Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa

The large, four-pearl Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa offers virtually every amenity imaginable in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. The architecture typifies the over-the-top, grand style often seen in ‘70s-era resort construction -- a common sight throughout Ixtapa, though interiors here are mostly contemporary. The towering lobby atrium is awash in natural light and hanging vines, and there's plenty of marble throughout. Decor is sharp, with high-end finishes and tasteful tropical touches alongside a cream and tan color scheme that's appropriate for a seaside spot, if a bit buttoned up. A few pieces of modern art hang on the walls, adding a bit of character. Sprawling outdoor spaces serve as the resort’s social hub and include a large pool, a wide beachfront, and multiple outdoor bars, including a swim-up pool bar. At capacity, the atmosphere is boisterous and kid-friendly, though it blessedly never hits Spring Break-levels of noise. Families are the most frequent guests here, though plenty of couples and groups of friends pass through as well.

The resort is located in Ixtapa’s prime beachfront tourist district on the heavily-trafficked Boulevard Paseo. The hotel’s location off the main strip helps minimize road noise, and there's a strip of shops and dining establishments essentially across the street. The resort's neighbors are other similar resorts, and many of the area’s popular bars, restaurants, and markets are only a five-minute walk away. It will take about 15 minutes by road to the reach the bustling heart of neighboring Zihuatanejo. It's only a 30-minute drive to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport. The resort doesn't offer airport transfers, but private shuttle services are easy to arrange at the airport, and standard taxi service is provided on a zone-based scheme with affordable rates.

Rooms are divided into eight relatively similar categories. Decor in every category has a bit more flare when compared to the reserved aesthetic found in the hotel’s common areas. The minimalist design is cohesive and tasteful, with subtle tropical touches that provide a crisp, bright feel. Vibrant wall art -- monochrome prints of crabs in the Family Room that we visited -- add a nice visual pop in the white-on-beige rooms. White furniture with marble surfaces, patterned marble floors, and wicker accents all blend together to create the beachy look.

The list of standard amenities in all rooms -- a stocked minibar, air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, iPod docks, and a private balcony with partial or full ocean views -- is expected for a four-pearl beach resort. Surprisingly, free Wi-Fi is only provided in the lobby and some common areas. In-room internet service is available for an additional fee, though the per-day rate charged for each connected device gets expensive quickly.

Entry-level Partial Ocean View and Ocean View Deluxe Rooms offer average-size floor plans typical of comparable area resorts. The resort’s Sun Club Deluxe, Sun Club Family, and Sun Club Family Connecting rooms have identical layouts to their respective entry-level counterparts. However, each offers additional amenities like personalized concierge service, upgraded in-room minibars, and access to a private Sun Club lounge. The Sun Club Honeymoon and Sun Club Presidential Suites provide spacious floor plans and added features such as an additional balcony, a walk-in closet, and separate living, dining, and sleeping areas. Beds are firm in all room categories, which is either a good or bad thing depending on your taste. 

Bathrooms in Deluxe Rooms are small relative to comparable hotels while suites offer more space. Fit and finish is upscale, if slightly dated, with liberal use of brushed nickel, along with tile and marble on the floors, walls, and countertops. All bathrooms include walk-in showers and toiletries. 

As an all-inclusive, beachside resort, Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa offers almost every conceivable amenity that vacationing Mexican travelers might expect. A large pool, four full restaurants, an ample, soft sand beach, and a modern spa/salon top the long list of communal amenities.

The hotel offers a single pool, although the size easily accommodates nearly 300 rooms’ worth of guests. Ample seating is provided, though the chairs’ somewhat cramped placement leaves little room to maneuver. Guests seeking shaded lounge space will find plenty of umbrellas and palapas as well. There's a children's areas, but no specific children's pool, along with two waterslides.

Manatees swim-up bar services the pool area with a full liquor menu of beer, wine, and tropical cocktails under a large thatched roof. Poolside drinks are also available, however, we found the service to be spotty. Adjacent the pool, the no-frills Barefoot Grill snack shack serves simple finger foods like burgers and grilled sandwiches.

The resort is serviced by a total of four restaurants, a poolside snack shack, and a coffee shop. All alcohol and meals -- including buffet and a la carte service -- are included in the hotel’s standard all-inclusive package. Food gets solid marks and the selection is diverse. Aside from Windows, however, the hours for all other restaurants are unpredictable. Open and closing times depend on the season, weather, and occupancy of the hotel. During our stay, we found one or two restaurants closed every day on a rotating basis. The hotel’s “no reservations required” policy is a mixed bag. While it ensures that guests are guaranteed a dinner seat, the wait times can be unbearable, especially with the hotel near capacity.

Windows, the hotel’s primary restaurant, is an indoor and alfresco space with a buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is extensive and includes local Mexican dishes, such as chilaquiles, refried beans, and fried plantains, along with typical Western favorites (waffles, cereal, coffee, fresh fruit, and an omelet station for breakfast; pasta, grilled chicken, and steak for lunch and dinner). The poolside, open-air Bluewater Grill provides international cuisine -- typically a slight variation of the above Windows menu -- for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Two a la carte restaurants offer additional dinner-only service in an upscale, yet casual atmosphere. Adjacent to Windows restaurant, Da Mario offers adult-only service with a dedicated Italian menu, including a salad bar, traditional antipasto, and pasta dishes. Tamarindo restaurant serves an authentic Mexican dinner menu in a dimly-lit and romantic open-air dining room.

Located in the lobby, the tiny Coco Cafe offers a simple cafe menu of pastries, baked goods, and specialty coffee and espresso drinks in a vaguely Starbucks-esque setting.

The hotel’s wide, soft sand beach is part of the area’s Palmar Beach and provides lovely ocean views. A large number of lounge chairs are set back a hundred feet from the water under palapas and cabanas that provide constant shade and a slight feeling of privacy. However, like all Ixtapa beaches, the sand is technically public property and accessible even to non-guests. Mexico garners a bad reputation for relentless beach hawkers and, unfortunately, the beach at Sunscape Dorado Pacifico isn’t much different. During our visit, we found the typical throngs of “local” jewelry and tchotchke peddlers.

As with many area hotels, the condition of the water depends heavily on the time of year. The Pacific waves and rip currents near Ixtapa can be an issue, however, it’s often calm enough to snorkel and swim. As part of its Unlimited Fun all-inclusive program, the resort provides free equipment for a number of non-motorized activities including snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing.

The large Sunscape Spa by Pevonia carries through the pleasant design aesthetic found in each of the hotel’s rooms. Generous use of tile, marble, and stone provides a polished and bright setting for a variety of services. A full hydrotherapy circuit serves as the centerpiece of the space with individual hot tubs and cold water baths. The spa also features the usual menu of massage treatments (hot stone, deep tissue, facials, and body wraps), while the adjacent salon provides manicures, pedicures, and other beauty services. A sauna and steam room round out the full list of amenities.

Like many area hotels, Sunscape Dorado Pacifico’s fitness center is located in a tiny room that feels like an afterthought. Unfortunately, the entire space consists of a basic stack of free weights, a handful of cardio machines, and a flat-screen TV.