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Best Restaurants in AcapulcoAlthough Acapulco has its share of local hangouts dishing up tacos and other regional Mexican fare, it's worth getting casually dressed up (no tie or jacket, but no shorts or jeans either) and splurging at a hotel restaurant. The view of the bay from a rooftop establishment at dusk, when city lights start to twinkle, is reliably breathtaking.
The bigger hotel restaurants offer a wide selection of standard international and trendy fusion cuisine as well as local specialties. Prices tend toward the expensive side (dinner for two without drinks, wine or tip will be upwards of $60), but food quality and a luxurious setting help compensate. Atmosphere and entertainment vary with the establishment. Dinner rarely begins before 9 p.m., although some hotel restaurants begin serving around 6 or 7.
Along Costera Miguel Alemán there are numerous palapa (thatch-roofed) places to eat with a seafood menu and a funky air. Look for those where people are eating and not just having a drink. The Costera also has no shortage of rib and hamburger joints, where big portions, potent libations, wild decorations and a wilder crowd are the rule. Those homesick for fast food will find the usual American outlets lining the Costera, although prices are not cheap.
You can get an authentic Mexican meal at the traditional restaurants around Plaza Alvarez in Old Town Acapulco. Typically the comida corrida (lunch special) is a bargain, with soup, rice or noodles, an entree and dessert or coffee for a very reasonable price. Neighborhood street stands sell fresh seafood, but use caution when purchasing any food item from street vendors—if it's not fresh, your stomach could regret it.
In most restaurants it is customary to leave a tip (propina) of 10 to 15 percent. Establishments catering to tourists normally use purified water to cook vegetables and wash produce. At smaller places or if in doubt, order bottled water, juice, soda or beer, and ask for drinks without ice cubes. See the Lodgings & Restaurants section for AAA Diamond designated dining establishments.
Acapulco, GR
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
City Population
779,566
Elevation
13 meters (43 feet)
Police (emergency)
Dial 911 and ask to be connected to an English-speaking operator.
Police Assistance
English-speaking “tourist police” outfitted in white and light blue uniforms patrol streets in tourist areas and can provide assistance to visitors. Phone (744) 485-0490.
LOCATEL
(provides assistance in locating vehicles or missing persons, or to those in need of public services): (744) 481-1100. The office is at Boulevard Costera Miguel Alemán #3221.
Hospitals
Hospital Privado Magallanes, Calle Wilfrido Massieu Perez #2, (744) 485-6544; IMSS (Mexican Social Security Hospital), downtown at Av. Cuauhtémoc #95, (744) 469-0270; Red Cross (Cruz Roja), Calle Andrea Dorian #1 (off Boulevard Costera Miguel Alemán), (744) 481-3385. Many hotels have an in-house doctor or a contact physician on 24-hour call.
Local Phone Calls
Public phones take prepaid Ladatel/Telmex phone cards, which can be purchased at any convenience store. The smallest card value is 30 pesos; local calls cost only a couple of pesos, depending on the time the call is made. Insert the card chip side up and then dial your call; an LED display shows the remaining value of the card after the call is finished.
Publications
Sanborns, a Mexican restaurant chain, has English-language books and periodicals. There are locations at Boulevard Costera Miguel Alemán #3111 (several blocks south of the El Rollo Acapulco water park), Boulevard Costera Miguel Alemán #1260 (in the vicinity of Playa Calinda) and at Boulevard Costera Miguel Alemán #209 in old downtown Acapulco.
Visitor Information
Boulevard Miguel Alemán #4455 Acapulco, GR . Phone:(744)484-4416
Currency Exchange
Most banks along the Costera, both in the downtown area and the hotel zone, are open Mon.-Fri. 9-5 (some also Sat. 10-2). Casas de cambio (currency exchange houses) line the Costera in the vicinity of the big hotels; these are open daily and often until 8 p.m. ATMs are plentiful and accept international credit cards; withdrawals are in pesos.
Staying Safe
In recent years Acapulco has experienced high-profile incidents of drug cartel-related violence, some of which have occurred in or near tourist areas. If you leave your hotel, stick to areas frequented by visitors (the beaches and tourist-oriented businesses along Boulevard Costera Miguel Alemán). The old downtown area is also safe during daylight hours. Tourists often are targeted for petty theft; stay alert if you happen to be in a crowded public place, like a market. Never carry large sums of money or personal valuables and always keep your hotel room key card with you, preferably in a hidden pocket or other safe place.
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