie playground. The business center is completely new, with high-speed Internet access, fax, phone and copy services. Rates begin at US$120. [52] (33) 3134-2404. .com

BEST CAR RENTAL

BEST SHOPPING

Plaza del Sol, built 35 years ago, was the first in Guadalajara and remains the most popular. Located in the "golden zone," its 276 stores welcome 50,000 shoppers daily. Plaza del Sol combines open spaces with good taste, with parking for 2,000 cars; it is one of Guadalajara's busiest spots. Three years ago, the center invested more than US$4 million renovating the floors, painting, and installing fountains and sculptures by Mexican painter and sculptor Alejandro Colunga. [52] (33) 3121-5950. .com

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, is perfect place for combining fun and tranquility in western Mexico's natural surroundings. The city has mountains, jungles, the ocean and a touch of old Mexico. It's 330 kilometers from Guadalajara, and the temperature averages 25 degrees Celsius. Activities include the extreme or the more genteel sports, or simply a walk along the water, all in a picturesque environment where traditional Mexican architecture contrasts large tourist complexes. Nightlife includes bars, clubs and open-air establishments for dancing and fun until dawn. Rooms start at US$40. [52] (322) 226-8080. .

BEST COFFEE

Thanks to a variety of food and drinks at moderate prices, the Sanborns chain continues to be the most popular cafe-restaurant in Guadalajara. Its 11 locales, of which seven include retail stores, each serve more than 800 customers a day. The busiest of them is in the Centro Historico, although the Plaza Galerias, on the western side of the city, has been busy since it is the most recent to open. Full of people day and night, the cafes are a refuge for those who enjoy endless conversation. [52] (33) 3613-6677. .

MEXICO CITY

BEST HOTELS

The Sheraton Centro Historico Hotel is in the Ciudad de los Palacios, surrounded by monuments, churches and museums. In addition to being the city's newest hotel, it has a convention center capable of hosting up to 5,000. Its 24 floors have 457 rooms. Bates begin at US$162. [52] (55) 5130-5300. Located on one of Mexico City's prettiest and most-traveled thoroughfares, Paseo de la Reforma, the Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel & Towers has 755 rooms, including five penthouses, and on its top four floors are the Towers, with 24-hour concierge service. The hotel recently spent more than $2 million on renovations to its meeting areas and has installed wireless high-speed Internet in all of its rooms and in its 24 meeting rooms. Rates begin at $295. [52] (55) 5242-5555. .com

BEST RESTAURANT

The restaurant at Hotel W Mexico City, Solea's menu includes shellfish and seafood dishes prepared with Latin American and Asian recipes. Among the specialties created by Chef James O'Donnell are traditional guacamole, which can be served with a touch of mango or a champagne sauce, as well as tuna al aji. The restaurant-bar at the entrance has a laid-back feel. The walls are chocolate-colored, while the floors are wooden. Average price per person US$31. [52] (55) 9138-1820. .com

BEST CAR RENTALS

Avis has five offices in Mexico City and provides 16 types of cars, from a Chevy Geo Metro up to a Lincoln LS. Bilingual staff and drivers and insurance are available. Daily rates start at US$58. [52] (55) 5283-1112. ..

Hertz has five branches in the city, offering cars from Chrysler's Athos for $44 to a Jeep Liberty for $109 daily. Bilingual staff and drivers are also available, as well as home pick-up service and a repair shop authorized by Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Mercedes Benz. [52] (55) 5784-7400. .

BEST MEETING SPACE

Opened in December 2003, the modern Hotel W Mexico City is in the liveliest part of the elegant Polanco district. It has 715 square meters of space for meetings and conventions. Meeting rooms include "sensory setup," which creates a relaxing ambiance with music to increase productivity and creativity. [52] (55) 9138-1820. .com

BEST SHOPPING

In western Mexico City, in the heart of Santa Fe, the exclusive Centro Santa Fe is surrounded by corporate offices and luxury apartments. Latin America's largest shopping and entertainment center, the Centro Santa Fe is notable for its modern architecture and design. Here you'll find Mexico's biggest names in retail, including Palacio de Hierro, Sears and Liverpool, as well as shops such as Ermenegildo Zegna, Zara, Mango and Marti, plus there are also banks and restaurants. It also has a cinema complex, fast-food chains and parking for 5,000 cars. It's big enough to hold its own driving rage with 30 tees on three levels and six sand traps. Management is adding on corporate offices and two luxury hotels. .

BEST COFFEE

Starbucks Angel, in the Hotel Sheraton Maria Isabel, offers a wide range of coffees, from ordinary .-style, at US$, up to the Frappuccino Caramel, for $. Newspapers and magazines are available, as well a selection of products for brewing and serving coffee. [52] (55) 5525-9167. .com

BEST BAR

Inside the Hotel W Mexico City, The Whiskey is modern with a open interior lit by red lights. Its wide terrace has a view of the exclusive Polanco area. Among its signature drinks are the cacao and green-apple martinis. Modern music played at pleasently moderate volume levels allows for conversation in a normal tone of voice. Popular among the in-crowd at the moment, things start hopping at around 11 . The Whiskey is also famous for being the first bar outside the United States owned by Rande Gerber, husband of supermodel Cindy Crawford. Four drinks will set you back US$32. [52] (55) 9138-1820. .com

BEST NIGHTCLUB

Located in Polanco near several restaurants and bars, Box has 2,185 square meters of space divided into several areas, where one can enjoy the latest in modern music. The club recently launched DJ nights featuring technopop and some of the best-known spinners in the world. To get in and have a few drinks costs on average US$40 per person. [52] (55) 5203-3365. .

