My bestie, Vicki, and I just celebrated our 3rd annual pre-holiday craze Puerto Vallarta trip at the Hilton. We first went the week before Christmas in 2015, all courtesy of Vicki who, like a good friend does, knew I was about to have a meltdown. I had started a new position at my job that proved to be incredibly stressful and I was in the final stages of removing a toxic teammate I inherited from the previous regime. Because I actually have a soul and don’t believe anyone is truly evil, it was hard for me to go through the months-long “firing” process despite this person’s poor performance and negative attitude. Vicki whisked me away and I did nothing for 5 days but drink bubbly for breakfast, sip on vodka cranberries throughout the day, and finish the evening with a nice red wine and delicious meal. It was just what the doctor ordered. (My doctor actually did tell me to get the hell out of dodge and relax)!
I got a grip on my job and didn’t need a 2016 escape necessarily, however with the stunning and upsetting presidential election that November, our trip shortly after seemed perfect timing. Vicki and I ended up hanging out at the rooftop pool with a rowdy group of British flight attendants arguing about which country may have screwed up worse. It was a blast – really!
Early in the year, we planned our 2017 trip to the Hilton Puerto Vallarta. This year they upgraded our room to a bigger suite with an oceanfront balcony. Guest services promptly brought anything we needed – extra towels, extra water – and all the staff was extremely friendly. I’ve stayed at more luxurious resorts but the small, friendly atmosphere and beachfront location of the Puerto Vallarta Hilton are perfect for a do-nothing-but-chill getaway that we want.
We booked an all-inclusive package that includes unlimited food and drink, however I’ll have to admit we don’t take advantage of the food option much. I’m a coffee-only person in the morning and although there is a huge buffet with scads of options for lunch and dinner, a slice of wood-fired pizza with some chips and guacamole from the beach cafe is about the extent of my noshing experience at the Hilton. Evenings take Vicki and I into Old Town where there are dining options on every corner and we have yet to eat at the same place twice.
Hilton staff members are friendly and accommodating and the resort itself is clean and nice. However, if you wish to sit on the beach or even the deck facing the beach, be prepared for an onslaught of vendors peddling everything from wooden llama figurines to “professional” massages with Curél lotion. This year the Hilton had a roped off area around the deck that is supposedly the boundary for these vendors, however absolutely nobody enforces the rule (if there is even a rule). I don’t mind purchasing souvenirs to support these folks, but I wait until the last day. Once you’re spotted with your wallet out, it’s all over and you can forget that juicy novel you brought to read while soaking up the sun.
Speaking of the sun, prepare for some fabulous sunsets! The first picture is taken of the pool and ocean in the background at the Hilton. The next one is from the beach. Paradise!!