General Juan N Alvarez International Airport: where to stay, areas…

Acapulco airport sits on the eastern side of the bay, near the Punta Diamante area: for those booking a luxury resort in this area the transfer is as short as it gets, around 20 minutes. The Costera Miguel Alemán, the historic seafront promenade with most of the mid-range hotels and the restaurants open in the evening, instead lies 20-30 minutes further west, along the traditional bay. There are no intermediate areas with a reliable hotels.com selection between the two: you either stay near the airport in Punta Diamante, or you aim for the Costera.

Punta Diamante

Airport area · About 20 minutes by car from the airport (11-20 km depending on the source), the shortest transfer in this guide along with Marina Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta.

Best for: Those who want an isolated luxury resort, a few minutes from the airport, without needing to reach the Costera.

Pros

One of the shortest transfers in this guide, handy for those arriving late or leaving early
Sheltered bay and cliffs in the area, quieter than the traditional Costera

Cons

No independent restaurants or shops nearby: you stay within the resort
For the Costera and the historic centre you still need a 30-40 minute taxi ride

Recommended hotels in this area

Banyan Tree Cabo Marques: Resort on a private cliff in Punta Diamante, about 20 minutes from the airport; villas with private pool and a spa geared more towards long stays than short layovers.

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Costera Miguel Alemán

Neighbourhood · About 20-30 minutes by car from the airport (around 22 km), along the Costera which runs the length of the whole traditional bay.

Best for: Those who want restaurants, evening venues and the traditional bay's beaches within walking distance of the room.

Pros

Restaurants, bars and the Costera's evening life within walking distance
Hornos, Hornitos and Condesa beaches a few minutes from the hotels in this area

Cons

Traffic and noise from the Costera until late, especially on weekends
Longer transfer from the airport than Punta Diamante

Recommended hotels in this area

Ritz Acapulco All Inclusive: On the Costera opposite Playa Condesa, ten minutes from the centre; 240 rooms on an all-inclusive plan, two restaurants and a bar with live music on weekends. An independent brand, with no ties to the Ritz-Carlton chain.
Ramada by Wyndham Acapulco Hotel & Suites: On the Costera in Fraccionamiento Hornos, two minutes on foot from Hornos and Hornitos beach; rooms with kitchenette and fridge, handy for multi-night stays.

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