When I was invited to accompany a friend and her family to their longtime vacation spot, I inquired as to how the days might be passed. The reply I got was "lying by the pool". That is not my customary vacation - I like to see and do things, sample local cuisines and meet local people. But I decided to go anyway - a free vacation is still a free vacation! - and I actually enjoyed myself. The pool, first of all, is quite lovely and exquisitely maintained, as is the hotel/condo in general. We stayed in an updated room, which was adequate, if rather brown/tan. Just focus on the view, out the window, from the pool - it's one of the best I've ever seen! Staff are all courteous, although it bothered me that they'd obviously been instructed to greet guests with "hola" rather than the appropriate time of day greeting. The restaurant is truly outstanding, with the best pico de gallo I've ever eaten, and fairly reasonable prices, considering that most of the clientele probably never ventures to eat at the 20-30 restaurants within walking distance. My big caveat has to do with their money changing services. At a time when the exchange rate was 15 pesos to the dollar, they were offering 13. Shame on them for that, but you can catch a taxi outside the front desk at any time and easily go to a bank that will give you a fair rate.

The Torre Blanca has an awesome view and a beautiful pool area. The building is old and very outdated. Our unit had worn furniture and uncomfortable beds. This unit had one redeeming quality and that was the deck. Everything in the unit was outdated. It seriously needed a good clean and decorating. The staff didn't appear to be enjoying there jobs. Especially Nancy in the small shop. It was a effort for her to be polite. This was our beach time of a three week vacation in Mexico. We found the location a long expensive cab ride to Acapulco.

We have been going to Torre Blanca for over 20 years. We own in the Royal Aloha, which has 65 units. About half are totally remodeled, and many others are updated. Always ask for updated. Bar Lanai run by Miguel is great. Prices have not increased for years. Seafood excellent. Baked potatoes are to die for. Ceviche was fantastic. Drinks and dessert are very reasonable.
Oscar has many tours run by english speaking locals, including trips to Walmart on Sat & Mondays.
Puerto Marquez is poor but lovely. Local people are charming and honest. Easy cab or bus ride into Senor Frog, Carlos & Charlie, Costa Nostra, etc.

Hotel is very old and the rooms do not appear to be updated in the last 30 years. Many unused rooms on the lobby floor which should be converted into a game room and or/exercise facilitites for guests. The hotel does not offer any of these, ( 1 ping pong table and 2 broken exercise bikes). The view is beautiful, but the hotel sits on a hill wilth about 150 steps to the beach below. Not recommended for older travelers, (my mother joined us and could not make the trip down). Pool was great and restaurant very convenient with decent prices. We had Oscar as our guide on a couple of tours and we found him very friendly and helpful.