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Krystal Ixtapa All Inclusive

Ixtapa, Mexico
4(8,694 reviews)
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Krystal Ixtapa All Inclusive is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Ixtapa, Mexico with 255 rooms. Amenities include Beach, Diving, Fishing, Golf Course and Nightclub. Travelers rate it 4/5 across 8,694 Google reviews.

Price Range
$$$ est.
Rooms
255

Amenities

Beach
Diving
Fishing
Golf Course
Nightclub
Snorkeling
Water Sports Rentals
Windsurfing

Quick answers

Is Krystal Ixtapa All Inclusive adults only?
No — Krystal Ixtapa All Inclusive is a family-friendly resort that accepts children of all ages.
Where is Krystal Ixtapa All Inclusive?
Krystal Ixtapa All Inclusive is in Ixtapa, Mexico. Its address is Boulevard Paseo Ixtapa Lote 4 y 4, A, 40880 Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico.
How many rooms does Krystal Ixtapa All Inclusive have?
Krystal Ixtapa All Inclusive has 255 rooms.
Is Krystal Ixtapa All Inclusive all-inclusive?
Yes — Krystal Ixtapa All Inclusive is an all-inclusive resort, so meals, drinks and most on-site activities are covered by the rate.

Traveler Insights(428 discussions)

Krystal Ixtapa is the anchor property of a resort town that most Americans haven't discovered yet, and that's either the best or worst thing about it depending on what you want from a Mexico beach vacation. Ixtapa was purpose-built as a resort destination in the 1970s by the Mexican government and has stayed relatively uncrowded and uncommercialized compared to Cancun or Los Cabos - which means the beach feels genuinely yours, the vendors are less aggressive, and the whole vibe operates at a slower pace. The Krystal sits right on El Palmar Bay with consistent Pacific swell, wide sand, and the kind of long sunset walks that get described as 'the best part of every evening.' Five restaurants, a full entertainment program, and the distinctive perk of free Christine Disco admission round out a property that Ixtapa loyalists come back to year after year.

The day-to-day experience at Krystal Ixtapa is solid without being flashy. The pool complex earns consistent praise - a waterslide, rock waterfall features, and dedicated kids area make it one of the better pool setups on the Pacific Coast. Staff friendliness is genuinely highlighted in reviews; this is one of those resorts where the people working there seem to actually enjoy it. The main friction point is the buffet, which experienced all-inclusive travelers describe as repetitive and limited in variety, particularly at dinner. The restaurants pick up some of the slack - the ocean views from the dining terraces are legitimately beautiful - but if you're comparing directly to a large Cancun resort with eight specialty restaurants, Krystal Ixtapa will feel modest in comparison.


This resort makes the most sense for travelers who actively want to escape the Cancun tourist machine: couples in their 30s-50s looking for a calm Pacific beach vacation, families who don't need wall-to-wall entertainment, and repeat Mexico travelers who've already done Cancun and Cabo and want somewhere genuinely different. Day trips to Zihuatanejo - a colonial fishing village with excellent seafood restaurants right on the water - are one of the best Mexico experiences you can add to a stay here. Deep-sea fishing, scuba diving at nearby reefs, and the Palma Real golf course round out what makes Ixtapa a legitimate destination rather than just a resort backdrop.

Pros

  • +Located directly on El Palmar Bay, one of Ixtapa's best stretches of Pacific beach with wide golden sand and long walks at both sunrise and sunset
  • +Five restaurants covering Mexican, international, and casual dining with actual ocean views from multiple dining areas - not just a windowless buffet hall
  • +Pool complex features a waterslide, rock waterfall, kiddie pool, and dedicated swim areas that make it genuinely entertaining for both families and couples
  • +Free admission to Christine Disco, Ixtapa's most famous nightclub, included with your stay - a unique perk that competing resorts don't offer
  • +Daily activities calendar is packed: beach volleyball, water polo, Zumba, bike rides, and on-site water sports including jet skiing, snorkeling, and windsurfing
  • +Krystal is a respected Mexican hotel brand with consistent quality standards - staff are specifically praised for friendliness and genuine hospitality
  • +Ixtapa itself is a purpose-built resort town that's cleaner and more relaxed than Cancun, with far less aggressive timeshare sales and tourist trapping
  • +Walking distance from Ixtapa's main shopping strip and Palma Real golf course, with deep-sea fishing and scuba excursions bookable right from the beach

