El Hotelito

This hotel is by no means the best resort I've ever stayed at, but for the price you pay your moola goes waaay far. We paid about $50 dollars ($864 pesos) for two double beds for three of us. That got us an air conditioned room, an old but working TV, Free WiFi, Free Parking, and the whole Acapulco Bay just shy of a whole block away. You will also find many restaurants and bars nearby, but better yet (for the budget traveller) a Wal-Mart like two blocks away. There are also many street cart style vendors that will keep your stay very affordable in the famous Acapulco.

El Hotelito... de poco madre Roughly translates to The Little Hotel is Awesome -- or something like that... ya gotta be Mexican to fully get it I think. Anyway, it is a great spot. Considering how chaotic Acapulco is, it is a small oasis. Sure there are others places to duck out of the crazy beach scene or the busy main drag, but probably not for the price. This place is right off the beach and equally short distance to dozens of eateries, Starbucks, bars, etc. It's also near the Walmart if you need anything from beer to sunscreen. Crossing the street is dangerous given the driving style, but the median has sidewalk passageways, so I guess you are encouraged to risk your life and jaywalk. We did. El Hotelito allows no kids, has off-street gated parking and a very friendly and helpful staff. It offers beer and drinks at the Barecito and has a nice little pool (very little, but somehow big enough) The rooms upstairs might get a little hot from the blasting sun, but all rooms have AC and our room down on the first floor was very comfortable. No frills, and no fridge, but totally workable. Sure it could use some rehab here and there, and a look at some negative reviews makes me think they might have some substance. However, our experience was fully positive. Rooms upstairs do offer a view of sorts, but then again the property next store is a mess and a nearby hotel tower is under some kind of renovation or lack of care... My wife got a few mosquito bites. Small issues... Welcome to Mexico. The street appeared extra safe as there was a parking lot for the Federal Police about 100 meters toward the main road, and thus lots of cops at various moments. The beach is so close that trips back to the hotel room are no problem. Beach umbrellas with a table and chairs are something like 50 pesos, and even on the weekend it wasn't too terribly crazy on the beach. The beach there gets a bit trashed as garbage cans didn't exist and culturally it's different to say the least. It does get cleaned up at night, but don't expect a litter-free experience. All in all El Hotelito was great, and a real support system to the adventure that is Acapulco.

Small cozy hotel far from center but close to the beach. Plenty of restaurants and bars around. No mosquito nets so can't leave windows open, that's a minus. Quiet rooms. Much nicer upstairs with balconies.