Mexico Guide
Acapulco and the Pacific beaches
Accommodation
1 Angelita Calzada La Quebrada 37 
744/483-5734 One of the cheapest options. Spartan but sizeable rooms with private bath and fan lead off a courtyard. Eccentric management keeps life interesting. Price: M$150-200
2 Asturias Calzada La Quebrada 45 744/483-6548 
gerardomancera@aol.com A welcoming budget option with clean, passable rooms around a courtyard. It is fractionally more expensive than the competition by virtue of its small pool. Price: M$200-250
3 Etel Suites La Pinzona 92 744/482-2241 This very hospitable, family-run hotel is extremely clean and well equipped, with 1950s-style three-bed rooms with kitchens, balconies and a/c nestled in lovely gardens overlooking La Quebrada. A good option for groups and long-stay guests. Price: M$750-1100
4 El Mirador Acapulco Plazoleta La Quebrada 74 744/483-1155 or 01-800/021-7557 The location of this decent mid- to-upper-range option – right above La Quebrada – couldn't be better. Lodging is in clean, characterless, Alpine-style rooms with kitchenettes. There are three pools and a bar/restaurant on site, from which you won't have to pay the M$140 charge to see the divers plummet. Price: M$750-1100
5 Misión Felipe Valle 12 744/482-3643 The oldest hotel in town has clearly seen use, but still exudes colonial charm and is the best-value hotel in the centre. Formerly the American consulate and a Wells Fargo office, the house has attractive rooms with mosaic tiles and wooden furnishings spread out around a mango-shaded patio. Continental or Mexican breakfasts are included, and there is a book swap. Price: M$350-500
6 Santa Lucía López Mateos 33 744/482-0441 Basic rooms with fans and closet-size private bathrooms are cheap and unmemorable but inoffensive. Price: M$150-200
7 Sutter Azueta 10 744/482-0209 Although more spacious than others of a similar price, the rooms are rather plain; the ones in the back are quieter. Price: M$250-350
8 Del Valle Manuel Gómez 150, opposite the eastern entrance to Parque Papagayo 744/485-8336 Del Valle has a convenient location, spacious, well-maintained rooms (some with a/c), a pool and private kitchens (outside the rooms) that can be rented for M$100 a day. Price: M$350-500
9 Embassy Costera 50, opposite CiCi Waterpark 744/481-0881 Best value in this part of town, with a small pool and a/c rooms. Some have seen better days, so look at a couple before deciding. Convenient for the nightclubs. Price: M$500-750
10 Elcano Costera 75 744/435-1500 
www.hotel-elcano.com There is a fresh feel to this renovated 1950s monolith with an all-pervasive nautical theme: spic-and-span rooms are decorated in blue and white and have a/c, TV, comfortable beds and well-proportioned bathrooms. The best rooms have terraces overlooking the ocean. Facilities include a beachside pool, Jacuzzi, gym and two bars. Price: M$1100-1500
11 Las Hamacas Costera 239, 1km east of the zócalo 744/483-7709 www.hamacas.com.mx Not showing its age as much as its peers, Las Hamacas is the closest it gets to international standard within easy reach of the centre – the only downside is that the beach here is dirty and very crowded. Bright and clean rooms are comfortable and well appointed with cable TV, a/c and spacious bathrooms. There is a swimming pool, a beachside restaurant and a gym. Price: M$1500 and over
12 Hostal Juvenil K3 Costera 116, opposite the Fiesta Americana hotel 744/481-3111 www.k3acapulco.com The well-positioned hostel is a clean, friendly place with small, a/c four-bed dorms (M$195 per person), lockers, a kitchen and snack bar.
13 Pacific Paradise Punta Bruja 1, near Playa Condesa 744/481-1413 Mediterranean-style resort with spotless, attractive rooms on three floors. Situated a few blocks back from Costera, so nights are quieter and it's better value than many of the beachside establishments. Price: M$500-750
14 Suites Selene Cristóbal Colón 175, next to CiCi Waterpark 744/484-2977 This snug, sociable hotel with pleasant, kitchen-equipped suites with a/c and cable TV for up to four people is recommended for families and groups. There is also a small pool and private parking, and the owners are friendly. Price: M$350-500
15 Hotel Los Flamingos López Mateos 744/482-0690 A pure Acapulco retro classic, this landmark 1930s hotel was once owned by a Hollywood gang that included Tarzan (Johnny Weissmuller), Cary Grant and John Wayne. The "coco loco" cocktail was said to have been invented here, and the lush gardens and sublime sunset views from Acapulco's highest cliffs are a perfect accompaniment. The rooms have seen better days but are still spacious, characterful and comfortable.Price: M$750-1100
16 Nao east end of Caleta 744/483-8710 Faded but acceptable hotel with a pool; usually full of Mexican families. Fan-cooled rooms with shower, some much better than others. Price: M$350-500
17 Playa Linda Costera 1, as you reach Caleta 744/482-0814 Renovated hotel with nicely decorated rooms, some with sea-view balconies. All rooms (sleeping up to four) have a/c, TV and fully equipped kitchenettes. Price: M$500-750
18 Boca Chica on the point at the western end of Caletilla 744/483-6601 Beautifully sited resort hotel carved into the cliff face at the end of Playa Caletilla – which guests have virtually private use of – with a swimming pool and some great views (surcharges apply) of either Isla La Roqueta or the beach. Price: M$750-1100
19 Bungalows María Cristina 744/460-0262 Good-value suites with fully equipped kitchens and balconies for up to five people; the rooms are fine, too. Price: M$350-500
20 Hacienda Vayma Base Aereo Militar 378 744/460-2882 www.vayma.com.mx A low-key, arty place to hang out with hip Mexicans from the capital and laissez-faire Europeans. Modern bungalows with spatially challenged bathrooms (cold water) are functional, but the main attractions here are the setting, relaxed vibe and fantastic restaurant. The suites have more creature comforts: a/c, terrace and hot water. Price: M$500-750
21 
Ukae Kim Fuerza Aerea 536 744/460-2187. The epitome of rustic chic, this intimate beachside enclave has colourful, breezy rooms with private bath and mosquito nets – some have a/c. There is a restaurant that serves great fresh fish, a pool and guaranteed relaxation. Price: M$350-500
22 Villa Nirvana Fuerza Aerea 302 744/460-1631 www.lavillanirvana.com . Delightful retreat with immaculate, spacious rooms with tiled floors painted in soothing pastels and nicely furnished with local crafts, set around an attractive garden and great pool. Rooms with kitchen facilities and a little beach cottage also available. Price: M$350-500