1. How has the weather been lately, as far as sunshine, and not too much rain?
Mostly sun during the day, rain in the evenings. You can follow the weather pretty easily on the board since it's about the only thing to talk about.
2. How is the beach area? We thought about visiting back in early July and were told the beach area was pretty rocky due to all the Tropical storms that went through the area.
It was pretty rocky, it changes around depending on the weather off shore, when a hurricane goes by way out there the rocks appear mostly near town. Down the beach a way's there is always sand so it's not like we don't have a beach. Now the sand pretty good, easy to walk the beach.
3. Are many of the little restaurants open along the beach - ones that have lounge-type chairs available for 'rent' (for free!) if you buy food/drinks at them all day.
Most of the restaurants along the beach are open, not many do dinner with the exception of Loka Laura's. Coco Loco and Jolanda's are not open at the moment.
4. Any recommendation for a hotel (doesn't have to be fancy, just clean! - it's just for 3 days!)that's close to the beach?
There are basically three hotels, none are on the beach, Posada Tonala is across the street from the beach and Puesta del Sol is about two blocks.
5. Any info about the Blue Bay Resort up the road? Is it worth the $$ to stay there - how is the food/drinks? rooms? I do hear that the beach is nice there .. is it much different that where y'all are?
Here is a link to the resort, Google it for more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e3N_-uTHA8&feature=related
Personally I am not now, never have been nor ever will be an all inclusive resort person. Totally different experience. The beach is nice there.
I hope that helps.
D