Select the neighborhood you want to stay in. There are several main areas to Puerto Vallarta, and if you are going to rent a condo, you will want one close to the activities that you enjoy. The Romantic Zone has lots of quaint shops and is great for walking around. The Marina District has many condos but doesn't have a nice beach. Nuevo Vallarta is a long cab ride to Puerto Vallarta.
Visit "for rent by owner" websites. You will get the best price on a condo when you rent from the owner directly instead of a property management company. You can check websites like Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Rentalo.com, as well as private websites for available rentals (see Resources). Many of these sites have calendars to check the availability of the property.
Book at the last minute for really good deals. Last-minute cancellations can drive prices down on even the nicest condos in Puerto Vallarta. If you want a great deal during normally priced seasons (Christmas, Easter), check websites like Craigslist for last-minute listings and savings.
Read the reviews. Don't get trapped into paying 100 percent up front for a property that is falsely advertised. You can check on the local bulletin boards, travel adviser and other websites for reviews of properties. Avoid paying the balance owed until after you have seen the condo in person.
Book in advance for high season. If you have your heart set on specific dates, book your condo well in advance. High season runs from December to April in Mexico for foreign visitors. This is when the prices are highest, and many properties are full.
