Teri

Our family will travel to this area for 1 wk. next March. We are 6: my husband & I, one 16 yr.olds daughter & her (female) friend, one 19 yr. old daughter & her (male) friend. Clearly, we need a house with assorted sleeping arrangements but the problem is location. Has anyone stayed at Troncones? I'd like to play in the surf & relax, but methinks the kids would prefer dance clubs, etc. in Ixtapa. Is Ziuhatenejo a gd.compromise? I DON'T want them driving a rental car at night - none of them! Any opinions on these places, please help!

Susan

We were in Zihuatanejo last February and loved it. We didn't go to Troncones, but it might be a bit isolated and I would think you'd need a rental car. I didn't like Ixtapa, which is only a short distance from Zihuatanejo, but taxis or buses are readily available if you want to go there for an evening. One small note - when we were there, we heard numerous horror stories about the rough surf in Ixtapa. We didn't see more than 1 or 2 people actually in the water there - everyone seemed to be in hotel pools and I heard that it was quite dangerous in the ocean. That isn't the case in Zihuatanejo which has some nice swimming beaches. There's also no culture in Ixtapa whereas Zihuatanejo is an actual town. While it isn't quite the small fishing village that it once was, we really liked it. I would think that it is a good compromise - close enough to Ixtapa for those who want the clubs, etc., but relaxing enough for you. (Try the massage on the beach - that was relaxing!)

Peggy

I agree with Susan. We enjoyed Zih much more than Ixtapa but it was just my husband & I & we weren't looking for lots of entertainment. I think teenagers would definitely like Ixtapa more but it was only a $4.00 taxi ride away & they run all day & night.

Teri

Thank you, thank you! I was leaning toward Zih. and this clinches it. Perhaps a few of us will try a "day trip" out to Troncones. Thanks, Fodorites!

laurie

I agree with your previous recommendations. My husband & I recently went to Ixtapa on a Funjet trip, and we took the bus every day to Zihuat - it was much more what we were looking for. Spend a day at los gatos beach - take a ferry from the main pier in Zihaut (about 75 cents). You will love it! Good snorkeling and great food cooked on the beach to your specifications. Have a wonderful time!!

Debbie

Where has everyone stayed when in Ixtapa? <BR> <BR>Did Puerto Vallarta last year - how would an Ixtapa/Ziuhatenejo trip compare? Prefer more local flavor than anything else - not into all-inclusives either. <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Susan

We stayed in a place which I found on the internet through http://www.wwte.com/casas - they represent several places in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa. Specifically we stayed at Casas Tucanes - we had a lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom 'casa'. The family who own the property were very nice and helpful. I would highly recommend it. It wasn't right on the beach, but just a short walk from Playa la Ropa. It was extremely comfortable. It's considered a budget property in Zihuatanejo, but there are all price ranges on the internet site. They sent us all sorts of information prior to booking and we were very happy with the place. I'd definitely recommend it. <BR> <BR>