Hotel El Cid

We spent Christmas at the hotel. The location is great, right across from the beach and within walking distance of plenty of restaurants and grocery stores. The front desk staff and the other employees were all very kind and helpful. A few things could be better: there are no refrigerators in the rooms, the towels aren't brand new, and guests can't get ice because they keep it for the restaurant.

The rooms are spacious, and the hotel is close to everything while still far enough away from the nightlife to avoid the noise. There is just one elevator for the whole building, though, and it broke while we were there. It was working again after only a few hours.

Crossing the road to reach the beach or restaurants was the main hassle. Cars don't stop, so with children or older people it's safer to walk down to the crossing near the Oxxo. Bodega Aurrera, a large grocery store, is in the other direction. I felt safe in and around the hotel, as long as you don't show off cash or gold chains. The price was reasonable off season, around $50-$75 USD a night. Parking is around the corner, though I didn't use it. This part of Acapulco felt relaxed and family-oriented compared with the busier Zona Hotelera and Diamante. Those areas are a short drive or taxi or bus ride away. The buses may look a little sketchy, but riding one was a fun new experience, with lights and music that made it feel like a club at night and locals commuting to work. Some taxi drivers may overcharge. The hotel has an open-air layout, two pools for adults and kids, a poolside bar, and a gym that was closed during COVID. The rooms were a good size, with clean bedding and beds that fit two adults each. The AC worked, but it sits above the beds and blows cold air right onto you. The bathroom vent is a window-style opening that lets heat in, so keep the bathroom door shut if you want the room cool. The shower was cold, though in 100+ degree heat that can be welcome. Housekeeping came daily and was nice. The lobby had 24/7 security, and the guards were friendly and enforced the mask policy. Hotel staff were welcoming too. We had coffee, a coffee maker, and water included daily, but there was no fridge or microwave in the room. The balconies all face the pool and have a nice view of the beach in the distance. The hotel let us check in at 10am instead of 3pm at no extra charge, which was a nice gesture, though I can't say they'd do that for everyone. Checkout was at noon. Since the pool bar was closed during COVID, they let us eat there with family. I'd definitely stay again.

There are no breakfast or other meal options here, but several restaurants are nearby for dinner, along with a grocery store and supermarket. The place itself is pretty clean and modern.