How to Rent a Vacation Condo in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

If you're considering a visit to fun, safe, laid-back and beautiful Puerto Vallarta, I recommend renting a condo instead of booking a hotel room.

Why?

There are a few reasons why you would rent a condo in Puerto Vallarta rather than staying in a hotel.

First, it can be considerably cheaper for longer stays. Second, you have more freedom. You can cook your own meals, for instance. And, unlike staying in an all-inclusive resort, you can explore this great town.

And when you do it yourself, it's easier to make local friends and get to know the culture. Not only that, but you could save money by renting a condo here.

Though "high season" is officially November through April, all the bad news about Mexico lately (none of which is happening here) has shortened the season considerably. Really, the demand for condos and hotel rooms doesn't pick up until December, and it lasts through February and part of March.

October is a great time to visit. The weather has cooled down a bit from the hot, humid summer, and there are no tourists to speak of. Stay through November and the first bit of December, and you can have a great time in paradise without the crowds!

When condo owners or management agencies quote you a price, remember that everything is negotiable. They need business!

Business owners here rename September "Siete Hambres" - the "seven hungers" after the hot season, when there are very few tourists to keep the coffers full. It's a great time to negotiate a deal.

In the low season (March through October), you can get a condo anywhere from $400 to $4,000 a month (or even more) depending on where and what you rent. Prices can be twice as much in high season.

Many condos have different prices depending on whether you're renting by the night, the week, the month, or by the year.

Here are a few questions you should ask before renting a condo for your vacation in Puerto Vallarta...

• Is there a pool?
• Is there a high-speed Internet connection?
• Is there a deposit, and if so, how much?
• If you need to cancel your plans, will you get part of your money back?
• Where in town is the condo located? (I personally prefer the Old City, Los Muertos Beach, Gringo Gulch, and Conchas Chinas to the commercialized Hotel Zone or Florida-esque Nuevo Vallarta areas).
• Is there maid service, and if so, how often?
• Who do you call for repairs, and are they in town or live elsewhere?