$$$, Ixtapa
Fodor's Review:
Furnishings are an adroit mix of rustic and modern in this 11-story resort. Rooms are done in cheerful pastels with framed acrylic landscapes. Junior suites have views from both the living room and the bedroom. There aren't any private balconies, but windows that reach nearly from the floor to the ceiling open to the sea breezes. A children's pool with a slide lures kids away from the palm-shaded main pool, which has a swim-up bar. El Arrecife specializes in steak and fresh seafood dinners; the hotel is one of two (with the Barceló) to have the "Distinctivo H" classification, meaning its restaurant facilities meet high standards of cleanliness. The day spa is open to nonguests, and a shaman conducts cleansing rituals at the traditional sweat lodge. The all-inclusive price is only slightly higher than the European Plan.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip