Escape to Paradise: Hyatt Zihuatanejo's Thompson Resort Awaits
Escape to Paradise? Hyatt Zihuatanejo's Thompson Resort: A Hot Mess of Beauty and Bumps
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill some serious tea on the Thompson Zihuatanejo. This place… well, it's an experience. An expensive, sometimes frustrating, gorgeous experience. Let's dive in, shall we? Consider this your rambling, unfiltered, and probably slightly caffeinated review.
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- Keywords: Zihuatanejo, Thompson, Hyatt, Resort, Mexico, Beachfront, Accessible, Spa, Pool, Dining, Luxury, Review, Travel, Vacation, Family-Friendly, Couples, Wheelchair Accessible, Wi-Fi, Ocean View
- Meta Description: A warts-and-all review of the Thompson Zihuatanejo in Mexico! From stunning ocean views and questionable service to incredible food and accessibility options, get the real scoop before you book your escape!
First Impressions: The Good, the Okay, and the “WTF?”
Pulling up to the Thompson, you're immediately hit with the "wow" factor. Lush greenery, sparkling pools, and that iconic Pacific Ocean stretching out before you. Seriously, the view? Unbeatable. Pure, unadulterated postcard perfection. I mean, breathtaking doesn't even cover it.
Getting Around & Accessibility: A Mixed Bag
Let's be real, accessibility is huge for me. And the Thompson? It's trying, bless its heart.
- Wheelchair Accessible: The main areas – the lobby, the restaurants, and the pools – are generally pretty good. Ramps were plentiful, and elevators were readily available, which is a huge win.
- Elevator: Yes, glorious elevators! Necessary for anyone with mobility issues.
- Facilities for disabled guests: I saw some rooms specifically designed for accessibility, which is fantastic.
- Exterior corridor: Yep, that classic Mexican resort vibe, with hallways open to the ocean breeze. Though sometimes you wish it'd keep the breeze out… but more on that later.
However… Here's where the "WTF?" comes in. Paths to some of the beach areas were a bit tricky, and the sand itself (obviously) isn't wheelchair-friendly. Plus, navigating the uneven surfaces around the resort sometimes felt like an Olympic sport. It’s a work in progress, but definitely consider contacting the hotel in advance to clarify any specific accessibility needs.
Rooms & Comfort: The Perks and the Quirks
Okay, so I booked a room with… everything. And let me tell you, the views… the views were worth the hefty price tag.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/Security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The Good: Seriously comfortable bed (extra long even!), massive soaking tub. And the bathrobes? Plush, cloud-like, and practically demanded I spend the whole day lounging in them, which, you know, I happily obliged. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those epic afternoon naps.
The Quirks: My room did have a weird echoing quality. And the bathroom, while luxurious, felt a teeny bit cramped. Plus, the internet… was spotty at times. Free Wi-Fi is great, but reliability? Not always.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Culinary Mishaps)
Okay, let's talk about the real reason we're all here: the food.
- Restaurants: Multiple options, offering a range of cuisines.
- A la carte in restaurant: The main restaurant, is amazing and its a la carte.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: The breakfast options were diverse, with everything from fresh fruit and pastries to Asian-inspired breakfast choices.
- Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant The Western breakfast was spot on.
- Bar, Poolside bar, Happy hour: Happy hours, pool-side bars and various bars.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: The coffee was delicious.
- Room service [24-hour]: 24-hour room service, which, for a night owl like me is a godsend.
- Desserts in restaurant: Sweet tooth? You're in heaven.
- Snack bar: A snack bar by the pool was useful.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Some vegetarian options were available.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They seemed willing to accommodate dietary restrictions, which is always a plus.
Now for the Real Talk:
- The Ups: The seafood was insane. Fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. I had grilled octopus that still haunts my dreams (in a good way!). The presentation was beautiful.
- The Downs: One night, I ordered room service and, well, let's just say the meal arrived cold and the salad was… wilted. I called to complain, and they were genuinely apologetic and fixed it, but still… it's a luxury resort, people! Get it right the first time!
Things To Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?
This is where the Thompson really shines.
Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], Let's see, where to start… ah, yes, the spa. The spa was legit amazing. I'm talking decadent massages, rejuvenating facials, and a sauna experience that practically melted my stress away. Get the massage. Trust me.
Swimming pool: Multiple pools to choose from, each with its own vibe. The main pool has a lively atmosphere with music and cocktails, while others offer a quieter, more relaxed setting. The view from the infinity pool? Unreal.
