Las Brisas Ixtapa

I relied a lot on reviews when I was planning my vacation so I find it important to say what we thought of the resort. We visited this hotel for a week and we had the time of our lives. The hotel is absolutely beautiful and very open! We can't wait to go back... Rooms: As everyone says the rooms do need some updating overall the rooms were nice. The balcony with the hammock has an amazing ocean view! The bathrooms were very clean and the maid service is very efficient. They lay flowers on your bed each day in a different design - very beautiful! Service: The service was the best we have ever received at any hotel! The people who work in this resort are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Julian in the beach club and Polo in the Lobby Bar were our favorites. The employees work very long hours and sometimes 7 days a week. I wonder how they are able to keep a smile on their faces! Pools: The pools were nice. We spent all of our time in the adults only pool. We had no problems getting chairs or umbrellas. They are pretty strict about it being adults only. A family with young children tried to swim in the pool and they kindly escorted them to the family pool. There were times when we were the only ones in the pool. They were clean and overall very nice. Beach: The beach was incredible! There were plenty of palapas to go around and we never had any problems finding one. People don't seem to get down to the beach until 11 or 12 noon. We would always go down around 10:30 and found a palapa right on the water. The waves were very strong but they were fun. If you aren't careful they will knock you down because they are so strong. There are lifeguards by the ocean and they constantly walk by and monitor to ensure everyone's safety. We loved spending our time on the beach. We decided not to book the all inclusive option we liked venturing out and seeing what the area had as far as food was concerned. We ate at the following: Bogart's - Fabulous! This was an excellent restaurant in Ixtapa! It is inside and air conditioned and has a very Moroccan feel. The food was delicious (we had Filet) and not overpriced. For dessert we had Banana's Foster which they cooked right at the table. Definitely recommend this restaurant. Momma Norma's - The best fajitas I have ever tasted! They were so courteous and friendly at this restaurant. It is located in the plaza in Ixtapa. Frank's - Owned by a man from Canada. We had pizza and it was delicious! It was cooked in a wood-burning stove. They were very friendly! It, too, is in the Ixtapa plaza. El Faro - Delicious with a view that is to die for! Try to get seated on the lowest level. We were there at sunset and it was the most beautiful view I have ever seen! Villa de la Selva - kind of pricey but again, had a gorgeous view. We loved the food and the service was great. Bandito's - in zihu. Really good food. We ate here for lunch and had traditional Mexican food. As far as side excursions we did a Sunset Cruise on the Picante which was beautiful! We also went into Zihu. and I highly recommend it. It is the cutest town with the nicest people! We went to Ixtapa Island for about an hour and we did not care for it. The people were very pushy to have you sit under their umbrellas and we were ready to go back to our beach! We went out to Senor Frog's and Carlos and Charlie's over the weekend and had a great time partying there. The rest of the time we spent back at the hotel in the beach or at the pool. We loved Las Brisas and can't wait to go back!