I have been to various destinations in Mexico and usually stay in economical hotels. I had realistic expectations for the Holiday Inn, but was very disappointed.

I was given one key and no instructions when I checked in. Evenutally, I found a maid who explained there is no electricity in the room unless your electronic key is placed in a sensor inside the door. So every time I went out (and took my key with me, of course), the room would heat up and it would take a good hour for the air conditioner to make it even reasonably comfortable.

The bathroom in the main floor lobby had four stalls. Two stalls were locked, a third had no toilet seat, and the fourth barely flushed. All of the common areas were in similar condition. There was no food/beverage service in the pool area. I went into the bar at 10:00 Saturday night and was told the bar was closed for the evening. The next day the bar was open, but out of tonic water. Not exactly an exotic request! Furthermore, there were no activities and no entertainment. Other than sitting by the pool, the hotel had little to offer.

I was aware that the hotel was about a ten minute walk to the main hotel area (this would have been shorter; however, the only 'functioning' entrance was on the far side of the property) I didn't realize that it would be across a vacant lot and through a shabby part of the business district. The public access to the beach was also rather trashy and poorly lit. Although I was frequently assured that Ixtapa has little serious crime, I didn't feel safe in these areas after dark.

I expressed my concerns to the manager who said any type of refund was impossible since hadn't I booked my reservation directly through the hotel. I booked using the comparative pricing provided by Trip Advisor. This system sure seems to be a good deal for the hotel. No matter the condition of the hotel or the quality of the service, they get their money.

I left early and won't return. Nor would I recommend it to others.

Returned March 13th from a week in Ixtapa. Stayed at the Holiday Inn Ixtapa. This hotel should be rated a 4 star not 3. Staff is friendly, cleanliness is a 5 out of 5. Food was excellent - they have just about everything from a simple hamburger meal (well cooked) to medallion pork roast and prime rib beef. Accomodations were comfortable and spacious. The view from the Hotel is breathtaking (ask for a room on the 6th floor overlooking towards the beach). I highly recommend this Hotel. I am definitely returning next year.

My husband and I just returned from a week at the Holiday Inn in Ixtapa acquired at an unbelieveable selloff price on the internet. I have to agree with the other reviewers, the hotel was excellent. It has only been open a couple of years so it is quite modern. Granted it is a bit of a walk to the beach but we didn't mind it one bit. It's close to the plaza, restaurants and markets. The room was large and sported a king bed, dresser, 2 closets, tv, free safe, a huge walk-in shower, coffee maker with free coffee every day, iron and ironing board, hair dryer and shampoo, soap and lotion replenished each day. The towels provided were large and soft. They provide 2 bottles of water free of charge. If you're concerned about the hotel water simply buy a 5L jug of water at the Supermarket for $20 pesos (2 dollars) to make your coffee with. When the maid noticed we had bought 2 small coffee cups to use instead of the styrofoam ones provided, she immediately made replaced ours with regular cups. We had no balcony thought just a patio door. We had our coffee and pastry each morning in front of that open door watching the sun come over the horizon, breathing the fresh morning air and watching the gardeners and pool people prepare for the day. The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. The pool was beautiful. Lots of lounge chairs and umbrellas. The pool temp was just right to cool off in and not turn into an ice cube. We didn't stay all inclusive but did eat in the restaurant twice and the food was paletable. The cheeseburgers and hot dogs were very tasty. The beer - well how can a cold cerveza around the pool in 30 degree temperatures be anything but wonderful. We were not disappointed with the quality and quantity of restaurants nearby. Most places offered 2 for 1 happy hour and the food prices were very reasonable. We were 110% satisfied with this hotel and we would have no problem returning.

We went to Ixtapa for four days to get away from the cold and snow in Colorado. It was 88 degrees each day in IXtapa. I picked the Holiday Inn because of it's low price, location, and because it is an international chain. Always remember that Mexico is different, with its own culture and standards. That's why we go there.

The hotel is nice with a great pool. Our room was pretty basic. It was roomy with tile floors, walk-in shower, central air, free room safe, TV, and king bed. The AC kept the room too cool at night. Miguel, the maintenance guy could not get the thermostat to respond, so he told us to turn the system to OFF when it gets to cold. Though I left a nightly tip for the maid, I had to track her down to get clean glasses and coffee for the room. All done with a smile and a gracias. That's Mexico.

The hotel is about a fifteen minute walk (not five or ten) to the main Ixtapa beach. There are two public walkways to the beach - the one by the Barcelo hotel is closest to the Holiday Inn. Walk toward the beachfront hotels and you will see the Barcelo to your left. Time-share hustlers are everywhere. We got a beach palapa , free snacks and drinks and four free meals for listening to a fairly low-pressure two-hour time-share pitch.

The hotel provides free transportation to and from two beaches - Playa Quieta and Playa Linda. But, you have to ask the concierge - they don't advertise the free rides. We had two very nice days of snorkeling by taking the free shuttle/taxi to Playa Linda and riding the water taxi to Isla Ixtapa ($35 pesos each round trip). Lounge in a beach chair with a table, drink cerveza, eat local food, and swim or snorkel. Water was surprisingly warm and comfortable. Visibility was about 30 feet. Plenty of fish and coral. Ask for a menu to verify the prices. Otherwise your waiter may charge you a few dollars more.

We did not eat in the Holiday Inn restaurant, though it looked nice. I recommend eating at "Mama Norma and Deborah's" restaurant at the plaza - about a ten minute walk. A good breakfast for $5 U.S.

Unless you just have to stay on the beach, I would recommend the Holiday Inn, expecially if you are on a tight budget.