Crackedhead

The best resturant in the neighborhood is probably the DOS CATRINAS at the neighbouring FS. It's new, and has a great Mexican menu that is well executed. Our butler (thanks to the SNA upgrade) was able to get us reservations without any trouble. Would highly recommend the duck mole on their menu.

jdrtravel

Huh? They website describes Carolina as: "Exquisite in every detail....Honored with the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award.... A continually evolving menu reflects rich culinary heritage, Mexican gastronomic traditions, and the unique flavors of the Riviera Nayarit." The hotel calls it their "fine dinning" option when I've asked about it. And it very much was when it first opened.

It is absolutely trying to be high end, and IMO failing at it.

Well, Mexico has some of the best restaurants in the world in Mexico City. Michelin does not rate any cities in Mexico, so we can't compare on those grounds. However, the price point of Carolina is in the same general range as places like Pujol and Quitonil, which are Mexico City restaurants rated among the best restaurants in the world (and Quitonil really deserves that IMO). Paying 1500-2000 pesos for per person, not including drinks, is among the most expensive dining available in Mexico.

Also, IMO, some of the best food in the world is in California.

mrfussion

I might be able to help you with surfing questions. I've been to the area a few times and surfed each trip. I stayed at the St Regis once, but did not surf the break out front (it was really small). I like the break in front of condos just inside the gates when it's breaking for a longboard spot. Long, fun rides with a mellow vibe. The Cove and La Lancha are also fun. What are you looking to find out?

MaxFlying

Is Carolina in the same price band as French Laundry or Atelier Crenn (who I rate very highly)? I don't remember what I paid at Carolina but recall it, even with decent wine, being reasonable. I don't disagree re Mexico CIty which has outstanding food, I retain a soft spot for Dulce Patria.
I just don't think Carolina is failing, will report back next week

jdrtravel

Well, they are operating in entirely different economies and currencies, so you are not comparing apples. There is probably some way to compare the cost of each meal in their particular context, but that's more than I'm going to figure out right now. They are all expensive in the context of their respective locations.

mad07

amazing! i heard there's actually some good breaks in front of the W hotel? also, any good surf companies that can do trips out to different breaks?

mrfussion

Accion is my preferred shop and if they don't have a board you like walk next door to Tranquilo. Tranquilo is good, but a bit less flexible/accommodating in my opinion. Both shops are right next to each other in the village. There are a few others, but these two I can report a positive experience. Both also have boats to hire. However, if you are staying at the W you may be better of renting from WildMex. I've never used this shop. but know of it as I've parked in front to hike to La Lancha. I have not stayed at W and consequently have not surfed the breaks nearby, but do know there are at least two (Punta Burros and Veneros). They have a similar exposure to La Lancha, which picks up swell when other spots are flat. If staying at the W they may be your best bet, but again I have no firsthand knowledge of these two.

My advice my not be applicable if staying at the W as you may have closer options. But, if staying at the St Regis I'd summarize as follows: if you are an intermediate or better surfer and shortboard, The Cove is where you want to surf. The Cove can be accessed hiring a boat or the Punta Mita resort shuttle will drop you off. If you are a beginner and/or just want to have fun on a longboard (and there is swell), El Anclote is the place to be. Park in the village and it's just in front of the condos inside the gates. If waves are small, go to La Lancha. Boat is the best way to get to La Lancha, but it's about a 10 minute walk in from the street if you don't want to hire a boat.

mad07

this is so helpful - thanks!

how are the waves in early april?

ismann

If you contact the concierge in advance, they'll set you up with a nanny at $20/hr paid directly to the nanny (that's for one child - I think the price is a little higher for two). We did it for one night on a recent stay, and the woman who came was fantastic. She said that she works a lot at both the St Regis and the FS.

MileHighColorado

I had a lovely stay at St. Regis Punta Mita--3 points

1. I used Transfers in Punta Mita and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | Punta Mita Transfers very good they where waiting for us at the airport with a sign with our name. Very nice, New Large SUVs. Cost $90 or $100 total (not person) to go to St Regis from PVR, an extra $20 to stop at the market. St Regis last time I checked was $100 per person. We had beers and cold water waiting for us. The owner name is Salvador Arias he can be reach at [email protected] He was always good about answer emails--I hate when people do not answer my emails. 5% surcharge for credit card use. Very Very Good. They also arrived early which is great for Mexico.

2. We also rented a golf cart for a day -- kids love it--but it costs too much $70 or $75 per day plus $15 insurance rented from Mita Carts very bad about answer emails--they just dropped the cart off or maybe it was already at the St. Regis. hotel had me sign a receipt but I have not gotten a bill or email from them.

3. We had a great dinner at Sufi--however that was only place I used this Chase card in Mexico in two days later I had fraud on the card in Mexico for $2.90 USD. My receipt said I used chip on my card -- I do not remember but I think the waiter may have swift the card first. If you go there make sure you use the chip and do not give your card to the waiter to put in the machine. Sufi is a great restaurateur and one should still go, but this Mexico and always be on the look out.

david55

Fraud on the card for less than 3 dollars? I doubt seriously that someone who has your card info will take the time to charge something that small.... usually it is in the $1000's. My bet it is some sort of surcharge from the restaurant.

Dr. HFH

It happened to me. When my Citibank Prestige card number was stolen, there were a couple of charges for just under USD $2 from the German National Railway in Berlin. Citibank security told me that the thieves typically put through a couple of very small charges to see if they have the numbers right and if the charges will be approved. Once those small charge go through successfully, then they start putting through larger charges. In my case, the larger charges were for between USD $195 and $200 each. They got a half dozen through before I saw them.

MileHighColorado

Yes it was test fraud charge at Fast Food restaurant in Mexico that I nor Chase could say where in Mexico. I have had this also happen before--a small charge first before the big fraud chargers.

jdrtravel

St. Regis has never charged per person in the 5 years we have been going there. They charge about the same, and they don't charge extra to stop at the market.

longtimereader firstimeposter

I'm booked in this property next month and selected the "1 Bedroom Villa, 1 King, Beach Front, Whirlpool, Plunge Pool" for my SNA selection (only room I selected). I see there is one report of being upgraded to an "Ocean Villa" but has anyone had any luck with SNAs clearing to the 3 or 4 beach front villas with a plunge pool?

Currently Marriott's site is showing "only 3 remaining" for this room category for my dates. I know the inventory on the site might not always match what they actually have available but just a data point.