5 Star Luxury in Acapulco

Acapulco has a reputation. That reputation portrays a city that never sleeps and Acapulco does it’s best to live up to that reputation. Nightclubs and discos don’t close until every last reveler has gone home, at times this is long after the sun has come up. Legendary nightlife aside, Acapulco also has a reputation of being a magnet for the rich and famous. Many celebrities, from all over the world, have homes or keep vacation retreats in Acapulco. Keep your eyes open, as you never know whom you will see in this lively city. Acapulco is a diverse city that offers the many benefits of a large city with a population of over 2 million, yet in many areas of the city Acapulco retains the feeling of a small town.

The first thing that comes to mind, for many people, when they think of Acapulco is the incredible bravado and the daring feats preformed by the La Quebrada cliff divers. These divers are famous the world over and are definitely a “must see” when visiting Acapulco.

These exciting exhibitions are presented on a daily basis at 1:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 and 10:00 PM. The last show at night is enhanced with the addition of torches, that are held by the divers, adding yet another touch of drama to an already highly dramatic show.

Each show can be seen from a public viewing area or you can watch from the comfort of the Plaza Las Glorias Mirador hotel. The hotel charges an entrance fee that includes a couple of drinks and also offers the option of lunch or dinner on the outdoor terraces which make a comfortable viewing area.

Acapulco is situated around a horseshoe shaped natural bay, with hills and cliffs on either side. Each side offers incredible views of the entire bay, the city and all of the beaches within the bay. Many of the restaurants, bars and discos are located to take advantage of these incredible views. The view of Acapulco at night has got to be one of the most incredible scenes in Mexico.

The real heartbeat of Acapulco is also the main street, Avenida Costera Miguel Alemán, known locally as just "The Costera". If you are going almost anywhere in Acapulco (beaches, shopping, dining or drinking) you will come in contact with the Costera. Most of Acapulco’s major attractions are either on or very close to this busy street. The Costera begins at the airport as Carretera Escénica (Scenic Highway) and changes it’s name as it winds out of the hills to the south of the bay and enters Acapulco proper. The action along The Costera is varied, and constant, making many sections of this strip a perfect spot to have lunch or dinner and do some serious people watching..

The zócalo or town square is a peaceful area, shaded by giant rubber and mango trees, near the hectic center of Acapulco. The zócalo is lined ice cream stands and sidewalk cafes. Here you can mingle with the locals as they go about their daily business. The daily routine around the zócalo is pretty much the same as it has been for years. One end of the zócalo is dominated the cathedral which was built in 1930 originally for use as a movie set. When the film crews moved out in they left the building, which was later altered into its present state.

Acapulco is a city that gives you many choices when it comes to beaches. During the day most of the focus in Acapulco is on the beach. The theme in Acapulco seems to be Party All Night and Play on the Beach All Day. The whole bay is lined with beaches, we will cover a few of them; you can check them all, time permitting, when you visit. Many of the beachfront restaurants will put umbrellas, chairs and tables in the sand so you can enjoy your food or drink right at waters edge.

Playa Diamante and Playa Revolcadero, south of town near the airport are areas of major development. Four of Acapulco’s golf courses are located in this area, along with some serious resorts. Water sports of all kinds, waverunners, ultra light airplanes and horseback riding are available here. This long stretch of beach is open to high waves, so be careful if you are not an expert swimmer. Because of the waves this is a great area for surfers as well as beachcombing and collecting a few shells.

Playa Puerto Marques is part a fairly large bay that is a favorite with locals. The entire beach is lined with tin roofed restaurants serving up fresh seafood, cold beer and tropical drinks at prices that are usually below those of Acapulco proper. The calm waters are great for swimming and water sports, when there is room. This beach is busy every day and is very, very crowded on weekends.

Playa Icacos is a calm beach, toward the southern end of the bay, lined with high-rise hotels and condominiums. This beach has all of the local watersports available directly from shore. This area also is the home of the giant CiCi water park and very close to much many of the discos.

Playa Condesa, in the heart of “Zona Dorado” or “The Golden Zone” is one of the most popular of the city beaches, with many beachfront restaurants and a lot of activity. Playa Condesa is also where much of the “pre” nightlife originates, and is very close to many of the better restaurants and shopping centers so that you have a choice of other things to do should you become bored with the beach scene. Playa Condesa is also the home of the giant bungee jumping attraction, Paradise Bungy, which always draws crowds of onlookers, along the sidewalk and adjoining restaurant. The crowds are there to watch the brave jumpers, which sometimes get dipped in the giant swimming pool, far below the jumping platform that is situated 165 feet in the air.

Playa Caleta and Playa Caletilla are two small beaches, located away from most of the tourist traffic. These small beaches combine calm waters, great atmosphere and many beach front restaurants that serve some incredible seafood at reasonable prices. Many of the beachfront restaurants are shaded by giant trees which add a different feel to beach going. In between the two beaches is the Mundo Marino aquarium and fun center. These are both great family beaches which get very crowded on the weekends.

THE FAIRMONT PIERRE MARQUES
Once the private hideaway of J. Paul Getty, The Fairmont Pierre Marques resort is the perfect intimate getaway. Villas, bungalows and low-rise buildings sit amidst tropical gardens overlooking three pools on Acapulco's beautiful Revolcadero Beach. Swim, golf, and dine in secluded luxury.

Testament to a superior experience and service levels, The Fairmont Pierre Marques has been named the recipient of the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Recognition. Additionally, the prestigious publication Travel & Leisure ranked Fairmont Pierre Marques as one of the best 100 hotels in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the best one in Acapulco.

With the soaring mountains of the Sierra Madre on one side and the crystal blue Pacific on the other, the splendid tropical paradise of The Fairmont Pierre Marques awaits you.