Hotel Elcano

NileGuide Expert tip:

If you don't stay, make a day of it as lunchtimes, especially on weekends, by the pool are an activity unto themselves. Children love the amenities and snacks and will play and swim until they drop. The atmosphere is lively but never too noisy – and you are protected from beach peddlers.

Description:

• Named for the Basque-Spanish explorer who was Magellan's second-in-command, this large, but elegant and secluded hotel, draped with plants, is a true haven for those who want to be in the heart of things. You are right on the bay, with either a spectacular pool or pristine sandy beach within reach of your toes – as well as a good Spanish paella close to your fingers - yet you can keep a distance from the traffic and hurly-burly outside. A world unto itself, the stylish, turquoise lobby – one of Acapulco's outstanding design features – bids you enter Elcano's discrete privilege. Lunchtimes, especially on weekends, by the pool are an event unto themselves, with children delighted by the amenities that allow them to play and swim until they drop. lively but never too noisy – and protected also from the pestering of beach salesmen and –women. Although not huge, rooms are light and pristine with ocean views. The retro-style, turquoise-and-white lobby and beachside pool area are the closest you can get to a South Beach, Miami, atmosphere in Acapulco, and its popular open-air restaurant adds to the lively waterfront scene. Rooms are periodically upgraded, bright, and generally very comfortable. They feature classic navy-and-white tile accents with white wicker furniture. The large junior suites, all on corners, have two queen-size beds and huge closets. Studios are small but adequate, with king-size beds and small sinks outside the bathroom area. In the studios, a small portion of the TV armoire serves as a closet, and there are no balconies -- only large sliding windows. All rooms have purified tap water. Avoid the noisy rooms near the ice machines.
  
  
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Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010