($$) Bungalows Pacificos have been in the Playa Madera neighborhood for many years. One benefit to being around for a period of time is that all the plants have plenty of time to grow and mature and bloom. The breezes coming off the bay blow through the hanging vines and tropical plants and add a soothing sensation to the gorgeous bay views. The bungalows themselves are very basic, but your time will be spent on hammocks and lounge chairs on the spacious terraces, soaking in the sun and the vista.

just the facts, ma'am: All of the bungalows include a bedroom with king-size bed, bathroom, a kitchen with a coffee maker, hammocks, lounge chairs and dining table on the terraces. 2 units also have televisions and A/C. Parking is available. Bungalows Pacificos are located on the hill above Playa La Madera, so it is breezy, the views are beautiful, and there is stairway access to the beach.

meet me @: Bungalows Pacificos are located at Calle Eva Samano de Lopez Mateos, #31.

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

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($$-$$$) 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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($$$$) For breathtaking views of the Zihuatanejo Bay, check out Casa Bugambilias. Aptly named for the numerous bougainvilleas planted throughout the property, Casa Bugambilias provides beautiful, spacious accommodations for a surprisingly reasonable price. Casa Bugambilias consists of 3 suites that can be rented individually or all together. The swimming pool on the middle level ensures a luxurious vacation experience.

just the facts, ma'am: Each suite has a king size bed, a large walk-in closet, storage, private entrances and bathrooms with showers that are open and have a view of the bay. There is a large well-stocked kitchen that is also open, facing the bay, with a gas stove, dining area and bathroom. A few of the suites have small kitchenettes as well. The pool area, which is shared in common between the suites, is a lovely, inviting space, with another kitchenette to make your drinks or poolside snacks. The entire property is cut into the hillside, which means the views are spectacular and more or less unobstructed, but there are lots of stairs to climb. Because of the open plan and the steep stairs, bringing small children is not recommended.

meet me @: Casa Bugambilias is located in the El Almacen neighborhood, on the road to Puerto Mio. It is a quick walk over the bridge to Zihuatanejo Centro, but far enough away to be comfortably off the beaten path and out of the crowds.

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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($$$-$$$$) Catalina Beach Resort is another established Zihuatanejo institution that embodies romance and beauty. The accommodations are divided up into casitas, bungalows and suites, all with spectacular views of the beach and bay. There are gorgeous tropical plants providing shade and blooms all over the property. You can choose to spend your time on the private area of Playa la Ropa under a palapa or at the freshwater infinity pool. You also have a choice of 3 bars and the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

just the facts, ma'am: Each room includes a terrace with lounge chairs, a king size or two queen size beds (the small casita has one double and one single), cable TV, refrigerator, A/C and DVD players in most rooms or upon request. Internet access is available in the reception office. Parking available. Some rooms allow pets.

meet me @: Catalina Beach Resort's location is well marked and located on Camino Escenico (the road to La Ropa) on the right-hand side.

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

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($$$$) Just before the dolphins on the road to la Ropa you’ll find Villa Carolina Hotel. There are 7 private and beautifully constructed luxury villas across the street from The Tides but a bit cheaper in price. Because the villas are located on a hillside, they have cool ocean breezes throughout the day. They are easy walking distance to the beach, and a longer, scenic walk into the center of town.

just the facts, ma'am: All of the villas have fully-equipped kitchens, king size beds, marble bathrooms, air conditioning, ceiling fans, telephones, satellite TV, televisions, VCRs, CD/cassette players and safety deposit boxes. The garden suites have a view of the gorgeous swimming pool and garden area, and the master suites and grand house have ocean views. The two master suites have private jacuzzis. The grand house is truly grand, located on the top two levels of the house and features an infinity pool in the living room, a recreation room with a 42” tv and sound system, and the enormous gourmet kitchen is a cooks paradise with two refrigerators/freezers, a professional-size stove and a pizza oven. No children under 14 permitted.

meet me @: Villa Carolina Hotel is located on Calle Playa La Ropa, Lote 97C in Zihuatanejo, at the corner of the road to La Ropa before it passes the dolphin fountain.

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

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($$) Villa Polinesia provides charming, rustic bungalows in a quiet, secure environment that is away from the (potential) craziness of Zihuatanejo’s central district. Villa Polinesia is walking distance from Comercial Mexicana on one side and the beaches and Centro on the other side, so guests never feel too far away from where they want to be. The bungalows have A/C, ceiling fans, cable, kitchenettes with dishes and appliances, access to a mini-pool and free internet access in the on-site office.

just the facts, ma'am: Villa Polinesia is open year-round, with prices varying based on the season (as is the case with pretty much all of the local hotels and accommodations). Choose between two double beds, two single beds or one king bed. Sofa beds are included and rooms can accommodate up to 5 people. The nearby church services can be boisterous at times, but they have recently cut down considerably on the volume. Discounts available if you stay for a month or longer. Credit cards accepted for deposits on reservations, but cash or traveler’s checks are required to pay the balance.

meet me @: Villa Polinesia is located on Paseo de la Boquita midway between Plaza Kioto and the road to Telmex.

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

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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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Villas Tres Puertas is a family-owned and operated luxury villa in Ixtapa, situated near the golf course and close to Ixtapa beaches. When you’re not sleeping or cooking in the kitchenette, soak up some rays and then cool off in the gorgeous pool.

just the facts, ma'am: Each unit is equipped with a kitchenette, king-size bed, two single beds, ceiling fans and can accommodate up to 4 people. Owners Guillermo and Gabriela are happy to help arrange activities such as fishing, golf, tennis and scuba diving. English, French and Spanish spoken.

don't miss: Between January and mid-February, authentic Mexican cooking classes are taught in the open-air kitchen. Classes include instruction, preparation of a traditional regional meal, and at the end you get to indulge in your creation with a glass (or several) of wine.

meet me @: Villas Tres Puertas is located at Colina de las Palomas, # 325, Club de Golf, Palma Real in Ixtapa.

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

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