This Week’s Podcast; Travel Advice From Visitors to Puerto Vallarta, Recorded in January of 2019. We talk with listener Steve, David Ostlund from Chef’s Pass and Dinelot PV, and listener Denise have great travel tips.

Plus Uber threatened by Jalisco Governor

My Airbnb Reviews for Two Different Listings

Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico.

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That music you were just listening to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those

are La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta’s Oldest Restaurant on the famous Los Muertos Beach, and The El Dorado Restaurant and Beach Club right next door so you can enjoy that fantastic view of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors, or during the day in its grand splendor for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with our toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so, Puerto Vallarta my friends.

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This week I have three visitors to the meet and greet at Kelly’s Pour Favor Cookhouse and Saloon that you will really enjoy but first let’s see what’s happening this week in Puerto Vallarta the 31^st of January 2019.

Four Cruise Ships At One Time in Puerto Vallarta

If you were in town this week, Wednesday Vallarta saw 4 Cruise ships enter port.

From Vallarta Independiente

Historical quadruple arrival of cruises to Puerto Vallarta  44

BY MILTON COLMENARES IN  JANUARY 30, 2019 LOCAL , PRINCIPAL

14 thousand people between passengers and crew were in the port.

This Wednesday something happened that did not happen in Puerto Vallarta for 8 years: 4 cruisers, at the same time, adorned the bay.

It is the Ruby Princess that came with 3,134 passengers and 1,173 crew; the Volendam with 1,390 passengers and 581 crew; the Carnival Splendor with 3,353 passengers and 1,120 crew and the Norwegian Gem with 2,330 passengers and 1,071 crew.In total, 10,207 passengers enjoyed the port and 3,945 crew members who also went down and left money.

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I have a link to the article in the show-notes.

Histórico arribo cuádruple de cruceros a Puerto Vallarta

 

Jalisco Governor Enrique Alfaro Seeks to “Drive Out” Uber

 

Uber Is in Deep Trouble in Jalisco. Let’s read The Story from

Reporter José Reyes Burgos from Vallarta Opina translated from the Spanish….

Puerto Vallarta:

The service of digital platforms that provide private transport service on demand, such as Uber and Ecodrive in Puerto Vallarta, may no longer exist in the region, because their operation “does not conform to the law,” said the governor of Jalisco, Enrique Alfaro, who also referred to these companies (without mentioning their names) as unfair competition that “skips the rules”. Criticized that the service of these taxis operated with application “is a mess” that no longer respects the agreements and generate disadvantage in the work of traditional taxi drivers.

During the delivery of permits to drivers of yellow taxis carried out here in Puerto Vallarta and with the company of local authorities

and the deputy Rafael Yerena, Enrique Alfaro announced that, soon, the Secretariat of Mobility of the state, under the command of Diego Monraz , will revoke the permit that was issued for two platforms to operate throughout the state and in the region, and that operations will be initiated with road agents against those who do not obey this action, if necessary.

“The commitment is clear, I say it as a message for everyone, even for the city of Guadalajara: we will not allow this disorder, nobody is above the public interest. Whoever is violating the law and who believes that he believes he will be able to continue going  over  laws and regulations is going to run into the wall. The only way to  bring order to the issue of  public transport  is when you do not have a   private interest in the middle, and that has been a problem in the  last six years, “he said. 

“The disorder that was over, and who does not want to understand must be attended to the consequences,” he said. He pointed out that those who are operating outside the law should stop providing their services. “There are two (the transport platforms) that were approved on the last  day  of November (…) two digital platforms for Puerto Vallarta that we are going to revoke because the process was not done according to the law,” he clarified. He explained that he met with Mayor Arturo Dávalos Peña to coordinate the possible operations that can be carried out if the instruction not to operate is not enough and the drivers continue to provide services “outside the law.”

