Our family of four had a wonderful stay at the Catalina. The beach area was fantastic, large, many palapas, and kept clean by the hotel staff. The water at the beach was also nice for swimming as it did not have large rocks sticking out of it like north of the hotel. The pool was also beautiful, clean and well maintained. We stayed in a deluxe bungalow room which worked great with our two boys ages 5yrs and 18 months. This gave them plenty of space to move around when we were there. We usually retired somewhat early at night because of the boys, so my husband and I would lay out in the hammocks on the terrace and enjoy the great view and sound of the ocean. Althought the hotel is older, and does show it age in some ways, the grounds are well maintained, has a nice restaurant, and a bar with a super view of the bay.

This hotel is in a very nice location on probably the best part of the beach, within easy walking distance of several very nice restaurants. It's a bit older of a hotel and some of the areas are certainly showing their age, but it also has an aged charm, and it's a good value for the price. There are great views from the upper rooms and the bar. The steps get to you at times, but they're not so bad, particularly if you're expecting them. We had a two-year old, and stayed on the very top level next to the lobby, and the steps were a nuisance at times, but on the other hand the view from our room's balcony was well worth the climb. The upper level rooms have a/c, and many of the others don't - which I think would make it more unpleasant, particularly if you're with young children.

The pool has great views as well, and there is a nice kiddie pool. The service for the most part is good, although there was a particular waitperson who was very rude and aggressive about tipping, and the hotel needs to do a better job at making clear their policy on tips being included in the prices automatically (the policy appears to be that if you don't add any tip, they will automatically add 10% to any food and bar bills, although if you choose your own tip amount, they won't add anything) and not letting the staff be so rude on this point. The restaurant is okay, although nothing special for dinner, and you would be better served to explore for dinners out. It seemed like a better breakfast option to us.

The beach area is nice and well maintained, and seems large enough for the hotel to have your own space. There is internet and computer service (including a printer) available in the lobby. All in all, it's a pleasant place, as long as you know what you're in for in terms of the large number of steep stairs, etc. For the price it seems like a very good deal.

This place was fantastic. If you like big resorts with fancy buffets, then go to Ixtapa instead. When you go to a great fishing village like Zihua, the Catalina is the place you want to stay. My girlfriend and I checked in four four nights on July 31st. I would say, if you stay here, book a Linda Vista suite. There were a few reviews complaining about the darkness of the rooms or the potential possibility of being robbed. I don't know about the decor in some of the rooms, but this place was as safe as can be. Our room had an amazing balcony, with a hammock, a loveseat, and two chaise lounge chairs. The room was clean, and well air conditioned. The bathrooms were clean and the showers were big, and tiled. The toilets work like toilets at home. The staff was friendly and helpful. The beach bar was great, and the sunset bar was nice. As for the stairs; yeah there's a lot of them. But it's give and take when you're downing beer and tacos. It's just fine if you don't have any physical conditions. The town is great. If you want a great meal, just hit up the Antojito joints in town. If you have to have a nice restaurant experience, the Kau-Kan right down the hill from the Catalina is nice. It has an outdoor deck and a beautiful view. The people of the city are great. The taxi cab drivers are friendly. I wouldnt even reccomend wasting time going into Ixtapa. It's clunky and touristy, and filled with Americans. If Senor Frogs or Carlos and Charlie's is your thing, then go for it. Otherwise, stick in town. Walk the streets with an Indio or a Mantejo in your hand. La Ropa is a little bit crowded if you want to lay in the sun, so go over to where the boats come in in El Centro. Walk the streets. The walk into El Centro isn't that bad. It's less than a mile, and there's three little liquor tiendas you can wet your lips at, on the way.

I booked a "Standard Casita" for $75/night and it was a big mistake. The room was small, dark and dingy. The bedding was threadbare, and the bathroom was really old and felt dirty to me (the toilet didn't flush the majority of the time). The walls for the bathroom stopped about 3/4 the way up and provided little privacy. The exposed light bulb that was above the bathroom lit up the entire room when turned on in the middle of the night and therefore woke me up every time it was used in the night. The beach view from the balcony was almost entirely blocked by trees and shrubs... I could go on. When I asked to check out early I was not allowed to without paying for an extra night (they also offered the option to upgrade rooms for an addition $50) - despite the fact that I was very unhappy with my room and my husband was sick.

I have posted pictures of our room and bedroom in the Candid photos.

Needless to say, when we finally were allowed to check out without penalties, we moved right next door to the Sotavento and had a gorgeous, brand new "captain's suite" for $95/night which included breakfast - so at the end of the day it cost about the same because buying breakfast at the Catalina made up for the difference. I would NOT return to this hotel, nor would I recommend it.