Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All-Inclusive by IHG
Family-friendly resort in Ixtapa.
Amenities
Traveler Insights(480 discussions)
Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa sits on El Palmar beach, and that location is the whole conversation. One of Mexico's longest certified coastlines delivers dramatic Pacific waves, incredible west-facing sunsets, and a beach energy that's fundamentally different from the placid Caribbean waters you get in Cancun or Punta Cana. If you want to feel the actual ocean rather than wade in a flat, warm bathtub, Ixtapa delivers. The resort itself is comfortably mid-tier: not the fanciest property you can book, but well-managed and consistent, with a staff culture that generates more loyalty than the facility alone might earn. Bartenders who remember your order from yesterday, entertainment staff who learn your kids' names by day two - that kind of hospitality keeps guests returning to properties they might otherwise outgrow.
Practically speaking, the all-inclusive works best when you're using it as a base and not expecting every element to be exceptional. The a la carte La Terraza restaurant earns genuine praise, the breakfast stations are a highlight, and the buffet covers its ground without inspiring enthusiasm. The beach bar and pool service flow well during peak hours. Where the resort struggles is in consistency - pool maintenance, entertainment scheduling, and room quality vary enough that guest experiences can diverge significantly. The Holiday Inn branding creates a slight expectation gap: you're at a chain-brand all-inclusive, and the pricing sometimes suggests something more premium than the product delivers.
This is the right resort for active families and couples who want Pacific beach energy, IHG points, and a genuine connection to the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo area - one of Mexico's most underrated coastal destinations. Zihuatanejo itself is a charming fishing village 8 km away with excellent independent seafood restaurants and a local fishing market that rewards an afternoon excursion. Ixtapa Island (Isla Ixtapa) is a short boat ride with snorkeling, restaurants, and calmer waters for swimming. If you're choosing between this and a Cancun or Los Cabos chain property, Ixtapa's relative isolation from mass tourism is a feature, not a bug.
Pros
- +Prime position on El Palmar beach, one of Mexico's longest certified coastlines - the waves here are stronger than the Caribbean, giving boogie boarders and casual surfers something to actually enjoy
- +Staff are a consistent standout - entertainment team, waitstaff, and front desk employees get repeatedly called out by name in reviews for their friendliness, memory for returning guests, and genuine hospitality
- +Multiple food outlets covering buffet and a la carte dining, with La Terraza a la carte restaurant earning strong marks for quality and the made-to-order breakfast stations (omelettes, fresh grilled meats) consistently praised
- +Kids Club (ChiquiClub) for ages 5-12 with structured daily activities in the pool, on the beach, and in the games room - one of the better-staffed children's programs in the Ixtapa area
- +IHG loyalty points earned on stays, which matters to frequent travelers who want to stack hotel rewards across a mid-tier chain
- +5 minutes from Ixtapa's shopping center and restaurant strip, with Zihuatanejo's famous fishing village and local seafood markets just 8 km further - far more accessible local culture than isolated resort areas in Cancun or Punta Cana
- +Two outdoor pools and beachfront access in a resort that doesn't feel overwhelmingly huge, making it easier for families to keep track of each other and navigate without a map
- +Pacific sunset views from the beach that rival anything in Mexico - the west-facing orientation means you get spectacular golden-hour light every evening directly from the resort
Cons
- −Food quality is inconsistent and the buffet menu rotation is slow - regular guests note that the same dishes cycle through with little variation, and the generic brand spirits at the bars underwhelm guests used to better all-inclusives
- −Beach is beautiful but not for casual swimming - El Palmar's Pacific waves and occasional rip currents require swimming awareness, and the water can be too rough for young children or non-swimmers without extra supervision
- −Pool maintenance has drawn complaints in recent years, with some guests reporting green algae on pool edges and water quality that doesn't match a resort's premium positioning
- −Entertainment program is lighter than competitors - Saturday Fiesta night is the main event, but nightly shows don't happen consistently and the activities calendar varies significantly by season
- −Air conditioning in some lower-floor rooms has been reported as insufficient, particularly in the humid Ixtapa summers from June through October
- −Paid Wi-Fi is an unexpected frustration at an all-inclusive resort where most modern properties include connectivity as standard
- −The resort's 'Holiday Inn' branding creates an expectation mismatch - it's a solidly comfortable property, but guests expecting a luxury all-inclusive based on the location and pricing sometimes feel it punches below its tier
- −Limited in-room amenities compared to competitors - no minibars in most room types, which matters when you want a cold drink without making a trip to the bar
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“This place is very nice. The grounds are beautiful and the staff is very friendly. The beach area is clean and the wait staff will come out to the beach and bring drinks for you. It’s all-inclusive and the food is great.”
“Farely quiet, with not much of a night life.The Mexican entertainment evening with vendors on Saturday was well done, with authentic food. Well kept, dated hotel. Food decent, fresh vegetables and good selection. Buffets done well. Reservation dinnin...”
“If you want a resort that has it all, book yourself into Holiday Inn, Ixtapa. We had an amazing 10 day stay January 15-25, 2025. Pictures do no justice in capturing the true beauty of the amazing sunsets you will see! 😍 Not only is it a great locati...”