Some Kingdom youth hostel guests rate the Acapulco hostel in the lower echelons because of its semi-remote location -- it's only a $1 taxi ride from the downtown disco scene, though, and there's barely a noisy street busker to be seen in this quiet part of the famous resort town. Another wonderful tradeoff is Puerto Marques' uncrowded beach -- perfect place to catch some shuteye on the sand after a long night on local dance floors. Former hostel manager Marco used to give you a ride home from Acapulco's livelier spots if you needed it (see page nine) -- "I tell (guests) just call if you have a problem," he said. And the hostel shuttle will get you to or from the not-too-far airport in a jif.
The youth hostel is about ten minutes from the beach -- a pleasant stroll down a pretty calm street. Granted, it would be nice to wake up to the waves after you've traveled hard to get to a Mexican resort, but the Fairmont Princess down the way is charging a couple thousand pesos per night for that privilege. Spend $15 at the Kingdom youth hostel and save the dollars for discos.
Hostel address: Carre Tara 4 Puerto Marques #104, Acapulco (midway between the glitz strip and "old" Acapulco)
Location -- four stars for the area. Hostel -- five stars. Book it.