Articles Mentioning Budget

Loreto Boutique Hotel

Two-pearl Loreto Boutique Hotel is a small family-run place that’s packed with history and has a great central location right on the Plaza de Armas. The hotel provides a buffet breakfast, and other useful trekker services like luggage storage, transfers, and free oxygen and coca tea to help with altitude sickness. The 12 rooms are a good size, come in multiple configurations, and are bright, even though many lack exterior windows. Being so central has its downsides, of course. Frequent celebrations in the square and general street noise can be disturbing at night. If this is an issue, guests might prefer to look at La Posada del Viajero Hostal, which is set just a couple of blocks from the square and has a lovely interior courtyard garden. 

Hotel Villas Paraiso

The Hotel Villas Paraiso is a decent two-pearl option just outside of downtown Ixtapa. All 96 suites are spacious and simple, with separate bedrooms, full refrigerators, and living rooms. Spotty housekeeping and faulty air-conditioners can be an issue. Features include a busy open-air restaurant for Mexican breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, as well as a spacious pool terrace that includes plenty of seating. With a handful of common areas, a small children’s pool, and spacious rooms, this is a fine option for families and leisure travelers on a budget. As an alternative, check out Holiday Inn Royal Ixtapa, which has more amenities and sits on the beach. Just keep in mind that rates there are higher.

Ocean Sands

Ocean Palms is a two-pearl oceanfront hotel that’s a quick walk from Ocho Rios’ bustling commercial heart. The 23 humble rooms are a mix of fan or air-conditioned units that look a bit dated, plus king or double beds, free Wi-Fi, and private ocean-view balconies or terraces. For even more ocean views, there’s a pool surrounded by plastic lounge chairs plus a sandy oceanfront. However, it’s best used for swimming to the offshore reef. Amenities may improve with ongoing work — there was extensive construction during our 2017 visit — and an oceanfront restaurant and bar is in the works. For an alternative oceanfront stay with a pool, ocean views, and air-conditioned rooms, it’s worth checking into Silver Seas Resort Hotel instead.