Are you right on the beach, and how close is the water?
Yes, we are located right the beach of Manzanillo Bay, Troncones. All of our rooms feature a beautiful beach / ocean view. The three ground floor rooms are just a few steps from the shore.
How do I get out to your place from the airport, and how long does it take?
Guests of Casa Manzanillo can request VIP transportation to the house on the day of arrival. You can take a taxi from the airport (and back) or you can rent a car. Hertz, Alamo, Budget, and National have rentals at the airport. The trip takes about 45 minutes. The one way trip from the airport is $78 USD. The trip from Troncones back to the airport is $ 45 USD.
It is simple to get a taxi at the airport; there is a “Ground Transportation” desk when you come out of customs. Tell them that you want to go to Troncones and they will take your payment and give you a chit that you can take out the door to the Taxi stand. The cars are in good shape and most have AC. All of the taxi drivers know how to get to Troncones. But you might want to take the directions (listed below) so that you can help the driver along once you get to the beach. Don’t worry, there is only one road, you can’t get lost.
If you choose to rent your own car: From the Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo airport (ZIH), take Mexico highway 200 north towards Lazaro Cardenas. Once you have gone through the outskirts of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, proceed for about 35 minutes to the turn-off for Troncones (on the left/ west side of the road). Once in the town of Troncones, the road comes to an intersection, forcing you to choose left or right (North or South) at the ocean. Turn right and head north. You will go over a concrete bridge and continue for about 10 minutes (approx. 2km). As you approach you will pass “The Inn @ Manzanillo Bay”, “Eden”, and “Tronco Bay Inn” just before you arrive at Casa Manzanillo. Total drive time from the airport to Casa Manzanillo is about 45 minutes. Drive Carefully - You are not in Kansas anymore!Do all of your rooms have a private entrance/exit?
Yes, all of our rooms have their own entrance and private balcony or patio.
Where is Casa Manzanillo located in reference to other well known landmarks?
We are on the pacific coast of Mexico. We are 200 miles north of Acapulco, and about 7 hours drive south from the city of Manzanillo. We are a 7 hour drive west from Mexico City. We are a 35 minute drive from Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo.
Which airport do I fly into?
You need to fly into the Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH).
We have world class surf year round, but the surf definitely tends to be more consistant through the summer months. You can get up to date forecasts from several websites on the Internet.
Yes! Diegos Restaurant serves breakfast lunch and dinner. They are open from 8am – 10pm. The menu offers a variety of delicious international meals in addition to traditional Mexican Cuisine.
Do you have fridges in your rooms?
We do not have refrigerators in our rooms. Some guests bring coolers to keep drinks on ice in the rooms.
Can we use the kitchen?
The kitchen is in use for breakfast lunch and dinner; it would not be practical to let guests into the fray.
Do you have AC?
We have air conditioning in all of our rooms.
From January - May: 72-78 degrees F
From January - May: 72-78 degrees F
June - December: 78-85 degrees F.
Can you snorkel in front of Casa Manzanillo?
You can snorkel in front of our place when the surf is small, when it is big the water is too cloudy.
Do you have masks and snorkels that we can borrow?
I am sorry but we do not. BYO!
Can I rent a surf board in Troncones?
Yes, we rent surfboards and bicycles for around $20usd per day.
Do you have beach towels?
Yes, large beach towels are available upon request with every room.
Yes, Casa Manzanillo is a family oriented hotel; children and babies are welcome.What is there to do around Troncones?
There are a number of activities available in the vicinity. You can go hiking, bird watching, mountain biking, surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and horseback riding in Troncones. In Zihuatanejo you may go sport fishing, scuba diving, or shopping. See the activities section for more details.
Do I have to know how to speak Spanish?
No, we have several bi-lingual members on our staff and will be happy to assist in any translating that you need.
How old is Casa Manzanillo?
Approximately 10 years standing.
Can you drink the water?
Although all of our tap water comes from a deep well we do not drink it. There are no regulations for water quality in Mexico. We have bottled water in each room for your teeth brushing and drinking etc. We only use purified water to wash vegetables and for other kitchen uses and all of our ice is made with purified water.
How much do you think we will spend a day in the restaurant? And what are your average prices for lunch and dinner?
About $50usd per couple a day is the average for most guests. Lunch prices range from $5usd to $10usd and dinner ranges from $7usd to $20usd.
I don’t want to bring much cash what should I do?
You will only need cash to pay for activities & spa services. Both the hotel and restaurant receive credit cards. You can run a tab during your stay and pay at check out.
Can you go scuba diving or sport fishing?
Scuba Diving and Sport Fishing can be arranged.
