Thompson Zihuatanejo

In stark contrast to the area’s pint-size budget hotels, Thompson Zihuatanejo (formerly the Viceroy Zihuatanejo) offers an equally small, though far more luxurious, atmosphere. The design is a beautiful example of Mexican architecture that's composed of adobe-inspired decor like stucco walls, exposed wood ceiling beams, and pebble stone flooring. The overall look and feel is tropical and luxurious, but reserved. Communal amenities -- including the pools, restaurants, and beach -- are sufficiently spaced throughout the property. The result is that no one area of the hotel ever feels overcrowded, no matter the time of day. While children are allowed on the property, the quiet, relaxed vibe clearly targets couples more than traveling families.

Ten minutes from downtown Zihuatanejo, the Thompson is located on a quiet road in a residential neighborhood right on the beach. The location is a mixed blessing, as the distance from town means that the hotel is an ideal escape from the hustle of tourist-mad Zihuatanejo. However, travelers looking for additional attractions, entertainment, and dining opportunities will likely need a rental car as there is little within walking distance.

The area’s reliable taxi service is one alternative to renting a car, as rates are zone-based and inexpensive. The hotel’s concierge service can arrange shuttle service to and from the airport, however, rates include a considerable premium. Arranging private transportation between Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (30 minutes away) is easy via any of the area’s ubiquitous shuttle vans or buses. For travelers who don’t mind sharing a ride with strangers, the rates are typically on a per-vehicle basis and far cheaper than taking a cab.

Each of the hotel’s 47 rooms is uniquely decorated. However, all feature adobe-inspired designs with stucco walls and built-in furnishings, Mexican tile or marble tile flooring, and exposed natural wood beams in the ceiling and doorways. The muted, mostly monochromatic color scheme provides a sense of calm and elegance, and the overall feel is clean, luxurious, and understated. 

All rooms are well-appointed with essential and luxury amenities typical of a four-and-a-half-pearl hotel. Flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, stocked minibars (liquor, juice, bottled water, snacks, and soft drinks), and comfortable king-size beds are all standard.

Entry-level Deluxe Rooms offer a 480-square-foot (45-square-meter), split-level layout with a private balcony or terrace overlooking the property’s garden. Two Bedroom Deluxe Suites offer 525 square feet (49 square meters) of floor space while most other suites feature between 700 and 1,100 square feet (65 to 102 square meters). All suites offer additional luxury amenities like Nespresso coffeemakers, iPod docking stations, and private infinity pools. The hotel’s ocean-view Presidential Suite offers a 1,465-square-foot (136-square-meter) layout with all of the above amenities, plus personal butler service and free use of an iPad and Apple TV.

Bathrooms are equally spacious and meticulously designed in all room categories. Entry-level Deluxe Rooms feature heavy use of pinkish marble on the countertops, flooring, and half walls separating the shower stall and toilet from the rest of the bathroom. All suites feature larger, split-design bathrooms with round stucco shower stalls and water-view windows. Body and Hair by Neil George luxury bath amenities are standard in all categories.

Thompson Zihuatanejo offers many of the same amenities of Ixtapa’s towering resorts, but in a smaller, more charming package. A lovely spa, and three pools (including an adult-only infinity pool) top its long list of luxury amenities, not to mention the beach and dining options elaborated on below.

Three larger-than-average pools spread throughout the property provide more than enough space for the hotel’s 47 rooms worth of guests. Oversized, couples-friendly lounge chairs and private umbrellas pepper each pool deck, providing plenty of shaded lounge space. The bottom of each pool is bedecked in cobalt blue mosaic tile lending a decidedly bold, luxurious touch. The beautiful, adult-only infinity pool overlooks the beach with excellent water views while the main pool adjacent to Coral Bar provides a simple waterfall feature and swim-up bar access.

The hotel offers several wellness amenities, including a modern, air-conditioned fitness center. The space is located in a small, thatched-roof building with free weights and a handful of cardio- and strength-training machines. Homemade granola bars and his-and-hers showers are noteworthy touches. The on-site spa offers a Moroccan-inspired, rustic-chic vibe that feels cohesive, with the same understated elegance found throughout the property. A full menu of massage and salon treatments is available.

Self-parking is available in a secure, covered lot. However, space is limited to only a handful of spots. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and typical luxury amenities like car, laundry, and concierge services are all available.

While technically public, the hotel's beach is clean and quiet. The area is far enough removed from the tourist core of Zihuatanejo to ensure that guests are likely to share the sand with little more than a few dozen locals. Rows of padded wooden lounge chairs are set back a good distance from the water under private palapas. Tall palm trees provide additional shade throughout the day. Each palapa is also afforded a small, private dining table and chairs to allow for intimate, on-beach dining.

Two full beachfront restaurants service the hotel. The main restaurant, La Villa, serves breakfast and lunch with occasional dinner service. The open-air space offers several distinct dining sections, including an alfresco terrace -- all with a sophisticated casual vibe. Typical entrees are Pacific-Mexican-inspired with a focus on local seafood, such as mahi-mahi and octopus. La Marea is the hotel’s more upscale dinner-only alternative with a blend of seafood-centric Mediterranean and Mexican entrees. A long bar encircles the exposition kitchen with excellent views of the water, the beach, and the chefs preparing the night’s meals. Neither restaurant has a dress code or requires reservations, and unfortunately breakfast is not included in standard room rates.