welch

Thinking about visiting Zihua for New Years but have found so little "personal" information on the town. Even tripadvisors boards aren't heavily visited. Is there a reason for this? Some of what I've read here isn't flattering and the ta board is contentious, at best. Does this speak to the town? We've traveled to the Riviera Maya and Cabo this year.
Any first hand information is appreciated. I know Stewbear often chimes in and I would love to hear from him- but anyone else, as well!

suze

I've seen mention of a specific Zihuat forum. Hopefully Stewbear will see your post and chime in. I'm very interested in going myself (I've been only to La Paz, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico). My friends who have been love it. I think there isn't as much buzz simply because it's a much smaller town.

welch

Thanks, Suze.
I know you're a big PV fan. We considered that but have been many times and wanted to try something new- and warmer!
Some of my hesitation is around the cleanliness of the ocean in the area.
And I seem to be getting mixed signals about the town.

Percy

There is not much not to like about Zihuatanejo.

Your sort of get 2 for 1

Ixtapa the Tourist resort place and 20 minutes away , Zihuatanejo, a quaint Mexican place , where most of the locals live that work inZihuatanejo.

I agree, hopefully Stewbear will read this , he lives there.!

Stewbear

Not quite Percy. Many Many of us "tourists" vacation, live & hang in Zihuatanejo. Lots of hotels, inns, B & B, apartments Etc both on & off the beaches. Anything from The Tides at up to (& more) $1,000 US a night to a place such as the Vic-Mar a bare bones but clean hotel with a private bath/hot water for about $15 US a night. All prices in between. Some of my favorites is Brisas del Mar (not to be confused with Las Brisas, Ixtapa) on my favorite beach Playa Madera. It has possibly the finest view on Mexico's West Coast from Huge Balconies from EVERY room. Another is Hotel Solimar Suites a great apartment/hotel off the beach with a nice pool, secure very clean apartments with balconies. Many Many others.
The Beaches are much nicer than PV for the most part. Great restaurants again at all price points. From The Rico-Mar in Pozole Alley where a full dinner can be had for under $3 US with sit down wait on you service to $100 a plate at "View Restaurants". Lots of cafés in the $7 to $15 range including Chendos, Letys, The Marina Café, Casa Vieja & dozens of others. People are very friendly & a walk the streets alone at all times of day & night.
Ixtapa 4 miles 7 one bay away is a built for tourist miniature Cancun. A row of high rise hotels, golf courses, a long man made beach & expensive shops/restaurants. almost all the Hotels are AI & do not allow outsiders with only a couple of exceptions. Lots of expensive private homes & a large Marina full of multi-million dollar yachts.
A great web site is Zihuatanejo.net. Write me with any specific questions.

welch

Thanks so much, Stew. Is New Year a good choice for a first visit?
We're looking at some of the smaller properties that don't allow children.. Villa Carolina and La Quinta Troppo come to mind (although Troppo's pool looks a little "challenged").
Any thoughts on these or others in their ilk would be wonderful!

Stewbear

Well as I said my first choice would be Brisas del Mar but they do accept kids so guess that's out. Not sure about Villa Carolina but La Quinta is adult only. Keep in mind neither of these properties are really on the beach but overlook it. It's a long hike down (from La Quinta) although cabs are available. Carolina is a bit of a hike but not nearly as far. Both Properties are real first class operations & either a good choice. You can take the bus into town or a cab for 30 pesos. Hike it at least once through Playa Madera & then the bay side walkway which is lit at night.
New years is fine but of course it's a bit crowded with both Gringos Y Mexican Nationals flocking to the Beaches for the Holidays. Since the New toll road to Morelia a lot more Nationals enjoy the area which to me is a plus adding to the cultural experience.
Here's a nice site for Inns http://www.zihua-hotel.com/location.html in case you wish to check out some others.

welch

I checked with Brisas del Mar and they were sold out. It does look like a pretty property. I think because it's such a busy time that it would be more comfortable with no children.
My own have long since grown but I'm not in grandparent mode yet. I think I'll enjoy these years!!
Thanks for the website. I'll browse.

Stewbear

Here's a great house that my amigo owns & rents out but no pool. http://www.casa-amarilla-zihua.com/

Stewbear

PS The House is near many of the Best Restaurants, Not the most expensive in fact all modest but great food.

txgirlinbda

Went to Zihua in June last year, (stayed at Brisas Del Mar) and we loved every minute of our ten days there. I'm usually a day-trip and activities kind of tourist, but our days revolved around late breakfasts, the pool, the beach and the beer - then a nap, a stroll in to town for supper and more beer. I can't wait to go back! FOr all my good intentions, I never even made it over to Ixtapa to have a look around.

welch

This sounds great! We can't wait!
My only issue is deciding which property to book.
We're now looking at La Villa on the low end and Tetaciones on the high end.