Things to do: The resort also offers various activities, such as yoga on the beach, water sports, and cooking classes.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Pandemic Playbook
I'll give them credit, they were trying.
- Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment,
- The Good: Sanitizer stations everywhere, staff wearing masks, and a clear effort to maintain social distancing. The rooms were spotless.
- The Not-So-Good: While the precautions were in place, the enforcement felt a little… inconsistent. Sometimes, the staff were a bit lax about mask-wearing, and the bustling pool area didn't always feel super socially distanced.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things
- Concierge: The concierge was helpful with recommendations and arrangements.
- Daily housekeeping: Immaculate daily housekeeping.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Laundry services are available.
- Cash withdrawal: You can perform cash withdrawals.
- Currency exchange: Currency exchange is available.
- Safety deposit boxes: Security features are good.
- Boutique: Gifts/souvenir shop.
But… it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
- The Not-So-Good: The service, while generally polite, could be… slow. Things sometimes took longer than expected. And the initial check-in process was a bit of a disaster. They lost my reservation for a hot minute. Stressful.
- The Unexpected: One morning, I woke up to find a family of iguanas sunbathing on my balcony. Wild. Kinda cool, kinda creepy.
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids meal, The resort caters well to families, with child-friendly facilities and babysitting services available.
Final Verdict: Worth It?
The Thompson Zihuatanejo is a beautiful. Stunning at times. But it's not perfect. It's a luxury escape with some accessibility considerations. The service can be spotty, and the price tag is hefty. But if you're looking for breathtaking views, incredible food, and a chance to truly unwind (with a little patience), it’s definitely worth considering. Just… manage
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Warasin Resort Pattaya Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-curated travel brochure. This is me, raw and unfiltered, attempting to wrangle a stay at the Thompson Zihuatanejo into something resembling a schedule. Consider this my post-vacation therapy session…
Thompson Zihuatanejo: My Brain's Messy Love Letter (and Maybe a Small Complaint Box)
Day 1: Arrival and Beach Bliss (with a side of existential dread)
- 1:00 PM: Land in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH). Holy moly, the humidity hits you like a warm, salty hug the second you step off the plane. I'm already sweating, and my hair is rebelling. Pretty sure my carefully packed "beachy waves" effort is already a lost cause. Side note: the airport itself is hilariously…rustic. Like, charmingly so, but definitely not the gleaming glass and steel of modern airports. It sets the tone, I guess.
- 1:30 PM: Taxi jostle to Thompson. The driver, a jovial fellow named Ricardo with more gold teeth than appropriate for a Tuesday, regales me with tales of Zihuatanejo's best tacos. My stomach rumbles. This promises well.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. The lobby is gorgeous. Seriously, magazine-worthy. So airy, so chic, it almost makes up for the flight delays and the existential dread that always creeps in when I'm on the verge of a relaxing vacation.
- 2:30 PM: Room exploration. Pool view. Ocean view. Gorgeous balcony. Settle in and immediately start judging the mini-bar situation. They had a decent cocktail that I actually had to pay for. (But, hey, its the little things, right?). But, oh my god, the bed… It's like sleeping on a cloud made of dreams and possibly also unicorn hair. I feel, at least for a moment, content. Wait, no, that's the tequila kicking in.
- 3:30 PM: Beach Assault. Okay, "assault" is too strong. "Gentle exploration" feels more accurate. First, you can't just walk onto the beach. You have to navigate a perfectly manicured path, past the pool (tempting, but must conquer the sand!). The sand is… chef's kiss. Powder-soft, white, and gloriously hot on the feet. I plop down on a sunbed and just…breathe. It feels amazing.
- 4:00 PM: Okay, the beach vendors. They are relentless. "Massage, señorita?" "Fresh coconut, señor?" I love them, I hate them, I love them. I buy a ridiculously overpriced coconut because, come on, I'm on vacation! And the coconut water is heavenly. Pure, tropical bliss.
- 5:00 PM: Swim (with, let's be honest, a lot of hesitation.) The ocean is warm, but the waves are surprisingly strong. I get knocked around a bit, swallow some saltwater (ew), and laugh hysterically at myself. Beach life!
- 6:00 PM: A nap. Sun + water + tequila = instant sleep. Wake up disoriented, convinced I've missed the apocalypse. Nope, just sunset. Sigh of relief.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at Ceniza. The restaurant boasts locally sourced ingredients. I order a dish with grilled octopus. It's… interesting. The octopus is tender, but the accompanying sauce is a little… aggressive. I'm trying to be sophisticated but, I'm mostly just thinking about how I like the chips in the basket next to me. I definitely could have eaten more of those. Order a margarita to drown my sorrows and, yes, it does.
