Posada Real Ixtapa

To be clear, this isn't one of the swankiest properties lining the Pacific beaches of Ixtapa, but the three-pearl Posada Real Ixtapa is one of the most budget-friendly spots that's right on the sand. It's a relatively pleasant hotel, though it lacks the bells and whistles of its far larger neighbors, and proof of the hotel’s age is evident in the furniture and decor. Interiors borrow from traditional Mexican design, with stucco walls, clean lines, and bold touches of orange and blue, but the abundance of tan marble, wrought iron light fixtures, plastic plants, and a mounted swordfish on the wall create a look that's decidedly dated. It’s clear the staff takes cleanliness and general maintenance seriously, however, because while the rooms and common areas feel well-worn, they’re not dirty or dingy at all. The hotel’s sizable outdoor space combines the entire beachfront, two pools, and two bars, all neatly divided into two distinct social areas. While the main pool, beach, and swim-up bar cater to a mostly adult crowd, the Interior Pool at the rear of the property is more suited to families. That said, the resort attracts equal numbers of local Mexican couples and traveling families.

The resort is situated at the far end of the area’s prime beachfront tourist district on the heavily-trafficked Boulevard Paseo Ixtapa. This location at the end of the strip is a mixed blessing. It helps to reduce the road noise typically found at the more centrally located resorts. However, it also means that visiting Ixtapa’s restaurants, shops, markets, and other resorts requires a long walk or a five-minute car ride. It's also a 15-minute drive to the town of Zihuatanejo, a comparatively livelier city just down the coast. The hotel is 30 minutes by taxi from nearby Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport. The area’s zone-based cab fares are inexpensive, while shuttle buses can provide equally affordable transportation for larger groups.

The hotel’s inventory is divided into two room categories -- either King or Double -- and style is uniform in either category. The decor is bright and bold, particularly compared to the toned-down aesthetic seen in the lobby and common areas. Caribbean blues and yellows appear in the bed linens, pillows, and upholstery lending a bit of tropical flavor. Deliberately distressed bed frames and wooden accents in green shades, as well as colorful yellow nooks, keep things cheerful. However, the finish on some surfaces seems dated and, in some cases, in need of a refreshThe size and floor plans of both room categories are identical, with the only difference being the bed configuration. Posada Real also offers ocean view rooms on a first-come-first-served basis. Guests can specially request these rooms, however, they are never guaranteed and there are no terraces or balconies from which to enjoy the views.Compared to the big all-inclusive resorts in the area, in-room amenities here are a little thin, though this is a mid-range hotel. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and coffee-making kits. Free bottled water is also included -- a nice touch given the unpredictable nature of the area’s tap water. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, including the rooms, and we found the service to be mostly reliable. Unfortunately, the beds in every room are widely criticized for being too firm and many guests have reported noise issues.Bathrooms in both room categories are small, but adequate relative to the overall room size. Stark white tile abounds on the floor and walls, creating a look and feel that’s clean, though unremarkable. Marble touches add a bit of additional class, and blue tile accents brighten things up, but we did spot a bit of mildew, and drop-tile ceilings could use an overhaul. Curiously small showers with zebra marble basins are standard in all rooms.

As a smaller resort, Posada Real Ixtapa lacks the amenities typically found in the area’s nearby all-inclusives. In particular, there is no gym or spa and only a single restaurant. However, a large, lovely, rarely crowded beach and adjacent infinity pool serve as a simple, but beautiful centerpiece for the hotel.Ixtapa beaches are technically public. However, Posada Real’s removed location at the far end of the tourist district provides a semi-private atmosphere. The hotel’s beach is large, with soft and clean sand, and is easily swimmable. Rows of palapas and Adirondack chairs set back from the water provide plenty of shade and space for relaxation. However, like many of the hotel’s common areas, the dated beach furniture is in need of some TLC.The hotel’s beachfront Ixtapa Tropicana restaurant is clean and basic with a lovely open-air design. The cream and white color scheme feels crisp and airy, however, the lack of any notable tropical touches leaves the space feeling somewhat stark. The restaurant is open throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner that’s marketed as international. The menu is a mix of Western (including waffles, coffee, and eggs for breakfast; grilled chicken, pork, and finger foods for lunch and dinner) and Mexican specialties typical of the area’s other resorts. However, as the hotel’s only dining space, guests looking for more than buffet food will need to venture to downtown Ixtapa. Keep in mind that drinks are included in the hotel's rates (but not food). The hotel’s most noteworthy public amenities are its two large, clean pools. The beautiful Beach Pool features an infinity design with clear views to the Pacific Ocean less than 100 feet away. The pool is open to all, however, with a swim-up bar and livelier atmosphere, guests can expect to find more adults in the water than children or families. A second Family Pool at the rear of the property is set back from the ocean and surrounded by rows of lounge chairs and tall palm trees. A nearby game room, kids’ club, and snack shack all contribute to its more kid-friendly vibe. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but airport transfers are not included.