($$) With a prime downtown location, the communal style of living, and its low prices, Hostel Angel del Mar is bound to become a popular choice with budget travelers of all ages (although it definitely skews towards the college and 20-something crowd). In the prior location of Angela's Hostel (now relocated behind the Mercado), Angel del Mar is under new ownership and is committed to providing safe, economical, and relaxing accommodations.

don't miss: meeting fellow travelers is the biggest perk of hostel stays. The hammocks throughout the hostel, communal kitchen, and half a dozen bars & coffee shops within steps of the hostel's front door encourage lingering, lounging, and laughing with new friends.

just the facts, ma'am: low season rates:: gender-segregated dormitory bunks are 100 pesos while the 4 private rooms are 250 pesos (double occupancy).

meet me @: the Hostel Angel del Mar is in downtown Zihua on Pedro Asencio # 5 in between Don Memo's restaurant and late night hangout, Barracruda II. This is one and a half blocks in from the Artisan's Market on Cinco de Mayo.

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($$) Bungalows Pacificos have been in the Playa Madera neighborhood for many years. One benefit to being around for a period of time is that all the plants have plenty of time to grow and mature and bloom. The breezes coming off the bay blow through the hanging vines and tropical plants and add a soothing sensation to the gorgeous bay views offered. The bungalows themselves are very basic, but your time will be spent on hammocks and lounge chairs on the spacious terraces, soaking in the sun and the vista.

just the facts, ma'am: All of the bungalows include a bedroom with king-size bed, bathroom, a kitchen with a coffee maker, hammocks, lounge chairs and dining table on the terraces. 2 units also have televisions and A/C. Parking is available. Bungalows Pacificos are located on the hill above Playa La Madera, so it is breezy, the views are beautiful, and there is stairway access to the beach.

meet me @: Bungalows Pacificos are located at Calle Eva Samano de Lopez Mateos, #31.

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($$$$) For breathtaking views of the Zihuatanejo Bay, check out Casa Bugambilias. Aptly named for the numerous bougainvilleas planted throughout the property, Casa Bugambilias provides beautiful, spacious accommodations for a surprisingly reasonable price. Casa Bugambilias consists of 3 suites that can be rented individually or all together. A refreshing swimming pool on the middle level completes the experience of this luxury vacation spot.

just the facts, ma'am: Each suite has a king size bed, a large walk-in closet, storage, private entrances and bathrooms with showers that are open and have a view of the bay. There is a large well-stocked kitchen that is also open, facing the bay, with a gas stove, dining area and bathroom. A few of the suites have small kitchenettes as well. The pool area, which is shared in common between the suites, is a lovely, inviting space, with another kitchenette to make your drinks or poolside snacks. The entire property is cut into the hillside, which means the views are spectacular and more or less unobstructed, but there are lots of stairs to climb. Because of the open plan and the steep stairs, bringing small children is not recommended.

meet me @: Casa Bugambilias is located in the El Almacen neighborhood, on the road to Puerto Mio. It is a quick walk over the bridge to Zihuatanejo Centro, but far enough away to be comfortably off the beaten path and out of the crowds.

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($$) Casa Bulmaro is currently closed for green season but will reopen in the fall. The best feature of Casa Bulmaro is definitely the location. Situated across from Hotel Irma, it is just a block and a half away from Playa Madera and a 5 minute walk to La Ropa. The location also puts you within short walking distance of Centro and the Mercado. Coming in a close second in the "fantastic features" category is the tranquility you'll feel as soon as you walk through the gate into Roberto & Armando's peaceful guesthouse and art gallery. The gallery and 4 guest rooms are situated around a lush garden courtyard complete with fountain and featured artwork from the gallery. Guests at Casa Bulmaro enjoy special privileges at Hotel Irma with free acess to their two pools, hotel restaurant, sunbathing terrace and breathtaking views of Zihuatanejo Bay.

just the facts, ma'am: Hammocks, directions to off the beaten track (and I suppose on the beaten track!) spots, and wireless internet access are all readily available. Each guest room has its own private bath as well as original artwork, 100% cotton sheets, and industrial strength fans. A night's stay costs is $60 USD and can be paid for in advance with Paypal. Special rates can be arranged for longer durations.

