Originally Posted by
gkbiiii
I was able to book the Princess "semi-all Inclusive package" for a golf view JR pyramid suite, all in for $1,650 for five nights. That was only around $ 340 a night for two people. I got an amazing deal on United; $570 for First/Business class MIA-MEX (through IAH & booked on united.com). So so just $1,140 for the airfare and less than $200 for the "Executive Class bus" from Mexico City to Acapulco. Add on two nights at the airport Holiday Inn for two nights at $135 total. After returning from Acapulco I have another two nights at the Maria Isabel Sheraton, on the Executive floor at $380 total.
So my ten night trip from Miami for two, cost just over $3,850 which is less than my $4,000 budget. True, I will be spending some cash as well when I am there. Based on the length of the trip, I could not fine anything that I could get (at the same quality level and premium airfare) elsewhere in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, or Columbia/Peru, for the same price. Best of all, I even get lounge access for the Mexico City flights, as well United has a club in MEX.
If your willing to take the risk with the cartels, the former Fairmont Acapulco Princess is the place to go. The videos show this is truly a destination resort, so no reason to leave it, other than tours. I booked the Acapulco Princess Mundo Imperial direct, which also gave me one comped ride on the "Xtsea zip line," which is $60 for one ride. Lastly, if you want to book the semi inclusive, it has to be done directly on the hotels website, with the "hotel only" tab. The option will be the last option offered, on a pull down tab.
Sounds like a good deal all around. That business fare is incredible. I thought I had done well booking Aeromexico-JFK-ACA business for $835, but you blew me out of the water! I have done the zipline - its a lot of buildup for a short trip, but its a fun ride and you get some incredible views. The Princess is by all accounts an excellent resort. But I would say get out a little more than just the zip line and the Cliff Divers, if you can. Mario Canario and Patiti del Mar both do lunch, are near you and are excellent. And the beaches along the bay will have calmer water. Caleta and Caletilla in the traditional area are the calmest (though they get extremely crowded on the weekends with locals).
You won't be the only Gringo at the resort. I was down a few weeks ago and for the first time in a long time, my flight MEX-ACA was mainly gringos, and I am guessing a lot of them are going to the Princess or Dreams (on the bay). Some even managed to make it out on the Costera (main drag along the bay) one night when I was out. Was nice to see.