Hotels and Resorts Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

If you want to be near the glitz and glitter, with more of a party type atmosphere, you will probably want to stay near the resort area of Ixtapa. There is a larger choice of high end hotels here, but not much in the lower to moderate price range. Decide if you want an all inclusive hotel where food and unlimited beverages are usually included in the price. You will give up experiencing some of the small and quaint restuarants in the area, but in the long run, you will save a bundle on your food budget.

If you long for a little cultural balance and a quieter and more laid back atmosphere for your vacation, your stay will probably be best suited at one of smaller but just as nice hotels in Zihuatanejo. Here, you can explore the village, shop for pottery or just relax in the sun and enjoy the water.

Either way, the two towns are only 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) apart and most everything can be reached by walking, taxis or buses. Transporation is very reasonable. It will just be a matter of personal preference.

Our hotel recommendation for Zihuatanejo on a smaller budget is Hotel Irma. For value, cleanliness, friendly staff, location and a absolutely gorgeous view of sunsets and night time on the bay, Hotel Irma is wonderful. Delicious hotel restaurant with excellent service and beautiful pool area. Direct access to La Madera Beach. Beautifully decorated with air conditioning or fan, color TV, phone and double or king beds. A wonderful traditional hotel where guests can relax.

Moderately priced in Zihuatanejo, is the beautiful Villa Mexicana. The Villa is fronted by one of the most gorgeous beaches in the area. There is a wonderful little restaurant by the beach. All rooms are air conditioned with color TV, phone, a choice of double or king beds with a beautiful view of The Zihuatanejos Bay Or The Garden.

In Ixtapa, we have two choices as well. Sorry nothing here on the low end. Just moderate and expensive. Our high end choice is the Melia Azul Ixtapa. Not a bad deal though, since it is all inclusive. If you are looking to get away and be waited on by polite people, then this is the place. Beautiful resort with marble floors and walls. The staff could not be nicer. Close to the airport. If you can't quite leave business behind, you can at least can leave the laptop, for there is an excellent cybercafe. The highlight of the Azul cafe is the fantastic pumpkin soup. Restaurants also serve this fabulous coconut ice cream which you have to ask for. A little far away from the maddening crowd but transporation is not expensive.

Our other choice in Ixtapa is the Las Brisas Resort. It is moderately priced for the smallest room at just over a hundred dollars a night. Although the room is small, it is extremely nice and the balcony is huge. From the balcony you can enjoy the excellent view or bask in the breeze snoozing in a hammock. (If you go in late February or early March, watch for the whales.) Larger rooms and suites run up to more than double that price. Fantastic food but pricey. The beach, of course, is breathtaking. It's private, it's clean, not crowded and a short walk from your room. They have a small outdoor cafe on the beach and the servers will bring you drinks if you like. Find a palapa at a choice spot and and kick back and relax.