Catalina Beach Resort

Hotel Catalina Beach Resort packs a nice dose of beachy charm into a small package, and was one of the first properties to spring up on Playa La Ropa. The multi-level hotel has a laid-back and relaxed vibe throughout, with winding wooden staircases leading to plenty of open-air spaces to unwind. By day, the beach area and infinity pool are bustling with guests hanging out and sunbathing. With straw-thatched palapas assigned to each room, there's enough shady seating for all guests. The stunning panoramic views from the Sunset Bar are some of the best in the area, and the bar can get busy in the evening with guests hanging out and socializing. There are a few common areas throughout the different levels of the hotel (all with spectacular views of Zihuatanejo Bay), so travelers can find quiet throughout the property if needed. With a lovely infinity pool, spacious rooms, and private beach area, expect to see plenty of families and couples at Hotel Catalina Beach Resort. 

Built into a hill, Hotel Catalina Beach Resort sits right on the longest beach in Zihuatanejo, Playa La Ropa. Most rooms are a five-minute walk down several flights of stairs to the white sands of the beach. The hotel's neighbors are other hotels, though there are a few things to see and do within a relatively easy walk or drive. Paseo del Pescador, bordering popular Playa la Madera, is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Zihuatanejo town center is a five-minute drive from the hotel, and has a good selection of popular restaurants, bars, and shops. Ixtapa, another small resort town, is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

There’s a bit of a disparity in the rooms at Hotel Catalina Beach Resort. Some are simple and spacious, while other rooms are in need of a facelift. Decor can include older wicker furniture, mismatched colorful fabrics, and a few scuffs here and there. Stucco details bring a bit of Mexican character to the interiors, as do terra-cotta tile floors in some rooms. Sizes and layouts change between categories, with variable extras like full kitchens or separate bedrooms. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and air-conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is technically available, but we found that it didn't work well in the rooms. The spacious balconies and terraces are an especially nice highlight, and many feature lovely ocean views. If you're like us, you'll want to opt for one with a hammock. Bathrooms vary from room to room. Some are moderately sized while others are tiny, though most are done in traditional Mexican tilework. We did spot some grimy grout that would use an overhaul, as in the Casistas Standard that we visited. Bathrooms include stall showers, a few towels, and basic toiletries.

The Hotel Catalina Beach Resort has a solid list of features for a two-and-a-half-pearl hotel. The infinity pool overlooks Playa La Ropa and has a few lounge chairs and umbrellas. A private beach club is located one level down from the infinity pool, with a palapa for each room int he hotel (meaning no fights for shade). Towels are free and found adjacent to the Beach Bar. The hotel has a few dining and drinking options for guests. Playa Linda is the hotel's main restaurant, and serves traditional Mexican fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's an open-air space that's situated high on the hill, making for great ocean views. Breakfast is included in some of the room plans, but all-inclusive rates aren't available. The Beach Bar is open for lunch and snacks. Situated below Playa Linda, the casual Sunset Bar is open in the afternoon and evening, with some of the best views of Zihuatanejo Bay in the area. Room service is available throughout the day. There are a few free parking spots at the hotel, but not enough for all guests. Wi-Fi is free in the common areas, but doesn't work well in rooms.