BEST SPA

On the fourth floor of the Hotel W Mexico City, the luxurious Away Spa hides in an oasis in the city. It features a temascal, a ritual pre-Hispanic bath with a therapeutic quality. In addition to the traditional beauty and relaxation treatments, Away offers some with touches of ancient Mexican civilization, like Mayan and Xochicalco massages, Aztec manicures and pedicures and a Zacatecas facial. The spa also has an upscale gym with the latest exercise equipment, a juice bar, New Age music and aromatherapy. Treatments range from US$35 to $145. [52] (55) 9138-1820. .com

BEST BUSINESS SERVICES

Mail Boxes Etc. offers an innovative service for its clients: A . post-office box address that delivers to Mexico. The . address can handle anything from a simple letter to a television set, ideal for anyone who shops online. Mail Boxes Etc. has four stores in Mexico City offering services such as Internet access, package delivery, shipping preparation, and paper products, among others. [52] (55) 5282-5410. .

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

The so-called "city of eternal spring," Cuernavaca has a warm year-round climate and extensive foliage. It's the capital of the state of Morelos, 75, kilometers from Mexico City,' Flanked by the Cuernavaca and Amatitlan rivers, it is one of the oldest cities in the country. Its main attraction is the Palacio de Cortes, where the interior was designed by Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. The historic downtown and surrounding areas are filled with architectural jewels such as the Cathedral, the Municipal Palace and the Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Cuernavaca is also home to many vacation homes, sumptuous residences and hotels of all types, as well as an active nightlife.

BEST BUSINESS NEIGHBORHOOD

The exclusive and cosmopolitan Polanco area has much to offer. Its 30 leafy blocks are easy to walk on foot, providing a good way to appreciate its fine stores and restaurants. There is a wide range of cafes, bars, hotels, boutiques, bookstores and art galleries. Mazarik, one of its main roads, is a shopper's paradise, home to stores such as Ermenegildo Zegna, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Armani and Tiffany. If it's cars you want, in Polanco you'll find auto dealers, including Ferrari and BMW.

MONTERREY

BEST HOTEL

In Monterrey's most exclusive zone, in the municipality Garza Garcia, the Hotel Quinta Real has charm that's clear upon entering its impressive lobby. The architecture and decor combine Mexican traditions with the comforts of a modern hotel. It's often the hotel of choice for political figures, artists and entertainers visiting the city. Some of the more illustrious guests have included Spain's Princess and Prince of Asturias, Letizia and Felipe de Borbon, as well as Mexican singer Luis Miguel. Rates begin at US$216. [52] (81) 8368-1000. .com

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

With three offices in Monterrey, Novtour specializes in tourist packages for trips anywhere in the world, although its clients recommend particularly its advice on trips within Mexico and its promotional offers to some of the better-known destinations in the United States.

Friendly, efficient service, and rates on travel to Mexico's south are very attractive, particularly to the beaches and colonial cities of Oaxaca and Veracruz. [52] (81) 8133-8800. .com

BEST CAR RENTAL

Avis can rent a single car for individual use or a fleet for visitors in town for a convention. The . company has 60 offices around the country, two of them are in Monterrey--one at the international airport, and the other downtown. Special rates exist for groups, frequent travelers and those paying with a Visa credit card. The least expensive car goes for US$60 a day without insurance. Avis also rents cars with a driver, child-safety seats, prepaid gasoline and free emergency assistance. [52] (81) 8343-5304. .

BEST MEETING SPACE

The Centro Internacional de Negocios Monterrey (Cintermex) can handle a meeting tot as few as eight or up to a convention of more than 2,000. Now 13 years in operation, it's at the entrance of the Parque Fundidora and is home to events like the International Book Fair and meetings held by the United Nations, which has hosted two conventions here. It's also an ideal place for a small meeting. Surrounded by two of the city's best hotels, Cintermex has an 18,320 square-meter exposition area. [52] (81) 8369-6900. .

BEST SHOPPING

Considered by some to be the best shopping center in northern Mexico, Plaza Fiesta San Agustin has department stores, theaters, restaurants, cafes, a supermarket, bars and specialty shops like jewelers, toys, Mexican handicrafts and sports, among others. In one of metropolitan Monterrey's most exclusive areas, here you'll find retailers like Sears, JCPenney, Liverpool and Zara. Plaza Fiesta San Agustin is close to two of the city's four main hotels, 40 minutes from the international airport and 25 minutes from downtown Monterrey. [52] (81) 8363-2380.

BEST COFFEE

Sanborns is a popular spot to meet with friends, especially in the mornings for coffee or breakfast. Lunch recommendations include the enchiladas, chiles rellenos and the cochinita pibil. The chain is owned by Grupo Carso, part of the empire run by Mexican magnate Carlos Slim. In addition to being a cafe and restaurant, Sanborns offers goods and services like photo developing, jewelry and toys. Depending on size and location, some of the stores are open 24 hours. [52] (81) 8123-0048. .

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

Just 30 kilometers from Monterrey is a thickly forested area surrounded by mountains. In the eastern Sierra Madre mountains, it's known as the Cola de Caballo (horse's tail) due to its magnificent waterfalls. It's a favorite among locals on the weekends, although there are spots few can reach. Here's where you'll find Mexico's highest bungee jump and travel agencies that provide tours along various routes, kayaking expeditions, parachuting, horseback riding, mountain biking and trips to the El Chipitin falls. A bungee jump costs a little more than US$30, while a kayak trip is $75.