Azul Grand Hotel
Ixtapa is home to several large all-inclusive resorts (see our reviews for the Club Med, the Sunscape, and the Intercontinental) and each has definite strengths and failings. As the newest of the resorts, the Azul had the opportunity to study the competition and do certain things better. These include a jaw-droppingly swank pool area, with three separate pools: one for games and activities, another for adults, and a third for active swimming. It has three specialty restaurants along with a buffet, and guests are guaranteed places at the sit-down ones for at least half the nights of their stay—a smart policy. And for the folks who love resort shows—the kind with girls in feathers and canned pop music—the massive outdoor theater is impressive. A final nicety: the best gym in Ixtapa, hands down, with dozens of machines, free weights, and the help of on-site personal trainers. But the Aqua does have its weaknesses. The resort looks like a slick, high-end conference center, one that could be anywhere in the world. The beach is passable, though nowhere near as expansive as the one at the Club Med next door. While the rooms, all suites, have the odd "perk" of having a spa tub on a little stage right in the center. Other than that, the décor is bland. The activities seem to be as well, at least compared with the cornucopia of offerings next door at the Club Med (the Azul has kids' clubs, but not one for teens). Tip: The Azul Grand does air/hotel packages with Apple Vacations at prices that are far lower than you’d pay booking the hotel directly. (Prices listed here are for land-only arrangements).
Ixtapa is home to several large all-inclusive resorts (see our reviews for the Club Med, the Sunscape, and the Intercontinental) and each has definite strengths and failings. As the newest of the resorts, the Azul had the opportunity to study the competition and do certain things better. These include a jaw-droppingly swank pool area, with three separate pools: one for games and activities, another for adults, and a third for active swimming. It has three specialty restaurants along with a buffet, and guests are guaranteed places at the sit-down ones for at least half the nights of their stay—a smart policy. And for the folks who love resort shows—the kind with girls in feathers and canned pop music—the massive outdoor theater is impressive. A final nicety: the best gym in Ixtapa, hands down, with dozens of machines, free weights, and the help of on-site personal trainers. But the Aqua does have its weaknesses. The resort looks like a slick, high-end conference center, one that could be anywhere in the world. The beach is passable, though nowhere near as expansive as the one at the Club Med next door. While the rooms, all suites, have the odd "perk" of having a spa tub on a little stage right in the center. Other than that, the décor is bland. The activities seem to be as well, at least compared with the cornucopia of offerings next door at the Club Med (the Azul has kids' clubs, but not one for teens). Tip: The Azul Grand does air/hotel packages with Apple Vacations at prices that are far lower than you’d pay booking the hotel directly. (Prices listed here are for land-only arrangements).