- 9:00 PM: Stumble back to the room, feeling pleasantly buzzed. The stars. Oh My God. The stars are incredible. The resort's lighting is considerate enough to dim the lights with a romantic ambiance. I swear, I see a shooting star. Make a wish for less sunburn and more tacos.
Day 2: Culture Shock…and the Quest for the "Perfect" Taco (that never comes)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Breakfast at the hotel. (Where's that taco, though?) The avocado toast is Instagram-worthy, but I'm still on that taco mission.
- 9:00 AM: Decide to explore. Walk into town. The town is a delightful mix of touristy shops and authentic charm. I get a little bit lost, which is always the best part. (Seriously, get lost. You learn so much!)
- 10:00 AM: Taco Quest Begins. I ask every local for their favorite taco spot. Each person is adamant that their taco is the best. This is going to be harder than I thought.
- 10:30 AM: First taco experience. A tiny, unassuming place with a line out the door. The tacos are… good. Not mind-blowing, but good. I eat two. I'm already second-guessing myself.
- 11:30 AM: Second taco experience. This one is famous for its fish tacos. More people, more expectations. Another good taco, but still not "the one". I'm starting to think the perfect taco is a myth.
- 12:30 PM: The disappointment hits. This taco place I found has some of the best reviews but, they're closed so no tacos. Sad face.
- 1:30 PM: Retreat to the hotel. The sun is brutal, and my quest has left me feeling defeated. But even defeat has a silver lining - pool time!
- 2:00 PM: Pool time. Dive in and allow the water to wash away my taco troubles. It works, at least temporarily.
- 3:00 PM: Another massage. This one is a deep tissue. The masseuse, a tiny woman with hands of steel, kneads out all the knots left from my taco-related anxiety. Worth it.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset drinks. The bar at the Thompson has an open-air bar view that overlooks the ocean. The colors are insane - pink, orange, purple, all blended together. It's so stunning I almost cry.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Sal y Pimienta. The food… is okay. I'm really starting to think I am incapable of being impressed. But the company is good. (I made friends with a couple from Minnesota. They're lovely. Also, they love the Packers. We agree to disagree gracefully).
- 9:00 PM: The tequila has been calling my name. It's time to go to bed. Because, tomorrow, is another day of tacos!
Day 3: Farewell and Final Taco Attempt? (Spoiler: Probably)
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast. I'm already sad. The idea of leaving this perfect vacation has me in a minor funk.
- 9:00 AM: One last walk on the beach. I find a perfect seashell. I will take it home to remind me of this trip.
- 10:00 AM: Check is.
- 11:00 AM: Head to the airport. One last taco attempt at the airport. It's, of course, disappointing. But that's okay. The journey matters, not just the destination.
Final Thoughts (and a Few Unsolicited Opinions):
Thompson Zihuatanejo is gorgeous. The service is impeccable. The setting is idyllic. The food… is a mixed bag, but the margaritas are strong. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
But, also… I'm still searching for that perfect taco. Maybe it's a metaphor. Maybe it's a sign that I'll always be searching for something better. I'm okay with that. I'm okay with the imperfections, the disappointments, the sunburn, the too-strong sauces, and the constantly-rebellious hair. It's all part of the adventure.
And, truly, the stars at night were amazing.
So, there you have it. My messy, honest, and utterly human account of a trip to the Thompson Zihuatanejo. Go, enjoy, and may your own adventures be filled with sunshine, strong margaritas, and at least a few decent tacos.
Escape to Paradise: La Casona de la Roza Awaits in Spain!
Escape to Paradise: My Messy, Honest, and Utterly Human Guide to Hyatt Zihuatanejo
Okay, Spill. Is this Place REALLY as Gorgeous as the Pictures?
Alright, alright, fine, let's get REAL. The pictures? They're… a good start. They capture the *vibe*, you know? Turquoise water, perfect sand, those iconic palm trees swaying in the breeze. It's all there. But they *can't* capture the smell of the ocean, which, by the way, is NOT always a glamorous, "freshly baked sea air" thing. Sometimes it smells like… well, the ocean doing its ocean thing. Salty, a little fishy, and occasionally, a hint of seaweed. And the *light*? The photos can't touch the way the sun hits the water in the late afternoon, turning everything gold.
I walked into my room (after a slightly chaotic check-in, more on that later...) and just… gasped. Seriously. Genuinely gasped. It's the kind of "air whooshing out of your lungs" gasp. So, yes, it's gorgeous. Prepare to be Instagram-overwhelmed. You WILL take a million pictures. You WILL use all the filters. You WILL feel a powerful urge to buy a ridiculously oversized hat. Just embrace it.
