Zihuatanejo?

[justHB]

Have you been? Would you recommend it over other destinations in Mexico? DH indicated tonight he'd like to go to Mexico in November (rather than the Caribbean in the spring, I guess), so I've been doing a bit of research and it seems like Z might be a good option for us. Of course, having never been, who knows.

Also, if you have been, do you have any feedback on Club Intrawest Zihuatanejo?

Thanks!

[fuzzy]

My ILs have been there a few times. They really like it.

They said the resorts are very quiet and have much more of a laid-back feeling than most other Mexico destinations. As of last winter, there was very little development around the resorts -- just the small fishing villages. They loved it and found it to be very charming, but it might not be what people who want more nightlife are looking for.

The last place they stayed at was actually in neighboring Ixtapa. IIRC, they stayed at the Presidente Intercontinental and highly recommended it.

[justHB]

We're not really "night life" people so much, so that might be good for us. As long as there are a couple of restaurants and the pool/jacuzzi stays open late, we should be good.

Thanks for the feedback.

[ShyGirl]

My DH and I were in that area a month ago and loved it. We actually stayed in a place North of Zihua called Troncones. It's about 30 miles North. We stayed here http://www.troncones.com.mx/manzanillo/index.html and really enjoyed it. I was 6 months pregnant at the time so I spent A LOT of my time in the water (pool) and reading. It was very beautiful and completely relaxing. The prices were all reasonable as well.

We spent a few days in Zihua and really liked it - MUCH better than Ixtapa (at least in our view). Zihua is really fun to walk around, very low-key and has terrific restaurants and shopping. It has a nice beach, but the Intrawest shares the beach with a lot of other hotels. Ixtapa is a tourist stop for a lot of Cruise ships and has a big tourist town feel to it. If you want quiet and great surf with snorkeling, I would highly recommend staying in Troncones. It is a very small town, but to get to most of the hotels there - you have to travel on a bumpy dirt road.

Obviously, I could go on and on.. :) - If you want more info I'd be happy to answer any more of your questions.

[justHB]

Thanks for the feedback Shygirl. Manzanillo had been a consideration, but I don't know anyone IRL who's been there. Do you have any insight into the following resorts?

Club Maeva Manzanillo
Palma Real Hotel & Villas
Karmina Palace Resort
Pacifica Sands

[mdgom]

My family lives in Zihuatanejo and I go there every other summer. Unfortunately, I don't have any input on the hotels/resorts in the area as I always stay with family. But I just wanted to mention that it is a great town with many, many beautiful beaches and tons of great restaurants. You will not be disappointed.

[ShyGirl]

Sorry. I don't have much more info on those hotels/resorts. I think we stayed pretty close to the Club Maeva - which if I am remembering correctly - was very nice also. The places are all pretty similar in Manzanillo/Troncones, but keep in mind, that most do not have air conditioning. That shouldn't be an issue in November.

Have fun!

[doubleR]

my family has had a timeshare in Ixtapa, the neighboring resort town to the fishing village of Z, for 15+ years... I LOVE IT!!! and try to go every year. It is definitely one of my most favorite places on earth ;)

I don't know too much about the Club Intrawest, other than I think it's fairly new?

we stay at Pacifica in Ixtapa, it might be the same as Pacificia Sands, the 'memberships' are named different things and they've recently started offering 'all inclusive' deals, which is such a shame for anyone to miss out on all the wonderful restaurants in Zihuatanejo. for us, it is the perfect mix, staying in Ixtapa, but spending most of our time in Z or exploring the surrounding areas... if we feel like being lazy, we stay right at the resort, take the gondola down to the beach and just lay low. we always rent a car for a few days, you could also take taxis or find a wonderful inexpensive personal tour guide, but we usually do day trips to Troncones, Barra de Potosi and look for new fun spots every year - I forget the name of the town we "found" last time we went, maybe another 45 minutes north of Troncones... but anyway, it is such an amazing area. there are lots of different beaches and lots of days, that is the toughest decision, which beautiful beach should we enjoy today? my kind of vacation :D

and yes, Ixtapa is the resort area, it is growing, but it is still far from many other touristy Mexican vacation spots. and it is absolutely beautiful. many times we've extended our stay - the timeshare is 2 weeks, we usually go with a group and do 2 units, 1 week - but we've stayed in Madera Beach, which is a really short walk along the beach / path into Z. there is definitely nightlife, but it is laid-back style, sitting in a bar, listening to some music and/or a band... IMO, perfect! Ixtapa has senor frogs and carlos & charlies... which are just way too loud for me these days, but were super fun when I was 15 :p

I'd be more than happy to share lots more. I have nothing bad to say about it though and if you're looking for a new place, I don't think you'd be sorry. Whenever I come back, I have a serious case of "Z" blues and miss it so-so much. I am planning my next trip for next March already, it gets me through long cold winters knowing I have that week or 10 days of pure paradise. we like to call it heaven on earth :) yup, we're total dorks!!