Weekend Getaways: Mexico's Pacific Coast

PHOTO: Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. (Photo courtesy of Hyatt Hotels)

Weekend getaway deals continue through late August throughout Latin America, particularly on Mexico's Pacific Coast where the weather can be overcast and muggy, but there are deals to be had for weekenders trying to squeeze in one last passport stamp before the end of summer.

Early Fall Savings with El Cid

Mazatlan bills itself as the "colonial city by the beach" and that's true to claim. Still somewhat off the beaten path for tourists from north of the border, Mazatlan certainly feels much more Mexican than some of the country's other purpose-built tourism centers. The city's Zona Dorada, or Golden Zone of hotels takes advantage of a prime stretch of sugar-sandy beach and the El Cid El Morro Beach is perhaps the most imposing structure on that beach. This modern high-rise towers above a giant palm frond palapa roof over its aquarium surrounded, robustly air-conditioned dining venue. The throwback concrete-and-marble architecture suggests the less-trafficked Mexican beach vacation of yesteryear. Early fall sale rates are available from $104 per night room only or $197 per night all inclusive, depending on the room category. Guests can also enjoy the other El Cid properties in Mazatlan; there are a total of four up and down the Zona Dorada.

55 percent off the all-inclusive Puerto Vallarta experience with Hyatt Ziva

Hyatt Ziva is Hyatt's foray into the family-friendly all-inclusive sphere (companion brand Hyatt Zilara is adults-only) and the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta occupies a prime position just south of town on Las Estacas Beach. Their own early fall promotion offers 55 percent off regular rates. A unique feature of this property is the adults-only swim up room, which has a semi-private pool right on the terrace of each room, with lounge chairs for lazy aquatic relaxation. Included in the all-inclusive rate are meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (there's a swim-up bar in the pool) and gratuities. Puerto Vallarta is another Pacific Coast destination with colonial charm, and was put on the map by the 1963 Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton film Night of the Iguana.

Third night free at Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta

On the other end of town from the Hyatt Ziva is the Westin Resort & Spa in the Marina Vallarta district, convenient to the airport for quick weekend trips. Rooftop junior suites with Jacuzzi terraces, which overlook the city's coastline, are particularly enjoyable just after dusk for an extra-memorable vacation moment. It would be hard not to let the day slip by in one of the curtained beachfront pergolas available for rent for an additional fee from the concierge. The hotel is offering a fourth night free for most dates this fall, but over Labor Day weekend it's a third night free promotion, with average nightly rates from just under $90 per night.

The United States is virtually the only country to celebrate Labor Day at the end of summer (elsewhere in the world it's typically observed in May) and so it'll be business as usual for destinations throughout Mexico. It's a fine time to take advantage of the holiday for a long weekend glimpse of the exotic close to home.

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