On the other hand, he described as good the taxi service that exists in Puerto Vallarta and announced that he will work hand in hand with the guild to improve this activity, with the renovation of the units and even integration to a digital platform of his own. ” In Vallarta there is a good taxi service, which works properly, which has as any service things to improve,” he said. He recognized the work and delivery of the drivers in Vallarta towards tourism and the local population, for their years of “working honestly” for mobility. That is why an ally of taxi drivers was said to “protect their sources of employment and avoid unfair competition.”

In Guadalajara “we will stop” illegal platforms

Before handing out permits to operate taxi drivers in Puerto Vallarta, the governor of Jalisco pointed out that the issue of digital

platforms, which he considers is unfair competition and systematic violation of transportation rules and regulations, is one “that we are going to have what to tackle and we will do it seriously. What has happened up to this moment? Well that the desire to do business of public transport can more than the will to bring order and establish clear, fair and that serve the people and not just a few “.

He added that today “what we see with the issue of platforms, the best known, the most important, the case of Guadalajara is a total disorder. Now they are already charging in cash and violating all the established agreements and rules, we are going to put a stop to that (…) that is not the design of the platforms “.

He asked the governor to understand that “one thing is to believe in the  platform  digital certainly have my  support , and another thing to believe that you can do what everyone is  in  want.” He also urged that those who operate these platforms adhere to the law, but if not, he warned that the Ministry of Mobility would carry out the necessary operations and that even he would be willing to meet with the representatives of these companies to make the message clear.

I have a link to the article in the show-notes  at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com so check it out there.

 

“Uber se irá de Vallarta. Hay buen servicio de taxis”: Enrique Alfaro

So, what’s going to happen?

Some say it’s all about the money. Which politician has cabs, which one has Uber cars. Who got paid off by whom and why isn’t the money coming my way? You know how it goes. It’s the same wherever you go, don’t get me wrong folks. Politicians are Politicians no matter where you live. Mexico, the US. Always got their hands out, but I digress.

The platform is still working today, but I will be reporting on the situation as things develop. People are not too happy and what will happen to Uber Eats?

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My Reviews for Two Airbnb’s in Puerto Vallarta

I promised I would give you a review of my last two Airbnb’s I used last trip so here goes.

First was the one that had three rooms and three bathrooms on Playa Conchas Chinas.

The whole idea here was to find a place that had an ocean view, a pool, no stairs or an elevator, and it had to be close to town. So I found a very nice place just south of the southside of Vallarta that checked all of those boxes. The place was situated in a condo complex known as Condominiums Alexandra, and for a reference, if you know Conchas Chinas,, there is an OXXO and a Real Estate office next to each other, and that is the road you take down to the condos. The road goes pretty steeply down to a secure gate, well, big wooden doors. You could walk in and take the elevator up to the 4^th floor, and there was a wonderful view of the ocean, the beach, the pool.  There was a beautiful balcony with ceiling fans and tables and lounge chairs set up. It was really nice. The living room area and the dining room, the kitchen well, the whole place was very nice, and at just under $100 US per couple, per night, it was a very nice place.

 

I have a link to the Airbnb in the show notes.

Now, there were issues, but minor ones. Like an Uber would always get lost trying to find you unless you hiked up the hill to the OXXO, and if you hiked up the hill, there were always taxis waiting there too, so there was always a possibility of a confrontation between an Uber driver and a Taxista. But here’s the thing, when I asked the Uber drivers I used if there was still issues, they all said no. Things had settled down, but now with the rumblings about schmising Uber, who knows. At any rate, I was traveling with people with mobility issues, otherwise, I would have taken the bus back and forth into town. The bus stop was right across the street from the place so that was the situation. No mobility issues, no problems.

I did have an issue however, and maybe I’m just a little sensitive to this but I’m afraid that some of these platforms like Airbnb, and Uber, are reaching into the pockets of established tour companies, and branching out from the rental thing. They have found that being the first contact, they can offer tours and activities that they choose. And that’s well, not good for the folks like, well, like JR, who have been at this for a long time. So even though I love to use Airbnb, I do have an issue with them because I don’t like them horning in on my friends. So just as a reminder to all of you, even though I say use Airbnb, I also want you to always use and recommend JR and Vallartainfo.com all right?

