Hotel Los Flamingos

Los Flamingos is one of those rare places that make you stop and relax (and maybe inspire a novel in the process) -- but that's only so long as you're not coming here expecting vestiges of Hollywood glamour. The hotel was built in 1932 and started out as a private club. During Hollywood’s Golden Age, celebrities like John Wayne, Cary Grant, Errol Flynn, and Johnny Weissmuller, the actor who played Tarzan, were regulars at Los Flamingos. In fact, the choicest suite here is called Casa Tarzan after him. Black-and-white pictures (many signed by the actors) line the walls leading from the open-air lobby to the restaurant. However, these days things are looking far more tired, which may disappoint travelers who come here to be close to the hotel's storied history. The setting doesn't disappoint, though, as the property is situated atop a tall, scrub-covered cliff and has fantastic of Pacific Ocean sunsets. During migration season, whale sightings are common. Hotel guests are generally retirees from the United States, France, and Canada, although locals and their families flock here on the weekends. 

Los Flamingos is located in sleepy Fraccionamiento Las Playas, a hilly neighborhood with stunning cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There are a few convenience stores within a two-minute walk from the hotel, but that’s about it in terms of local services. Getting everywhere requires either a long walk or wheels. Unfortunately, while the hotel overlooks the ocean, it isn't possible to swim here. Caleta Beach -- the closest option -- is a five-minute drive away. There are also a few other beaches less than a 10-minute drive from the hotel. La Quebrada, a famous Acapulco destination where cliff-divers jump from an 80-foot cliff, is a six-minute drive from the hotel. Downtown Acalpulco is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The Acapulco Historical Museum, located in the 17th-century Fort San Diego is a 13-minute drive away. It's a 15-minute drive to the bus station, and General Guan N. Alvarez International Airport is an hour away by car.

The rooms at Los Flamingos are past their prime, which is unfortunate in a hotel that has such a storied history. Categories include Standard, Superior, Junior Suites, and the standalone Casa Tarzan. The Junior Suites and Superior Rooms have air-conditioning, but the others are fan and ocean-breeze cooled. In general, all rooms have textured white, brown, or cayenne-painted walls, king or two double beds with old-school bedspreads, tube TVs with cable channels, phones, and Art-Deco styled writing desks. Other noteworthy, if dated, accents include sconces and mirrors framed with seashells. The best part of many rooms are the patios or private balconies. With their ocean views, plus Adirondack-style chairs or hammocks, they are gorgeous places to soak up the ocean views and sunsets. Rooms without ocean views tend to be dark and cave-like, so it's worth the upgrade. Bathrooms are basic, with tile walls and floors, stall showers, and limited toiletries. During our 2017 visit, hairdryers weren’t available but were scheduled to be added, so check ahead. There are no safes, but valuables can be stored with the front desk. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, but we noticed that the signal was weak to non-existent in some rooms. 

Without a doubt, the hotel’s best feature is the amazing ocean view from the event terrace, restaurant, and pool. The gorgeous freshwater pool is surrounded by plenty of seating, and has palapas for shade as well. There’s also a thatch-roofed pool bar. Puente del Sol, the hotel’s Mexican and seafood restaurant, gets mixed reviews but has live music on select nights. It’s also the where the Coco Loco cocktail was invented. Selva Vida is the hotel’s gift shop and sells clothes, lotion, and other knickknacks. Taxi drivers often pass by the hotel, but the front desk can call taxis and assist in arranging rental cars. There’s a big book exchange in the lobby. Laundry service and room service are also available. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, but the signal is hit or miss depending on where on the property you happen to be. Parking is also free.