This was the worst hotel I've ever checked in to. The rooms were dirty, and there was a really funky mildew/mold thing growing on the bathroom walls that was very disturbing. The "armoire" doors were broken, so when you opened it to watch tv the doors just fell off. The air didn't work, and it is HOT and HUMID in Acapulco folks - so we were pretty miserable. I just can't even explain how awful the rooms were. (lucky us - we reserved two) I actually took pictures because I was afraid our friends and family back home wouldn't believe how bad it was. This place was our worst nightmare. We've happily stayed in affordable hotels before - we're actually pretty easy going - all we need is clean and cool. This place was neither. The pool wasn't bad, but after the funk I saw in the room I was a bit scared to let the kids swim in it. We promptly checked out & went elsewhere. I'm not sure who would recommend this hotel, but I sure wouldn't. For the record, the hotel is no longer affiliated with Howard Johnson's, and hasn't been for a couple of years. We've stayed at both the Hyatt and Fiesta Americana in Acapulco, and each of those blows this hotel away. Seriously folks, take my advice and avoid this dump at all costs.

Have stayed at the maralisa many times over the years.It has a wonderful breakfast room, is on a great section of the beach, has 2 nice pools and friendly staff. if you are looking for a slick, modern hotel, this is not for you. If you want old world charm, you could not ask for more.

Have stayed there 2 times and is a good location, oceanfront , not kind of quaint. The rooms are average, clean, staff and food good. I have been up and down the strip and is probably the best bang for the buck.

We booked four rooms at this place because of fodor's recommendation. It is filthy dirty, and disgusting with mold growing on the ceilings, walls and floors. It has not been cleaned ever. Each of our rooms was worse than the one before, and when we tried to leave they offered us their "best" ocean front suite. It was gross and I wouldn't allow any of our children to touch anything. We are very adventurous travellers, but this place is shameful. I called Howard Johnson's and was told they no longer r epresent this hotel. It's too bad, but really is beyond awful. We moved on as quickly as possible, and luckily found other accomodations.