meet me @: Casa Bulmaro is hard to miss with its rich purple paint and the art work that is displayed in the front during gallery hours. If traveling to the guesthouse via taxi, simply tell the driver to go to Hotel Irma and walk across the street. When walking, you can either take the scenic route via Paseo de la Ropa, passing the fountain and Blue Mamou before turning at the entrance to Hotel Irma. Walk down the steep hill about 1/3 of the way and Casa Bulmaro is on the right. You can also walk through Colonia Madera on Calle Adelita and venture up the steep hill. It's a bit faster but the hill is definitely a force to be reckoned with! Of course, if you choose to tackle the hill, that gives you an excuse for indulging in an extra order of guacamole and margaritas with dinner!

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($$$-$$$$) Catalina Beach Resort is another established Zihuatanejo institution that exudes romance and beauty. The accommodations are divided up into casitas, bungalows and suites, all with spectacular views of the beach and bay. There are gorgeous tropical plants providing shade and blooms all over the property. You can choose to spend your time on the private beach under a palapa or at the freshwater infinity pool. You also have a choice of 3 bars and the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

just the facts, ma'am: Each room includes a terrace with lounge chairs, a king size or two queen size beds (the small casita has one double and one single), cable TV, refrigerator, A/C and DVD players in most rooms or upon request. Internet access is available in the reception office. Parking available. Some rooms allow pets.

meet me @: Catalina Beach Resort's location is well marked and located on Camino Escenico (the road to La Ropa) on the right-hand side.

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($$$) Perched atop the hillside of Playa La Madera, Hotel Irma has 72 rooms, many with private terraces and ocean views. Most rooms have air conditioning and ceiling fans, but if you start to feel warm, just jump into one of the two swimming pools overlooking Zihuatanejo Bay.

don't miss: The hotel restaurant Las Naranjas has some tasty meals, one of the favorites being the marinated fish tacos with grilled pineapple.

just the facts, ma'am: Hotel Irma is walking distance from Zihuatanejo Centro, has a hotel restaurant, two swimming pools, and some parking.

meet me @: Hotel Irma can be reached by following the road to Playa La Ropa, and making a right turn downhill just after Blue Mamou Blues Club

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($$$) As you enter the shady foyer of Hotel Villa Mexicana, you can hear the soothing sounds of a nearby water fountain, and immediately feel your body relaxing and cooling down. Hotel Villa Mexicana has 64 rooms with either two queen-sized beds or one king and one queen bed each. The cheerfully-painted rooms are equipped with color TV and cable, air conditioning, telephones, hot water, and terraces, most with either a garden or a bay view. Walk from your room to the beach and have a swim in the bay, or choose between the several pools at the hotel, one of which is a children’s pool. Have a meal on the beach at the hotel’s Restaurante Doña Prudencia, or walk in either direction down Playa La Ropa to your restaurant of choice.

just the facts, ma'am: Restaurante Doña Prudencia is open from 8 am to 10:30 pm daily. Hard-wired internet in the business center or wireless internet throughout the hotel is available for 60 pesos per hour. Personal services including professional massage, stone massage, therapeutic massage, pedicure, manicure, waxing and hair braids are available by calling (755) 552-6600 or 044 (755) 108-6893. Parking is available in a secure lot across the street.

meet me @: Hotel Villa Mexicana is located on Playa La Ropa. Take a right at the dolphins from the road to La Ropa and they are at the end of the street on your left-hand side.

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($$$) Hotel Zihuatanejo Centro is conveniently located in the central part of downtown Zihuatanejo. The rooms are clean and spacious, and all have air conditioning and television. There is a hotel restaurant, and a refreshing swimming pool.

don't miss: Sipping a drink while cooling off in the swimming pool after a day of touring around town is a great way to relax.

just the facts, ma'am: Hotel Zihuatanejo Centro has a hotel restaurant, swimming pool, internet cafe, elevator and parking.

meet me @: Hotel Zihuatanejo Centro is located at Agustin Ramirez, #2 just off of Vicente Guerrero (around the corner from Nicolas Bravo).

