Villas Miramar

Villas Miramar is in the quaint historic zone of Zihuatanejo, and straddles a cobblestone street, with a beachfront hotel section and a garden area. The vibe here is tranquil, and there's not much for travelers who prefer lively party vibes. With just 18 rooms and the restaurant only serving breakfast and lunch, there isn’t much socializing done at the hotel. A snack bar serves drinks throughout the day to guests hanging out at the private beach area, though even that stays relatively peaceful. Expect to see mostly couples here, though families do pass through as well.

Villas Miramar is located within Zihuatanejo's small historic district, with half of the hotel sitting on Playa La Madera (the other half is across a quiet cobblestone street). There are restaurants along popular Paseo del Pescador, which is just a block from the hotel. Separated by the canal, downtown Zihuatanejo is a 10-minute walk from the property, and is home to restaurants, shops, and the town's market. Ixtapa -- a much larger resort town -- is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Guests should allow at least 20 minutes of travel time to get to the Ixtapa-Zijuatanejo Airport as well. Taxis are easy to find in the historic district, but most restaurants and stores are within easy walking distance of the hotel. Keep in mind that Guerrero -- where Zihuatanejo is located -- isn't the safest state in Mexico, and while travel between Zihuantanejo and Ixtapa is safe, heading farther afield should be done with vigilance.

There are 18 rooms here, most of which are in the garden section of the hotel, away from the beach. The style across the board is simple and colorful, though some of the furniture and accents could definitely use an update. Expect to see vibrant pinks, blues, and purples in artwork and tropical-print bedding. Most rooms feature sitting areas with cushioned concrete banquettes and heavy wooden coffee tables. All rooms include moderately sized balconies with basket lounge chairs. Most rooms have views of the garden, though a few have stunning vantages onto the ocean. Other standard features include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and TVs (some of which are still tube units). Keep in mind that Wi-Fi can be spotty. Bathrooms throughout are moderately sized, with showers and a decent amount of counter space. Toiletries and towels are provided.

The number of features on offer here match the hotel's small stature, and its most popular asset is the beachside setting. This is one of the few hotel's on this section of beach to offer private seating with palapas and beachside service. A small pool is situated adjacent to the beach club, while a second small pool is located across the road by the garden wing of the hotel. Both pools are small and generally not too busy, though there aren't any lounge chairs. Villas Miramar also features a casual poolside restaurant, El Jardin, serving traditional Mexican fare and more gringo-friendly dishes like nachos and quesadillas. A snack bar near the beach serves the same menu as well as a lighter dishes like hummus, guacamole, and fruit salads for lunch. There are a handful of common areas with wooden couches, rattan chairs, and a small lending library. Yoga classes are offered some mornings for an additional fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though it can be spotty.