Hotel Tips

The "Relleno" Ritual:

On Sunday mornings, do as the locals. Walk to the market or look for a street vendor selling Relleno de Puerco (roasted pig with stuffing). This is a Zihuatanejo Sunday tradition. Ask the hotel staff which vendor they recommend; they will know the best spot.

Jueves Pozolero:

You can have Pozole on Thursdays. Zihuatanejo is famous for its green pozole (pozole verde). Ask at reception for directions to a traditional pozoleria (Santa Prisca or Teosintle). It’s a heavy meal usually served with mezcal and appetizers.

Money Management:

Even if the hotel accepts cards, the general area of downtown is basically cash-heavy. Small restaurants and taco stands and the market sell only accept Mexican Pesos. There are a couple of banks with ATMs (Banamex, Santander) within 2-3 blocks from the hotel. Always try to keep change (20s and 50s) for taxis and tips.

The Rooster Factor:

Water in most of Centro is delivered by tanker truck or pumped from wells. Very few houses are connected to the municipal water system, which itself is untreated river water and not safe for drinking anyway.

Do not drink tap water in Mexico. A large 20-liter jug (garrafón) of purified water is placed by Hotel Isis either in the corridor or lobby for all guests to refill their bottles. Make use of this to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.

Playa La Ropa Access:

You can walk to Playa Madera, but the nicer beach is Playa La Ropa. It’s a long hot walk (about 25-30 minutes-including some uphill and downhill walking). Take the local bus (which says "La Ropa") for a few pesos; the stop is very close to the hotel. It’s a fun, breezy ride with the windows down.