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($$$$$) One of our most beautiful and exclusive boutique hotels in Zihuatanejo is La Casa Que Canta. Your heart will sing as much as the house does when you experience the breathtaking views and the Mexican architecture. The hotel has a gorgeous freshwater infinity pool and many suites have private pools. There are also two private 4-bedroom residences that can be rented by the suite or by the villa.

just the facts, ma'am: Each suite has a terrace or balcony, TV/DVD, A/C, telephone, safety deposit box, hair dryer, bathrobes, and complimentary mini bar. Eleven of the units have private pools. The facilities include a spa, fitness center and boutique, and cooking classes are available. The hotel is cut into the cliffside, so be prepared to walk up and down lots of stairs. Children under 16 are not permitted. Parking is available.

meet me @: Casa Que Canta is located on Camino Escenico (the road to La Ropa) on the corner of the first beach access street (which we generally refer to as the Casa Que Canta hill).

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($$$-$$$$) Behind the high walls and the large, shady trees on the way to Playa Madera you will find the luxury condos and suites of La Ceiba. Each unit is beautifully designed combining the tropical trees and natural materials with the traditional style of Mexican architecture. A constant breeze, two pools and lots of shade make this an idyllic location for a short-term or long-term stay in Zihuatanejo.

just the facts, ma'am: There are 25 condos ranging from junior suites to 2 and 3 bedroom condos available for rent and some for sale. All of the units have a terrace, equipped kitchen, towels, bed linens, maid service and purified water. Wifi also available.

meet me @: La Ceiba is located on Calle Nuestra Señora de los Remedios 117, Colonia Playa Madera in Zihuatanejo. Take the first right after crossing the canal bridge from Plaza Kioto, and it’s on your left.

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($) Situated in the neighborhood of La Noria, the hostel Rincón del Viajero is a peaceful alternative to Centro budget hotels. Mali, the owner, is a fine artist whose paintings grace the walls of the rooms - sometimes on canvas and sometimes directly on the concrete! Her vision of creating an economical, mellow, artist-friendly space is realized with a large garden area, whimsical decorations, and complimentary coffee, tea, and seasonal fruit for all guests.

don't miss: "Mellow" is the word of the day, every day, at Rincón del Viajero. If you're looking for party central, this might not be the place for you. But if you want a laidback, quirky place with generous and funny hosts, Rincón del Viajero is a perfect place and well-worth the nightly rates. The hostel is especially welcoming and conducive for artists, writers, yoga and healing arts practitioners, and peace-loving folk.

just the facts, ma'am: Rates for dorm rooms are 90 pesos per night. Private rooms without bath are 150/1 person, 210/2 people. "VIP" rooms (with bath) are 250 pesos/2 people. There is also an apartment that will sleep 4 that is separated from the rest of the hostel and is ideal for a small family. There is a communal kitchen, laundry area, and showers for all guests. Secure parking is also available. Discounts are applied for longer stays.

meet me @: Rincón del Viajero is located in La Noria. To reach the hostel by foot, cross the footbridge at Zihuatanejo's pier (by the Navy base) and walk down Pase de las Salinas until you reach #50 (it is directly across from the football field). The hostel is marked by a large painted hand and is painted in bright purples, blues, and reds. You can also reach the hostel via bus on the "La Noria" route. If you inform the driver of your destination, he will ensure you get off in the correct location.

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($$$$) Just before the dolphins on the road to la Ropa you’ll find Villa Carolina Hotel. There are 7 private and beautifully constructed luxury villas across the street from Villa del Sol but a bit cheaper in price. Because the villas are located on a hillside, they have cool ocean breezes throughout the day. They are easy walking distance to the beach, and a longer, scenic walk into the center of town.

just the facts, ma'am: All of the villas have fully-equipped kitchens, king size beds, marble bathrooms, air conditioning, ceiling fans, telephones, satellite TV, televisions, VCRs, CD/cassette players and safety deposit boxes. The garden suites have a view of the gorgeous swimming pool and garden area, and the master suites and grand house have ocean views. The two master suites have private jacuzzis. The grand house is truly grand, located on the top two levels of the house and features an infinity pool in the living room, a recreation room with a 42” tv and sound system, and the enormous gourmet kitchen is a cooks paradise with two refrigerators/freezers, a professional-size stove and a pizza oven. No children under 14 permitted.

meet me @: Villa Carolina Hotel is located on Calle Playa La Ropa, Lote 97C in Zihuatanejo, at the corner of the road to La Ropa before it passes the dolphin fountain.

