An extremely well kept, older Mexican hotel in the Playa Madera area (Calle Adelita). The staff is very professional and courteous and they stay on top of every detail! Great location too, the lower terrace/pool and bar are only about 30 steps up from the beach. Everything seemed to have been recently updated, and the ocean views are spectacular. Raphael at the pool/terrace bar mixes up some of the best margaritas you'll ever try! They made us feel welcome, and we will definately go back there.

My fiancee and I spent a week here. We could not have asked for better hospitality. The couple who owns the hotel were wonderful, as were the staff. The rooms are spacious and clean and the hotel is in a perfect location- right on the beach and a walk into town. It is a great hotel, and so affordable! We will definitly be back!

After spending a week in Ixtapa 4 years ago we were looking forward to staying in Zihuatanejo itself - away from the majority of the tourist traffic. Villas Miramar was chosen because of it's location (10 minute walk to Centro), price ($95 for a garden view) and nice photos on their website.
The location is GREAT. There is a side street to the ocean a few yards from the main entrance and the beach was wonderful. There is a paved sea-wall walk to downtown that takes 10 - 15 minutes and is safe and beautiful any time of day and night. Also there are many excellent restaurants very close by (Rufo's, Casa Cafe, Anejo's (ck sp). Taxis are the way to get around quickly - $2-3 to Centro, $5-8 to Ixtapa.
However there are a few things to watch out for if you are planning to stay at Miramar:
- drinks at Jardin Cafe some of most expensive in town. G&T for $7 when you can buy a bottle of Gin for $8
- mattresses surely failed he bowling ball test. They are 3" thick, noisy springs, on a sheet of plywood. Expect to bottom out. Plastic cover sheet not very pleasant.
- Internet at $10 a day - wireless service only in lobby and restaurant ( go to internet cafe around corner for $1.50 an hour.)
- steps and uneven surfaces everywhere - including in room. Almost lost it several times.
At first I thought Miramar was OK considering the price then I visited several neighboring hotels and found better facilities for the same or slightly lower prices.

Don't mean to sound too negative. These were all minor irritations and in the end they did not spoil a wonderful time in this lovely community.

On two weeks notice, we needed to get out of MN and tried to book 8 days in Zihuatanejo with my wife and two young children. Found first 5 nights at Miramar and final 3 at Brisas Del Mar.
Zihuatanejo is a very good Mexican vacation if you want to feel part of a laid back small (although not a "sleepy fishing village") Mexican town. Just make sure you avoid Cruise Ship days.
The dowtown area is about a ten minute walk along a walkway built into the coastline from Playa Madera (where both hotels are located). This is the best part of the location. You have the option to take an evening stroll into town for dinner or a drink. And yes, a stroll back as well. I have read posts that it is unsafe. Found that to be untrue, unless you are worried about people who actually live there also enjoying themselves. You can NOT make this walk to town from La Ropa. But, La Ropa is a nicer beach as far as beaches go. Better sand, more to do, better views.
I found Villas Miramar to be a very clean, calm, low-key place. They are not trying to "wow" you. Just give you a key and tell you to feel at home. Good views of the water and town. A low-key place to go for good food across the street, part of Hotel. Happy hour from 5-7, again, feels like you are at home at a neighborhood get together. They do not heat pool, so when my kids needed their morning swim, it was rather cold. Very good (some of the best in area) dining, a 5 minute walk up the hill.
Nothing bad to say, nor do they overwhelm you here. But that's OK, as long as you know this. One thing I did notice about the immediate area, it is more or less a US retirement community.
That is how this place feels. A place to stay for awhile to get out of the cold. They are not trying to provide you with a 5 star experience. Again, nothing wrong with that.