iStock International
One of the Mexican Riviera's most fabled hotspots, Acapulco is deeply ingrained in the sun seeker's subconscious as a pilgrimage-worthy destination. Some say the resort has had its heyday, but like a fallen celeb pushing back into the spotlight, the "Queen of Mexican Beach Resorts" is having a comeback.
To revel in nonstop nightlife, striking beaches, and reasonably-priced vacation packages at revamped hotels and resorts along the Pacific coast.
Acapulco has more than 20,000 hotel rooms – from mid-range and budget properties to high-rise mega-hotels along la Costera and the historic properties of Old Acapulco, particularly on the Peninsula de las Playas. Most of Acapulco's luxury resorts are clustered within the exclusive Diamante area, east of Acapulco Bay. Expect to pay $200+ per night for top-tier accommodations; budget properties go for under $90 nightly.
Camino Real Acapulco Diamante
The best feature of this hotel is likely its location – not in the middle of the action, but removed from it. This...
Fairmont Pierre Marqués
Built by oil tycoon and art collector, J. Paul Getty as a personal playground back in 1958, the property was given a...
Las Brisas
This hillside haven, set amid hibiscus gardens and built into the climbing cliffs above the bay, offers jaw-dropping views of...
Quinta Real Acapulco
A member of the prestigious Preferred Hotels & Resorts chain, this grand boutique hotel is perched upon a lush 80-foot...
Casa Yalma Kaan
Lord of the Flies meets the Marriot. Just south of diamante, this strangely original and appealing adults-only hotel concept...
Hotel Calinda Beach
This huge, 350-room, circular beach tower is in the very heart of the golden zone at the eastern end of Condessa Beach....
Hotel Elcano
Although Elcano is a survivor from Acapulco’s heyday (the 1950s) the old gal underwent $13 million-dollar renovations to...
Villa Vera Hotel and Racquet Club
A classy ambience (although somewhat faded since its glamorous halcyon days) still holds at the boutique-size Villa Vera....
Hotel Gilda
This Spanish colonial-style house is a refreshing choice for those tired of the strand of busy high-rise hotels that line...
Hotel Mision
This charming little gem is built around a leafy courtyard that touts an outdoor breakfast nook where hot fare and coffee is...
Hotel Sands
Quiet and free from spring breakers, Hotel Sands provides inexpensive, comfortable, and clean digs with a friendly staff and a...
Los Flamingos
During Acapulco’s '30s heyday, Los Flamingos was the spot to see celebrities like John Wayne, Errol Flynn, Cary Grant,...
Camino Real Acapulco Diamante
The best feature of this hotel is likely its location – not in the middle of the action, but removed from it. This...
Fairmont Pierre Marqués
Built by oil tycoon and art collector, J. Paul Getty as a personal playground back in 1958, the property was given a...
Las Brisas
This hillside haven, set amid hibiscus gardens and built into the climbing cliffs above the bay, offers jaw-dropping views of...
Quinta Real Acapulco
A member of the prestigious Preferred Hotels & Resorts chain, this grand boutique hotel is perched upon a lush 80-foot...
Casa Yalma Kaan
Lord of the Flies meets the Marriot. Just south of diamante, this strangely original and appealing adults-only hotel concept...
Hotel Calinda Beach
This huge, 350-room, circular beach tower is in the very heart of the golden zone at the eastern end of Condessa Beach....
Hotel Elcano
Although Elcano is a survivor from Acapulco’s heyday (the 1950s) the old gal underwent $13 million-dollar renovations to...
Villa Vera Hotel and Racquet Club
A classy ambience (although somewhat faded since its glamorous halcyon days) still holds at the boutique-size Villa Vera....
Casa Yalma Kaan
Lord of the Flies meets the Marriot. Just south of diamante, this strangely original and appealing adults-only hotel concept...
Las Brisas
This hillside haven, set amid hibiscus gardens and built into the climbing cliffs above the bay, offers jaw-dropping views of...
