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 Travel & Outdoors | December 2006 
Acapulco, Mexico: Hyatt Regency Acapulco
 Sunshine Flint - NYTimes
| | Rooms with bay views are a draw for the Hyatt Regency Acalpulco. So is the kosher food. |
THE BASICS
Many guests stay at the 640-room Hyatt Regency Acapulco because of the unobstructed views that its west-facing rooms offer of the magical, U-shaped Acapulco Bay. But observant Jews have another reason: it's one of very few destinations in Mexico that meets their dietary and religious requirements.
A kosher restaurant, El Isle๑o, operates in the winter, serving glatt kosher meat and dairy meals under a rabbi's supervision. Dairy breakfasts are served by the pool, as are Mexican and barbecue buffets, and the restaurant serves a special Friday Shabbat dinner and serves cholent at brunch on Saturday. Sephardic-Orthodox services are held in a warm, modern synagogue on the ground level, where women and men are separated; there's also a mikvah, a place for ritual bathing. A Shabbat elevator stops on every floor, Friday to Saturday, without requiring buttons to be pushed, and the hotel also has mechanical keys and a door opening service for guests who want to avoid using electricity.
There are three other restaurants, including a poolside bar overlooking the beach, and a bustling lobby bar. There's a small shopping arcade on the lobby level and a heavy business in beachfront weddings; one night, guests might hear a Mexican wedding waltz, another night, the hora.
THE LOCATION
About a half-hour drive from the airport (taxis should cost no more than $30), this is the first hotel on the bay when driving over the cliffs into Acapulco. Flush on the main drag in the Costera neighborhood, it's near shopping centers and close to the trendy nightclubs and better restaurants that are found up in the hills. The old town is a 15- to 20-minute drive to the opposite side of the bay.
THE ROOMS
All the rooms are an extremely good size with cool marble floors, comfortable beds, an entertainment center, desk and side tables. The walk-in closet is roomy enough for two open suitcases and has a decent amount of hangers and a small safe. The best room detail is the terrace, where two low-slung, cushioned chairs are perfect for watching the sun drop behind the cliffs into the Pacific, turning the sky crimson, purple and gold.
THE BATHROOMS
Large with basic amenities, a wide vanity with double sinks and plenty of towels. The water pressure is very good even on the highest floors.
THE CROWD
An entertaining mix of wealthy Mexico City residents up for a weekend, Orthodox Jews on a winter break, and North Americans and Europeans planted poolside.
AMENITIES
The business center has five computers: Internet access costs about $10 an hour or you can buy a card to use the Wi-Fi in the lobby for the same price. Below the lobby level are a beauty salon, a small windowless gym and the Alory Spa, with sauna, steam rooms and a whirlpool; it costs 50 pesos ($4.55 at 11 pesos to the dollar) to use the gym and spa. But neither the use of the Internet nor the salon and spa can be charged to the room. Three shallow pools are surrounded by deck chairs, and stairs take guests down to the beach, where thatched umbrellas are lined up in the golden sand. Lounge chairs can be rented for 100 pesos.
ROOM SERVICE
Available 24 hours, with a limited menu between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Coffee ordered in the morning arrived in about 10 minutes, and was rich, dark and steaming hot.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A busy, efficient hotel that takes care of guests' basic needs. Though not for those who require individualized, top-line service or a quiet corner to relax in, this hotel delivers a convenient, comfortable (and kosher) beach vacation in one of Mexico's most popular spots. Ocean view doubles run from $145, suites from $280.
Hyatt Regency Acapulco, |
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