adventureseeker

I am hooked on the Tides and La Casa Que Canta (never been to either, but their websites are dreamy), but we've got our 7 yr old in tow this trip.

Can anyone recommend a nice resort that is kid appropriate in the Ix/Z region?

Would love a property right on the beach with a mexican feel (palapas) and a decent pool.

All-inclusive would be a bonus.

Less than $400 a night would be ideal, but we'd possibly pay more.

Gracias!

Little_Man

The Club Med Ixtapa has gotten very good reviews. It was completely re-done a year ago, and sounds like a good family choice.

twelveoaks

The two hotels you mentioned are in Zihuatanejo as I'm sure you are aware and I'm not sure there would be much for a seven year old to do. Also, both of these are very expensive. My wife and I just returned from a week at the Barcelo in Ixtapa and it was nearly perfect.Also, it seems to be very kid friendly. If you do decide on the Barcelo I suggest you book with Apple vacations. I tried other web sites and Apple beat everyone's price and includes transportation from and to the airport which will save you $60 - $70.The Barcelo is all inclusive and also has nightly entertainment.The pool area is very nice as is the beach area and the beach is very clean.Go to Trip Advisor and type in Ixtapa hotels to get dozens of traveler reviews about the Barcelo as well as other hotels in that area.

adventureseeker

thx to both of you. I'll check them out!

I figured if we had the pool and the beach our little one would be happy and Mom and Dad would be happy to explore the rustic town of Z.

I stumbled across the Las Brisas in Ixtapa and it looks fab and the price is right, but I'm concerned that it may be too remote and quiet.

Yup, I wouldn't think of bringing our little one to Tides or Casa and stir up the Honeymooners that want a peaceful romantic stay.

chtiet

Las Brisas is great (used to to be a Camino Real, then a Westin). Amazing architecture (Legorreta - a famous architect in Mexico), but it is a tad quieter than the main strip in Ixtapa. The beach is 'private' - ie, you can only get to it from the hotel, or the water - so it's not that crowded. Cabs are always available, and it is a cheap 5-minute ride down to central Ixtapa. You could even walk it if so inclined. Oh yeah, all rooms used to have a hammock on the balcony.

adventureseeker

twelveoaks,

Wow....hot tip on Apple Vacations. I thought I knew about all the hot travel websites, but after perusing Apple, I had to add it to my bookmarks.

The Barcelo looks VERY appealing (esp. with it being all-inclusive). Question...how is the quality of food/drinks? We're hoping to get a fill of excellent authentic mexican cuisine and seafood. ....And delish margaritas that aren't watered down. Is this all possible at the Barcelo?

Chtiet,
I still haven't ruled out Las Brisas. We like to stay active, so walking into town is right up our alley. I am apprehensive about all the rants on Tripadvisor about the high cost of food/drink there. We're on vacation, but??? We would also be venturing into town often to get some authentic cuisine. I found excellent rates at Costco.com on this property ($955 for 7 nights incl. a $200 food/bev credit) and I use Priceline frequently and many have stayed at Las Brisas while lowballing for a great deal. Hmmm......

Thx for all the suggestions! Keep um coming!

Stewbear

The Brisas del Mar in Zihuatanejo (Not the Las Brisas in Ixtapa) is on the most kid friendly beach one where the local kids play soccer, build sand castles Etc. They welcome tourist kids to join in. The beach has a gentile slope making much safer than some. A great cultural experience. Also near the best restaurants in town.

adventureseeker

Stewbear,

Very cool. Our son loves to play "pick up" soccer games with anyone who'll play.

I'll check it out. Thx for the tip.

twelveoaks

Regarding the food and drinks at the Barcelo: breakfast can be enjoyed either in the main dining room or on the patio with ocean view and both have a cook to order station along with a buffet. Lunch can be enjoyed at the Caracola restaurant with ocean view and a cook to order menu with the BEST hamburgers you will ever have or in the main dining room buffet style. Dinner is in the main dining room buffet style and also at the Don Quoixte restaurand with reservations and a full menu. The Don Quioxte restaurant is available twice per seven day stay. The menu is excellent as is the food quality and they also have an outstanding wine list.The buffets are plentyful and of good quality with nothing to fear as to what can be eaten but it is buffet food so not totally inspiring. As for the drinks, I always asked for an extra shot in them so as not to be watered down which the staff was more than willing to do. You are limited to Pina Coladas or very good Margaritas and Mexican beer unless you upgrade to the premium package which allows you many more drink options. I believe this costs $25 per week per person.One further word about Apple is that we got a GUARANTEED upgrade to an ocean view room at no extra cost and there is an Apple Rep. on the property to make sure there are no problems.Please do your self a favor and go to Trip Advisor to get a better feel for all of the properties.

txgirlinbda

Another vote for Brisas Del Mar - we just got back in May and loved it - in fact, there was a family with one little 6yr old and she was having a blast! The beach there, Playa Madera, was definitely the gentlest of the ones we went to in the area. The kids were always out there boogie-boarding and playing ball.

Ryan

The beach at Las Brisas in Ixtapa is very dangerous for swimming. We went with two small kids and you could see the riptides.

I'd be the first to admit it that it is not particularly Mexican, but the Club Med in Ixtapa far surpassed our expectations. Our 6 and 5 year old had a blast. We had so much fun on our April trip that we're going back to Club Med in Ixtapa next week.

txgirlinbda

Just want to clarify that Las Brisas in Ixtapa and Brisas Del Mar in Zihua are completely different properties.

rdpesq

I have heard that CLUB MED in Ixtapa is great for kids and parents. It was redone last year. It has outstanding reviews on trip advisor.

adventureseeker

Here's the verdit so far.....

I'm thinking of doing Brisas del Mar in Zihaut for 5 nights and Barcelo in Ixtapa for 4 nights. A little bit of both and I think we'll have a flavor of both.

After Stewbear and others posted their fave dining...how can anyone dream of going all-inclusive in Zihuat? Way too many fab choices of incredible seafood and local cuisine.

txgirlinbda

Met some people on our trip who did exactly that - some had started in Ixtapa and were glad for the more laid-back style of Zihua, some were starting in Zihua and couldn't wait to get to Ixtapa to liven things up a bit.

Make sure you say hi to the beach bartender Marta at Brisas Del Mar. She'll have your 7 yr old speaking Spanish in no time!

Have a great trip!!