Fiesta Americana Acapulco Villas — Hotel in Guerrero

Traveling to Acapulco with Canisius College was an unforgettable experience, largely because of our professor, Tim, whose passion for Mexican culture and religions brought the city to life in ways I never expected. Our stay at Fiesta Americana Acapulco Villas was the perfect backdrop to our exploration—right in the heart of this vibrant coastal city, offering a blend of modern comfort and proximity to Acapulco’s rich historical and cultural landscape.

From the moment we arrived, Tim wasted no time immersing us in the intricate layers of Acapulco’s past and present. He painted a vivid picture of how the city has evolved from its early indigenous roots to becoming one of Mexico’s most iconic destinations. As we wandered through the bustling streets, Tim spoke about the Mexica (Aztec) influence and the later impact of Spanish colonization, tying these historical forces into the modern cityscape we were experiencing. One highlight was the insight into Mexico’s religious diversity, from ancient indigenous beliefs to the widespread influence of Catholicism today. Tim explained how religious festivals, like Semana Santa, are still vital to the community, blending both indigenous and Christian traditions.

While the days were filled with educational adventures, our nights at Fiesta Americana were a much-needed contrast, offering a chance to unwind after absorbing so much history and culture. The hotel’s stunning views of Acapulco Bay were captivating, particularly during sunset. And, of course, I have to mention the night that an unexpectedly intense tropical storm hit. The winds howled, rain pounded, and thunder cracked over the bay. For hours, we watched as the storm swirled over the water, reminding us of the raw power of nature. It was intense and exhilarating all at once. But by the next morning, it was as if the storm had never happened—the sky was a brilliant blue, and the weather was perfect again.

Outside of that stormy night, the rest of our time in Acapulco was marked by epic beauty. The city’s beaches were stunning. Playa Icacos, just a short walk from the hotel, offered pristine sand and calm waters that made it hard to believe we were still so close to a bustling city. We spent time enjoying the water, and when we weren’t on the beach, we explored nearby neighborhoods, like the famed Costa Azul, known for its luxurious homes and historical relevance to Mexico’s tourism boom in the 20th century.

As Tim guided us through these streets, he spoke of Acapulco’s golden age, when it became a playground for Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor and John Wayne. He pointed out how this period, starting in the 1950s, helped transform Acapulco into a cultural hub, drawing celebrities and politicians from around the world. Even today, you can feel traces of that glamorous past in the architecture and the ambiance.

One of the most interesting places we visited was the Botanical Garden of Acapulco (Jardín Botánico), located in the Costa Azul area. The lush greenery was a stark contrast to the beaches, and Tim explained how the garden serves as both a conservation site and a place for locals to reconnect with nature. Walking through it, surrounded by tropical plants and flowers, was an unexpectedly peaceful experience—one that reminded us of the ecological diversity that thrives even in a city as lively as Acapulco.

Throughout the trip, Tim’s deep knowledge of Mexican religious practices, such as the blending of indigenous Mesoamerican traditions with Catholicism, enriched our understanding of the region. His explanations of rituals, holidays, and the symbolic importance of certain religious icons were captivating. It wasn’t just a vacation; it felt like we were gaining a profound appreciation of the way religion and culture are...

Late review but can't forget to write this. First of all, their service is their priority and right at your first step to the hotel, you are greeted by them. They were friendly during our 4 days we stayed at the hotel. We were in the weekend before Christmas and seemed to be more busy towards the holiday. But they were still able to provide good service. Front desk at check in are friendly. Did miss on getting the towel cards but that's no big deal. Our room was cleaned everyday. Their Spa service was great & recommended to relax. Favorite part of my family was the pool. They have 3 pools and easy access to the beach. You will be greeted/attacked by people who are trying to sell you stuff. Easy access to taxis if you're planning to visit other places. Food was good can't complaint. We attended their buffet sessions for 2 days and each day they had different themes. Our favorite was the Paella they prepared. The only thing that you should be aware, they will offer you free food service either breakfast or dinner BUT there's a catch. A Rep from the Hotel will be with you during the whole time to try to get you into their Club. Yes they offer you a club membership ($$$) for you to enjoy their other hotels. You can just deny at the end. BUT it does take a chunk of your time. I felt I could've done other stuff while they were trying to sell me their membership but did get to know their other hotel/resort locations. The view from our hotel was just beautiful. Loved sleeping with our windows open letting the breeze in. Other than that, there was one person who really took the time to give us tips and help us enjoy the most out of our stay. Thank you Naomi, Gracias Naomi por su servicio y amabilidad y esperamos de verla para la proxima!. Stayed at Emporio Hotel down the street 2 years ago and can say that Fiesta Americana was way above. Will consider them again for our next...

CONS: First night there check in around 1am we were on the left hand side of the property where all the clubs were it was the worst night of my life they played music screaming into the mic until 4:30 in the morning just to then have the room next to us turn their tv on right then and blare their tv for hours till we called and complained all this after we had traveled from California for 20 hours. next morning we were moved to the other side of the property where it was much nicer and quiet! got a wonderful massage but it was ruined by them over charging me and me having to wait around for a supervisor that never showed up from what ever meeting she was in just to be told it was a computer glitch and to take my paperwork downstairs to the front desk staff to fix. the floors in the room are filthy my feet were gross every night we were there. bar staff in the morning couldn't use the Espresso maker to make me coffee. I never figured out how to use the coffee maker in the room, first room didn't even have coffee cups. Pizza at the pool was soggy my boyfriend told me while I was getting my massage he threw it to the birds. PROS: the view from the second night room was amazing, beds soft and sheets comfy. breakfast buffet was amazing my massage therapist was Wonderful. Cuban band playing in the lounge last night was amazing. private access to the beach was also very nice as well as both pools. I will say all the staff we came in contact with was all very nice even thou the massage receptionist ruined my massage by me waiting for 45 minutes just to be told its a computer glitch. I would stay again but be warned stay on the RIGHT side if you...