Most of the places on your list are not in Zihautanejo or Ixtapa. Many are in Troncones which is an hour North of Zihua. Casa Kau Kan and Hotel Las Palmas are on Playa Larga again not in Zihuatanejo but to the south. Both locations would require a car (or a BIG taxi budget to get to town.

Look at Hotel Brisas Del Mar in Zihuatanejo.

mooseontheloose1004,

Be aware, that you will be booking a Bay side/view accommodation in Zihuatanejo, Vs an open Ocean view in Ixtapa.

I'm not attempting to direct you, just don't want you to be disappointed on your first trip!!

Check the user reviews here on Tripadvisor for the hotels that interest you, and be sure to click on Candid User Photos. They can REALLY give you a better idea of a place, than the canned advertisement photos from the hotel!!

Keith

Moose, We just got back from a week in Zi and we stayed at the Brisas del Mar hotel which is small and not crowded. The hotel is right on Madera beach which is very swimable and calm. It´s a nice hotel and inexpensive at $102 a night. Centro is just a walk from the hotel.

thank you everyone. I had not realized how far away those inns were. That's why you all are here for me! Brisas looks very nice. I guess I was looking for something a slight bit more intimate. Any thoughts in the same area?

While not directly on the beach - Villa Carolina has 8 rooms, a lovely pool area and the suite rooms on second floor have a view of the bay. Beach would be a 5 min walk. We have not actually stayed however checked them out on our last visit and were so impressed with the property, cleanlyness and romantic atmosphere - we are booked for next spring.

Here is a breakdown:

Casa Kua-Kan is on Playa Larga south of Zihua.

Casa Ki Bungalows is in Troncones: very pretty tropical gardens

Casa Las Piedras is on ethe south end of La Ropa Beach (a lovely kilometer of fine white sand) and is tucked in the jungle on the hill side. It is owned by my friend Grace and is very homey and rustic.

Catalina is at the north end of La Ropa and has incredible views of the bay and the best bar for sunset drinks twofers!

Hotel Avila is on the Municipal Beach in downtown.

Posada de los Raqueros is at Manzanillo bay at he north end of Troncones.

Hotel Las Palmas amazing inn with great innkeepers, but far way at Playa Larga.

Regalo del Mar again incredible and lovely and low key at Troncones.

The Inn at Manzanillo Bay Hotel at Manzanillo Bay Troncones.

Casa Candiles in Ixtapa dn I believe no view or beach.

Ropa next to the Catalina, but ht eCatalina is nicer. Great terraces, though.

Casa Iguana Vacation Inn don’t know it.

Given what you have said, I would think you would want to be on La Ropa where there are 18 restaurants. The swimming is very safe at La Ropa and the beach is a kilometer long arc of fine white sand. It is 15-minute walk to town or a $3 five-minute cab ride.

Or in Troncones. It is 45 minutes north of the bay area, but a destination of its own. It has many restaurants and a long beautiful beach with tidepools with practically no one on it. The riptides and undertow are dangerous and caution should be exercised in the ocean.

Plays Larga is a great choice if you like isolation and staying at one resort or don't mind driving the 30 minutes into town. Again, the surf is dangerous.

Harriet

were there in June, stayed at Villa Mexicana - steps away from the water at La Ropa (see my previous posts). Started to stay at Sotavento but needed AC

and the only AC there is on the top floor some

20 flgts of stairs off the beach. the view is grand but don't forget your sunscreen or you'll be to tired

to return to the sand. Stay near La Ropa you'll love it!!

O.k. Lots of great suggestions! Thank you so much. Now I just have to make a decision! I have an e-mail checking for availability end of Jan. at Brisas Del mar, Piedras and Catalina. The more I looked into the smaller places, the more I liked Brisas. The smaller places are wonderful but we are on a budget. Seems that Brisas offers great views, nice beach and many many nice places to eat near by.

I am taking my husband for his 40th. Looking for a dream fishing trip for him. I have contact with Ixtapa Sportfishing Charters but it sounds like they are booking fast. Any opinions from experience in case I need a standby?

Thanks again for everyone's help.

We've stayed at Casa Candiles and while it is not right on the beach it is only a short walk away. It's a lovely small 3 suite boutique hotel, adults only and I believe it's right in your price range. Roberto, The Inkeeper will keep you happy with drinks and anything else that you could possibly want. Check out his web-site but it doesnt do this beautiful hotel justice.

Moose, In Zihuatenajo you can check with the VAMOS FLEET, I have fished with them and they are excellent. Boats are fairly new and very well maintained and so is the fishing equipment. They are in the phone book or any taxi driver can direct you to them on the Malecon.