Cons

  • Buffet variety is limited compared to larger resort chains - guests note repetition after a few days, particularly at dinner, and the selection doesn't match what you'd find at Cancun mega-resorts
  • The resort is noticeably short-staffed relative to its size, leaving some employees visibly overstretched and service during peak meal times slower than it should be
  • Water sports like jet skiing, scuba diving, and water skiing are available but come at additional charge - they are not covered by the all-inclusive rate
  • Ixtapa's Pacific ocean can have strong currents and rough surf on certain days, making it unsuitable for swimming when conditions are poor - always check flags before entering
  • The resort's physical infrastructure is aging in places, and some guests note that renovations have been piecemeal rather than comprehensive
  • Ixtapa is geographically isolated compared to Cancun - getting to Zihuatanejo (the charming nearby fishing village) requires a taxi and some planning
  • Christine Disco admission is free, but drinks inside are not covered by the all-inclusive wristband - expect to pay for cocktails once you're in the club
  • Limited direct international flights compared to Cancun, meaning getting here often involves a connection through Mexico City or Guadalajara

Common Questions

How does Ixtapa compare to Cancun as a destination?
Ixtapa is dramatically less crowded, less commercialized, and less developed than Cancun. The hotel zone is compact and manageable. There's no party strip like Cancun's downtown, fewer timeshare hustlers, and a calmer overall energy. The tradeoff is fewer flight options, fewer resort choices, and less variety in off-resort nightlife. For travelers who've done Cancun multiple times and want something quieter and more authentic-feeling, Ixtapa is a genuinely refreshing alternative.
Is the Pacific beach at Krystal Ixtapa good for swimming?
El Palmar Bay has beautiful Pacific surf, but Pacific beaches can have stronger currents than the calm Caribbean side. The hotel posts daily flag conditions and guests should follow them - green means go, yellow means caution, red means stay out of the water. On good days, the beach is excellent. On rough days, the pool is the better option. This is a meaningful difference from Cancun's typically calmer Caribbean water.
What is Zihuatanejo, and is it worth visiting from the resort?
Zihuatanejo (Zihua) is a colonial fishing village about 15 minutes by taxi from Ixtapa that is widely considered one of the most charming beach towns on the Mexican Pacific coast. It has seafood restaurants right on the docks, a local market, colorful streets, and a completely different vibe from the resort zone. A half-day trip there for lunch and wandering is one of the strongest arguments for staying in Ixtapa over Cancun. Most travelers who visit call it a highlight of the trip.
Is the Christine Disco admission benefit actually useful?
It's a genuinely nice perk if you're into dancing and nightlife. Christine is Ixtapa's main nightclub and would normally cost money to enter. The catch is that drinks inside are not covered by your all-inclusive wristband, so you're paying separately for cocktails. That said, getting in without a cover and then buying drinks as you go is still a savings over paying cover plus drinks. It's a fun option for an evening out, even if it's not a complete freebie.
How should I approach a day trip to go deep-sea fishing?
Deep-sea fishing is one of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo's strongest draws, with sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, and tuna all seasonally available. The best approach is to book through a reputable operator in Zihuatanejo Bay rather than through the resort - local operators charge less and often offer more personalized trips. Rates run approximately $350-600 for a private half-day charter depending on the boat. The resort's activities desk can help arrange trips but may charge a premium.

Google Rating

4(8,694 Google reviews)

Google Reviews

Chino D.
a month ago

Paseo de Mexico had pretty good food overall. The "Mini Huarache" had a great combination of steak and beans. The tacos, using the same meat, were also very good. The dessert, "Coyota," was good as well, giving a hazelnut flavor that leaves you wanti...

Kevin E.
3 months ago

Wow!! We really enjoyed this restaurant!!! The atmosphere was amazing , the service was top notch, the food was excellent!!! They took extra special care of us for my daughter’s 15th Birthday!!! Omar & Fidel were awesome, Thank you so much!!! The...

Victor O.
10 months ago

The rooms were clean and most have balconies looking over the beach. The service is amazing, the staff is so friendly and helpful. As of the location the hotel is a bit away from any store or pharmacy, but they are a 10-20 minute walk away. One downs...