($$-$$$) Nestled among the lushly landscaped grounds of Restaurant Pollocoa are six charming bungalows. Bright colors, palapas and circular staircases compliment the rustic Mexican architecture. The rooms are cool and comfortable, and come with air conditioning, ceiling fans, color tv and hot water. Wi fi and use of the swimming pool are included.

just the facts, ma'am: Each room has either king size or two double beds, color tv, a/c, ceiling fans, hot water and some bungalows have a terrace. Onsight restaurant is open from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. Shaded parking available.

meet me @: The bungalows at Restaurant Pollocoa are located on Carratera Nacional Acapulco-Zihuatanejo (the left-hand side of the road from Zihuatanejo to Acapulco) in Coacoyul.

filed under: bungalows & villas by Bev (Feb 08)

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($$) If you’re tired of the touristy crowds, but still want an authentic, delicious and affordable meal in a tranquil, tropical setting, you must try Pollocoa in Coacoyul. Located off the beaten track, the slogan at Pollocoa is “Lo Mejor en Pollo” (The Best in Chicken) and they are not exaggerating. Chicken comes grilled, breaded, in a creamy poblano sauce, with mole, as chicken cordon bleu, or any other way you wish to have it prepared. The menu also includes a full range of appetizers, salads, seafood, steaks and Sunday pork specials. For an extra cost ($50 pesos per adult and $25 pesos per child) you can use their swimming pool for as long as you want. The shallow end is partitioned off from the deep end, and is just shallow enough for a 2 1/2-year-old (mine to be precise) to stand up in without water wings. While waiting for your meal, or to burn off some of the calories after you eat, you can stroll the grassy grounds and watch the farm animals at the back of the property. They include turkeys, chicken, roosters, parrots, and most interestingly, ostriches. You can also while away your time watching the cooks work in the open-air kitchen, which is built around the natural rock formations originally on the property.

just the facts, ma'am: Restaurant Pollocoa is open every day, from 9:30am to 6pm. At the moment it is one of the undiscovered gems of Zihua, so it is never crowded, and sometimes you can have the whole pool area to yourself. Free wifi is available, as is shaded parking. Parties are welcome and include the cost of the pool. The six on-sight bungalows also have free access to the pool and wifi. Most of the restaurant and the restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

don't miss: The homemade pico de gallo is fabulous and has a surprising touch of oregano in it. The grilled chicken comes as a 1/4 order, 1/2 order or a whole chicken, and is a family favorite. If you want to branch into seafood, the coconut shrimps with mango sauce is a must.

meet me @: Pollocoa is located in Coacoyul on Carratera Nacional Acapulco-Zihuatanejo (on the left-hand side of the road from Zihuatanejo to Acapulco).

filed under: @elsewhere- authentic fare- casual dining- restaurants- waterlogged by Bev (Feb 08)

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($$$-$$$$) Another gorgeous option for accommodations above Playa La Ropa is Villas San Sebastian. These villas are cut into the hillside rising above the road to La Ropa and offer stunning views and lots of breezes. The architects focused on soft curves and clean white walls to compliment the greens of the tropical plants and lovely colors of the blooming flowers. The villas are private and lovely and are sure to satisfy. If you don’t feel like making the 5 or 10 minute walk down the hill to the beach, there’s an inviting pool on the premises.

just the facts, ma'am: All the villas include fully equipped open-air kitchenettes with blenders and coffee makers (the most important kitchen appliances to have on your Mexican vacation), sitting and dining areas, cable TV and air conditioning. Most of the villas have at least one king size bed. All of the villas have a lovely view of the bay and cool ocean breezes. Because Villas San Sebastian are cut into the hillside, be prepared to walk up and down lots of stairs. Parking is available. Wireless internet is also available.

meet me @: Villas San Sebastian are located on Camino Escenico (the road to La Ropa) on the left hand side, just across from the dolphin statues in front of The Tides (formerly Villa del Sol).

