Mexico Guide
Acapulco and the Pacific beaches
Nightlife
1 Alebrije Costera 3308 Opposite the Hyatt Regency, this cavernous, rather tacky, dance hall with light shows is popular with 20-something Mexicans post-1am and couples earlier in the evening. The music runs the gamut of mainstream pop and rock and Latin tropicana.
2 Baby'O Costera, east of CiCi Waterpark Set in an imitation cave, this is one of the more consistently popular clubs and as well as one of the most expensive (minimum cover M$800). The well-dressed, well-heeled crowd is usually high on attitude if they have managed to get in – Baby'O tries to maintain a spurious exclusivity by turning people away at the door. All in all a mainstream affair, with cheesy 80s music mixed with house and Latin.
3 Carlos ‘n Charlie's Costera, west of the Diana Glorieta Very popular chain bar-restaurant where you can start the evening with a bite to eat (ribs a speciality), a few drinks and a shuffle on the small, invariably crowded dancefloor before moving on to a nightclub.
4 Disco Beach Costera, Playa Condesa A notorious hook-up beach party with all the requisite gimmicks and contests. The more casual dress code – shorts and flip-flops – draws a young, fun crowd. Wed is "ladies night".
5 Enigma Carretera Escénica, north of Las Brisas hotel High-tech club complete with two waterfalls, 10m-tall statues and large windows overlooking the bay. Exclusive and luxurious, though the club's claim that "you will never have to light your own cigarette" overdoes it.
6 Palladium Carretera Escénica It's all about the glorious bay view at this justifiably hyped club with the best music selection – techno, house and hip-hop – in the city. A slightly older and dressier, but less pretentious, crowd adds to the friendly, gregarious atmosphere. Considered the best disco in the city, and long queues testify to its kudos.
7 Relax Lomas del Mar 4, opposite El Presidente hotel While not as gay-friendly as Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco does have some gay bars and discos: this is one of the more reliable – small and a little claustrophobic, but featuring strippers and other live shows.
8 Salon Q Costera, west of CiCi Waterpark Live Latin music that draws hard-core salsa and merengue aficionados, who come to dance all night. The reasonable cover charge (M$100; no free bar) and a slightly older clientele give it an accessible vibe.
9 Tropicana Copacabana Costera, Playa Hornos One of a series of similar bar/restaurants that tend to play cumbia, merengue and salsa as much as American rock. Diners take to the dancefloor later in the evening.