Acapulco Mexico Anyone...? Seeking Info.

Ladies and Gentlemen -

We're Looking to for info to possibly explore the west coast of Mexico, around Acapulco to be exact. My questions are what is this are like in terms of people, culture, the Beach, food, etc. Ever since the movie "10" with Bo Derek, Acapulco seems like a Casanova of sorts. Google search indicates drug problems and college kids on Spring Break. Expensive? Tourists? In a nutshells, what's life like in Acapulco?

Thanks

[Surfer7788]

Acapulco is the main beach resort for the millions of people that live in Mexico City. It is big, busy and the hotels run the spectrum from cheap to world class. Some of the wealthiest people in the world have bought estates and high-rise condos along the beaches and hills there. On the other hand, many of the not-so-wealthy from Mexico City bring their families there for an economy vacation. It is a Cruise Ship destination in the fall and winter. It was once a famous resort for the Hollywood crowd of the 1930's and 1940's. Tarzan (Johnny Weissmuller), John Wayne, Flynn, Skelton and Rogers owned the Pink Flamingo Hotel and restaurant and it was visited by Bogart, Bacall, Sinatra, Judy Garland, Lucille Ball, Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Roy Rogers, etc. Photos of the stars are still on the walls there.The Flamingo restaurant is still very good but the rooms are old now and very basic. The cliff divers of La Quebrada are not too far from the Flamingo as well. The views of Acapulco Bay from the restaurants and hotels along the hills and cliffs are spectacular. There are modern shopping malls and WalMart, Costco (called PriceSmart I believe) and Sam's Club are there. The area south of Acapulco Bay is very quiet with large self-contained resorts like the Acapulco Princess (Howard Hughes hid out there for awhile). Billionaire J. Paul Getty built the Pierre Marquis Hotel there. The nightlife in Acapulco is infamous with large Discos and many other night clubs that rock until sunrise. Some interesting architecture around the city as well. Most of the workers in the hotels and restaurants live above the city in La Colonia; this is very much a barrio. Acapulco is an interesting place, much too busy, loud and over-the-top for most of my associates. But I enjoy it. The food is great, restaurants of all types. You just have to get out and look around to find what appeals to you. Like anywhere else in Latin America, stay out of the dark corners. In some areas you will be harassed by the street hawkers. Taxis are cheap so I recommend taking them on trips at night. The airport is modern, most of the flights come in from Mexico City. By the way "10" with BoDerek was filmed in sleepy Manzanillo, Mexico. Good Luck!

[Ciza29]

Acapulco is close to Mexico City and gets a lot of traffic each weekend. The beach and cleanliness of water is not so good, but I have heard many talk about it as the best night life in Mexico. Large Jewish community there for anyone who cares.

Thank you

[KPunch2]

Acapulco is a favorite weekend destination for many Mexicans that want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City. Many famous [Mexican] celebrities own palatial homes in the surrounding hillside communities with views that would rival Rio de Janeiro. On a down note, it can be very dangerous and the drug cartels have waged bloody wars on Acapulco's streets for turf. Shootouts between cartels, police, and federal police are not uncommon.

I think tourists can get a 90 day permit to stay in Mexico, which can extended to 180 days by visiting immigration and paying a $20.00 fee (USD). The only thing that put Acapulco on the map were the cliff divers, other than that, your better off going to the Yucatan or Puerto Vallarta for a pure beach experience.