Saturday, December 4, 2010

Acapulco Attractions

There are a lot of Acapulco attractions that can entice you from the sea, sand, and pool.  Acapulco is one of the best and lively places to spend your vacation, with endless activities to do, beautiful beaches to get a great tan, and breathtaking views to enjoy. There are four indispensable geographic areas of interest for sightseers in Acapulco and resorts are easily explored.

Old Acapulco and downtown area is the traditional heart of the city, well-known for its bustling seaside boardwalk, Main Square which was remodeled in 1996, San Diego Fort, and the Famous La Quebrada.  Acapulco attractions have the clamor and stimulation of a tropical harbor in its downtown area, although they may not be appealing to everyone because of its busy tempo and seaport unpleasantness.  The Main Square or Zocalo is a charming tree-shaded plaza swarming with activities and faces one of Mexico’s more odd churches, the Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Church.  This church has a bleak white exterior and two bulb-shaped blue and yellow-tiled spires, actually looking more Russian Orthodox than Mexican.

San Diego Fort is a short walk from the church, perched on a hill that overlooks the harbor.  Originally built in 1616, then rebuilt in its present form following an immense earthquake in 1776, the fort was the staging area for the loading and unloading of the Manila Fleet, served to protect the lucrative trade link from Dutch and English pirates. The fort is a classic five-point bastion enclosed by moat and where a fascinating museum is housed.

Pie de la Cuesta and Coyuca Lagoon is located ten kilometers west of the city and is loved for its country, palm-lined beach and dreamy sunsets.  The nearby lagoon is an exotic setting famous for its tropical vegetation, wildlife, and tiny islands.  If ever you get tired from the busy streets of the downtown area, take a bus or a taxi to this open stretch of Pacific Ocean beach, resting between the crashing Pacific Ocean on one side, and the picturesque Coyuca Lagoon on the other.  The main feature of this awesome place is its flaming tropical sunsets where you can just grab a hammock, order a cool refreshing coconut gin specialty, and just relax. 

Paradise on Condesa Beach is one of Acapulco attractions which feature bungee jumping and full-service beach club.  The Papagayo Park is a fifty-two acre playland and one of the best parks in Mexico.  This park has plenty of carnival rides, Manila galleon replica, magnificent aviary, and winding tree-lined paths which is great for family fun.  Puerto Marques and Revolcadero Beach are Acapulco attractions that should not be missed. Marques is located on the southeast between the airport and town which is a lovely bay of white sand beaches surrounded by jungle-clad mountains.  The Revolcadero Beach is a wide swath of white sand beaches bordered with tropical plantations and palm groves and a delight to open-ocean surfers with its long stretches of sand.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Acapulco Spring Break

Although it feels like spring break in Acapulco year round, during March the city changes into a party paradise with Acapulco spring break vacationers. The Golden Zone along the Costera becomes alive with huge flocks of students and just about everyone else enjoying a great break in Acapulco.  Together with Easter and the week after Christmas, Acapulco spring breaks are the high season for vacations in Acapulco.

The hotels and beaches are filled with ‘hangover’ gringas and gringos during the day, and the discos and bars are crammed with a blend foreigners and locals every night till the sun comes up.  Acapulco spring break is one of the best times and a great occasion to meet new people and enjoy the company of the Mexican locals.

Acapulco spring break starts from the last week of February and continues through the month of March. This five weeks of spring seems to be the city’s craziest times, starting from week one’s “full of fun on the edge of crazy” atmosphere with typical party craziness, sometimes out of control, till the fifth week.  However, most of the students and visitors are only out to party, dance, and drink the night away and the city still keeps its safety and order.

If you’re planning an Acapulco spring break vacation, you can either get a package through an agency, usually on your campus, or for more independence and flexibility, you can do you own reservations and choose a favorite club every night.  The most famous Acapulco spring break hotels are Hotel Copacabana, Crowne Plaza, Hyatt Regency, and Fiesta Americana. However, if you’re looking for something a little less expensive but still nice, the Romano Palace is a good choice.  Reserving well ahead of time before your arrival is a must to avoid any problems.

