Interesting. I was enchanted by Zihua and, yes, it can appear grubby in some places and vendors along the malecon can be aggressive but I love this very Mexican old fishing town and its amazing beaches. The Thompson used to be Villa del Sol thirty years ago when it was an inexpensive delight directly on the beach (toes in sand breakfast) but it is very far from that now and I would not stay there (also noise issues). Sunset beach walks don’t get better than Playa La Ropa.

Ixtapa is a government created tourist town pretty much forgettable. Many inauthentic restaurants and cuisines, fancy and overpriced schlocky shops, no character to speak of but some waterfront areas mildly pleasant. I’d not spend the cab fare.