We stayed here from December 23rd 2006 to January 1 2007. We arrived late and were put in a room on the second floor on the street side. The hall was recently painted and still smelled from it. Standard painting for the building was to leave half on the floor next to the walls. The 1st room we stayed in, there were no knobs on the TV, it was noisy from street traffic, the room smelled of sewer and the water from the drain seaped onto the floor in the middle of the night. When I had to use the bathroom I stepped in bubbles and brought it back to the bed on my feet. Maintenence came twice before we were able to talk the manager into moving us to the 9th floor. Apparently the water from above causes the drains to overflow on the lower floors. The room upstairs was better. There was less traffic noise and although the towl holders were missing in the bathroom, it was better than the first room. The beach area was busy. We usually went down between 11 and 1 and were always able to get a seat by tipping the towl guys 20 pesos. When someone leaves, they put towels on the seats so that they can give them away to savy tippers. The beach area close to the hotel is roped off. If you sit close to the ropes or on the other side of the ropes you will be swarmed all day by vendors trying to sell you something. Savy hotel goers went to the nearby OXXO (like a 7-eleven) and purchased a cheap styrofoam cooler and filled it with less expensive drinks and food to consume on the beach. Both sides of the hotel have street drains which drain into the bay where people are swimming. One side was draining into the bay when we were there. The beach water adjacent to the hotel was not as clean as other parts of the bay. We often saw candy wrappers and other things floating in the water. The pool was small compared to other hotels and alot of people were using the pool area during our stay. There were three computers available for internet access at the hotel After using them, my email was inundated with junk mail indicating that a virus exists on those computers. My son and I ate Breakfast from the menu at the hotel. Some days you were required to do the All you can eat. On those days we opted to skip and go the the close by McDonalds for Breakfast. There was live music most evenings during out stay downstairs. On New Years eve there were fireworks at all the hotels along the beach which made for a spectacular show. The staff was friendly and few spoke any English. The small store on the bottom floor is expensive. T-shirts were 139 pesos. (Much cheaper at the Wal-Mart - 80 pesos). Bus rides up and down the main road will take you to most places. For less than 20 pesos I was able to pay for my family of 4 on each trip. I would probably never stay at this hotel again. The water draining into the bay next to the hotel was the breaking point. I would describe it as a dump with a Michael Jackson face lift that still needs some work.

We arrived at our hotel on Jan 2nd around 4p.m. It took a ridiculous hour and fifteen minutes to check into our room. Once into our room, we turned the air on, which never worked properly. I had to call room service for more towels and bath tissue. For three people we were only allowed two towels per day, please explain that to me. We had to call room service every day for bath tissue and one night room service never delivered. We had to ask for a remote control control to the tv.
We had an "all inclusive" package which every time we turned around we were being charged for food, extra towels, palapas on the beach, plus the hotel staff was completely rude to us (especially my daughters) when ever we requested anything that was supposedly included in our "all inclusive" package.
Beach towels- we were only allowed two a day when there were three of us,... Please explain that one to me also. We were never waited on by pool staff for food or drinks, we always had to go get our own. German, at the pool bar was the only wait staff at the whole hotel for the 5 days that we were there that was half way decent and respectful to us.
Room service refused to deliver to our room when ever we called.
I actually had to go out and purchase my daughter dinner somewhere else when she was sick in the room and could not get out of bed to go down to the dining room.
In the dining room- every day I had to get my own coffee, and water, when the wait staff was just standing around.
Upon check out the hotel refused to help us with our airport transfer and we had to pay an extra $25.00.
I am embarrassed about our complete experience in Acapulco. This was a Christmas present for my daughters, and it was a total disaster. I will never again stay at the Avalon Excalibur or any of its affiliates. And I will definitely not recommend this hotel to anyone that I know.
Sara Kirkham
skhuchton@aol.com

We stayed at the Avalon Excalibur from Dec 23 thru Jan 1st.
Positives- Ocean view with balcony overlooking Acapulco Bay
& Location, close to everything.
New Year's Eve Fireworks from our balcony were spectacular, some of the best I have ever seen. There are many good restaurants in the area, so skip the all inclusive. Sirocco, La Gondola, El Zorrito, Tacos Tumbras are within walking distance.
Rooms are good size but basic, be sure to get an ocean view.

Negatives- We had numerous key problems getting into our room and had to go to the front desk 3 days in a row. Maintenance came 3 times before we learned the tricks.The toilet gave off a sewer gas smell, we kept the lid closed at all times. They are understaffed at the front desk, very long lines at all times. There is no tourist information except what you can get from the bellman who get a commission from every tour they book. The beach is pretty good but you must line up at 7:30AM to get a lounge chair at 8AM and stake out a Palapa.

We came from spending 2 weeks at 5 Star Mexican resorts and really noticed the difference. Although they rate themselves as 4 star.. 2 1/2 would be more realistic.

Constant traveler

My husband & I just returned from a two week stay at the Avalon & enjoyed a great two weeks. While I read all the negativity about this hotel I find some are a bit unfair. This is an older hotel situated directly on the beach with a view all around that is unbeliveable. If you like true Mexican culture this is the place to be. Most of the employees have been with the hotel for years. They are very trustworthy & would help in a minute. Remember this is a three star hotel & that's what the rates reflect. The hotel is kept very clean but I must admit the furniture in the rooms need to be updated. Also the bathrooms could use some help. I do think they are working at all of this. All said this is a great hotel with security around the clock. As for the food its worth a try. We ate there several times in the two weeks, Its hotel food buffet style. If this is not for you there are a ton of places to eat within walking distance. Try El Amigos for the best fish, right across the street from Gigante, which is walking distance. Hopefully you have found this review helpful. Remember this is a three star hotel & thats all your paying for. Any questions I would be happy to answer. Feel free to e-mail me anytime. Here's my e-mail address. fayebd@webtv.net

The Avalon Hotel great place to stay.
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