Very pretty hotel right on the beach. The beach is very nice, lots of venders but the hotel did a good job of having them roped off and security guards around. I actually enjoyed the vendors but for the people that don't care for them the hotel did a good job of addressing the situation.
Our room had a gorgeous balcony partly overlooking the ocean and the land. So we were lucky and had to very nice views.
The service and food were awesome! I am a pretty picky eater and I always found more than enough to eat! My favorite bartenders at the swim up bar were Tao and Vincente. The sweetest men ever!
This resort does allow children so something to keep in mind if that bothers you. We prefer adults only resorts but we got such a good detail on this resort we just said hell with it! Have another drink and maybe they will go away or become more amusing to us! Besides you are on vaca in the sun! Being from South Dakota what more could you ask for in January! :)
Acapulco as a city is VERY large. I was in no way prepared for how large it the cities I am used to navigating around (Denver, Minneapolis) are nothing compared to this. Then leave it to me to get lost. There is just so much to look at I get distracted and before I knew it my friends were gone! But by pointing at my hotel's band on my wrist the locals were able to understand what happened and able to direct me back to my hotel. The city is busy day and night. Night life doesn't start until about 9 and ends anywhere from 5am to 6 am and you often will find people passed out along the beach when you are out for an early mornig stroll. No biggy, they were enjoying their vaca evidently!
The water wasn't as pretty as the Carribean side.

great hotel - had no problems at all. went during spring break and over the easter holidays. Was really packed with Mexican families and less so spring breakers. Had room on the side of the hotel with a lovely view. maid service great, size of the room spacious, balcony lovely. easy to bring in drinks from outside. couldn't use UK appliances but they have a hairdryer.
Sun beds by pool got busy pretty early but always could find space at adult pool on third floor or beach. beach traders came up to you on beach but they went away very quickly if you said no thanks.
didn't eat at the restaurants at all but pool bar and snacks fine.
great location - 10 minute walk to all the bars - plenty of restaurants along the strip plus supermarkets to buy water etc (no fridge in room but you can get ice).
got taxis into old acapulco but was a bit disappointed - quite grotty.
cliff divers were amazing - a definite must! went to la perla for dinner - i guess quite expensive but worth it to stay for a few more viewings of the cliff divers
went to palladium one night. at first was surprised - seemed quite grotty. the 'amazing view' was blocked by the condensation on the window, difficult to get your free beer (with price of entry) without tipping heavily (in dollars preferably). They did put on shows which were incredible though - contortionists etc.
got the bus from mexico city which worked out fine - very easy to do
struggled a bit not knowing any spanish - particularly with taxi drivers. you are expected to tip everyone and we got ripped off a couple of times definately. people just taking tips out of your change without asking etc. just be aware
all in all great trip!

I can add to the concern from the reviews I read about the Crowne Plaza. My boyfriend and I planned our trip to Acapulco during the week of March 24-28, peak spring break. My main concern was the fact that the hotel was going to be very old and dingy. To my surprise, we got far more than we expected for our $64 a night. We only booked a room as he likes to mingle with the locals when traveling. The hotel is in a geat location for food and drinks. The first two days were pretty packed with native Mexicans as they were on their two week holiday vacation. Not many American spring breaks to be found. Which was ok for us. The room had a large king size (hard) bed, but a decent size room and a great view from the 19th floor. We were even right next to the elevator, which I thought would bother me, but you didn't even hear it. Now, my only issues was with the bathroom. It had several spots of mold. I wasn't too fond of that, but I figured within a weeks time, we'd spend a total of an hour plus each in the bathroom per week. I could live with it. The maid serivce was always great, nothing came up missing at all. Over all, I'd say this is a nice hotel. I've been to Cabo and PV, Mexico and stay at the AI resorts and I can say for the do it yourselver in Acapulco, this place gives you what you need for the money. We couldn't tell you about room service or anything like that as you are within walking distance (right outside the hotel) of places to eat and drink. Please, don't expect much, it is still Mexico and Acapulco is not the "hot spot" for the ultimate Mexico vacation anymore, but it's worth a shot if you just plan on sleeing a few hours, showering and hitting the streets to have a good time. And yes, it is RIGHT ON THE BEACH......can't get any closer unless you were on the water.

We just returned from the Crowne Plaza in Acapulco. I have to say that I was a little concerned about our choice of hotels based on some of the reviews. Fortunately, we were plesantly surprised!

We arrived at the height of spring break so the hotel was completey sold out. When we checked in @ 10:00 p.m. the streets were packed with kids heading to the clubs and there was a live band playing outside the lobby. It was loud, and I was thinking the reviews were right! Fortunately, it was the only night the music was that loud, even though there were live bands throughout the week. We were not able to hear any music from our rooms. What we could hear during the night were people being loud coming back to their rooms late at night--not the hotel's fault.

We found the staff to be extremely friendly. Most all wait staff spoke respectable english and the front desk was very fluent. Some service people didn't speak much english, but it didn't pose a problem.

Since it was spring break and Easter break, the beach, and pools were packed. We were always able to obtain a chaise and an umbrella. If you wanted to sit right next to the water's edge, you could rent a cabanna, but we were perfectly fine staying on the hotel's property for nothing! We opted to spend most of our days at the Oasis, which was for adults only. There were the most comfy loungers with umbrellas that I have ever seen at a hotel. If you wanted quiet and space with a great view of the ocean, that was the place to be.

Food at the hotel was adequate. We tried most of the restraunts, but decided the best food was found at local places that were within walking distance. The mexican buffet was our favorite meal at the Crowne Plaza. I think they could work on the quality of their food. Service, however, was great!

Acapulco itself is a busy city!! If you want a tranquil atmosphere, go somewhere else or stay at your hotel to stay out of the hustle and bustle. The beach and water are GREAT! The sunset over the hills is beautiful and the weather can't be beat. All in all it is a nice destination to add to your list of experiences.