Starwood Preferred Guest - El Careyes & Volcano in Colima

I am taking my wife from this wednesday (6-15) through sunday (6-19) to El Careyes with no kids (yeah!).

We are flying into PVR, renting a car, and driving.

I understand that the Volcano in Colima has been erupting. I called the hotel, and they said that they are on the beach and any impact is minimal (What else would I expect them to say). I did notice on saturday that the weather at Manzanillo, PVR, and Barra de Navidad was entitled "smoke."

I believe that as the crow flies it is about 100 miles from Careyes to the Volcano.

Does anyone here have any idea if there is actually an impact that would make for an unpleasant stay?

Has anyone been there recently or is someone in the area as I post?

My wife is skiddish, I think it would be kind of romantic to have a smoking volcano in the back drop (if you could actually see it).

Thanks for your input. This is the first vacation we have had together in three years and I need the break. The airfare is non refundable but everything else probably is.

Feedback?

Colima is a great city to visit! I was there in 2003 when a friend of mine traded houses with another American.

The people are AMAZING!!! I was on a public bus and moved to another seat to join my friend and let another passenger sit down. In the process, I accidentally dropped my money belt and did not notice. The woman who took the seat passed it back to me with a smile. :)

The volcano was not erupting (or even smoking) during my visit, but it looked far enough to me that I wouldn't hesitate to let it spoil your trip.

You can take a local bus (i.e. - modified school bus) or a motor coach to Colima. The coach from Manzanillo to Colima is comfortable, but you don't get to talk to the locals.

Once in Colima, cabs are plentiful and inexpensive. If you don't speak Spanish, you might want to study some basic phrases - very few people spoke English.

They have a beautiful town square with outdoor restaurants, a small museum, and quaint shops. As far as shopping, they have beatuiful ceramics and a local cologne (I think it's called "Limon") that smells wonderful. I also went for a massage while I was there - not fancy, but inexpensive ($30 / 90 minutes) and delightful.


I also recommend attending a Ballet Folklorico dance. They had an outdoor field where there were fire-dancer performances, but I think it was a travelling exhibit.

There are also outdoor restaurants where they have entertainers at night. I do not remember the name of the restaurant, but if you ask around, someone will tell you. You might also want to take the local bus to Comala. Another cute city that is a short bus ride away.

Have a great time!

Will be visiting El Tamarindo in a month so I'll be watching closely for more news.

Will be visiting El Tamarindo in a month so I'll be watching closely for more news.


El Tamarindo is closer to the Volcano. I tried to get in, but it was booked. The rooms look nice there.

El Tamarindo ... The rooms look nice there.

They are! :)

I stayed at both Careyes and Tamarindo in March. Both properties are great. ^

As for the volcano, I didn't even know there was one in the area. We drove from PVR also. According to my map I would estimate 100 Km as the crow flys from the volcano to the hotels. And if I remember the hotels are about 45 Km apart by road.

I got back yesterday. Awesome. My only complaint is that the prices in the restaurant are really high. 250 Pesos (22.50$) for arrachera which in english is beef fajitas.

Restaurant next door, one beach down, incredible. Polo Club, very rustic, but the best steak I have ever had in Mexico.

The drive was not bad, although not for the faint at heart.

I am now ready to win the lottery and buy a house there or become a permanent resident of the hotel.

I will be back but I would probably add Tamarindo for the heck of it.

NO problems with the volcano and the weather was great. NOt to hot and no humidty. Where in PVR it was humid, hot, and I heard they had rain.

I can not imagine this resort after the rainy season. That is what my vision of Heavan would be.

I am taking my wife from this wednesday (6-15) through sunday (6-19) to El Careyes with no kids (yeah!).

How was it?

My wife and I were there as well from 6/16 through 6/20. It was an outstanding visit. I knew it was low season, but I was astounded the hotel had only 7 rooms occupied Thursday night.

My wife and I enjoyed every aspect of our visit. Our meals were outstanding, and I felt a decent value.

The staff was friendly, efficient, and generally bent over backward to provide whatever level of service we wished.

Our visit was a 30,000 point for 4 night visit (Thank you Freddie Plat Promo).

We did a horseback ride as well as a boating/fishing jaunt.

I highly recommend it.