I mean and this wasn’t the Airbnb, it was the management company for the three bedroom condo in Conchas Chinas, they offered to pick up at the airport for like twice the going rate for a taxi, they had laundry service for lots more than if you were going to take it to the lavanderia yourself, but I suppose if you are more of a luxury traveler, you would appreciate that kind of service. I mean, it does take a special traveler to haul a bag of dirty laundry on the bus or walking down the street, looking for a lavanderia, then being able to find the laundry a couple of days later. Just saying.

Now the second place I stayed at was a whopping $22 a night. It was, like I said a couple of weeks ago, a simple place, on Calle Abasolo, just at the base of the stairs heading up to the cross and right up the street from the loud clubs on the Malecon, Club Mandala.

Video of My Airbnb Stay in January $22 US Per Night

As it turned out, the sound from the clubs didn’t bother me. I slept every night without having to stick in ear plugs. The bed was hard but after a couple of days got used to it.  The bathroom wasn’t in the room actually but outside in the courtyard area. Actually, once I got used to it, I liked it. I have a video I made of the place so check it out in the show notes or go to my YouTube Channel for The Puerto Vallarta Travel Show, and I’ll have it there.

 

I actually liked it there. It was safe, I loved the family that lived below me. It was centrally located. I could walk down the street and hop on a southbound or northbound bus easily so yes, I really liked the place. It’s not for everybody and most would probably think I was out of my mind, but I liked it. Now there’s just a fan and no AC. So, in the summer, it would be pretty hot and not recommended.

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An Email From a Listener

I got this great letter from listener Hitesh I needed to read and goes like this…

Barry,

Just wanted to thank you for your show.

I live in Portland, OR, and there is now a direct flight from Portland to Puerto Vallarta on Alaska Airlines, which is fantastic and very inexpensive.  So, I decided to go on a trip there last month with my family.  I have two very young kids, one 3 years old and one 10 months.

I am normally a very adventurous traveler on my own but having two small kids and hearing about all of the “bad stuff” happening to travelers in Mexico, my wife wasn’t sure it was a good idea.  I had a responsibility to make sure my family was safe. I was ready to go the resort route with my wife and kids for this reason.  I started doing more research, found your podcast and started listening regularly.  Your podcast convinced me that it really wasn’t as unsafe, and i was able to convince my wife through all the knowledge i learned from your podcast.

I listened to every single one of your podcasts. And then, rather than the resort route, i rented an Airbnb house in the old town district right on the River Cuale which was amazing!  We had such an amazing time!  It was right in the middle of a local neighborhood, got to experience a lot of culture, birthday parties, kids playing in the streets, swimming in the river, the fireworks, etc.   It was so much more fantastic of an experience than i could have ever hoped for.  The locals were so friendly.  We went to many restaurants you went to and discussed in your podcast.

The restaurants were so inexpensive, and so accommodating to my kids!  It was amazing.  They would go out of the way to put cartoons on for the kids, hold them while we were eating, play with them etc. I mean, hospitality was amazing.  I have never traveled anywhere that was so accommodating for kids.

It was just an all-around amazing experience, and i plan to come back to PV every winter.

I would be more than happy to talk to you more about my experiences there if you want to hear more, or if you think it would be valuable to hear more tips for travelers with young kids, we have several.

Thank you for all your work.  Greatly appreciated.  You made our vacation so much better.

Hitesh

I love notes like that! And Hitesh, I’m going to send you a microphone so you can share with us your experiences with young kids. You know, when I came with my kids when they were like 2 and 3 years old, we were so amazed at how friendly the people were at the restaurants actually taking the kids out of your arms, and letting you enjoy some time for yourselves. We were blown away just like you were.