Check out our activities page for a full list of Activities and Services available from Casa Manzanillo.
How strong is the sun?
The sun is strong. Always bring sunscreen and a hat and most of all use them and Re-apply every hour!!
Can we buy land near you?
There are a wide range of properties for sale in our area. For more information contact Farar Rose toll free at 1-877-378-7324, or check the Prudential Realty Website for available property in this area.
How do you own your property?
You can own property through a Mexican Corporation. Simply by having a lawyer and accountant make it possible. All in all it is only worth forming the Corporation if you really want to live in Mexico. It is also possible to own property in a trust with a bank, which is much more simple and cheaper. If you want to buy property in Mexico, no matter how you are doing it, get a lawyer. Most highly recommended is Connell & Associates. Tel: 011-52-755-555-0400.
How do we get into Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa from Casa Manzanillo?
It is simple to take a taxi in, which will cost you about $35-45usd round trip or you can rent a car.
Is there a place where I can watch sports?
There is a bar in Troncones that has a TV and shows all of the major sporting events.
What if we need a doctor?
For a minor injury there is a clinic about a ten minute drive away. For something more major there is a private hospital in Zihuatanejo. No matter what, if you are injured we will do all we can to help.
Are there any dangerous bug/animals?
There are no large dangerous animals. There are fire ants, scorpions and tarantulas though, if you want to find them. None of these insects are deadly but give a bad sting. If you are allergic to bees please bring your adrenaline shot (epi-pen), just in case.
Can I get laundry done?
We do not offer laundry service for personal clothing in the hotel; our machine goes almost 24 hours a day to keep up with our own laundry! There are some laundry mats where you can drop off your clothes to be washed and folded for around $1.50usd per kilo.
Are there good surfing spots nearby?
There are lots of good surfing spots in this area, not to mention the one right in front of the hotel! A few of them world class: La Saladita, Playa Linda, The Ranch, Rio Nexpa, La Boca, & Manzanillo Point to name a few.
Are there places to buy gifts?
We have a Surf Shop / Boutique at Casa Manzanillo, and can also recommend the Fruti Keiko Boutique at Hacienda Eden for local shopping opportunities.
Can I send e-mail while I am there?
Most of our guests bring a laptop and use our wireless internet for emails and web browsing.
Is there a departure tax at the airport?
No, and don’t let them convince you otherwise.
Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes.
Do I need a visa?
If you are an American or Canadian when you are on the plane the attendants will give you a form to fill out. This is your tourist visa; they will stamp it at the airport. Don’t loose it. You will need to give it back when you leave the country.
I have minor children do I need to do anything special?
YES!! Last year a number of guests to Troncones were stopped at the airport in the United States with their minor children. They were traveling with only one parent and were not allowed to leave the country without the consent of the other parent. Ask your airline about this. It is very troublesome; they will not let you board the plane with out the correct documentation!!
Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a car?
No, any local driver’s license is OK.
Do I need a jacket or sweater?
The most that you might need in December or January is a long sleeved t-shirt.
How are the mosquitoes?
There are mosquitoes in the jungle. If you wear insect repellent they will not bother you. They aren’t bad and some people say that they go away altogether in the winter months. It just depends on how sweet you are.
How late is your bar open?
10:00 PM
How far should I book in advance?
It is always better to book as far in advance as possible. It is difficult for us to predict when we will be full. But one thing is certain, for reservations during the Christmas season you should book one year in advance. No kidding!
Can I use my credit card?
YES! We do accept credit cards to settle bills for the rooms and the restaurant. We require cash only for activities and spa services.
Do you take travelers checks?
Yes we do.
Where can I get pesos once I am there?
There are no ATM machines in Troncones, so you will need to get your pesos at a currency exchange or one of the many banks located in Zihuatanejo. The rate is better at the bank.
Can I use my ATM card?
There are quite a few ATM machines in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa that take the Plus system and Cirrus. Sometimes, although you think that you can use you card anywhere; it hasn’t been programmed to go international: check at your bank before leaving.
How safe is it for a single woman traveling in your area?
We have had quite a few single women (and men) guests at Casa Manzanillo, so far there has never been a problem. We don’t recommend, however, long solitary walks miles down secluded and empty beaches. Why tempt fate, or the local Casanova. There is enough beach traffic on our cove for security and not so much as to ruin the serenity. There are always other guests around to talk to and hang out with.
I am a vegetarian, can you accommodate me?
There are a number of vegetarian options on the menu for lunch and dinner. Our chef is always happy to work with our guests who might have food allergies etc. Just let them know in advance and he will arrange something just for you.
*much of the information listed above was provided by Eva Robbins of Hacienda Eden.
