shar992

I am considering visiting Acapulco in January and staying at the Fairmont Pierre Marquis. I am a mid-forties foodie who also appreciates art, music, museums, spas and all things cultural. Is this the right destination for me? Any thoughts or anecdotes would be greatly appreciated.

lovesprada

As much as I love Acapulco, it might not be the right destination. At least it wouldn't be for me, and I pretty much match your description.

The Pierre Marques is about a 15 minute cab ride from the hotels on Acapulco bay. The location on the open ocean is beautiful, but whenever you want to leave the resort you'll need to take a cab or hire a driver. There are buses but it isn't the easiest thing to figure out. If you want to spend most of your time reading and watching the waves and make a few runs into town, or spend a day with a driver seeing the sights, then it could be fine.

If that is the kind of vacation you are looking for, the next question might be the Pierre Marques or the Princess next door. I've stayed at both and I prefer a nice high floor room at the Princess with a balcony facing the water. Especially when I am traveling alone I like the anonymity of a big, bustling hotel, but maybe that's just me. There are also more restaurant choices at the Princess, although there is a shuttle bus between the two hotels.

You could stay in one of the hotels on the bay (for example, the Hyatt). This puts you closer to restaurants and more sightseeing and it's safe enough to walk around in the daytime and even on busier evenings. But if you are interested in wandering around and poking into shops and stopping for lunch at an interesting little spot, it still isn't the right choice - yes, there are some cultural activities but Acapulco is really about sun all day, followed by a nap and a big 10pm dinner (and then the discos if you are younger than me).

Have you been to Oaxaca or San Miguel Allende? If I was thinking about a solo Mexico vacation and wasn't looking for a the beach I would consider one of these. They are both towns where you can get out and walk all over on your own, lots of art, crafts and food and there are very nice places to stay in both. The downside in January is that the weather will be pleasant but it won't be hot. And I've never been to Puerta Vallarta, but it sounds like it might be a good mix of both culture and heat in January.

suze

I was watching this post with interest as I wondered similarly for myself (if Acapulco would be a good destination).

I vacation solo in Mexico, most often choosing Puerto Vallarta. It is very safe, easy to get around, people are friendly, town is interesting. But it does not offer art, museums, and such though certainly there are excellent restaurants, spas, and local culture to be enjoyed.

lovesprada

For museums and serious art there is no substitute for Mexico City. It isn't the easiest place for a visitor but well worth a few days on the way to or from a more relaxing vacation spot.

Suze, you know so much about PV it would be interesting to see you compare it with Acapulco. When we lived in Mexico City it was a four hour drive to Acapulco so we never bothered going to other places when we wanted the beach.

shar992

Both of you offer useful information and I thank you profusely for the truthful insights. I have read much on San Miguel Allende and am enamored with what I read and I will take a look at Oaxaca. It would not bother me that the weather would be moderate vs. hot. The important thing is that it is not snow.

suze

Believe me I'd love nothing better than to do a comparative study of Acapulco, Zijuat/Ixtapa, Mazatlan vs my experiences in Puerto Vallarta (where I've been many many times) for the solo female traveler.

For me San Miguel and Oaxaca are a bit further down my list only because i am a dedicated ocean/beach person.

pedromex

you can mix some destinations and involved in local art, in acapulco french aliance organise events of art, in the area of san miguel allende galleries and stores with art, mexico city have events all weekends of art, i am art promotor here..


I live in mexico city so write me if you need more specific information
http://members.virtualtourist.com/pedroebc

bye
pedro

gomexico

Most negative comments about ACA I read are from people who want to be in Mexico . . . but without the Mexicans around them. ACA is the most popular destination in the country for Mexicans, and that's why I go there. I don't go to Mexico to be with people like myself. As for your hotel, I suggest you move in-town. The El Cano or Villa Vera might suit you.