filed under: @zihua- bungalows & villas by Bev (Jul 07)

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($$) The best feature of Casa Bulmaro is definitely the location. Situated across from Hotel Irma, it is just a block and a half away from Playa Madera and a 5 minute walk to La Ropa. The location also puts you within short walking distance of Centro and the Mercado. Coming in a close second in the "fantastic features" category is the tranquility you'll feel as soon as you walk through the gate into Roberto & Armando's peaceful guest house and art gallery. The gallery and 4 guest rooms are situated around a lush garden courtyard complete with fountain and featured artwork from the gallery. Guests at Casa Bulmaro enjoy special privileges at Hotel Irma with free access to their two pools, hotel restaurant, sunbathing terrace and breathtaking views of Zihuatanejo Bay.

just the facts, ma'am: Hammocks, directions to off the beaten track (and I suppose on the beaten track!) spots, and wireless internet access are all readily available. Each guest room has its own private bath as well as original artwork, 100% cotton sheets, and industrial strength fans. A night's stay costs is $60 USD and can be paid for in advance with Paypal. Special rates can be arranged for longer durations.

meet me @: Casa Bulmaro is hard to miss with its rich purple paint and the art work that is displayed in the front during gallery hours. If traveling to the guesthouse via taxi, simply tell the driver to go to Hotel Irma and walk across the street. When walking, you can either take the scenic route via Paseo de la Ropa, passing the fountain of 3 Women and Blue Mamou (the massive blue building) before turning at the entrance to Hotel Irma. Walk down the steep hill about 1/3 of the way and Casa Bulmaro is on the right. You can also walk through Colonia Madera on Calle Adelita and venture up the steep hill. It's a bit faster but the hill is definitely a force to be reckoned with! Of course, if you choose to tackle the hill, that gives you an excuse for indulging in an extra order of guacamole and margaritas with dinner!

filed under: @zihua- bungalows & villas by Isahrai (Jul 07)

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($$$-$$$$) Behind the high walls and the large, shady trees on the way to Playa Madera you will find the luxury condos and suites of La Ceiba. Each unit is beautifully designed combining the tropical trees and natural materials with the traditional style of Mexican architecture. A constant breeze, two pools and lots of shade make this an idyllic location for a short-term or long-term stay in Zihuatanejo.

just the facts, ma'am: There are 25 condos ranging from junior suites to 2 and 3 bedroom condos available for rent and some for sale. All of the units have a terrace, equipped kitchen, towels, bed linens, maid service and purified water. Wifi also available.

meet me @: La Ceiba is located on Calle Nuestra Señora de los Remedios 117, Colonia Playa Madera in Zihuatanejo. Take the first right after crossing the canal bridge from Plaza Kioto, and it’s on your left.

filed under: @zihua- house/condo rentals by Bev (Jul 07)

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($$$) If you find yourself in Troncones in the mood for a meal, we highly recommend that you check out Tropic of Cancer. The restaurant tables surround the pool, and are on the beach, and all are shady and breezy. You can swim in the pool while waiting for your meal, or take a walk on the beach and play in the ocean. The menu includes a variety of Mexican seafood, chicken and beef dishes, and all are delicious.

just the facts, ma'am: The restaurant at Tropic of Cancer is open daily except Tuesdays for lunch and dinner. Wireless internet also available -- just ask for the password for access.

don't miss: The Tropic of Cancer takes a decidedly modern twist on camaronillas: they are made with light and crispy phyllo dough, and comes with a soy and garlic dipping sauce. They're unique, delicious, and definitely not to be missed.

meet me @: If you take the road to Troncones, go left when you hit the frontage road, and you’ll see the signs for Tropic of Cancer Beach Club on your right shortly thereafter.

filed under: @troncones- beach food- restaurants by Bev (Jul 07)

