My husband and I (in our 30s) have travelled to many places in Europe, and the Carribean, so we have developed high expectations over the years. We were careful to check everyone's reviews before booking with Fiesta Americana since it was our first time in Acapulco.
Overall, the experience at the hotel was wonderful. We intentionally did not take the all-inclusive package because we wanted to explore the local restaurants and city life. However, we did eat breakfast and lunch at the hotel a few times, and we were satisfied.
Travelling in April is fantastic because we avoided the crowds around the pool & beach. You also get more value on your excursion trips because the tour guide gives you more personal attention when the group is very small. For those who plan to travel next year, Easter (or Holy) week is a very busy time since many Mexicans vacation at that time.
Here is a breakdown of my review:
Hotel:
- friendly & professional staff (not all staff speak English)
- we didn't mind tipping extra (about 15%, even though service charge is included for every meal). We learned that busboys and waiters make less than $10 US/day, so an additional tip is not only very appreciated but after seeing much poverty in the city's boroughs, we really didn't mind to tip more.
- nice, spacious, clean rooms
- we asked to change room after one night because it faced one of the local night clubs and the music was too loud. Staff gladly changed our room to another oceanview room the next day.
- location very good (close to everything)
- pools were clean
- beach was very nice, clean (on the weekends, too many vendors). Very strong undertow, and not easy for swimming.
- a little crowded on the weekends, but significantly less guests during the week
To avoid:
- Puerto Marquez (we went there for the beach, but the water was very dirty, and saw extreme poverty in the town)
- Paradise Restaurant (has a great view but despite the recommendations of the local people, we did not like it. The beef was undercooked, and there's a strange odor in the restaurant.
- SuCasa (similar to a chain restaurant, not authentic, and the owners appeared to treat staff rudely and unprofessionally)
Must see or go to: Restaurants
- Madeiras Resaurant (great food, great view of the Bay, about $75 per person for a la carte menu (includes wine)
- El Olvido Restaurant (on Condesa Beach, not far from the hotel, beautiful decor, views, about $50 per person for the fixed menu special, very romantic.
- Baikal (close to Madeiras)
Must see or go to: Tourist Trips or Activities
- swim with dolphins ($95 US per person for 1/2 hour)
- Pie de la Cuesta (will take your breath away....miles of virgin coast)...recommend to go with a tour operator. You will see a lot of poverty on your trip to the site. Restaurants not recommended in that area, except for El Terreno Private Club.
- Coyuca Lagoon (part of the Pie de la Cuesta excursion trip.
- Los Flamingos Hotel & Restaurant (great sunset views, same place where 50s actors vacationed, live local music)
- Cliff divers/La Quebrada: not necessary to pay $20 US per person to sit at a restaurant to see the divers. You can view them from the public square or street.
Additional Tips given by locals and other tourists:
- Isla La Roqueta is overrated (lunch included in the excursion trip is really bad, long line ups at the buffet table)
- La Perla Restaurant (where you have a view of the cliffdivers), food not great.
Taxi:
- We met Pedro (who is often assigned at the hotel) and speaks English. He was very reasonable with his rates, very professional, friendly and can pick you up at scheduled times or will drive somewhere with you and wait (if need be). We met another driver before meeting Pedro and he tried to overcharge us. We were lucky to find Pedro. I believe he drives taxi car # 0365.







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