Tesoro Manzanillo

As a nod to Manzanillo's pirate-filled history, the Tesoro has a pirate theme throughout the hotel -- a fishnet-inspired structure over the entrance stairs, a metal anchor among the plants, and a ship's steering wheel in the lobby. Otherwise, the hotel decor is pretty bland; the large lobby area is filled with cheap leather chairs and yellow accent walls. The guest rooms and restaurants employ much of the same design -- dated furniture with pops of color. But the private beach area is large, with loungers, umbrellas, and a volleyball net available. If guests aren't there, they're likely in or around the one pool with a swim-up bar. Although there are two kiddy pools at the Kids' Club, the main pool is often filled with kids and their toys; despite the swim-up bar, it's largely a family setting with rambunctious guests. Some travelers have complained that the weekends bring local families who make the pool area much more crowded. 

Tesoro Manzanillo is one of the well-known resorts in Manzanillo, so even if your Spanish is rusty, the cab drivers will be able to get you there. Situated in Santiago Bay, the hotel has an oceanfront location on Playa La Audiencia. The hotel is a 40-minute drive to Playa de Oro International Airport. For guests that rent a car, there's free self parking at the hotel. Otherwise, cabs are plentiful and inexpensive. The Las Hadas Golf Course is a six-minute drive away and both Walmart and Starbucks are under 10 minutes away by car.

The 331 guest rooms and suites aren't much to get excited over, but they're adequate. Despite refurbishments in 2016 that added contemporary padded headboards, flat-screen TVs, and fresh furniture, rooms could stand further updates. Standard Deluxe Rooms have beds with white sheets, colorful pillows, and bed runners; floors with either tile or brown carpeting; and armoires with TVs, and mini-fridges with water and soda. They also have an in-room safe, air-conditioner, and table with two chairs, the latter likely with stains. Tiled bathrooms have pedestal sinks, shower/tub combos, basic toiletries, and hairdryers; bathroom fixtures are old and need to be replaced. All guest rooms have balconies, and ocean-view rooms are worth the extra cost. Junior Suites are more spacious, with couches and large terraces. The Master Suites have a separate living and dining room area, as well as a large terrace and a table with chairs. Guests recommend a room above the fourth floor to avoid noise from the pool area.

The hotel has a private, sandy beach area, but guests should be aware that the water can be rough and have a big dip; the hotel posts a green, yellow, or red flag in the sand to alert guests to the water safety. The outdoor pool has a swim-up bar and several loungers and umbrellas around it. There's no adult-only pool, so expect it to be filled with guests of all ages, as well as inflatable toys. There are two other pools at the Kids' Club: one is a wading pool and the other has a pirate ship with waterslides. The club also has an indoor area, playground, and mini-golf. Other sports facilities include tennis courts, ping-pong, and volleyball net.Other amenities include a gym and full-service spa and salon, with treatments such as hot stone massage, seaweed wrap, and hair braiding. The business center has one computer and printer, and there are meeting spaces available. The hotel has several wedding packages available as well. The daily evening entertainment, with themes like pirate, pajama, and carnival, receive consistent praise from guests.

The buffet restaurant Café Coral is an open-air setting next to the pool and overlooking the water. It's open for all three meals and receives mixed reviews. The Adobe Restaurant is an a la carte option serving Mexican food for dinner. It alternates being open with Il Naveganti, the a la carte Italian restaurant, and both require reservations. Il Naveganti is in the same structure that houses La Palapa Snack Bar during the day; there guests can find hamburgers, nachos, and pizza. In addition to the swim-up bar, there's Nirvana Lounge next to the lobby, which sometimes has live music.