Calinda Beach Acapulco

Calinda Beach opened in 1971 and it’s seen better days. Unfortunately, first impressions matter, and they aren't too inspiring here. Some of the furniture -- like the lime green lobby couches -- is outdated and could use a good cleaning. The hotel’s tropical, ocean-themed decor is full of nature-inspired paintings, including a wall-length mural of an ocean skyline or a large painting of scarlet macaws frolicking in the jungle. It's mostly about what's going on outdoors here, though, and that's where you'll find most guests all day. The hotel’s pool deck and beach are well maintained and its worth noting that in the mornings, the main pool is in the shade (a plus for some). It’s definitely a family-friendly hotel, and the freshwater pools filled up with splashing children during our visit. Luckily the second-story pool is much calmer and a better refuge for travelers looking for peace and quiet. It's not a fancy hotel, but can be a decent value for what's offered. In general, hotel guests are families from Mexico. Calinda Beach also hosts conventions and meetings, so sees its a fair share of business travelers as well. 

Calinda Beach is located in Acapulco’s Condesa neighborhood, an oceanfront area known for its bars and nightlife (most of which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel). Within a five-minute walk are restaurants serving a variety of cuisines plus a bank with an ATM. Oceanfront bungee jumping spot is a 10-minute walk from Calinda Beach, for adrenaline junkies. Families might check out Papagayo, a lush park with a small zoo, activities for kids, and walking trails that's a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The La Diana artisan market, probably the best place to buy local crafts and gifts, is a 15-minute walk, or quick five-minute drive away, while downtown Acapulco is 15 minutes away by car (depending on traffic). The show at La Quebrada is not to be missed, where divers jump from 80-foot cliffs into the crashing Pacific Ocean below (a 25-minute drive from the hotel). Expect a 30-minute drive to the airport.

The rooms at Calinda Beach are bright and airy, and get great breezes -- especially in rooms on higher floors. Decor includes tile floors and stucco walls, plus canary yellow accent walls behind the double (or king) beds. The only real accents are brash abstract paintings, and furniture is a mix of bamboo, rattan, and wood. Overall, it's not an offensive look, but isn't the most modern either. Maintenance issues can be a bummer, though, and some of the furniture is worn. It's also worth noting that noise travels between rooms pretty easily here. Connecting rooms are available for families. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, alarm clocks, flat-screen TVs with cable and premium movie channels, air-conditioning, free Wi-FI, luggage stands, and safes. All rooms also have small balconies (not big enough for chairs) with either breathtaking ocean views or mountain views of Acapulco. The hotel’s poshest offerings are the suites. These top-floor rooms are huge. Expect plush couches and love seats, glass-topped tables with seating for four, two double beds, and coffeemakers. The suites' best feature might be the two private balconies with seating. Entry-level bathrooms have stall showers, basic toiletries, and hairdryers. The suites have shower/tub combos. 

Calinda Beach has a perfect oceanfront location and fittingly, a gorgeous sandy beach. There are lots of lounge chairs (unless the tides are high or waves rough) as well as thatched cabanas. The only downside are the many vendors peddling their wares or massages on the beach -- an issue throughout Acapulco. The hotel’s main pool overlooks the ocean and is surrounded by plastic lounge chairs and umbrellas. It’s not a huge pool, but there are shallow areas designed for kids and a walk-up pool bar. There’s a second bar, called Aca Bar, opposite the walk-in pool bar. The hotel's second pool is located on a third-floor balcony and is the quieter of the two. It’s surrounded by a wooden deck with lounge chairs, and has mountain views.El Delfin, the hotel’s ocean-view buffet restaurant is located next to the main pool and serves tasty Mexican cuisine. There’s a live-cooking station, an a la carte menu, and room service is available until late. All-inclusive rates are available, but there are restrictions on what can be ordered. Banneret Centro Nocturno is the hotel’s nightclub with live music. Calinda’s kids' club offers activities for kids (mostly on weekends) and has an indoor jungle gym and a ball pit. Near the main pool is a jungle gym with a few small wooden forts. There’s also an 18-hole mini-golf course that’ll get the job done, but could use some TLC. For adults, the fitness center has treadmills, stationary bicycles, and dumbbells, and overlooks the pool and mountains behind the hotel. There are multiple meeting spaces and event rooms, the largest of which can fit up to 600 people and has amazing ocean views.The on-site convenience store sells sundries and snacks. There's a tour desk/ that can arrange water skiing, scuba diving, tours, guides, and car rentals. They can also assist in arranging baby sitters and massages. Laundry service is available. Valet is the only parking option, which is standard in Acapulco, but there’s a fee for the service. There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout Calinda Beach Acapulco.