Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Ixtapa is a well-developed beach resort city along Mexico's Pacific Coast, about 150 miles north of Acapulco. In contrast, Zihuatenejo is a more traditional village still dominated by locals. Ixtapa has modern hotel towers and grid-like streets while Zihuatenejo is more rural and rambling. Visitors to these twin cities enjoy 82 degree days on average and access to some of the best fishing, snorkeling and wind surfing anywhere.
Las Brisas Hotels and Resorts is a small Mexican chain with properties in seven cities. Las Brisas Ixtapa was completely renovated in 2007 and occupies a large sloped-roof red brick building on the shoreline at Playa Vista Hermosa. Las Brisas offers myriad guest amenities, including an outdoor pool, private beach, children's pool, gym, massages, computer rental, Wi-Fi, hair salon, gift shops and a grocery store. Las Brisas provides easy access to both Ixtapa and Zihuatenejo, as well as two local golf clubs: Palma Real and Marina Ixtapa. Dining options at the hotel include six restaurants ranging from Italian to Mexican and snacks to fine dining. There are also three bars for socializing and relaxation. Guestrooms and suites are brightly decorated, with large open terraces providing an unobstructed view of the waters below. Each room has satellite TV, a sitting area, air conditioning, Wi-Fi Internet (additional fee), minibar and coffee/tea. Rates for a double start around $225 as of January 2011.
The Barcelo Ixtapa Beach Hotel is part of the Spanish Barcelo chain, with 180 locations worldwide. The hotel faces the sea on El Palmar Beach with direct access to the ocean. It has a gym, two tennis courts, three swimming pools -- including one for adults and another for children -- a solarium and a 400-person conference center. Four on-site restaurants serve Spanish cuisine and snack foods. The hotel also offers two bars. Select a simple room rate or an all-inclusive package, which includes a welcome drink, buffet breakfast, snacks, buffet lunch, themed buffet or a la carte dinner, local drinks and entertainment, as well as use of sports equipment, towels, umbrellas and lounge chairs. Standard guestroom amenities include one king or two double beds, TV, safe, Internet access (additional fee), minibar, iron with ironing board and coffee maker. Double room rates start around $220 as of January 2011.
The Intercontinental Presidente Ixtapa Resort, a five-star all-inclusive resort property, features a health & fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, beauty salon, kid's club, two tennis courts and massage services on request. The hotel spa has a gym, steam and sauna rooms and exercise classes Friday through Wednesday. The hotel also has a 24-hour business center and a fully equipped 100-person meeting room. Recreational options include Yoga, beach volleyball, bingo, tennis lessons, water polo, beach soccer and nightly live entertainment featuring local musicians and dancers. Guestrooms, available as standard, club level or executive club level, each feature cable TV, air-conditioning and a host of all-inclusive amenities like buffet breakfast, dinner snacks, lunch snacks, drinks and valet service. Rates for a standard room start around $170 as of January 2011.
La Casa Que Canta, highly rated by several travel publications, is a combination hotel, restaurant and spa located on the waterfront at Zihuatenejo. The hotel has a multi-tiered design with a lower-level salt water pool and sun patio lined with chaises, as well as an upper-level fresh water infinity pool with horizon views and nearby hammocks. Other amenities include a full service spa, fitness center, yoga and stretching classes, Mexican cooking lessons with the head chef and boutique shopping. Traditional Mexican fare using fresh ingredients is served in the restaurant or on a raised patio with ocean views. Guestrooms and suites are decorated with rustic wooden furniture, earth-tone tile floors and balconies. In-room amenities include complimentary minibar, daily fresh fruit, marble bathrooms, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, free high-speed Internet, bathrobes and hand-designed flower petal artwork applied to your bedspread each evening at turn down. Rates for a double start around $440 as of January 2011.