1. Poorly equipped kitchen: no ice cube trays in freezer, no corkscrew or can opener, no sharp knife of any kind, no toaster, no microwave, inadequate pans, strainers, etc.

2. Water: we had to ask 3 times for the hot water to be turned on and there was no water at all on 2 different occasion.

3. No place to hang up wet towels, etc.

4. E-mail access is advertised but the owner told us she didn't have a computer(!) That's how we reserved the place!

5. Distance from beach: only as advertised if you walked through the jungle.

I just returned from my eighth winter trip to Mexico, visiting Zihuatanejo this year. In the interest of warning others who hunt down lodging ideas via internet, I have to report my unpleasant stay at Casa Tucanes, operated by Rosa Elena Alvarado, last month (Jan. 2009). The place was rustic (read that: intermittent water supply and housekeeping, and bring your own toilet paper). Our “kitchenette” was a camp hot plate and a tiny refrigerator on a postage-stamp patio 10 feet from a construction zone (only barrier was a trellis)(see photos). The place was PAINFULLY noisy. It was also claustrophobic, airless, with a very poor lay out, and it came with two crying, starved cats. To crown the experience, the caretaker died in one of the units while I was there, and a wake (with coffin) was held in the entry (rude to guests and family alike…) Now, I’ve stayed in other rustic places in Mexico, but they were in remote areas and cost about a quarter of what this place cost. I eventually found that Casa Tucanes is priced about the same as many other, much nicer places along La Ropa. Since I had to pay IN FULL IN ADVANCE for my entire visit, I could not afford to move elsewhere. Otherwise, I would have left after one night. I felt gypped. Other travelers beware!!

We recently stayed at Casa Tucanes near Playa la Ropa at Zihuatanejo. We prepayed for 100% of a ten day stay. Arrived and were given a different unit than we had booked - supposed double booking. Loud construction noise 10 feet away til after midnight night after night. Loud, late parties occured in adjacent units on several nights. The units are close together and beside a busy road. A really bad experience. We walked away from the last part of our prepayment and checked into a nearby hotel. Presto, our real vacation started. There are numerious beautiful and quiet hotels and bungelows nearby at similar prices. Avoid this one.

Casa Tucanes is a family owned complex of three villas and two bungalows. My family stayed for three weeks in the Quetzal Bungalow and found this to be an excellent, relaxing place for a family with young children. We found Rosa (the owner) and her family to be kind, honest & helpful. Best of all, her three daughters were excellent babysitters!

Casa Tucanes is located at the far end of Playa la Ropa and is a short 5-10 minute walk to the beach. The compound consists of the living areas, a large lawn, stoned seating area with a grill, a pool and fishpond. The entire compound is enclosed by a large complex of fences and is always locked. We always felt safe during our stay.

The Quetzal Bungalow was perfect for our family with two small children. It consisted of two bedrooms, a bath, kitchen (small stove, refrigerator & dishes), dining/living area (built in couch, table & chair, bar stools, and hammock) and a patio. All areas are tiled, but only the bedrooms and bathroom are enclosed. The kitchen/dining/lving area is open to the outdoors on two sides and covered by a thatch roof. The patio area is completely uncovered surrounded by banana trees, a lime tree, plants and a high wall. Our children were able to play in the bungalow and not get out. The best part of this unit is that it gets the morning sun to warm up the unit and is shaded in the afternoon when it was hot.

The bungalow was cleaned Monday-Saturday, including dishes. Sheets and towels changed twice a week. Drinking water was provided. The showers, though very "low flow" were hot the majority of the time. There are ceiling fans in all of the rooms.

The pool was very nice, surrounded by coconut trees and palms with four reclining chairs. The water was crystal clear for the first two weeks but did get a bit dirty the last week. The large lawn was a great place for the kids to run. The stoned sitting area was lovely and though we never used the grill it looked in good order. The kids loved the fish pond and spent much time there.

The second bungalow, the Tzentzontles, was identical to ours, but did not have a patio area and did not get the sun like our unit. The first floor villa looked very large and clean. We did not see the upper villas.

While Casa Tucanes was a perfect fit for us, I can see that it is not for everyone. This is NOT a resort. There are no granite countertops, no designer decor,. Some of the dishes are cracked and it is not a complete set. The beds are not brand new and neither are the sheets, but it is large, clean and family friendly. This is more local, quiet living with normal noises. Roosters can be heard crowing in the morning, a donkey can be heard at night and there is some traffic noise during the day. There are also some normal household noises from Rosa's.