Krystal Ixtapa All Inclusive
Family-friendly resort in Ixtapa.
Amenities
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
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“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...”
“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...”
“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...”