Las Palmas Resort & Beach Club

Overlooking Mexico's Pacific coast along the serene white sands of Playa Blanca, Las Palmas provides travelers a tranquil escape in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo (about 152 miles northwest of Acapulco). Guests praise the customer service here, describing the staff as especially friendly and helpful. The hotel's guest rooms earn a nod of approval, too — recent visitors were impressed by the accommodations' hacienda-style architecture and enjoyed the open-air design, crisp white decor and impressive views of the ocean. Las Palmas' suites also come appointed with private terraces (with hammocks), living areas and iPod docking stations; splurge for a beachfront suite if you'd also like access to your own private plunge pool. Though you may be tempted to spend your entire vacation in your room, take advantage of the warm, sunny weather by lounging by the infinity pool or along the resort's soft, palm-strewn sands. When hunger sets in, make your way to Cantina Restaurant & Bar, which dishes up coastal Mexican specialties along the beach, or venture to Agua Restaurant & Bar, which serves Mexican specialties and a mosaic of well-crafted cocktails.