Casa Velas, Puerto Vallarta

We took a much needed vacation last week and got a great deal! During all of the swine flu chaos, I decided to book a vacation to...Mexico, and I'm glad I did.

It was immediately apparent what a major impact the Swine Flu media attention and the wallet tightening of consumers has on the Mexican tourism economy. The airport was practically empty, cab drivers had no customers and shops were closed because there were no patrons. Once we arrived, we knew that we did a little something to help boost their spirits and their business all while getting us a much needed break!

At first I was a little concerned, because when we arrived at the airport, our driver told us the hotel was closed. I wondered, "How can the hotel be closed, I booked it for a week?!" Well, it seems that we were the only people who booked it. According to staff at the hotel, they haven't had a guest in over a month! They said travel agents were canceling reservations and with no guests, they had no work so the hotel closed!

After much discussion, and much needed translation (since I speak limited Spanish) we were set up in a sister hotel called the GRAND VELAS. It was beautiful, but not the quaint boutique hotel we were originally hoping to visit. It was basically empty and I'm guessing that only about 30 of the 800 rooms had guests.

We enjoyed the day and one night there and were happily greeted by one of the managers of Casa Velas the next morning. He explained to us that we were the first guests to stay in the hotel and that they were reopening for us! Now I know how Brad and Angelina feel when they are escorted around by staff and have total privacy...we had an 80 room hotel to ourselves for several days until more guests arrived.

The staff was amazing and catered to our every need. Many thanked us often for visiting and told us how difficult times were in the area with no tourists. We were glad to be there so it was a win win situation!

Since the hotel was closed for quite some time, I would expect a few bumps in the road. We had a couple of challenges, one with the AC the other with the cold water. Both were resolved quickly and pleasantly. The staff seemed genuinely upset that we had any challenges and did what they could to take care of us. They truly know the meaning of customer service!

The food was enjoyable! "Authentic" Mexican food was limited on the property, but one of the managers set us up with a great little place in town and forgot to tell us it was also the best place in town to see the sunset! Mauricio thanks for the GREAT RECOMENDATION!

We are spoiled in New Orleans with good food and were pleased with the quality at both hotels. The presentation was stunning at every meal! We enjoyed Tuna Carpaccio, Duck Crepes, Squash Blossom Quesadillas, Shrimp every way possible, Sushi, and an amazing selection of sorbets.

Bene the Bartender was extremely friendly and used every opportunity possible to practice his English and visit with us. We had very interesting discussions about the food and culture of the area. He even agreed that if it rained he would take me out to catch coconut crabs, which I am insipred to do after Anthony Bourdain's adventures on the travel channel. Unfortunately, it didn't rain and the one crab I saw, we couldn't catch...but Bene invited us back to Casa Velas and the offer still stands. I guess thats one way to try the local cuisine, catch it, cook it and eat it with locals and their families...what a friendly town!

The trip was wonderful and much needed. I hope to visit again very soon. When I cook the two salsa recipes shared by a chef in Puerto Vallarta, I'll post those and the pictures too.