During spring breaks, the most popular discos in Acapulco include Palladium, Mandara, El Alebrije, Disco beach, and Baby‘O.  All throughout March these discos are jam-packed and showing up by 11:00 is advisable to beat the crowd.  The Paladium is one of the most popular Acapulco discos that feature an excellent atmosphere, service and view.  If you’re in this disco don’t miss the silver fire dancer at 4:00am.  This disco is overly crowded during spring breaks so you may want to put ‘waiting’ on your vocabulary.  The Mandara is another disco which is in the prime location in Las Brisas, just a short walk from the Paladium and other restaurants. The club is very nice suited for couples and groups of four because of its layout which is a stadium with lots of tables and bars at the back.  This night club is definitely elegant and beautiful for enjoying a date or being seen in the elite crowd.

Spending your spring break in Acapulco will absolutely give you a once in a lifetime experience with the city’s natural beauty, lively night-life, as well as excellent Mexican spirit of the locals.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Acapulco Real Estate

Acapulco is home to one of the most spectacular views in the world, the Acapulco Bay, together with its breathtaking natural beauty, tropical climate, postcard beaches, explosive night-life, gourmet restaurants, and unending activities. This place is sought after not only by tourists but the ‘rich and famous’ as well.

If you’re considering owning or renting a tropical second home for retiring in Mexico, or the cold winter weather, or even investing in a residential or commercial property, good deals can be found in Acapulco real estate. Acapulco real estate features a range of residential properties including condos, apartments, houses, luxury villas, and land. Acapulco condos can be very affordable even with those located on the beach with great view of Acapulco bay and can enable a lot of people to live and retire in this tropical paradise city on a very self-effacing budget.

 JQ Real Estate offers home, condominiums for sale, and villas with all price range, and is of the Acapulco real estate agency that’s highly recommended.  Another Acapulco real estate agency is the Ignacio Aragon Real Estate that has properties for sale and short or long-term rentals. Some Acapulco real estate agencies offer commercial properties including commercial leases, lots, and even local businesses for sale. 

When purchasing an Acapulco real estate or properties in Mexico, non-Mexican citizens can own and buy real estate in Mexico except those properties located in the coastal and border areas.  Although Acapulco is obviously located in a coastal area, foreigners can still buy a property through a 50-year “Trust”.  When this trust expires, the Mexican government will issue the owner a new permit for another 50 years.  Considering the process, you may want to procure the services of a local attorney who’s an expert with Mexican laws. 

Here are two of the featured Acapulco real estate properties that you may want to check:

La Cima Villas
This four luxury villas development is located in the hills of La Cima overlooking the Acapulco Bay, which were designed by Acapulco’s renowned architect, Franco Javier Larios.  The designs and size of the villas are comparable to those villas priced two to three times higher, making them an attractive real estate property for buyers.

Casa Clarisa
This luxury villa has a beautiful view of Acapulco bay located in Marina Brisas.  The villa is a five-bedroom 6-bathroom villa, which is fully furnished that includes pool and Jacuzzi, sauna, fitness room, home cinema, air-conditioning, and huge walk-in closet, and is also exquisitely decorated.  Includes a parking for three autos and is private and secure.

Acapulco real estate has a wide array of choices from the most elegant and expensive villas, to the modest ones that will suit every need of a home seeker in this tropical paradise city.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Acapulco Restaurants

Because of its size alone, Acapulco offers more restaurants than any other Mexican resort.  Various specialized cuisines available, one will find an astonishing assortment of quality Acapulco restaurants.  Acapulco is the abode of some of the best restaurants in Mexico that may sometimes reflect on the prices.  Not to worry though because many exquisite spots to dine offer a great setting and reasonable price as well.  A lot of some of the improved restaurants can be found on the hills and cliffs around the bay that make for an incredibly romantic setting.

One of the best Acapulco restaurants to enjoy the evening sunset and the city below as it lights up for the night, is at the south side of the bay on Carretera Escenica, where Señor Frogs is located and serves great food and drink. Here are some top choices and recommended Acapulco restaurants:

Madeiras Restaurante
This attractive restaurant is a ‘must’ to tourist visiting Acapulco. Some tourist would comment that not dining in Madeiras when in Acapulco is like not being in Acapulco at all. This restaurant offers a great setting with a great view of the city and offers delicious and exquisite cuisine to satisfy ones discriminating taste.

Bellavista
This restaurant’s menu, service and of course the view, gives a maximum expression of the restaurant together with its contemporary décor. Bellavista international fine cuisine restaurant opens for breakfast at 8-11am and dinner 7-11pm.  Every dish in this superb restaurant is presented as a work of art with exotic flavors.  This famous restaurant is located in Hotel Las Brisas Acapulco and overlooks the entire bay.  The restaurant also offers live Piano music bringing a romantic ambiance under the stars.

