Search the best hotels in Zihuatanejo

About Zihuatanejo

Sleepy Zihuatanejo, or Zihua, as the locals and regulars call it, is a seaside paradise on Mexico’s Costa Grande, nestled into its own protected bay lined with a soft, white sandy beach. This is a classic spot for a beachside break, or a romantic escape, and some of the best places to stay in Zihuatanejo are perfectly geared up for honeymooners, and similar, with wonderful restaurants, cooking classes, excellent spas, and plenty of privacy. We've discovered a good range of properties from boutique boltholes to medium sized resorts that cater for all.

Zihuatanejo’s spot on a protected bay means the water, and weather, is fairly warm year-round. Around the bay are four wide white, sandy beaches, and all this has helped to make it a popular beach escape for those-in-the-know since the 1970s, when those-in-the-know included Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Mick Jagger and John Wayne. The town has always had a playful appeal too, centred around its boardwalk, the Paseo del Pescador, or Fishermen’s Passage, which is the town’s social hub, and where the fishermen still meet daily to sell their catch.

As well as romantic appeals, like intimate restaurants, cute boutiques, artist’s studios and bars with breathtaking sunset views, Zihuatanejo has much to offer keen deepsea fishermen who may be here for the sail-fish, marlin and tuna. It is also the perfect destination for snorkelling, sunset tours, dolphin and turtle spotting, and learning to sail, if you can tear yourself away from the chic beaches and historic downtown area of trendy bars and market shopping. Some of the best places to stay in Zihuatanejo line one of the four beaches of the pretty, cobbled town, but our Gurus have also discovered hotels on the cliffs and jungles surrounding town.

The Best Places to Stay in Zihuatanejo

For the Views

  • Cala de Mar is a five-star resort hotel, with incredible ocean views from almost every angle. The 54 rooms and suites offer all sorts of charms, including private plunge pools and dining areas, and each one has a wonderful private balcony or terrace overlooking the sea. The excellent restaurant also spills out onto an ocean-view terrace, plus there’s a yoga deck and an open-air spa.
  • Perched on the side of a cliff, with spectacular bay views, La Casa Que Canta is a luxurious, and romantic adults-only, choice. There are just 25 rooms and suites, all spacious, but our favourites have private balconies or terraces, with hammocks, and private plunge pools. The hotel offers yoga sessions, and there’s a spa and gym, as well as a chic bar and restaurant.

For Beachside Chic

  • Positioned with only palm trees between the pool terrace and one of the best swimming beaches on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Thompson Zihuatanejo is a sleek, sophisticated pick. Accommodation is in a collection of rooms, suites, and private villas, all shaded by palm trees, and decorated with minimalist decor and Mexican artworks. There’s plenty of opportunity for romantic musings, and the two excellent restaurants offer waterfront privacy if required. If you enjoy the food, try a cooking class, or a tequila and ceviche tasting, or a market tour. Children, and pets, are welcome too, and this is also a great honeymoon choice.

For a Romantic Escape

  • Amuleto is a five room, adults-only hideaway, overlooking the lush jungle and Zihuatanejo’s bay. The decor is traditionally Mexican, but with all the trimmings of luxury, and features bespoke fabrics and furnishings, with plenty of romantic touches: floaty draped mosquito nets, strewn rose petals anyone? The suites have thatched roofs, private plunge pools and serene sea views. The restaurant prepares swoon-worthy food, and there are all sorts of extras you can add.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Zihuatanejo has its own airport, Zihuatanejo Airport, located on the National Highway to Acapulco. The airport is about ten minutes from town by car or taxi, or about half an hour on the bus. Acapulco Airport is the next closest airport, and a larger hub, and it’s about three and a half hours drive away, or close to five hours travel by bus.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Zihuatanejo is far enough north from the equator to have four seasons, but they’re comparatively mild, with average temperatures in summer around 30℃, and in winter around 20℃. You can swim in the sea all year round, though there’s also the chance of rain. The heat of summer is still the most popular time to visit Zihuatanejo — it’s fun when it bustles — but if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds we recommend visiting between December and May, when it’s light and sunny, and not too humid, with even less rain than in the summer months. If you’re travelling to Zihuatanejo for the sports fishing you should plan your trip between February and April.

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The best hotels in Zihuatanejo

Amuleto

Zihuatanejo (Playa la Ropa)

This boutique bolt-hole overlooks the bay of Zihuatanejo in Mexico. Old-world Mexico meets a luxury finish in the custom interiors; suites feature traditional thatched roofs and open onto a terrace with a private plunge pool and beautiful sea views. Dine at the gourmet restaurant; a stylish getaway.

  • Romantic Break - Couples love the relaxed atmosphere at this boutique, adults-only bolt-hole; book a couples' massage for a romantic evening
  • Foodies - Foodies will swoon at the hotel's gourmet Mexican restaurant, bringing fine dining to Zihuataneho
  • Surfing - Conquer the waves with a surfing lesson; enquire at the hotel for local providers and board hire
  • Sea Views - Sweeping seaviews from up on the hill.
from $235 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Thompson Zihuatanejo

Zihuatanejo

This chic design hotel is nestled on the best swimming beach on the Mexican Pacific coast: Playa La Ropa. Guest villas offer airy rooms with Oaxacan clay light fixtures and contemporary Mexican artworks, shaded by coconut trees. Dine in one of two sophisticated restaurants after a day on the beach.

  • Beach Life - Set on a beautiful white sand beach on the best stretch of the Mexican Pacific coast, book this hotel for a relaxing beach break
  • Total relaxation - From the spectacular seafront location to the endless, thoughtful touches throughout the resort, expect total relaxation here
  • Foodies - With two restaurants under the supervision of celebrated Executive Chef Miguel Baltazar, this hotel is a hit with foodies
  • Honeymoons - They offer beachfront suites and sophisticated, romantic dining
from $329 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
La Casa que Canta

Zihuatanejo (Zihuatanejo)

A luxury property sat atop a cliff with spectacular bay views. Comprising of 25 spacious suites, the best of which feature plunge pools. Spend days unwinding in the spa, practicing yoga or exploring this quiet corner of Mexico. The ideal spot for lovers or those looking for utter tranquility.

  • Total relaxation - A tranquil coastal haven, well away from Mexico's mass tourism.
  • Diving - Discover the underworld during a diving excursion.
  • Sights nearby - Explore majestic Mayan ruins on a guided tour.
  • Fishing - Deep-sea fishing tours can be organised.
from $350 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Cala de Mar Resort

Zihuatanejo

Luxury hideaway hotel with prime oceanfront location. A suite-only property, it boasts killer views from every angle, including plunge pools, outdoor dining spots & yoga deck. Impressive amenities & endless experiences are designed to melt your worries away & put you in the mood for romance.

  • Outdoor dining - Dine al fresco on sea-facing terraces or by the water's edge. Arrange a candle-lit dinner for your significant other
  • Romantic Break - Private pools, romantic sea views, waterfront dining & spoiling spa tick all the boxes for a couples' retreat
  • Outstanding location - Surrounded by tropical forest & located between Sierra Madre Mountains & the Pacific Ocean
  • Views - Rooms, restaurant & pool all over incredible uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean
from $591 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia