To begin with, the hotel itself is a gem. It is built directly into the side of a cliff where the cliff divers perform their daily shows. There are NO rooms that allow viewing of the cliff divers and you will have to pay 30 pesos to get close encounters. 30 pesos is roughly $3 USD.

I did not eat at the restaurant, however, by looking inside each night, it is a fine dining establishment that gives premier views of the cliff divers. People said the food was excellent, however, I did not eat there once during my stay. I did, however, visit the bar a few times. The bar closes early during winter months but the place was spotless.

The room included 2 double beds and a closet with a standard bathroom. The room was clean and the sheets were changed daily. There is cable television with limited channels in English.

My room overlooked the entire hotel complex with phenomenal views of the Pacific Ocean that were breathtaking. I had a balcony.

The hotel is one of the original hotels of Acapulco but it has been nicely updated. The grounds of the hotel are remarkably landscaped.

The hotel has a freshwater pool overlooking the ocean and there is a saltwater pool. Also, their is a jacuzzi but it was closed for remodeling. Remember, winter is a slow month in Acapulco.

The hotel has two funiculars that help you reach different levels of the hotel.

The front desk staff is bilingual and willing to assist you in anyway.

I would definitely return to this hotel.

Acapulco is divided into 3 sections. It has a population of 3.2 million people. The hotel is located in old Acapulco, however, it is perfectly safe and the nice Mexican eateries will cater to your food needs. A short taxi ride costs 40 pesos ($4) and BE SURE TO ALWAYS, REPEAT, ALWAYS ask how much the cab fare is PRIOR to departing the hotel. The MOST expensive cab ride was 90 pesos and that was to be taken into the hills of Acapulco to a FANTASTIC restaurant called, SU CASA.

Avoid the VW bugs and go for a Toyota. Do not allow the cabbie's driving skills scare you.

We have stayed at El Mirador four times over several years. Currently they are doing major rejuvination. It's wonderful to sit on your balcony and see the sunset over the Pacific and hear the waves on the rocks below, walk to Old Town and the Harbor in 5 minutes. Viewing the Cliff Divers from the dining room day or night is a real treat. I'll be back!!!!

I fell down in one of the pools around 10am. The "security" a young woman could not do anything to help me. I even asked her to call the main desk, she said nobody answered, I waited one hour before one of the janitors came with some ice (I offered him a dollar to bring me some). The guy we were looking for to help me was standing up by the main entrance, washing people passing by. I had to go by myself to a drug store get me some medication, I had a big foot. It was 9pm when I returned to the hotel, I tried to talk with the manager again, finally he showed up with a "doctor", she gave me a prescription. The other thing, when we arrived to the hotel, they could not find us in the computer, so they would hassel us everyday for a credit card, even that I had paid in advanced a month ahead of time.

I went to Hotel El Mirador as a member of the press, with a photo assignment for onebear of my international agencies, about both the cliff divers, and the hotel.

I made extensive arrangements with the hotel
about the assignment, photography access and permissions, which room and amenities, etc.
I was assured in writing and verbally that all
formalities were taken care of, and the shoot
was set to go.

When we arrived, the room we were shown not only did not bear any resemblance to our request, but did not bear any resemblance to the images they use on their internet page to promote their hotel: classic false advertising, taken in another location.

The woman who took the booking at the hotel, Nancy Diego Manjares, placed the responsibility for the problem on us for "not having requested a specific room number." Of course, she never provided a number, but with the manager Jose Salgado assured that our specific request was reserved for us. It didn't even exist.

The room was run down, and most of the service in hotel and restaurant was smug and poor quality.
What we discovered staying here was thst despite the beautiful location, it is a hotel run by and popular with Mexicans of a very low socio-economic level, and culturally, it shows.

When it came time to take the photos of the divers from the point that they jump from, as was promised, guaranteed and assured by the hotel management, the divers' union bosses came, rudely and aggresively prohibiting my work. Of course, on Sunday the manager was no where to be found, and while the reception said they would call him at home "ahorita" to clarify the situation, the ahorita became never.

I missed the end of my photo story, and received only arguments, hostility, and evasive behavior from the hotel staff and weekend "management."
It is easy for staff to greet a customer during check in; it is another thing to offer real customer service. This place doesn't have it.

We found it customary to call three times or go to the front desk for any minor request, such as a bellhop to take the luggage. Bottled water doesn't come with this run down room; I have heard even brothels provide it. We generally rose from the table to find a coffee pot to serve ourselves, or pressure them to do so, served with a snear.

Stay in a nicer hotel like Hyatt or Princess (or any of the other nice ones) for a similar price, and pay the three dollars to see the show.
As well, when we settled on a room,