7th Annual Charro Championship at Arena Vallarta

Don’t forget the International Charro Championships are taking place right now through the 3^rd of February so get out there this weekend and have yourselves a true Mexican Experience. I have all the information in the show notes so see the horsies. Take an Uber out there while you can.

You can also take a Las Palmas Bus.

Okay, I have so much more but it’s time to get to the interviews, shall we?

Meet and Greet Podcast at Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse

Every time I come to town, I try to get in on JR’s regular Meet and Greet at Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse, on her rooftop patio overlooking Lazaro Cardenas. It’s right on a busy bus route, so there’s always action, and when JR has his meet and greets, there’s always action and that’s why I go.

This time around I was greeted by three, first a listener Steve, from Cadadia, the second was David Ostlund from Chef’s Pass Vallarta who’s got something new he’s doing that he wanted to tell us about, and the third was Denise from Colorado who saw the invitation to the meet and greet on Facebook, and decided to check out what it was all about, and all of these folks were great. I’m going to play all these interviews one after the other without any breaks or interruptions so let’s go right now to the rooftop patio at Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse, and let’s meet Steve, David and Denise…Take it away guys!!!!

Stephen’s Suggestions and Best Picks

Breakfast –

• Metate, Puerto Vallarta– Loves the  chocolate chilaquiles

Lunch –

• Mariscos Cisneros, Puerto Vallarta

Dinner –

• La Posta, Puerto Vallarta – Likes the Pizza
• Hacienda de Carlotta Puerto Vallarta – Likes the ribs and the coconut shrimp
• The Blue Shrimp, Puerto Vallarta

Day Trip

• Vallarta Botanical Garden

Fun Time Out

• Rhythms of the Night, Puerto Vallarta

Advice For Visitors

•  Get out and check out the local places

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What a treat you guys. So much great information right?  Yep, the old Bill Murray look alike trick. Gets them every time. I’m telling you, he’s gotten me lots of free beer over the years I’ve got to say.

David Ostlund’s Information

Chefs Pass Puerto Vallarta Food Tours

• Best of El Centro 12 courses
• Eat where the locals eat
• Best of old town Progressive
• Adventurous Taco Tour

DINELOT.PV Discount Coupons Online

• PV.dinelot.com

Okay I have all the information and links to the places Denise and Steve talked about. I have the information for Chef’s Pass as well as how to get your discounts through Dinelot.PV.  Take advantage of these discounts while you are in paradise. Thanks David.

Suggestions From Denise

Favorite Places to Eat in Puerto Vallarta

• Mr Barracuda The Ceviche Cart, Puerto Vallarta by the girls school Cheap and Good!
• The Churro Man
• The last taco stand next to Guadalajara Farmacia – Likes the arrancará and burrito
• Best taco stand in all of Vallarta behind Lay super Market at the end by the bus stop hand made tortillas, quesadillas, carne asada, always busy worth the wait.
• Cafe de Olla, Puerto Vallarta– for chili reanillos

Favorite Day Trip

• Day trip Boca and hike to the beach’s south

Three day Trip

• Mayto and Tehuamixtle
• Rancho Sol y Mar –100 acre eco lodge

Word of Advice..

• Speak Spanish learn some Spanish

Denise Would Like You To Volunteer at The Biblioteca Los Mangos Puerto Vallarta

• Volunteers at the Los Mangos Biblioteca, Puerto Vallarta.  They can now buy new books.

Okay, Okay, that should do it for this week’s episode of The Puerto Vallarta Travel Show stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message.

 

And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and his revitalized Happy Hour Board. I have links to all of those in the show notes.

And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven’t been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven’t already all-right? All right.

Thank you Listener Steve, thanks for being there at the meet and greet. It was a pleasure to meet you, and thank you David Ostlund, Check out Chef’s Pass and the coupon discount thing, and thanks Denise for all you do, and for all those great suggestions. And hey, thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!

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