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($$-$$$) A recent dinner at The Captain's Daughter restaurant began quite naughtily with the sinful combination appetizer platter but ended with redemption in the form of entree-sized salads. The appetizers included authentic (and picante!) Buffalo chicken wings, jalapeño poppers with cream cheese, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and french fries accompanied with various dipping sauces. It was more than enough for 2 people and if you're planning on eating an entree, you'll want to share with a whole table so you don't get stuffed. The salads are meals in themselves with ingredients ranging from blackened chicken to mango & toasted pecans to cheeses to a standard (but filling) "house" salad. Don't forget the main courses that include certified Angus beef burgers, BBQ ribs served with sweet corn, pastas, a roasted vegetable sandwich, and tuna steak.

just the facts, ma'am: Enjoy drinks and dinner while checking your email on your laptop with free wifi in the restaurant. This new restaurant is filling up fast but with a dozen tables and 4 seats at the bar, you can usually find a place to squeeze in. Wine is sold at 40-60 pesos/glass and 220-265/bottle. The appetizers run 25-60 pesos (with the massive combination platter for 130 pesos) and dinner can range from a 35 peso vegetarian sandwich to a 10 oz rib eye steak for 160 pesos.

don't miss: As co-owner, Kenny, warned us while hauling over our appetizers, "forget the diet!" Many of the foods on the menu, especially the pub-style appetizers are gloriously breaded and deep fried. However, there are quite a few healthy options on the menu including large complex salads, vegetarian sandwiches, and tuna steak. Margaritas are the house cocktail, made strong but quite reasonably priced at 35 pesos.

meet me @: the brother and sister team of Kenny and Tanya Jones created The Captain's Daughter above their popular downtown bar, La Playa. Enter the restaurant via stairs just inside the bar on Nicholas Bravo between Vicente Guerrero and H. Galeana. Both La Playa and The Captain's Daughter are closed on Mondays.

filed under: @zihua- casual dining- restaurants by Isahrai (Jul 07)

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($$$) As you enter the shady foyer of Hotel Villa Mexicana, you can hear the soothing sounds of a nearby water fountain, and immediately feel your body relaxing and cooling down. Hotel Villa Mexicana has 64 rooms with either two queen-sized beds or one king and one queen bed each. The cheerfully-painted rooms are equipped with color TV and cable, air conditioning, telephones, hot water, and terraces, most with either a garden or a bay view. Walk from your room to the beach and have a swim in the bay, or choose between the several pools at the hotel, one of which is a children’s pool. Have a meal on the beach at the hotel’s Restaurante Doña Prudencia, or walk in either direction down Playa La Ropa to your restaurant of choice.

just the facts, ma'am: Restaurante Doña Prudencia is open from 8 am to 10:30 pm daily. Hard-wired internet in the business center or wireless internet throughout the hotel is available for 60 pesos per hour. Personal services including professional massage, stone massage, therapeutic massage, pedicure, manicure, waxing and hair braids are available by calling (755) 552-6600 or 044 (755) 108-6893. Parking is available in a secure lot across the street.

meet me @: Hotel Villa Mexicana is located on Playa La Ropa. Take a right at the dolphins from the road to La Ropa and they are at the end of the street on your left-hand side.

filed under: @zihua- hotel restaurants- hotels by Bev (Jul 07)

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($$) For a fabulous beachfront meal on La Ropa, without the fancy hotel prices, check out Restaurant El Manglar. Take the bridge from La Ropa across the crocodile estuary, and you enter this spacious, shaded restaurant. Choose from a full menu of seafood, chicken and steaks made in the traditional Mexican style and also with a little flare.

just the facts, ma'am: El Manglar is located alongside a lagoon, which is the crocodile estuary. Mosquito repellent is suggested, as it is suggested anywhere near standing water. But don’t worry about the crocs, they are well fed and are just there to look at.

don't miss: The 27-spice tuna steak with homemade teriyaki sauce is delicious and totally unique. After your meal, relax in a hammock and watch the local wildlife, which includes birds, iguana and crocodiles. Also, El Manglar is the only place on La Ropa that has free wireless internet access.

