Been to both and loved both. Huatulco is a combination of a couple of small towns that are tranquill and laid back. There are few hotels and the bays were good for swimming when we were there. Zih. is a small and authenic coastal city . It has a true farmers markets(like you would see on the discovery channel) and also has tourist markets in Ixtapa. Ixtapa is like a small Cancun. If you want quaint, I would choose Huatulco.

thanks for the info. from your description of Zih town -one would think it would have a bit more character despite it being close to ixtapa. would this be true? we were going to book the Las Brisas in huatulco and then heard about this other town - and we found a hotel las brisas del mar there which even looks more alluring. we would have liked some food and bevs included so i am wondering if there are lots of good restaurants and bars close by in the town?

if you still think huatulco is better - let me know.

we are looking for combination of fun activities to do but special r&r time on the beach with nice hotel facilities (and not in a big setting)

thanks much!

Checkout Brisas del Mar (Not to be confused with Las Brisas in Ixtapa) in Zihuatanejo. I can not image anybody not finding Zihua anything but Quaint. You will not even know that it's over the hill unless you go. The previous poster was partially right in that the Mercado is a true Mexican Market, shopping place & social center for the locals. I buy all of my fruit, bread, coffee & other incidentals there, He is wrong about the arts & crafts market. While it is true there is one in Ixtapa there is a much larger & cheaper one in Zihua on Cinco de Mayo 6 blocks across El Centro from The Mercado on Benito Juarez,. You can not get more real Mexico then Pozole Alley with full dinners for under $3 US. Now if you want high end you can spend a $100 a plate if you wish but average places run under $15 US for dinner & $5 for breakfast with lunch well under $10.

yes to brisas del mar - we havve already been looking at that choice online. how close to town is it and do you know what their food choices are like at the hotel - in other words can you get a reasonable breakfast there or do you recommend eating out for both bkfst and dinners? Zih town does seem to be full of character - more than huatulco but its hard to tell if you have never been there so more detail the better. Do you also know what the swimming and beaches are like there? for snorkling, fishing, etc.?

Actually two of the Best breakfast places in Zihua are 1. MJ & Richie's, about 50 yards down the beach from Brisas del Mar. My favorite hangout in Zihua, Not only great prices but top quality food, service, staff & owners. Try the # 7 Eggs in green sauce on a tortilla topped by tender chicken breast beans, fresh Fruit, bottomless coffee pot & of Course more tortillas at 45 pesos. Also great hot cakes & other dishes, In addition wonderful huge Salads (30pesos) for lunch, fresh fish, Shrimp Cocktails (60 pesos) & Abalone. Another place 2. is Casa Café around the corner on Calle Adelita for top grade breakfast & coffee drinks. El Centro is less than 10 minutes on a lighted concrete walkway that takes you along the shore line of the bay right to Paseo de Pescadoro & Restaurant row.

Las Brisas is located right inbetween Ixtapa and Zihua. it is absolutely beautiful, with a nice private beach (can only be accessed through the hotel). Cab rides to both Zihua and ixtapa are inexpensive.

We have been to both Playa del Carmen and Cabo as well. Also, Ixtapa/Zih and Huatulco which we've found to be much less commercial. Brisas Del Mar appears to be more what you are looking for as in small 30 or so rooms?? and it is right in Z...on the beach...Las Brisas in Ixtapa is around 425 rooms, on its' own beach and a 5 minute ride to Z it's a bit removed from Ixtapa - on a cliff and hidden back from the hotel strip. We love this area but also Huatulco - have you looked at AguaAzul La Villa in Huatulco - B & B - nicer beaches/bays here than in Z - Canucks own it as well. Lots to do in both - quieter in Huat - good restaurants, tours, etc... Z & Ixtapa offer more night life if you are looking for that....

If you love beach and clear water, I'd check out Huatulco for sure....shopping in both is comparable and food about equal in both variety and price.

You'll enjoy either location!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much for all your comments and this thread. We too are debating on Huatulco and Zihua/Ixta but for next year. We have been to Huatulco already and know what it offers. We love it there but would like to try another location like it and it sounds like Zihua would fit our bill perfectly. Can't book anything for next year till this summer so I'll just have keep on doing my research. Brisas del Mar does sound very nice.

Have been to Huatulco 3 times and Ixtapa/Zihuat once. If you're looking for a seaside town, Zihuat fits the bill. La Crucecita at Huatulco is more quaint and smaller than Zihuat, but is not on the water like Zihuat. (My personal preference is for the clean beaches and bays, and lack of time share hawkers in Huatulco.)

We stayed at the Las Brisas when it was the Westin. Great property, even though it's large (but really didn't feel that way.) If we go back to Zihuat, I'd like to try one of the boutique (read pricey) hotels in Zihuat, like La Casa Que Canta or Villa del Sol. Go to their web sites and drool.