Weekend Escape to Acapulco’s Storied Las Brisas Hotel

In its 1950s heyday, Acapulco was THE sun destination of choice for the well-heeled and celebrity set, and many of them converged at Las Brisas.  A  stay at this hotel today is like stepping back to a more glamorous time. With breathtaking views from your hilltop casita (bungalow) and private pool, this escape will leave you feeling like one of the jet setting stars that made the place famous.

Making an Entrance

Pulling up to Las Brisas, one’s eye is drawn upwards to the many private casitas dotting the hillside. The hotel’s décor is retro sleek, and virtually everything is white and pink. The vibe reminds me of our stay at the similarly hued Madonna Inn on our California anniversary vacation. Breezing through Las Brisas’ main reception area to check-in, we were greeted with a warm welcome and icy strawberry margaritas.

With the formalities completed, we were whisked to our master casita by one in a fleet of pink and white jeeps we were told to consider our “elevators.” With the hotel’s amenities and restaurants sprawled along the hillside, being able to summon a vehicle at the push of a button was a welcome luxury. Fun fact: Each of the jeeps that has ferried a celebrity bears the individual’s name.

As we made our way up the hill to our room, we asked the concierge who accompanied us if he had served any celebrities. He confirmed that over his 13 years at Las Brisas, he has accommodated many of Mexico’s high-profile stars in addition to Madonna. With this confirmation that the hotel would meet our standards, we breathed a sigh of relief.

Celebrity handprints adorn the walls of prominent walls in the hotel.

It’s a Glamorous Life

As we crossed the threshold of our home for the next three days, we were immediately awestruck by our Pacific Ocean view. Arriving just an hour and a half before sunset, we were eager to get settled and take it all in.

Our room and en suite was a picture-perfect combination of whitewashed wood and pink upholstery and was furnished with an array of toiletries that is quickly becoming rare to find during a standard hotel stay.

Most appealing to us as introverts was the total privacy of our dwelling. We could have sunbathed nude by our pool without anyone taking notice. We didn’t, but we could have.

The Las Brisas Magic Box

Adding to our sense of privacy was the “magic box.” It’s a brilliant piece of infrastructure. Every morning at 8 a.m. (we chose the hour), a breakfast of toast, jam, fresh fruit, and coffee magically appeared in a small delivery vestibule built into the wall – deposited from the door outside and retrieved from our door inside. No doorbells or interaction with staff required.

What I loved about the magic box is that once you had finished eating, you could pop all the dishes back inside, so they were out of sight.

Even the Treadmill’s View is Gorgeous

In addition to a tennis court, if you are so inclined to work up a sweat, the Las Brisas gym is at your disposal. I was so inclined and found it to have all of the standard equipment. Unfortunately, as I have experienced at a few other hotel gyms, it had both a television on as well as music, neither of which I could turn off. Apart from this annoyance, which I solved with earphones, my workout experience was stellar thanks to the spectacular view of the hills and the ocean beyond.

La Concha Beach Club

Although it was tempting to stay holed up in our private space the entire weekend, we did venture out to the hotel’s exclusive beach club – a bit of a misnomer as there is no beach. It does have a saltwater pool that spills out to the ocean through a small throughway in addition to the standard resort-style pool with swim-up bar.

After a pleasant few hours reading and swimming, we walked over to the La Concha restaurant, where we ordered far too much to eat, resulting in a late afternoon food coma that we had to sleep off poolside.

The Fish + Broth soup was outstanding as was the Fritto Mixto, which comprised lightly breaded shrimp, clams, squid, and mahi-mahi. Throw in the guacamole with homemade tortilla chips and an order of ceviche, and we could have fed five people. That’s what happens when you put landlocked prairie people in front of a seafood menu.

Las Brisas Bellavista Restaurant

Our final indulgence (the day after the food coma) was dinner at the hotel’s spectacular Bellavista restaurant. Seated on the restaurant’s terrace overlooking the twinkling lights of Acapulco and the mooring boats along the shore is nothing short of sublime. At one point, several of the boats lit fireworks providing an unexpected dinner show. The food at the restaurant was quite good, but I think the view upstaged any of the dishes we chose.

A Perfect Weekend Getaway

Staying at La Brisas was an indulgent, luxurious treat. As we breathed in the warm ocean air while gazing at a perfect sunset each evening, I could envision Elizabeth Taylor honeymooning here (apparently a few times) and even John Wayne kicking off his boots to unwind away from the crowds.

As we closed our casita door for the last time to board the jeep (once inhabited by Kevin Costner, don’t you know), we felt wistful leaving such a beautiful spot.

Tips for A Stay at Las Brisas Hotel

• • A taxi from the airport to the hotel is about CAD 15. Upon a recommendation, we opted to hire a driver instead. This allowed us to stop off at a grocery store before arriving at the hotel. It cost a bit more, but it was easy.
  • Do stop at a grocery store to pick up some snacks and any beverages you might like. The rooms have a stocked minibar (at minibar prices) that does allow a bit of extra space for your own items.
  • Our driver provided us with this tip – the minibar stocks six bottles of Corona. If this is your drink of choice, bottles as opposed to cans and replace the minibar beers as you go along with your own, affording you more space.
  • When you need a jeep to transport you somewhere within the resort, allow ample time. Although they may be your elevator, they are not quite as speedy to arrive.
  • Note that the hotel guest book states that tipping is not accepted at the hotel. We did tip the bellhop and concierge who oriented us to our room and carried our bags as well as at the restaurants, but beyond that, we did not.
  • If you swim in the saltwater pool and venture out to the ocean beyond, don’t panic as you try to paddle your way back to the pool and find yourself getting nowhere. Fairly quickly, the current will switch directions carrying you swiftly back in. Note there is no lifeguard on duty, so govern yourself accordingly.

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