The Hotel Suites Ixtapa Plaza packs lots of Mexican charm into a small package. Those familiar with traditional Mexican decor will not surprised by the open-air common areas, the stucco walls, and the minimalist furniture. Expect to see plenty of concrete built-in banquet couches, vibrant tropical flowers, and sculptures. An elevator is on-hand for the second floor. While the laid-back and tranquil hotel doesn’t have much of a social scene, it is located above several restaurants and bars, and within easy walking distance of popular shops and beaches in Ixtapa. The hotel features a lovely rooftop pool, which is usually empty and has nice views of Ixtapa. The relaxed hotel is popular with leisure travelers, couples, and locals. 

Hotel Suites Ixtapa Plaza is located on a well-trafficked road that runs through the small resort town of Ixtapa. The road receives steady traffic, but has wide sidewalks and plenty of crosswalks for easy pedestrian access to and from stores, restaurants, grocery stores, and beaches. The white sands of the bustling Playa el Palmar are a seven-minute walk from the hotel. 

The city center of the sister town, Zihuanatejo, is a 25-minute drive and is home to lots of popular restaurants, the busy Mercado, and traditional Mexican street food. Paseo del Pescador, the walkway bordering Playa La Madera, is a 20-minute drive from the hotel and has plenty of restaurants with lovely views of Zihuatanejo Bay. The quieter Playa La Ropa is a 20-minute drive from the hotel and has a handful of beachfront restaurants. Allow 25 minutes of travel time to drive to the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Airport.

There is a disparity between the rooms at the Hotel Suites Ixtapa Plaza. Some are tiny and simple, while others are spacious and more modern -- but all are impeccably clean. Rooms feature free (but spotty) Wi-Fi, work desks, flat-screen TVs, and powerful air-conditioning. The higher level rooms have separate bedrooms, kitchenettes or full kitchens, and balconies. Colors skew towards blues, white, and brown. Rooms come with king or double-size beds made with patterned bedspreads. The furniture varies, but mostly consists of rattan or wicker headboards, simple couches, and concrete work desks. The Master Suite is an especially nice upgrade with plenty of walking room, a separate living room, and massive balcony.

Bathrooms are similarly simple, featuring standing showers, a few towels, and toiletries. The vibrant mosaic tile sinks add a welcome pop of color in the basic bathrooms. Most bathrooms have separate sinks, adding a little more room to the small rooms. Soap and shampoo are provided.

Hotel Suites Ixtapa Plaza offers few amenities, but there is an ample pool terrace and tranquil common areas which add a welcome upmarket dash for a two-pearl hotel. The rooftop pool is clean and features a spacious terrace with a few chairs and tropical flowers. A Dominos Pizza is located adjacent to the lobby and serves a casual lunch and dinner to the hotel and outside guests. Breakfast is not available on-site. There is plenty of free parking in the lot adjacent to the hotel, and some street parking is available as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though it can be spotty in some of the rooms.