meet me @: Open daily except Wednesdays for lunch and dinner from 12 noon to 9 pm. El Manglar is located on Playa La Ropa and can be reached by crossing the bridge at the far end of the beach. If you’re going by car or taxi, cross under the yellow arch at the far side of the road to La Ropa, go right, and take the first left. The entrance to El Manglar will be on your right and is sign-posted as the restaurant and an RV park.

filed under: @zihua- beach food- casual dining- restaurants by Bev (Jan 07)

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($$) Lilian's Coffee is the area's first foray into franchised coffee shops. Located on the main strip of Ixtapa, Lilian's provides both hot and cold versions of many modern Starbucks-style drinks including cafe americano, cappuccino, mochaccino, espresso, and frappuccino. They also have pastries and bottled beverages including beer. Make sure to take the time and enjoy your freshly-brewed coffee or espresso under one of the umbrellas in front of the stand and take advantage of their wifi and prime people-watching location

meet me @: Lilian's is located on the main strip of Ixtapa across from Playa del Palmar. It is in the front of the Los Patios shopping complex.

filed under: @ixtapa- cafes by Isahrai (Dec 06)

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($$$) Set in the hillside above Playa La Ropa and surrounded by tropical gardens, Villa Zanzibar is a gorgeous and exotic vacation rental. The two downstairs bedrooms have air conditioning, and the upstairs bedroom has a sitting area and a private bath. The palapa roof rises 26 feet above the living and dining area, and makes you feel like you’re in a luxury tree house.

just the facts, ma'am: Villa Zanzibar has 3 bedrooms with king-sized beds in each room, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and living area, stereo, TV/DVD player and satellite TV, lockable safe and daily maid service. Cellular phone available for guest use.

don't miss: Villa Zanzibar faces west and has an unobstructed view of the gorgeous sunsets over Zihuatanejo Bay. Also, the soothing sounds of the waves on the nearby beach are relaxing and makes falling asleep as easy as can be.

meet me @: Villa Zanzibar is located on the hillside above Playa La Ropa.

filed under: @zihua- house/condo rentals by Bev (Dec 06)

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($$-$$$) Yes, there is a creperia in Zihuatanejo! Café Mandarina specializes in both savory and dessert crepes in addition to being one of the first locations to serve strong-brewed coffee and espresso drinks. The menu doesn't stop there, though! There is a full selection of Mexican tortas and other traditional fare, contintental breakfasts, large entree salads, and cakes. The owners, Carlos and Esperanza, are genuine people who get to know their customers and are constantly working to improve the cafe through menu changes, decor improvements, and training their employees in good customer service.

just the facts, ma'am: open daily from 9 am until midnight. There is free wifi for paying customers; simply ask for the password from any of the staff to log on.

don't miss: the savory crepes are very filling and the dessert crepes are almost too big! In fact, I've never managed to finish one. The chef's salad with a honey mustard dressing is especially satisfying on a hot day.

meet me @: Café Mandarina is located directly across from the Church on Cinco de Mayo, on the same side of the street as the Artisan's Market.

filed under: @zihua- cafes- casual dining- restaurants by Isahrai (Oct 06)

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($$) La Playa Bar is a popular meeting place for young locals who want an unpretentious, laid back spot to begin or end their night on the town. There are a few couches in the back in addition to plenty of bar stools up front. There are typically surf videos playing on the television and the regulars command the main bar until after many other Zihua spots close.

just the facts, ma'am: La Playa is open from dusk until at least 2 am and can be particularly lively during holidays and major sporting events.

don't miss: the vodka martini served in a chilled glass will transport you to a New York hipster lounge. Really, it's that good.

meet me @: Nicholas Bravo #39 in Zihua Centro.

filed under: bars- nightlife by Isahrai (Oct 06)

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