Azul Ixtapa All Inclusive Beach Resort & Convention Center
Family-friendly resort in Ixtapa. Modern, Mid-Range.
Atmosphere
Room Upgrades
Amenities
Traveler Insights(110 discussions)
Azul Ixtapa Grand is the resort that Ixtapa regulars keep coming back to, and the standout feature is consistently the food. Travelers describe it as 'restaurant quality' all-inclusive fare - genuinely above the buffet-resort norm - with a la carte restaurants covering solid variety and the poolside snack options getting specific praise. The grounds are immaculate, maintained to a level that elicits specific comments about flowers, landscaping, and cleanliness from guests who've stayed at dozens of resorts. The pool situation covers multiple bases: a grotto swim-up bar for social energy, an infinity pool for views, and a separate adults-only pool off to the side for couples who want calm without needing an adults-only property.
The Ixtapa destination itself is part of the appeal for a particular type of traveler. It's quieter than Cancun or Riviera Maya, more authentically Mexican, and the beach at Playa Ixtapa has a dramatic Pacific backdrop that Caribbean beaches simply don't replicate. The waterpark on-site is a meaningful family amenity, and the full spa and snorkeling give the property enough activity range to fill a week. The regular alcohol selection (standard brands, no premium pours) and the limited flight connectivity to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo airport are the friction points that keep this resort from getting more North American traffic.
This resort is ideal for families who've done Cancun and want something different, for couples seeking a quieter Mexican beach without fully committing to an adults-only property, and for travelers who prioritize food quality and grounds beauty over nightlife and excursion variety. It competes directly with the Barcelo Ixtapa and the Club Med in the same area - Azul Ixtapa Grand consistently wins on food and pool quality, while Club Med offers more structured activity programming. If your flight options to Zihuatanejo work, this is one of the best-value family all-inclusives in Pacific Mexico.
Pros
- +Spotlessly maintained grounds with immaculate landscaping and flowers that travelers consistently describe as among the most beautiful resort grounds they've visited
- +Food quality is the best-in-class for Ixtapa and genuinely above the all-inclusive average - travelers describe it as 'restaurant quality' with standout variety at the buffet
- +Multiple pool areas including a grotto swim-up bar that adults love, an infinity pool, and a separate quieter adults-only pool away from the main social areas
- +On-site waterpark gives families a strong activity option without leaving the resort - one of the few all-inclusives in Ixtapa with this amenity
- +Adults-only pool area provides a quiet retreat within a family resort - couples can escape the kids club energy without needing an adults-only property
- +Spa and gym facilities are full-service and well-maintained, adding a wellness dimension beyond the standard pool-and-beach experience
- +Snorkeling off the beach with included equipment is available for guests interested in exploring the Pacific coast marine environment
- +Ixtapa destination is less crowded and more authentically Mexican than Cancun or Riviera Maya - the whole area has a quieter, more local feel
Cons
- −Popular liquor brands are limited to standard staples (Bacardi, Jim Beam) - the premium spirits selection doesn't match Velas resorts or Cancun's higher-end properties
- −Pools can get overcrowded when the resort is at full capacity, and chair availability becomes competitive on busy peak-season weeks
- −Ixtapa itself is a smaller destination with fewer excursion options and less tourist infrastructure than Cancun or Riviera Maya
- −Wristbands are cut off at checkout, meaning guests who check out early and want to enjoy the facilities while waiting for transfers are turned away
- −Convention center component means the resort sometimes hosts large corporate groups that change the atmosphere for leisure travelers
- −Limited nightlife beyond the resort's own entertainment programming - Ixtapa town has some options but it's not a bar crawl destination
- −Room categories can be confusing and the 'Grand' property next to the original Azul Ixtapa means you need to verify which property you're actually booking
- −Getting to Ixtapa requires flying into Zihuatanejo airport with limited direct flight options from most North American cities compared to Cancun
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“This resort was amazing! Azul grand allows access to both hotels. Marta was extremely friendly and funny, Ever always had a smile while serving amazing drinks and Isabel made fantastic towel displays for us. The coffee bar was spectacular. Everyone...”
“Very good service,delicious food, drinks, and hotel activities 💕”
“The hotel is very nice. Service is superb everywhere. Pools are nice and big enough for a swim twice a day. Only hick up is that the sea is inaccessible (dangerous as it is naturally the pacific ocean) but even for a good swimer like my husband who w...”