Puerto Vallarta Beaches - Single Parents Plus 2 Kids Score $109/N Deal

Located in the state of Jalisco on Mexico's Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta encompasses all of Banderas Bay and features 40 miles of coastline capped by the dramatic Sierrra Madre Mountains. While conserving the classic architectural style of a Mexican village, the downtown Puerto Vallarta (or PV as it's known) has also developed a very active social scene. Shops, galleries, fine restaurants (this is truly a foodie haven), beach time and eco-adventures provide a variety of activities rarely seen in one destination.

Families with toddlers can stroll the seaside boardwalk and admire the outdoor sculptures while others will prefer adventuring to remote beaches, swimming with dolphins, driving overland through the jungle on ATVs, or checking out the nightlife. From straight to single to same sex lifestyles, PV's live-and-let-live acceptance of every family traveler makes for a great vacation with kids.

For summer 2010 and in some cases, through year's end, the following kid-welcoming hotels are offering special family rates.

The Velas Vallarta Suite Resort (866/847-4609, +52/322/226 9500) is an all-inclusive, all-suite resort that is offering a Singe Parent's deal in luxurious and comfortable, beautifully-appointed suites overlooking the emerald waters of Banderas Bay. At any time, families can choose between any of the 345 studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, as well as Master Suites and Ocean Front Suites. The terrific "Single Parent Family Package" uses the studios, and is available from June 1st to August 31. During this period, the single supplement fee will be waived and two children 12 and under will be able to stay and eat free when occupying a mom or dad's room. All-inclusive rates include suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a choice of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24 hr in-suite service, fitness center, kids’ club, evening entertainment, activities for adults and children, taxes and gratuities, and more, from US$190/N. This deal requires a 3N minimum stay, but at $190/N for anything a single parent could want, plus the opportunity to vacation with up to 2 younger kids at no charge, it's a truly a great deal.

The contemporary styling of the Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta (+52/322-226 1100) -- pictured above -- makes it a fun choice for families. Two great features are its location opposite Marina Vallarta, the waterfront shopping and restaurant promenade that circles a marina packed with mega-yachts; and the breakwaters that have been created in the bay to form a sheltered swimming cove for little ones. Special-for-kids amenities include a Westin Kids Club where ages 4 to 11 can play in air-conditioned comfort. It's free for the first two hours of any visit, then rates are US$10/HR per child; the same as after-hours private babysitting. Current deals at this hotel are the "Starwood Love Your Family" package that offers a $50 resort credit per day and guaranteed connecting rooms. Kids 12 and under eat and drink free and receive a souvenir cup. Rates start at US$309/N for a deluxe room plus 18% tax, through December 23rd, 2010. Additionally, if you enjoy three visits at any Starwood Hotel or Resort as part of the SPG guest loyalty program by July 31, 2010, you'll receive a certificate for a free night's stay to be used by December 19, 2010.

For a very different vacation that's more a la Mexicana, consider the small Hotel Eloisa (+52/322/222 6465) in the heart of the old Vallarta's Romantic Zone, just a few steps from the central Los Muertos beach. The white stucco, red tile-roof Hotel Eloisa is a good option for families looking for simplicity and a friendly staff. From the 77 hillside guestrooms (many with views of the Sierra Madre mountains), families can pick from standard rooms with two double beds or full suites with oceanviews. The apartment-like suites have one bedroom equipped with a king size bed, two sofa-beds in the living room, a full bathroom and a kitchenette. According to room category, amenities range from ceiling fans to A/C, TVs and enough bedding for up to 5. There are two small pools, one with a very scenic terrace with great views, plus an on-site restaurant and a few boutiques. Bargain rates begin at just US$58 for a single room and have a range of US$80-US$111 for up to 4 people, including taxes. The hotel is offering a special "3rd Night Free" promotion or a 20% discount on regular rates until December 23rd, 2010. Bookings and information are available by emailing reserva@hoteleloisa.com.

Although Puerto Vallarta feels like it's worlds away from anywhere, getting there is quite easy and good value. Aeromexico (800/237-6639) and its subsidiary, Aeromexico Connect, operate more than 600 daily flights through the airline’s gorgeous Terminal 2 hub at Mexico City’s International Airport to other vacation destinations in Mexico and around the world. Families in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Miami, San Francisco, San Diego, Ontario (California), Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Houston, San Antonio, Orlando and New Orleans can fly directly to Mexico City and change easily for flights to PV, whose airport is just a 10-minute drive from the Marina hotel zone. On Aeromexico, the first checked bag is free and they actually serve beverages and food in-flite, truly a feat in this day and age.

Additional details on hotels, dining and the many family-welcoming attractions in Puerto Vallarta is available at Visit Puerto Vallarta.