Who has been to Manzanillo? Is it laid back or is there lots of sightseeing/tours? How are the beaches? We are looking at staying at Barceló Karmina. Has anyone stayed there before?

We stayed at Los Hados. Which was beautiful but deader than a door nail at night. Walking along main street had the feel of walking down center street in Calgary. 0 charm. Going the other direction from the airport I believe there is a charming little town or island. I would look into that over staying in Manzanillo. We just did a dinner boat ride which was really pretty. I don't recall seeing much for tours but not sure.

Yes, stayed back in Dec. 2004 with my family of 4. It was our first Mexico Vacation and we
'd it!!! You can release turtles, ride horses, go on boat tours out into the ocean to fish or go inland to see alligators & crocodiles. The Karmina Palace (not sure if same resort) has a fantastic Bay to snorkel everyday if you wish or just rent a cabana and relax by the water. There is also kayaking, jet ski and other water activities to be had. You will NOT be without things to do and places to go. We even rented a driver (outside the resort) for the day and went to Colima and had one of the best lunches ever in a small town. We also donated to a local orphanage "Los Angelitos" and spent time with the kids.
I was hooked! Now I've been to Mexico 5 more times

Thanks. I am hooked on Mexico too - especially PV

Lorraine - have you been to San Pancho just passed Sayulita? That's what we enjoy. Quaint, somewhat laid back places

Coreen that's on my list next time! I loved Sayulita and will be back if I get a seat sale to PV. Just got back from Cabo last month. Loved La Paz and all the authenticity and adventure. Swimming with the whale sharks and sea lions was checked off my bucket list

San Pancho is simply amazing. Very cool little town!

We also stayed at Los Hadas. And I agree it's not very busy. If you're looking for a laid back spot MZ is great !! You can still do tours and go into the city but there are more locals there than tourists, we loved it. I've been to PV and Cancun and Manzanillo has really nice quiet charm

Thanks Iza. We don't want Cancun crazy. We aren't night owls or party people so maybe this will be a great spot. How far out is the hotel? Can you walk to the main area?

Most of the hotels are either on top of a giant hill or under it. I believe we walked one day but the rest we took buses or taxis which were not very expensive. There are some nice bars right on the public beach and we even did a horseback riding trip on the beach.

Oh we love riding the local bus so that would definitely work. It is nice to learn about the culture and area.

We have stayed twice at Karmina Palace - very nice - no complaints at all. From what you say, you will like Manzanillo - it isn't Cancun - it is less developed (less Americanized) than PV, Cabo or Cancun. You can easily take a bus into downtown but don't expect it to be full of fancy shopping - its more of the Mexican culture type of downtown. There is also some shopping within walking distance of the hotel. It is safe, most are employed in the agriculture industry. There is also a HUGE shipping harbor there so the big ships coming and going all the time are interesting to watch. There is a little cove for swimming or snorkelling right on site at the hotel, or walk off hotel property to the beach - the water can be rough especially around a full moon - the waves crash pretty hard into shore. We toured into Colima and to Barra De Navidad (small town to the North - very pretty) Do it - I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Thanks!

Colima day trip is great - right in the town square and good restaurants, a beautiful mexican bakery, and we had a young boy who wanted to make a bit of money - told us where the jewellery story was, where to get a cappucino, and was happy to get $10 US - he walked with us for a bit, and I am sure my husband slipped him more money - LOL

I stayed at that resort in January. I loved it. I felt safe wandering around town. There's a restaurant pretty close to the resort (I wish I could remember the name) but it was huge - live music, you just pay for your drinks and they bring tapas out non stop at no charge.
resort is beautiful, not too big, good food, good snorkelling. There is a weekend market pretty close for your shopping, and lots of tours available. I would recommend Manzanillo and the Karmina!

Thank you!

I have stay at the barcello many times. Have been toall the usual Mexico destinations. This area is known for their schools and low unemplyment. People are very respectfull and you wont hear the whistles and cat calls if you are a white female.

Dead at night but lots to do in the daytime. I recommend the city bus tour and they have a neat flea market on the weekends.

The barcello has always been great with nice food and really large rooms.

have been there twice and the staff were great!! a little quieter as mentioned, but some good tours through the agents. we walked off the resort to the very end of the road and went into town - safe and no concerns. a mall close by (few stores) - and a Wal-Mart on the beach about a good 1/2 hour walk away