May 9, 2007
Acapulco vacation experiences and comments by Sharon
I’ve read a number of the articles about various beach resorts in different parts of the world. This is what prompted me to write about one of my favorite vacation destinations, Acapulco. On my first trip there, I flew from San Antonio, Texas (my home) to Guadalajara, where I stayed two nights at El Tapatio (a quiet hotel built on a terraced hillside that I would also recommend). Leaving there it was another short flight (approximately 2 hours counting customs, etc.) to the Acapulco airport and a quick taxi ride to the Acapulco Princess Hotel, now the Fairmont Princess Hotel. The resort sits on over 400 acres with a history of its own, where Howard Hughes spent his last days virtually enclosed in the entire top floor of penthouses. With six swimming pools, one salt water, a cave and swim-up bar, tennis courts, golf course, hammocks and cabanas, the place is amazing. There’s music and entertainment every evening, daytime water activities, horseback riding on the beach, a choice of restaurants on the grounds, and a shopping arcade of boutiques featuring jewelry, artwork, glass, and clothing.
There is much to see and do, but let’s start with Los Rancheros on the hillside overlooking the bay. Grab a taxi (rates are posted at the front entrance of the Princess) to this typical Mexican style hacienda restaurant for some great nachos, a cold cerveza (Mexican beer is excellent), and an order of guacamole (avocado with lime and cilantro) for an appetizer. Then, try the beef or pork entrees, black beans, and rice, or if you happen to like fresh seafood, or shrimp (which I personally prefer), you’ll find a good selection on the menu prepared any way you like it.
From there, it’s a short, but beautiful ride on a winding road along the bay to downtown Acapulco. Here, you’ll find more of the crowds and the hustle bustle you hear about. Still, there are fascinating shops and restaurants to explore, offering every type of product and cuisine imaginable, and music to listen to from strolling guitar players and small bands in local cantinas. As in most of Mexico, food is relatively inexpensive, and the atmosphere is casual.
For the adventurous, deep sea fishing is a must. The boats are certainly not modern by any means, but the captain and his crew (at least one) are muy agradable (very friendly). The boats go out from shore about two miles into the bay, where you’ll see all sorts of fish and hopefully catch a few. If not, don’t despair, just kick back and relax in a deck chair and enjoy the ocean, the warmth of the sun, and the beauty that’s all around you.
Nighttime activities range from fine dining and soft music, with a Latin beat, an evening cruise on the bay to late night dancing at one of several discos – your choice. Take time to go to La Quebrada at the opposite end of the bay from the Princess and watch the famous cliff divers do the impossible. Check out the Convention Center schedule if you like exciting flamenco music. Or, you can always sit on the balcony of your hotel room, count the stars, and watch the moon rise above the endless tide.
Would I recommend Acapulco – indeed! Forget all the hype about being too touristy, too commercial, and too crowded. True enough, it is a very popular tourist place, with an economy that is largely based on that popularity. I’ve found this to be the case, however, in many other vacation spots. One thing is certain – the scenery is magnificent, the Sierra Madre Mountains are majestic, and the bay just has to be one of the most beautiful in the world. I have returned many times to find perhaps a few more people, a few new restaurants, and many more things to do. Yet, some things never change and Acapulco’s natural beauty remains the same.
This guest article was submitted by Sharon L. Slayton who is a regular reader and commenter here. Thank you for sharing your experiences Sharon! Anyone can submit their experiences to jtrotta@gmail.com.
Posted by James Trotta at May 9, 2007 2:41 PM | TrackBack
I tend to disagree about Acapulco. The resorts could be nice, but travel on the NCL Star was the pits. That ship does not know what handicapped means. I only have a cane to steady myself: therefore with also my husband, I am not severely mobility hindered. When getting on a bus in Acapulco, the driver didn't know what a cane was & wanted me to walk to the rear (the last seat). The ship let me go on a day excursion snorkeling where I had to climb high steps on a small boat to a place that I would have to climb a hill to see No fish. Needless to say, I sat on the beach & my family climbed the hill to see no fish. What kind of snorkeling is this? Returning to the bus, I had to ascend a hill of rocks on my butt backwards or else stay there forever. Talk about humiliating! They have wooden seats for horseback riding. There is no way I could even stay on that ride either. I am an experienced rider and do it yearly in Bermuda. No problem there. The downtown of Acapulco was packed & filthy. The name is great, the place stinks. NCL is also great, but the Star ship is the pits for the handicapped. The passengers in wheelchairs Never left the ship. They were in tears. My recommendation is to go NCL Spirit or Dawn to Bermuda (the cleanest place on Earth). The Caribbean is also dirty with many beggars trying to sell their wares.
I would have to agree with you on the subject of NCL! I left one of their ships...don't recall the name...Starward or some such.. before it even sailed. Since I have traveled on many cruise ships, I expected a lot more for the $3,000 I had paid. NCL was a disaster from the moment I went onboard. After finding my own way up narrow stairs, down narrow hallways to the cabin (or closet), supposed to be boat deck accommodations, I became even more dissatisfied. It took me 20 minutes to make a decision...leave the ship, lose the $3,000, or stay in an impossible situation. Midnight in San Juan, PR, carried my own bags down the gangplank, and caught a taxi at the dock to the Condesa Hotel. Although Amex contacted NCL several times in an effort to recoup some of my money, the best NCL would do was offer me a free 3-day trip. I politely refused; they kept my money!
As far as Mexico, I think being able to speak the language helps a lot, as many people in Mexico do not speak English. There are vendors on downtown streets, and unfortunately, many are extremely poor and desperately need the few pesos we care to spend. I always feel that if I can afford an expensive hotel room, I can well afford the few pesos they need to just survive. In any event, simply say No quiero (I don't want) and they will leave you alone. In any foreign country, I think we need to remember and expect to adapt and recognize there are cultural differences. As far as the Caribbean...Acapulco is on the Pacific...perhaps you were thinking of Cancun. In any event, I would have to disagree with you on the Caribbean being dirty, having grown up on the island of Aruba. I have heard, however, that Bermuda is exceptionally clean,and enjoyed by most.
Posted by: Sharon at May 10, 2007 12:22 PMI do realize where Acapulco is after that trip. My parents just returned from the Caribbean - St. Thomas that didn't have the wondrous shopping as told, Tortola which had no astounding highlights, and Turks & Caicos, that was the shabbiest of all. I, also, am already booked for an NCL cruise on the Spirit to the same places with the additional stop in Bermuda, thank goodness. After hearing their truthful summary, I have to say I am very glad I have 1 stop at a place we know & love, Bermuda. Yes, it is clean with well-mannered natives. They need money from tourists also, but they show a reserved attitude & are always polite.
I have not been to Aruba yet, but my husband voiced his opinion that he has heard many honeymooners go there. The only thing I know about that place is that Natalie Halloway, an 18 year old High School student, went missing several years ago, on a class trip. Her mother still presses on to find out what happened to her daughter. Cruise ships don't go there that frequently.
I have also been to Cancun & liked the snorkeling tremendously in the Kancanobe(sp) Lagoon.
I love Acapulco. And I REALLY love the Fairmont Princess... I stayed there the last two years and both times got a great deal from Travelhelper.info. I'm thinking about giving El Tapatio a try after you mentioned it. Any other suggestions not mentioned above for a trip to Mexico/Acapulco.
Posted by: Fanny at June 8, 2007 7:56 PM