Hotel Villa Mexicana

Hotel Villa Mexicana aims to pack plenty of Mexican-inspired charm into a small package -- and for those who don't come expecting tricked-out digs, it might accomplish just that. Situated directly on Playa La Ropa, the hotel has an open layout, which is perfect for capturing the beach breezes as the spacious lobby blending into pool terraces overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Down on the sand, the private beach area bustles from morning into the night, with families and lots of kids playing all around. Two smaller (and quieter) pools are situated in a small courtyard behind the beachfront rooms, for any couples who'd prefer a more peaceful atmosphere while they sunbathe. The restaurant, Dona Prudencia, is open throughout the day and is usually busy during main meal times, with the bar maintaining a steady stream of guests throughout the day. There are a handful of other hotels and restaurants in the area near the hotel, but the Villa Mexicana’s location at the end of the road ensures that while the hotel is busy, there isn’t much street noise nearby. 

Hotel Villa Mexicana has an enviable location for those who don't need much more than sand and sun. It sits right on Playa La Ropa, but set back from the main road so that it almost feels secluded. There are a few restaurants and small shops within a two-minute walk of the hotel, while the bustling restaurants of downtown Zihuatanejo are a 10-minute drive from the hotel. In town, it's worth strolling the the popular boardwalk, Paseo del Pescador, which runs along busy Playa La Madera. The small resort town of Ixtapa is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, where travelers can find the Ixtapa Golf Course, Marina Ixtapa, and the start of the ciclopista (bike path). Guests should allow at least 25 minutes to reach Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Airport by car.

There are 64 rooms at the Hotel Villa Mexicana, and all of them are spacious and simple. Each features either one king-size bed or two double beds with white bedding and beige bed runners. The concrete nightstands and head boards, while derived from traditional pueblo architecture, don't make the softest impression. Colors throughout the rooms are beige, blue, and white, in accord with the seaside location. The mosaic tile design on the beige floor adds little pops of color to the rooms, though we did spot a bit of wear during our visit. There is plenty of storage space. Standard features include flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning, but there are no mini-fridges or coffeemakers. Additionally, while Wi-Fi is free, it doesn't work well in many rooms. Most rooms feature balconies or patios with table-and-chair sets, and many rooms have stunning ocean views or lead directly to the pools. Guests should note that the rooms closest to the pools tend to be noisier. Bathrooms are spacious and relatively modern, decked in tan marble and including contemporary touches like vessel sinks. Rainfall stall showers come standard, as do toiletries, hairdryers, and towels. Limited free bottles of water are also provided.

Like any good mid-range hotel in this region, the Villa Mexicana has a decent number of features to keep everyone happy. The hotel is serviced by the casual beachfront restaurant, Dona Prudencia. Serving traditional Mexican fare alongside international items, the open-air space is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel also features a private beach area on Playa La Ropa. The fenced-in area has plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, with food and drink service provided by the restaurant. The property is centered around three pools, including one infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This option has a moderately sized terrace and toys for kids. However, it tends to get busy with families hanging out and children playing. There are also two smaller pools set among the hotel's courtyards that are usually quieter. A small shop is in the lobby, selling beachware, tourist items, and jewelry. Wellness options are limited at the Villa Mexicana, and while there is no spa, services can be arranged through the front desk. Laundry service is available as well. A gated parking lot is on offer, but there's a fee to park. The hotel stocks fresh drinking water throughout its main areas, which is a nice extra. Wi-Fi is free throughout the common areas, restaurant, and pool terraces, though doesn't work well in rooms.