The avenue later played an important role in welcoming President Nixon and President Díaz Ordaz to Puerto Vallarta in 1970. It was a time of great progress, in two short years providing a new international airport, a city-wide electrical system, a new port for ships and the completed road from Compostela in the northeast. Now, with several full-fledged developments, the Hotel Zone is rapidly becoming more residential.
The Hotel Zone may not be for everyone. Remember the adage “location, location, location” as you review the pros and cons below.
Pros
• Close to everything, including shopping, schools, gymnasiums, cinema, hotels, restaurants
• Transportation easily available, including city bus and car rentals
• Proximity to airport, main bus station, marina and tour boats
• Broad gamut of health services available, including state-of-the-art hospitals, clinics and spas
• Many activities are centered here
• Accessible range of prices
Cons
• Traffic increasingly heavier
• Marathon events and other races inevitably take place here
• Parking can be problematic
• Main road can be long and un-shaded in spots for those who like to walk
• Crossing main road can be hazardous
• Area lacks Mexican character
The Hotel Zone tends to be very active due to the location of the completely renovated Estadio Agustín Flores Contreras, complete with a running track, skate board park, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, an aerobics court, exercise machines, basketball courts and a number of organized activities for all ages. Several marathons are held throughout the year, primarily from the stadium to the Holiday Inn, while this year the triathlon ventured from the nH Krystal Vallarta across the Pitillal River. Speaking of the river, its banks are a traditional outdoor running path and are receiving an upgrade from the Fluvial Vallarta developers.
Fluvial Vallarta, located between Fco. Medina Ascencio and Fco. Villa streets, is one of the new developments within the area. Its three levels of residences offer an interesting range of possibilities, with complete urban infrastructure including commercial spaces. Just across Fco. Medina Ascencio are two modern projects, the Grand Venetian and Peninsula Vallarta. The Grand Venetian consists of three towers with 472 condominiums and six penthouses. An additional 12 oceanfront villas and 56 lakefront villas will be built to provide a deluxe Venetian feel, complete with bell tower and 13,000 square feet of artificial water channels. Peninsula Vallarta is putting up its own three towers, a modern steel-concrete and glass European design combining residence and entertainment including three anchor restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, boutiques, a gymnasium and other activities.
Closer to downtown, just across the road from Flamingos Beach, is the carefully designed La Joya, by the creators of Real del Mar and Punta Esmeralda. Incorporating their concept of lush landscaping as a major design element, La Joya offers affordable space within steps of Banderas Bay, with downtown and the popular Malecón close at hand.
Just a hop away are the quiet, settled residential areas of Las Gaviotas and Versalles, where a number of single-family dwellings offer space including actual yards, established trees and gardens.
As the Hotel Zone continues to develop, residency in the area is both more accessible and more appealing with so many conveniences at hand.