Checking In: Nightmare or Dream? And what about the staff?
Okay, REAL TALK. Check-in was… a *process*. Let's just say there was a slight language barrier (my Spanish is… well, let's call it "improving") and a minor issue with my room type. (Me: "I booked an ocean view!" The person behind the counter: "Yes, this room has a… view… of the… buildings across the street.") It wasn't a *disaster*, mind you. Just… a touch frustrating after a long flight. (Also, I may or may not have been slightly hangry.)
BUT! The staff. Once I was *in* my room (ocean view, eventually!), the staff were AMAZING. Seriously, genuinely lovely. From the pool attendants (who actually *remembered* my drink order!) to the restaurant servers (who tolerated my attempts at speaking Spanish), everyone was so friendly and helpful. There was this one guy, I think his name was Miguel, who went above and beyond to help me find the best tacos in town. THAT’S what I call service. And honestly, it made up for the slightly chaotic check-in. Their warmth and genuine smiles? That's the real luxury, in my book.
The Rooms: Worth the Hype (and the Price Tag)?
Okay, let's get down to the brass tacks: the rooms. Are they a masterpiece of interior design? Yes, pretty much. Modern, minimalist (but not in a cold, sterile way), with those HUGE, comfy beds you can just *fall* into after a day of sun and margaritas. The bathrooms… ah, the bathrooms. Rainfall shower heads that made me want to live in the shower forever. And the balconies! Perfect for sipping your morning coffee (or, let's be honest, your afternoon tequila) and watching the waves crash.
But. Here's the thing. I'm a messy person. Like, a majorly messy person. So, the pristine white surfaces and sleek lines were a constant source of guilt. I felt like I should be wearing white gloves just to breathe in the room. Also… bring some extra hangers. I always pack too many clothes. ALWAYS. And the closet space, while aesthetically pleasing, wasn't exactly designed for someone with my... *extensive* wardrobe. Minor gripes, though. They're wonderful rooms.
Food, Glorious Food! What are we eating and drinking? And is the price worth it?
Oh. My. GAWD. The food. Prepare to loosen your belt. And maybe bring a second stomach. Seriously. The breakfast buffet at the restaurant (I can't even remember the name, it was all a glorious haze of deliciousness) was a *dream*. Fresh fruit, omelet stations, amazing pastries… I may or may not have eaten my weight in croissants. And the guacamole… oh, sweet, creamy, perfectly seasoned guacamole. I *dream* of that guacamole. I'm pretty sure I've added "make guacamole like they do in Zihuatanejo" to my bucket list.
The cocktails? Top-notch. The margaritas were dangerously good (and I'm not just saying that because I had a few too many). They have a signature cocktail made with Mezcal and passionfruit. It's like sunshine in a glass. It's probably why I went through the whole trip thinking I spoke Spanish, which leads me to the price is worth it. Yeah.. some of the prices are up there….but the quality. The location. The experience. Yeah. It's worth it. Just try to be sensible with your budgeting, ok?
Let's talk Ta-cos! The Resort vs. Town?
Okay, here's the *real* insider tip: get out of the resort. The food inside the hotel is excellent, yes, but the true culinary magic? Lives in the little, family-run taco stands and restaurants *in town*. Miguel, God bless his soul, steered me to some of the best tacos I've ever had in my life. A place called "El Trompo" – get the pastor. Seriously, RUN. And while you're at it, order a horchata. You won't regret it. Resort tacos are fine. But for a *true* taste of Zihuatanejo, wander a bit. Embrace the adventure! Embrace the street food! Just maybe pack some antacids. You've been warned.
The Beach & Pool Scene: Relaxation or Chaos? (And how crowded are they?)
Ah, the beach and pool. The *raison d'être* of this whole shebang, right? The beach itself is gorgeous. Soft sand, clear water, perfect for swimming (or, you know, just floating around and pretending you're a mermaid). There are some watersports available - I went for a paddleboard. I might've fallen in a couple of times.
The pool situation? Pretty darn good. They've got a couple of pools, one with a swim-up bar (which, let's be honest, is a life goal). Finding a spot usually isn't too brutal, but, like any popular spot, some people… claim their territory early. I'm not naming names. But there were a few people who seemed to have permanently attached themselves to their chairs. But, hey, that's a minor detail. Mostly, it's pure, unadulterated relaxation. Bring a book, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready to do absolutely *nothing*.
