Family-Oriented Hotels
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo offers a variety of lodging choices. Ixtapa's major hotels are modern, high-rise beach resorts lining the two-mile-long Playa del Palmar, while those in Zihuatanejo are more traditional and not necessarily on the beach. The latter offer lower rates but cater more to singles and couples than families.
Barceló Ixtapa Beach Resort
Reservations: 877-214-5154 (U.S.),
This large 332-room beachfront resort features all types of sports, including several swimming pools, an exercise gym, and water sports. There are also several restaurants and bars with nightly dancing. With all first-class services, this resort operates on both all-inclusive and room-only plans. Kids under twelve stay free.
Best Western Hotel Posada Real
Reservations: 800-528-1234 (U.S.),
Though the hotel's 110 rooms are relatively compact, kids under twelve stay free with a parent here. This low-rise hotel offers two pools and a beachside restaurant, but not much else.
Club Med
Reservations: 800-258-2633 (U.S.),
Of all the Club Meds in Mexico, this is the only one that caters specifically to families. Kids from ten months to eleven years can participate in the kids' club, plus parents and their children can take part in the circus workshop in which participants learn to fly on the trapeze, the basics of clowning, and acrobatics. At the end of the week, everyone puts on a circus show. The all-inclusive price includes all sports, workshops, meals, and drinks.
Hotel NH Krystal Ixtapa
Reservations: 800-231-9860 (U.S.),
A 260-room balconied wedge-shaped tower rises above a landscaped garden, giving each room an ocean view. Guests enjoy a large beachside pool with waterfall, exercise gym, and tennis and racquetball courts, plus a fine poolside restaurant.
Melia Azul Ixtapa
Reservations: 800-336-3542 (U.S.),
This 250-room modern high-rise offers balconies and great views, plus forty-seven junior suites and forty-eight two-bedroom suites, making it perfect for families. An all-inclusive resort, it offers several restaurants and activities for the whole family.
Qualton Club
Reservations: 755-552-0083,
Located ten minutes from the Zona Hotelera on Playa Linda, this all-inclusive, very family-oriented, low-rise resort spreads out over seven acres facing Isla de Ixtapa. It has two restaurants, four bars, two tennis courts, and a disco, plus two swimming pools. A complete activity program for adults and children keeps everyone busy and happy.
