In the heart of hotel row, this property saw its fortunes rise after being picked up by the national Emporio chain. After large-scale renovations, this hotel is a beacon of style on the otherwise aging beachfront of Acapulco Bay. And while there are some complaints with the staff, this hotel comes the closest to meeting the expectations of the discerning international traveler.
The large, marble-covered lobby has a minimalist Asian feel with modern rattan furniture and stylish wall fountains. There is plenty of room to sit during high season, and many do so while waiting to check in. The adjacent Arka martini and tapas bar offers sushi and cocktails in a trendy lounge setting.
But, outdoors, most guests enjoy the pool area, which looks like a set from Swiss Family Robinson. This moatlike pool, complete with channels, an island bar and bridges, was the first of its kind in Acapulco, although today the concrete waterslide looks rather amateurish. Thickets of bamboo and palms obstruct ocean views, and the dense vegetation can make guests feels either claustrophobic or deliciously secluded. The newer pool is designated adults-only, and security guards even chase out the kids. The beach is one of the best on the bay, laid out with picnic tables and thatch cabana huts that rent for a small fee.
There are plenty of food choices inside and around the hotel. The Sunset Lounge serves a Thai and Mexican fusion menu in an open two-story thatched hut 
and a small poolside bar and grill dispenses drinks and munchies during the day. Condimiento serves nightly international buffets amidst a wall of windows overlooking the bay and a Texas Ribs chain offers an American menu and ambience. At night, the younger set heads for livelier hotels after a warm-up in the cocktail lounge. Additional amenities include a health club, watersports equipment rentals, and function space for 500 people.
The small but comfortable guest rooms feature gray marble floors, light-wood furniture, crisp bedding, thermostats, minibars, twin or double beds, tiled combination baths, and furnished balconies. Standard amenities include cable TV, coffeemakers, work desks, electronic safes, hair dryers and vanity mirrors. Rooms above the third floor fetch higher rates for unobstructed ocean views, and the tower kitchenette units cost more for their refrigerators, microwave ovens, coffeemakers and toasters. New key cards have replaced the old keys for greater security, and new air-conditioning units keep things cool. Smoke-free rooms are available on request.
No other hotel on the strip can compete with this hotel's sleek interiors, however there are still some issues with staff support. For those who don't need to be downtown, a stay at either the Acapulco Princess or Pierre Marques will assure a more reliable service and an arsenal of amenities.