La Perla
This is one of Acapulco’s restaurants where one can enjoy a unique setting of the cliff of La Quebrada, the moon and stars and spend and unforgettable evening watching the famous cliffdivers show while dining in this elegant and fancy restaurant.

La Vela
This restaurant is set on a deck that juts out into the Pichilingue Bay.  This restaurant features a setting unlike no other, with open-air dining spot by a dramatic roof that replicates a huge white sail.

Other Acapulco restaurants include El Olvido, Mezzanotte, Kookaburra, Suntory de Acapulco, Carlos ‘N Charlie’s, Casa Nova, Coyuca 22, Señor Frog’s, Tabachin, Veranda, and Hard Rock Café.

Whether right on the beach or under the stars with a breathtaking full view of the most gorgeous bay in the world, Acapulco dining is one of the most unforgettable experiences you will come across. Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, International, and many more, hundreds of dining options with all the styles of food, venues, and vistas is what this city is all about.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Acapulco Hotels

Mexico’s first real beach resorts and hotels are in Acapulco.  Acapulco hotels are one of the most desirable hotels and resort destinations for tourists and travelers who want to experience elegance, glamour, excellent service, and lively activities, not to mention of course great locations on the best breathtaking views of the city.

Acapulco hotels are enjoying renewed interest after much modernization and the large choice of Acapulco hotels can be very confusing at times.  Here are some top of the list Acapulco Hotels that you may want to book your stay with:

Las Brisas Acapulco
This is one of Acapulco hotels that feature the most breathtaking view of Acapulco’s bay and sunsets, in a pink and white hillside paradise.  This hotel is located on a hillside high above the famous Acapulco bay hidden away among the forty acres of lush hibiscus gardens. This elite resort has two hundred sixty three guest Casitas each having private or semi-private pools.

Camino Real Acapulco Diamante
This hotel is tucked into the steep mountainside overlooking the scenic bay of Puerto Marques.  This hotel seems to be sculpted in the rock, with golden-walls that harmonize with the turquoise blue of the sea where you can get a beautiful tan, and its diverse green hues of the lush vegetation surrounding it.  This hotel has one hundred fifty six exquisitely decorated rooms and suites that have a scenic view of Puerto Marques Bay.  Enjoy breakfast on your private terrace or have a tropical cocktail at sunset.  This hotel is the perfect getaway of your dreams.

Quinta Real
This hotel is a place to see and be seen in a splendid location with a brilliant view of the Pacific Ocean right on the beach of Punta Diamante.  This hotel also features two beautiful restaurants, one located on the beach, and both offering gourmet International and Mexican cuisine. Other features of the hotel include two swimming pools, beach club where guests can relax in the shade of fresh palapa.  The elegance and comfort of this hotel is reflected in their magnificent suites beautifully decorated and equipped with a lot of amenities, including the grand class suites that have their own Jacuzzi.

Hyatt Regency Acapulco
This family friendly resort is amidst the coconut palms and blue waters of Acapulco Bay.  The hotel resort offers breathtaking views, fun-filled children’s program, and a large beach.  This hotel includes distinctive restaurants, refreshing pools, unique shopping, inviting spa, and dining and entertainment nearby.  Guests of this hotel will absolutely have endless things to do and fun is on top of the list.

Hotel Elcano Acapulco
This hotel is ideally situated for even the most astute visitors, located along a strip of Acapulco Bay shoreline.  Hotel Elcano has a welcoming atmosphere that highlights friendly and hospitable service.  The deluxe hotel also features excellent facilities as well as comfortable guest rooms and public areas.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Acapulco Mexican Restaurants

Acapulco dining is definitely one of the exciting experiences that you can have in this city.  This city has more restaurants than any other Mexican resort because of its size alone.  Acapulco is the abode of some of the best restaurants that offer various gourmet cuisines from international dishes, to Italian, to Japanese, to Mexican. The choices are endless and sometimes a confused visitor is left with the thrilling experience of tasting them all.

A lot of visitors however, prefer to indulge in the local taste of Mexico’s dishes of exotic spice, lush tropical foods and fresh seafood and often times look for Acapulco Mexican restaurants.  Chili and peppers abound the flavors of Mexican foods.  The ancho, poblano, pastille, and jalapeño are radiant flavors that constitute most of Mexican dishes and a favorite of Acapulco Mexican restaurants.

