Hotel Amares Acapulco: The Rebirth of an Icon on Acapulco’s Golden Beach
For over half a century, the iconic cylindrical tower rising above the sparkling waters of Acapulco’s Zona Dorada was known as the Hotel Calinda Beach. Following a complete, top-to-bottom transformation after Hurricane Otis, this historic beachfront landmark has officially turned a new page. Reimagined by the Ostar Hotel Group, the property has reopened as Hotel Amares Acapulco—a fully modernized, retro-chic paradise that seamlessly blends its classic mid-century silhouette with world-class structural safety.
At a Glance: Key Highlights
| Feature | Details | Best Features | Cons to Consider |
| Resort Style | Family-Friendly Beachfront Mid-Scale Resort | Fully modernized retro-chic aesthetic with accessible mid-scale pricing | Lacks high-end luxury features or extensive all-inclusive resort amenities |
| Location | Costera Miguel Alemán, Acapulco Zona Dorada (~25 mins from ACA Airport) | Prime central location in Zona Dorada with a quick 25-minute airport transfer | Located along a bustling main strip that can experience city noise during peak travel dates |
| Room Inventory | 359 Completely Reconstructed Rooms & Suites across 9 Categories | Top-to-bottom post-hurricane reconstruction offers fresh interiors across 9 categories | High-density cylindrical tower layout can lead to elevator wait times at peak hours |
| Primary Amenities | Oceanfront Pool, Direct Beach Access, 1 Restaurant, 2 Bars, Solarium | Prime oceanfront pool complex and relaxing solarium space overlooking the bay | Limited dining diversity on-site with only 1 primary restaurant available |
| Structural Innovation | First Acapulco resort rebuilt with international hurricane-resistant armored glass | Cutting-edge structural safety, storm resilience, and superior sound insulation | Modern retrofits preserve the iconic 1970s structural footprint rather than enlarging room sizes |
| Beach Access | Direct step-down access to soft, swimmable Playa Icacos | Direct step-down access to one of Acapulco’s gentlest, most swimmable beach stretches | Public beach status brings frequent activity from local beach vendors |
Demographic Zoning: Family Facilities & Dedicated Adult Spaces
Hotel Amares Acapulco operates as a vibrant, multi-generational beach resort where families, social groups, and couples can all find their ideal pace.
Family Features & Amenities
- Kid-Friendly Swimming Zones: The expansive main pool deck features zero-entry areas and a dedicated shallow splash zone tailored for younger swimmers.
- Youth Recreation & Play Areas: Children can stay engaged with on-site mini-golf zones, a dedicated children’s play area, and an indoor game room.
- Generous Family Stays: Children up to 11 years old stay free when sharing existing bedding in their parents’ or guardians’ room.
Adult Relaxation & Social Spaces
While the resort does not feature a strictly gated adults-only pool, adult guests seeking quiet moments can enjoy several dedicated spaces:
- The Solarium & Sun Terrace: Quiet elevated sunbathing decks featuring plush lounge chairs and panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean.
- The Pool Bar & Lounge Areas: Adults can unwind with handcrafted tropical cocktails, cold beers, and spirits while taking in sunset views over Acapulco Bay.
- Nightly Entertainment & On-Site Shopping: Couples and groups can explore on-site boutiques, enjoy evening live entertainment, or walk directly into the Golden Zone’s bustling dining and nightlife district.
Reimagined Accommodations & Suite Design
The tower’s iconic circular architecture ensures that nearly every accommodation offers panoramic perspectives of the sea or surrounding Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. All 359 guest units have been completely rebuilt, combining retro-coastal aesthetics with modern amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, 50-inch Smart TVs, daily restocked bottled water, individual climate control, and updated marble bath spaces.
- Comfort Mountain View: Available with a King bed or two Double beds (sleeping up to 4 guests), featuring a private balcony framing lush mountain vistas, clean wood accents, and retro-chic decor.
- Comfort Partial Sea View: Available with a King bed or two Double beds, offering a private balcony with partial ocean perspectives and refreshing sea breezes.
- Comfort Ocean View: Fitted with two Double beds, providing direct, unobstructed front-facing ocean balcony vistas over Acapulco Bay.
- Superior Ocean View: Upgraded 35m² King units featuring a mini-fridge, plush seating, and sweeping Pacific Ocean views.
- Royal Suites: Expansive 87m² suites featuring a King bed or two Double beds, a separate living room, dining area, and a kitchenette—engineered specifically for larger families and extended stays.
Dining & Beverage Experiences
Hotel Amares offers flexible booking plans—ranging from standard European room-only rates to convenient all-inclusive packages through select booking partners—supported by on-site culinary outlets:
- Bahía Revolcadero Antojos: The primary open-air restaurant serving expansive daily breakfast buffets (featuring international spreads and traditional Mexican favorites) alongside à la carte lunch and dinner menus.
- Poolside Bar & Grill: Serving refreshing cocktails, cold beers, mocktails, and poolside snacks (such as burgers, ceviche, and nachos) directly to your sun lounger from morning through dusk.
- The Lobby Lounge & Bar: An ideal evening gathering spot to enjoy handcrafted drinks, fine wines, and light bites before heading out into the Golden Zone.
Resort Amenities & Active Recreation
Set right along the bustling Costera Miguel Alemán boulevard, the resort puts guests directly in the heart of Acapulco’s Golden Zone while maintaining a private oceanfront sanctuary.
- Crystalline Outdoor Pool: A completely renovated oceanfront pool deck overlooking the beach, surrounded by sun loungers, shade umbrellas, and tropical gardens (open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM).
- Direct Beach Access on Playa Icacos: Step off the pool deck directly onto a wide, soft stretch of Playa Icacos. The calm, swimmable ocean waters here are ideal for wading, paddleboarding, or jet skiing.
- Central Walkability: Positioned within a short 5-minute walk of the Acapulco Golf Club, the House of Culture (Casa de la Cultura), local handicraft markets, and popular dining venues.
What Makes Hotel Amares Acapulco Special
Hotel Amares Acapulco represents a powerful rebirth in Central Mexico’s Pacific coast hospitality. By taking a beloved 1970s architectural icon and rebuilding it from the inside out with state-of-the-art international hurricane-resistant glass and structural reinforcement, Ostar Hotel Group has created a resilient, modern resort. Combined with its circular 360-degree ocean view design, affordable multi-bedroom Royal Suites with kitchenettes, and front-row placement on Playa Icacos, it delivers a fresh standard for family vacations in Acapulco’s Golden Zone.