The best hotels in Acapulco for gay travellers

Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Casey Siemasko

With its soaring cliffs that dissolve into private coves and lush, jungle-clad backdrop, it’s hardly any surprise Acapulco in Mexico has been transfixing its visitors since its early days as a playground for the Hollywood elite. Admittedly, Acapulco’s meteoric rise to fame was tainted by years of drug-related violence, but today, resorts and tourist areas are safe and ready to welcome visitors. Gay Acapulco, in particular, is bewitching. There’s a thrumming nightlife scene harbouring a handful of bars that cater specifically to the gay community, not to mention gay-popular Playa Condesa, a sun-soaked stretch of sand ideal for meeting and mingling with like-minded travellers. When it comes to gay hotels in Acapulco, the bay’s south end is plugged with high-end boutiques and resorts. The older part of town—Traditional—is where you’ll find Acapulco’s iconic beaches, town square, and more mid-range accommodation. There’s certainly a lot to choose from in Mexico’s original resort town, so avoid decision fatigue with this rundown on the best hotels in Acapulco.

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Acapulco | Photo: Four Loko

Pottering around the serene tropical gardens dotted with eucalyptus trees, Chinese lanterns, and gazebo loungers is magical

1. Banyan Tree Cabo Marques

Occupying a prime position on Cabo Marques, the Banyan Tree consists of 45 oceanfront villas that cling to the cliffside, promising unrivalled views over the glittering Pacific. The hotel’s quiet seclusion (it’s about eight miles from downtown Acapulco) means you’ll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city; with numerous ocean-view pools, elegant eateries, and gourmet mezcal tastings, you’ll be hard-pressed to pull yourself away from the resort, anyway. The Banyan Tree Cabo Marques follows the brand’s high-end Southeast Asian aesthetic. Pottering around the serene tropical gardens dotted with eucalyptus trees, Chinese lanterns, and gazebo loungers is magical. When it comes to the villas, expect full-length windows overlooking Acapulco’s rugged coastline, warm wood furnishings, and luxurious marble bathrooms.

Photo: Michał Lech

Photo: Four Loko

2. Encanto Acapulco

Modern and minimalist, Encanto Acapulco is the brainchild of celebrated Architect Miguel Angel Aragonés. From its ideal perch on the highest point of Brisas Marques, expect clean lines, white and beige marble, and signature geometric cutouts. The result is a spectacular yet straightforward setting that allows the natural beauty of Acapulco’s curving coastline and dazzling waters to shine. The chic bean bags and lounge chairs surrounding the infinity pool are the perfect places for a zesty sundowner, but most rooms have terraces with cosy sofas and striking Pacific ocean vistas, should you prefer more privacy. As the sun slips below the horizon, the building’s facade becomes the canvas for a romantic light show, washing the candlelit restaurant in warm changing colours.

3. Monyoli Hotel & Boutique

While the most luxurious gay hotels in Acapulco tend to be hidden away on craggy cliffs, Monyoli Hotel & Boutique is a chic mid-range option that’s just a stone’s throw from clean and peaceful Barra Vieja Beach. Rooms are simple but cosy, appointed with all the necessities, and complimentary parking makes exploring the highlights of Acapulco a breeze. Travelling with Fido? Monyoli is also pet-friendly. When you’re not soaking up the best gay Acapulco has to offer, relax on the natty outdoor terrace—it’s particularly mesmerizing when enjoyed with a nightcap beneath a blanket of stars.

Photo: Omar Bermudez

Photo: Kindel Media

4. A&V Hotel Boutique

An intimate hotel with ultra-comfortable, delightfully quirky rooms, A&V Hotel Boutique is a smart choice for low-key luxury. Funky furnishings and swaying hammocks line the freeform pool, and a poolside bar makes for riotously fun happy hours. There’s a lovely ocean view, but the showstopper here is the hotel’s private powder-white beach equipped with loungers and umbrellas. The suites with private seating areas are well worth the upgrade.

5. Casa Jaguar Hotel & Boutique

Another contender for top hotels in Acapulco is the Casa Jaguar Hotel & Boutique. This design-forward retreat exudes classic charm, with thoughtful Mexican touches, cosy seating, and overflowing flower arrangement delightfully tucked into every corner imaginable. Ambling through the common spaces feel akin to visiting a contemporary art gallery, with a swoon-worthy “made in Mexico” aesthetic that’s far removed from the cookie-cutter all-inclusive so typical of the region. Some of the rooms are small, but most feature private balconies. You’ll likely be spending all your time at nearby Revolcadero Beach anyway, regularly dubbed one of Acapulco’s most beautiful beaches—and an excellent spot to bronze up alongside other beauties.

This design-forward retreat exudes classic charm, with thoughtful Mexican touches, cosy seating, and overflowing flower arrangement delightfully tucked into every corner imaginable

6. Pierre Mundo Imperial

Also squirrelled away on sunny Revolcadero Beach is Pierre Mundo Imperial, a glamorous oil tycoon’s private hideaway turned intimate luxury resort. With the sparkling Pacific Ocean on one side and the lush slopes of the Sierra Madre on the other, Pierre Mundo Imperial is 210-acres of understated elegance. Though there are 335 rooms, the property feels eminently private, thanks largely to a recent $30 million renovation. Think the charm of a tropical Mexican hacienda—albeit with an impressive 18-hole golf course, spa, and eye-catching waterfall pool. All rooms at Pierre Mundo Imperial boast lovely views, but the deluxe oceanfront bungalows steal the show with their vintage tropical decor and patios equipped with private plunge pools. An on-site restaurant, cafe, and sports bar means you don’t need to make the 20-minute taxi ride into thrumming Acapulco—unless you so desire.

Photo: Andres Montes De Oca

7. Quinta Real Acapulco

Rounding out our list of the best Acapulco resorts is Quinta Real Acapulco, a classic family-friendly retreat anchored on a 24-meter hill rising out of Punta Diamante Beach. This palatial five-story property has long been a favourite of luxury travellers seeking unrivalled ocean views, convenient beach access, and five-star facilities. While some rooms are outfitted with decor that skews towards antiquated, the property’s location remains, undoubtedly, one of the best in Acapulco. The piece de resistance of this luxury Acapulco gay hotel is easily the stately pool facing the golden-sand beach. When hunger strikes, saddle up poolside for delectable beach club eats or glam up for high-end Mexican fare at on-site Restaurante Buenavista. Expect excellent service either way.

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