Hotel Gilda
This Spanish colonial-style house is a refreshing choice for those tired of the strand of busy high-rise hotels that line...
Hotel Mision
This charming little gem is built around a leafy courtyard that touts an outdoor breakfast nook where hot fare and coffee is...
Hotel Sands
Quiet and free from spring breakers, Hotel Sands provides inexpensive, comfortable, and clean digs with a friendly staff and a...
Los Flamingos
During Acapulco’s '30s heyday, Los Flamingos was the spot to see celebrities like John Wayne, Errol Flynn, Cary Grant,...
Acapulco’s 160+ restaurants serve everything from traditional Mexican dishes and seafood to international haute cuisine. The more romantic and upscale eateries are found in the hillside Las Brisas neighborhood; good, casual beachside eateries can be found along la Costera; and Old Acapulco is a great place to dine with the locals.
100 Percent Natural
Throughout Acapulco are several outlets of this fast-, casual-, health-food restaurant chain that seems almost like a...
Brisas Diamante
Sample the area specialty pescado a la talla (grilled red snapper) along with fish quesadillas, sopes, fresh tortillas, and a...
Ika Taco
Fish and shrimp tacos are this local taco chain’s specialty, but these aren’t exactly your standard Baja fish...
La Cabaña
This casual, 50+ year-old beachside eatery serves fresh seafood and traditional Mexican lunches. Grab a table and try the baby...
Baikal
One of the hottest restaurants in town, Baikal is built into the cliffs – a spiral staircase lowers you down – so...
Bellavista Restaurant
One of Acapulco’s most romantic restaurants, patrons enjoy ocean breezes, city and bay views, and live piano as they tuck...
Coyuca 22
Often described as one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world, this elegant, Old World spot on the hills above the...
Madeiras Restaurant
An Acapulco institution for over 25 years, this eatery prevails thanks to elegant surroundings, sweeping bay views, and...
El Amigo Miguel
Located right off the zócalo, this popular local lunch spot serves up fresh shrimp, lobster, and fish, including the house...
Marina Club Restaurant Sushi and Oyster Bar
Sushi in Mexico doesn’t sound that authentic, but you’ll be surprised by the fantastically fresh sushi at this...
Su Casa
Su Casa was once a private residence, but after too many great dinner parties it went public. The romantic outdoor setting...
Zibu
Argued to be Acapulco’s finest restaurant, Zibu is a fusion of Mexican haute and Thai dishes. Its setting overlooking the...
100 Percent Natural
Throughout Acapulco are several outlets of this fast-, casual-, health-food restaurant chain that seems almost like a...
Brisas Diamante
Sample the area specialty pescado a la talla (grilled red snapper) along with fish quesadillas, sopes, fresh tortillas, and a...
Ika Taco
Fish and shrimp tacos are this local taco chain’s specialty, but these aren’t exactly your standard Baja fish...
La Cabaña
This casual, 50+ year-old beachside eatery serves fresh seafood and traditional Mexican lunches. Grab a table and try the baby...
Baikal
One of the hottest restaurants in town, Baikal is built into the cliffs – a spiral staircase lowers you down – so...
Bellavista Restaurant
One of Acapulco’s most romantic restaurants, patrons enjoy ocean breezes, city and bay views, and live piano as they tuck...
Coyuca 22
Often described as one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world, this elegant, Old World spot on the hills above the...
Madeiras Restaurant
An Acapulco institution for over 25 years, this eatery prevails thanks to elegant surroundings, sweeping bay views, and...
El Amigo Miguel
Located right off the zócalo, this popular local lunch spot serves up fresh shrimp, lobster, and fish, including the house...
Marina Club Restaurant Sushi and Oyster Bar
Sushi in Mexico doesn’t sound that authentic, but you’ll be surprised by the fantastically fresh sushi at this...
Su Casa
Su Casa was once a private residence, but after too many great dinner parties it went public. The romantic outdoor setting...
Zibu
Argued to be Acapulco’s finest restaurant, Zibu is a fusion of Mexican haute and Thai dishes. Its setting overlooking the...