Stewbear

PS Just for the Record I do not live in Zihuatanejo but spend up to 3 months a year there.
I actually live in The Bay area but spend 3 months each year camping in the Trinity Alps of Northern California (May through July)plus the fore mentioned 3 in Mexico. The rest of the time I am "stuck" mostly in the San Francisco Bay Area. I know not much of a life! LOL

welch

Stew or anyone else familiar with the area..
Any thoughts on La Villa? It looks great but we would love to have a hotel/inn that has real views from the pool out to the Bay.

Stewbear

I've never toured here & really know nothing about it.
A great view spot is http://www.laquintadedonandres.com/rooms.html

Here's a whole bunch more to cinfuse you! LOL
http://www.zihuatanejo.net/hotels.html

welch

With a pool it would be perfect! Thanks for the suggestion.

sflsf

I'm glad to have stumbled upon this forum, as my husband and I are making a quick 5-day getaway to Zihua at the end of this week. We'll be there for Day of the Dead. A few questions for you Stewbear, if you wouldn't mind (btw, we're from San Francisco as well!):

Do you have any recommendations for horseback riding, kayaking, and snorkeling in the area? Is Playa Las Gatas the best beach for snorkeling?

We're staying at Brisas del Mar so I'm glad to hear your positive comments ... we want to just kick around the town and lay on the beach. We wanted to avoid the touristy restaurants and all-in package deals and find the family-run places right on the beach or close to it. It sounds like there are plenty of them right on La Madera. Is it worth it to hit all the other beaches (Municipal, La Ropa, Las Gatas)?

Is Troncones worth a visit? Are there any other outlying towns or beaches we shouldn't miss? We're probably gonna bypass Ixtapa completely.

Any other thoughts you have would be great. I hear we're right at the end of the low season and it could be rainy. As long as it's warm, we don't care, really.

Thanks for anything you're willing to share. And you sound like you have a lovely lifestyle going on!

Stewbear

Best day trip beach is Barra de Potosi a dirt road fishing Village on a 9 1/2 mile beach that changes it's name 3 times including Blanca. A number of beach cafés, a safe surf & best of all a large Lagoon where you can rent Kayaks. Lots of wildlife in the lagoon. Please visit the Children's Library & give a donation if you can.
Troncones is a lovely beach with a very rough surf best for surfing but just to strong for most swimmers. A great place to spend a day in Mi Casa Su Casa a most lovely Inn where for the price of a delicious but inexpensive lunch you can use all of their facilities including pool, beach chairs/palapas & Gym.
Unfortunately all the beach front lots have been gobbled up by Gringos resulting in few Mexican places. Even the Burros that once wandered the beach are gone, Still it's a magnificent beach!
Petatlan a 45 minute bus trip has one of the very few Gold Markets in Mexico with several dozens of stalls where you may purchase gold/silver items. Also a number of Gold Tallers (makers) have shops around town. The regular stores have excellent prices probably 30 % cheaper than even Zihua. A lovely town square with a couple of nice cafés along with a most unique all white church that has a Jesus Negro (Black Jesus) said the preform Miracles brings lots of Mexican pilgrims.
The Town is clean with well kept houses. I have walked most of the streets in my many visits always feeling welcome.
Snorkeling is not very good anywhere in the area but the best is Las Gatas or Ixtapa Isle. I prefer Las Gatas mostly because easier to get to with a short water taxi ride from Zihua's El Centro. Also good cafés to choice from. I recommend Otila's the second to last Restaurant away from the dock. Beach shoes are essential as much of the beach has Coral on it.
Yes definitely spend a day or two on La Ropa Zihua's prettiest beach. I highly recommend Rossy's to spend the day with no Chair fees or Minimum purchase required unlike the Notorious Rip off place named La Perla.
Municipal beach is not recommended swimming beach but is where many of the downtown Cafés are located with views of the entire bay.

sflsf

Thanks for tips, Stewbear. What's the weather like at this time of year? I keep checking the forecast and it says 30 to 70 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms every day. Are the storms like the tropical quickies you get in Hawaii? Or are there whole days at this time of year since it's the tail-end of the rainy season?

Stewbear

Actually It was raining today but should be over by tomorrow. Then probably sunny skies for the season. I have seen rain every month of the year but The 'normal" season is Late June to mid October.PS Ingnore those rip & read weather forecasts as they are the same every day.