We just got back yesterday from this Motel 2.5 establishment. The staff seemed like they don't want to be at work even though they are there in person. No greeting in the morning by anyone other than the folks trying to get me to go on tours. Food was horrific at best. Can't even think of a time when hot dogs were put out as breakfast sausage...It happens here. No as advertised swim up bar, 1 bar open with frequent long lines for alcohol, sports bar with 2 pool tables in severe dissarray, cleaning service was spotty at best(towels missed replenishment), and a hotel lobby that was in need of updating probably 10 years ago...Don't see the benefit of having an all inclusive package here to get borderline dog food for meals...If you want a place to lay your head this is your place..Expected much more but got very little in return. Only saving grace to this place are the vouchers that can be used at some eateries in town. The 232 peso vouchers helped mitigate some expense in eating out. Ixtapa and Zihua were great towns with this blemish of a hotel as a dark spot to our entire vacation.

Based on some of the reviews I had read on Trip Advisor I was somewhat skeptical, unsure as to what we would find when my two children and I arrived at the Krystal Ixtapa in April 2012. I was pleasantly suprised! The hotel staff was amazing; very attentive, polite, accomodating and quick to check us in. We received help getting our bags to our room and yes the elevators worked! The view from our room took my breath away; beautiful view of the ocean, you could hear the roar of the waves, nice view of the pool and garden area. The room was clean and neat. The bathroom could have used some updating, however, it was clean, the shower worked as did the toilet. We spent such minimal time in our room that honestly even if the room would have been shabby or completely outdated it would not have mattered as it was clean. I am not the type of person who needs a 5 star hotel just a clean place to shower and lay my head, however our room exceeded the minimum standard. The staff helped us with some minor tour mix ups, were always willing to help. Jesus the waiter/bartender at the pool and on the beach was the BEST!. He made sure we were always taken care of. We did not do the all inclusive as I wanted to experience the local eateries and what an awesome experience that was. We did eat at the hotel on two occassions for breakfast, ordered off the menu and lunch on the beach. The food was great. The beach was great; clean and there were many places to sit under papala's (sp?).
We were in walking distance to the Artisian Market in Ixtapa, a grocery store, other shopping, and places to eat. The City bus which runs constently stops right outside of the hotel property. We rode the city bus to Zihua on several occassions. We never felt unsafe at anytime during our stay in Ixtapa. Everyone we encountered was gracious and friendly. This was an awesome vacation for my children and I and we will definitely be going back and staying at the Krystal Ixtapa.

This hotel is the last place you want to stay if you’d like a tranquil vacation. Ixtapa is a beautiful place, that’s why we decided to return. Our stay was part of an all-inclusive vacation package. I’m not going to beat around the bush with any fluff on this hotel. The management has zero (CERO in Spanish) training in hospitality. Rooms are small and the typical Mexican flair. By no means are they updated or clean to the lowest hotel standard in the US. The food was less desirable than a school cafeteria. Hot dogs for lunch, hot dogs in BBQ sauce for dinner and what do you know HOT DOGS labeled as sausage the next morning on the breakfast buffet. No swim up pool bar as advertised and no adult only pool as advertised. Don’t bother putting in any complaints with the front desk…THEY don’t care. The manager…Yeah he doesn’t care either. I do my fair share of traveling and this is the 1st time I’ve ever written a review. This is to warn you in advance not to waste your vacation and hard earned money at the Krystal.

Ixtapa is a beautiful place to see. Very friendly people and very safe feeling! Our second time to the Krystal and as the first time very happy with accomodations, staff, and beach location. Rooms have pretty much been all remodeled. All rooms are ocean view so don't pay any extra when booking. Very clean, excellent staff, and good food always available. It's a smaller place and that's what we like the best, service is incredible around the pool, it's a holiday to relax. Some evenings are quiet, some evenings they have things going on if you want to join in. Great shopping and restaurants and everyday is HOT!
They have beautiful sunsets, highly recommend the evening Picante catermeran tour, good time!