Acapulco Editor Picks

A member of the prestigious Preferred Hotels & Resorts chain, this grand boutique hotel is perched upon a lush 80-foot cliff in Punta Diamante (a 15-minute drive to the Costera Golden Zone), overlooking the Pacific. It’s filled with classic south-of-the-border style, from its hacienda-style architecture, its many palapas, abundant tropical décor, and rife beachside terraces. Guests can luxuriate on the resort’s own private beach, rejuvenate in the sumptuous spa, dine on Mexican specialties while overlooking the water, and take to the sea with a host of fabulous water sports and facilities. Handsome suites tout balconies with commanding ocean views, marble-tiled floors, Mexican hardwood furniture, white-leather wingback chairs, ceiling fans, high ceilings, and sculpted white headboards. All 74 suites feature Jacuzzi baths and sweet touches like iguana-shaped handles on closet doors.

Although Elcano is a survivor from Acapulco’s heyday (the 1950s) the old gal underwent $13 million-dollar renovations to keep it swinging and in style. The lobby recalls a retro vibe and the beachside pool area offers a lively waterfront scene. If you want to be close enough to all the action i.e. in-between the beach zone and the hillside nightlife, Elcano is an excellent choice – not to mention value. Within the hotel's ten stories, all 180 rooms have a navy-and-white color scheme with tile floors, snappy modern accoutrements and generous oceanfront balconies. Smaller studios, although, have no balconies and only a small armoire that also doubles as a closet/entertainment center. They do have large sliding windows that let plenty of light flood in.

Daredevil divers leap off a 115-foot cliff into a narrow cove of water. The spectacle, which has incurred surprisingly few mishaps, evolved from a machismo competition between local fishermen.

Take in one of Acapulco's breathtaking sunsets with a coco loco – a rum-laced cocktail served from a coconut that Los Flamingos claims to have invented.

An Acapulco favorite for three decades, it attracts a well-dressed clientele of 20- and 30-somethings who bump and grind to the hottest contemporary hip-hop, techno, and dance hits.

This local crafts market sells items like silver jewelry, sandals, pottery, coconut masks, and hammocks.

Lord of the Flies meets the Marriott. Just south of diamante, this strangely original and appealing adults-only hotel concept is one of the most exciting to hit Acapulco in recent years. Lush tropical plants surround bamboo walkways over reflection pools and thatch huts fronted by the occasional chaise lounge. It’s almost as if the Mayans themselves built a luxury resort. The seven rooms resemble native huts, with rustic wood furniture and stone-clad bathrooms. High-thread-count sheets, Temazcal spa treatments, Buddhist ceremonies, and a private beach club add to the allure.

One of the hottest restaurants in town, Baikal is built into the cliffs – a spiral...more

Argued to be Acapulco’s finest restaurant, Zibu is a fusion of Mexican haute and Thai...more

Fish and shrimp tacos are this local taco chain’s specialty, but these aren’t...more