One of the most famous Acapulco Mexican restaurants that take pride in a truly authentic Mexican Cuisine is the La Hacienda.  La Hacienda is North America’s only AAA 4-Diamond Mexican restaurant where one can taste some of the finest of tequilas and cuisine while being serenaded by strolling Mariachis.  One can experience the majesty of a blazing coffee drink while La Hacienda holds their guests with the finest of Mexican food and hospitality.

The Ricky’s Restaurant is an on-site restaurant of the Hotel La Palapa and features authentic New Mexican and American cuisine. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7am to 9pm.  The Cocula is one of Acapulco Mexican restaurants that serve traditional Mexican cuisine; you can just relax and be cool as the restaurant offers an informal ambiance.  El Cabrito is another of Acapulco Mexican restaurants that offers Mexican dishes such as Cabrito, charcoal broiled steaks, Oaxacan mole and Tequila shrimp, including the best Piña Colada in Acapulco.  El Fogon offers Mexican cuisine such as pozole, enchiladas, and other Mexican specialties. La Margarita Mexican restaurant with Mexican food at its finest in a balcony with wonderful view of Acapulco Bay.  Los Rancheros is another Mexican restaurant in Acapulco that is suggested for lunch, they offer great Mexican cuisine and a casual ambiance.  El Olvido offers both French and Mexican cuisine; the restaurant has an informal setting in a great tropical garden beside the sea that can let you enjoy a cooking experience that joins loveliness of high Mexican cuisine.

Some of the other Acapulco Mexican restaurants include Bambuco, El Jorongo Bar, El Mexicano, El Secreto, El Sombrero, El Zorrito, Fersato’s, Fogon, Gaviotas, Julio’s Mexico Lindo, La Casona Del Granjero, La Catrina, La Granja, La Tortuga, Los Arcos, Los Braseritos, Los Pavorreales, Pozoleria Alejandra, Pozoleria Los Cazadores, Tacostumbras, and Zapata, Villa Y Compania. Get a taste of Acapulco’s great Mexican restaurants and savor the tang of real Mexican cooking and spirit.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Acapulco Mexico

Acapulco Mexico is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world.  It is located in the state of Guerrero on Mexico’s western coast that borders the Pacific Ocean. This lively city brags of its many luxurious hotels with the most magnificent views of Acapulco Bay.  Acapulco Mexico has an international airport that draws visitors mainly from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia; however you’ll also meet people from all over the globe enticed by this amazing city.

This beautiful city has earned a lot of titles such as ‘the city that never sleeps’ because of its unending activities from playing on the beach all day, to partying in clubs all night till sunrise.  Acapulco Mexico has also been tagged as ‘the queen of Mexican beach resorts’ that are very popular year-round for both foreign and domestic guests.  Acapulco Mexico is all world-famous for several firsts such as the ‘birthplace’ of Mexican tourist industry.

Acapulco Mexico’s introduction of international vacation institutions such as parasailing, the swim-pool bar, disco, rooms with private swimming pools, hotels shaped like pyramids, cliff diving, and tequila “poppers” has been utterly shown appreciation.  It also displays the cheery, carnival ambiance for which Mexico is famous for.

Resort activities in Acapulco Mexico centers around three areas.  Starting from the south of Acapulco Bay near the airport is the Playa Revolcadero or Diamante area.  This area used to be privately dominated by two resorts, the Acapulco Princess and Pierre Marques resort.  Now, this long stretch of open ocean beach backed by huge tropical lagoon is now the abode of the Mayan Palace, the Tres Vidas Golf Course, and a number of high-rise condos and apartments.

To the north between the airport and Acapulco Bay is the Puerto marques area which is a peaceful bay.  It was of no interest to developers for years but is now the site of the gigantic Acapulco Diamante resort and residential development.  And last but not the least, is the spectacular Acapulco Bay with mountain-framed natural harbor that competes with Hong Kong and the Rio de Janeiro for natural exquisiteness.  A main road descends from the steep cliffs of the bay’s southern end that becomes the coastal Avenida Miguel Alemán or known as the Costera.  This area is the center of Acapulco’s resort strip and dwelling to almost all of Acapulco’s high-rise hotels, dining, shopping, and non-stop nightlife.  The Costera goes on further to the north along the bay toward Old Acapulco and the antique but partially renovated downtown area.

Acapulco Mexico is the loudest, largest and most lively city in Mexico, thanks to its dazzling bars, discos, clubs, and “Las Vegas-Mexican Style” atmosphere, minus the gambling.  This stunning city will undoubtedly fit all types of guests, from honeymooners, to families, to the adventurous, and to the party seekers.