BAR NUN-Bar Bolero in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta has little in the way of what most cities consider “hipster” bars, but Bar Bolero is among the few.  That’s by no means meant to be disparaging, it just happens to be a very cool yet kitschy place.  A cozy little hang-out on the corner where Tequila Town used to reside, next door to Roxy’s Sports Bar & live music club, Bolero has an atmosphere much more akin to what you may expect to find in San Francisco, L.A, or Seattle.  This makes perfect sense, as at last visit, it was owned and operated by the proprietor of San Francisco’s classic dive, The Phone Booth (1398 S. Van Ness Ave. SF, CA 94110). 

While not technically a dive bar, the drink selection is astoundingly affordable.  All summer long Happy Hour lasts from 2 PM to 4 AM and features an overwhelming variety of premium cocktails, for the preposterously low price of 15 to 30 pesos.  Click here for currency converter.  Let me run down the drink menu for you so you can be amazed.

  I’m talking about bottled beers for 15 pesos – right this minute, this is only a few cents more than one US dollar, people.  That might be less than it costs at the grocery store!  Got cash burning a hole in your Bermuda short pocket?  What can you get for 20 pesos, you ask?  For less than two US dollars (I am not kidding, this is a super value destination), you can dump some shots of Jameson down your gullet, or you can have some fancy cocktails, like pina coladas, mai tais, margaritas, Russians, or tangy, delicious lime daiquiris.  For real!

Also available is what has to be my personal favorite name for a beverage, the Big Vicky, a 40 Ouncer of beer of indeterminate brand.  Seriously, Big Vicky!  It could be the name of a lady luchador! 

Bar Bolero has a wonderfully tacky collection of outsized black velvet paintings beautifying the interior, including the characteristic Matador and Stalking Puma varieties.  There is no juke box, but during our visit, obscure 1980’s songs and videos played over the sound system.   Also available for your entertainment is a pool table, but it seems that in order to use it, you have to beat the tight designer jeans-wearing Mexican rent boys taking a break from watching futbol next door at Roxy’s to it. 

Bolero is dark yet open, with large windows inviting warm Pacific breezes.  The lighting is dim and golden like candlelight, lending heavenly auras to all and making everyone attractive.  Lighting and fixtures appear to be custom metal pieces, giving a very arty atmosphere to the lounge, which is lined with serape-covered cushioned benches.  It’s a very comfortable and extremely difficult to leave, especially when the lime daiquiris keep on coming.

One excellent reason to leave, if only for a few moments, however; is that directly across the street is a taco cart, which appears to be frequently on fire, selling sublime tacos al pastor late into the night.   FP  

El Bolero A Go Go      

Ignacio Vallarta 229     

(322) 223-2358

 

Is Budget Travel going on a permanent vacation?

The New York Magazine recently reported that Budget Travel is getting ready to pack it up for good.  Say it ain't so.  We just renewed our subscription!  In our opinion Budget Travel has seen better days. Though Arthur Frommer's name is still above the title, he has been out of the picture for some time now.   Currently operated by the Newsweek Group, the magazine has seen a decline in quality content in recent years.  Once full of feature articles, now it seems dominated by ads and content readily available online.  However a rep for BT emailed NY Magazine and said "Budget Travel is not shutting down nor is it laying off staff. It’s business as usual at Budget Travel and we are currently working to produce the February issue and beyond."  After recently receiving what appears to be a thinner than usual December 2009/January 2010 edition with, we are starting to worry.   Budget Travel is currently offering an annual subscription for only $12.  Times are tough, but that is a bargian.  JJ 

Alaska Airlines-They are no virgins to offering a great deal.

One of our favorites, Alaska Airlines has announced a two-season sale with fares valid until 2010. “This system-wide sale offers some of our lowest fares to the sunny Hawaiian Islands and Mexico, and includes our newest markets — Atlanta, Houston and Austin.” said Steve Jarvis, vice president of marketing, sales and customer experience. No comment from Jenn, the always willing to help CS agent.

Examples of One-Way Fares:

* $29 between San Jose and Sacramento;

* $49 between Seattle and San Francisco or Oakland;

* $59 between Seattle and Boise or Spokane; and between Portland and Oakland or Spokane;

* $79 between Anchorage and Fairbanks;

* $99 between Seattle and Houston or Austin; and between Portland and Chicago, Los Angeles or Santa Rosa/Sonoma;

* $109 between Seattle and Los Cabos;

* $119 between Portland and Atlanta;

* $148 between Seattle and Honolulu;

* $149 between Portland and Maui;

* $199 between Anchorage and Maui.

They also just announced a 10% discount off of vacation packages, in addition to receiving 1,500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Bonus Miles. For more details go to Alaskaair.com.

With winter just around the corner, who wouldn’t want some coconut drinks or banana margaritas? RD

Virgin America rocks!

For the second year in a row Virgin America has been named “Best Domestic Airline” by Travel + Leisure. We can't disagree with T+L on this one. Like all domestic carriers right now, Virgin America is struggling; however, you would never be able to tell by their excellent service. Fly VA and treat yourself to a very reasonably day off flight First Class upgrade. Sign up for Elevate, enjoy Red-Beta and In-Flight WiFi, and relax! You will not regret it.

Related:
First Class Wines on board.

Alaska's First Class Service...with a prayer card?

For the second year in a row J.D. Power and Associates has ranked Alaska Airlines #1 in customer satisfaction among traditional carriers in North America. Alaska has long been know for it's service; however, like many in my opinion, it has slipped in recent years. Still, riding Alaska's "bus in the sky" is typically a pleasant experience and their Mileage Plan is a step above.

Congratulations Alaska! Now if you could only remove those creepy prayer cards included with your meals in First Class.

The New Boutique Hostel from Budget Travel

Times are tight and we all need to save our pennies. Here is a great article from Budget Travel about boutique hostels. Apparently these are not your parents hostels. Private baths and nice clean beds?! Sounds like our kind of place. The SSBDT crew is hoping to check out Stay in L.A. in the Spring. If it all works out we will make sure to give you our thoughts. Until then...go somewhere. JJ