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($$) Villa Polinesia provides charming, rustic bungalows in a quiet, secure environment that is away from the (potential) craziness of Zihuatanejo’s central district. Villa Polinesia is walking distance from Comercial Mexicana on one side and the beaches and Centro on the other side, so guests never feel too far away from where they want to be. The bungalows have A/C, ceiling fans, cable, kitchenettes with dishes and appliances, access to a mini-pool and free internet access in the on-site office.

just the facts, ma'am: Villa Polinesia is open year-round, with prices varying based on the season (as is the case with pretty much all of the local hotels and accommodations). Choose between two double beds, two single beds or one king bed. Sofa beds are included and rooms can accommodate up to 5 people. The nearby church services can be boisterous at times, but they have recently cut down considerably on the volume. Discounts available if you stay for a month or longer. Credit cards accepted for deposits on reservations, but cash or traveler’s checks are required to pay the balance.

meet me @: Villa Polinesia is located on Paseo de la Boquita midway between Plaza Kioto and the road to Telmex.

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($$$) Set in the hillside above Playa La Ropa and surrounded by tropical gardens, Villa Zanzibar is a gorgeous and exotic vacation rental. The two downstairs bedrooms have air conditioning, and the upstairs bedroom has a sitting area and a private bath. The palapa roof rises 26 feet above the living and dining area, and makes you feel like you’re in a luxury tree house.

don't miss: Villa Zanzibar faces west and has an unobstructed view of the gorgeous sunsets over Zihuatanejo Bay. Also, the soothing sounds of the waves on the nearby beach are relaxing and makes falling asleep as easy as can be.

just the facts, ma'am: Villa Zanzibar has 3 bedrooms with king-sized beds in each room, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and living area, stereo, tv/dvd player and satellite tv, lockable safe and daily maid service. Cellular phone available.

meet me @: Villa Zanzibar is located on the hillside above Playa La Ropa.

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($$$$$) Hotel Villa del Sol is one of our most expensive luxury hotels in Zihuatanejo, but as they say, you get what you pay for. There are 35 rooms and 35 suites, each uniquely designed in Mexican adobe-inspired architecture and include terraces or balconies and all the amenities you expect from a luxury hotel. The staff is exceedingly friendly and attentive, and most speak English. Hotel Villa del Sol is located on the beach at Playa La Ropa, and many people who stay there never even leave the premises their entire vacation except for a dip in the bay and a stroll on the beach.

just the facts, ma'am: Hotel Villa del Sol has 4 swimming pools, 600 feet of beach space with teak lounge chairs and palapas, two gourmet restaurants, three bars, a tennis court with a fabulous tennis pro to teach lessons, a spa, and the staff are happy to arrange other activities such as horseback riding, golf and scuba diving.

meet me @: Hotel Villa del Sol is located just off the road to Playa La Ropa. Turn right at the dolphins, and you’ll see the gorgeous, granite-clad entrance to your left. (However, due to a series of one-way streets, you have to continue down the street after your turn at the dolphins, then make a left and another left to reach the entrance.)

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($$$-$$$$) Another gorgeous option for accommodations above Playa La Ropa is Villas San Sebastian. These villas are cut into the hillside rising above the road to La Ropa and offer stunning views and lots of breezes. The architects focused on soft curves and clean white walls to compliment the greens of the tropical plants and lovely colors of the blooming flowers. The villas are private and lovely and are sure to satisfy. If you don’t feel like making the 5 or 10 minute walk down the hill to the beach, there’s an inviting pool on the premises.

just the facts, ma'am: All the villas include fully equipped open-air kitchenettes with blenders and coffee makers (the most important kitchen appliances to have on your Mexican vacation), sitting and dining areas, cable TV and air conditioning. Most of the villas have at least one king size bed. All of the villas have a lovely view of the bay and cool ocean breezes. Because Villas San Sebastian are cut into the hillside, be prepared to walk up and down lots of stairs. Parking is available. Wireless internet is also available.

meet me @: Villas San Sebastian are located on Camino Escenico (the road to La Ropa) on the left hand side, just across from the dolphin statues in front of Villa del Sol.

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