Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa Message Board - Changes at Catalina

Changes at Catalina (reply)

midalake — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 01:19:47 +0000

How many times have we told you about the dangers of applying common sense to a situation?

It's a fatal flaw. I seek redemption in the warm embrace of Newsmax where I can live fact-free, floating among the rings of Saturn, and never have to worry my pretty little head with the rigors of logic and reason.

That is some funny chit right there!!!!!!

Changes at Catalina (reply)

seattlejim — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 23:24:49 +0000

You nailed it. We were there same time you were. In all the yrs going there we had our specific room number pulled from us and I could tell it put Javier in a pinch so I backed off
The other Lindavista suite was trash, truly in bad shape.
Anyway the treatment with the higher prices and the food hasn’t improved will hurt them.
I honestly considered putting together a group to buy it a few yrs back but after going through it the amount to renovate would have killed it.
I wish them well, it maybe time we look south as it’s been 30 yrs coming there

Changes at Catalina (reply)

Keytime — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 22:58:35 +0000

Timothy Leary could not have said it any better. Maybe he is back in different form?

Changes at Catalina (reply)

jay — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 13:44:06 +0000

How many times have we told you about the dangers of applying common sense to a situation?

It's a fatal flaw. I seek redemption in the warm embrace of Newsmax where I can live fact-free, floating among the rings of Saturn, and never have to worry my pretty little head with the rigors of logic and reason.

Changes at Catalina (reply)

Timmac — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 13:08:56 +0000

Javier didn't retire. My understanding is that it was a personnel issue with the new manager. I don't know it was entirely voluntary. He had previously left for a few months but was asked to return. My understanding of the new management is that Eva's son now owns the hotel with a group of 10 investors primarily from Mexico City. When we were there last fall there was a man that we were told was part of the ownership group in charge. When we returned in February there was another man, again from the ownership group in charge. We have no idea why there was a change, The day to day manager was Bernice. Although she was pleasant to us, we are told by staff we know that she is not popular, hence the changes in personnel. I have no idea if any of this is true, it is just what we have been told.
The renovations so far as of last March have been pretty superficial. Two large swings on the beach, with Coke logos and large lighted letters that spell "LOVE." When we left they were in the process of adding a shaded area to the beach at the foot of the steps that we think was either a kitchen or a seating area.
They post frequent ads to Facebook now with a much "younger" vibe. Clearly they are trying to attract new, younger, customers. This makes sense as, at least in the winter, the occupancy is primarily geriatric gringos (us included)
Despite the changes we will continue to stay there as the basic experience hasn't changed. But since it is no longer really "locally owned" we feel less compelled to stay there and there is another alternative nearby that although it is quite a bit more expensive that could work, and we could earn Hyatt points.
We also noticed that their website has been redesigned and has a new webmaster. Our understanding is that the prior webmaster, who had been in that role for many years, was not even given the chance to bid on the new web site, which we think is very poor form.
Thats about all I know. Keep in mind that this is just my understanding of what has happened and may not be totally accurate.

Changes at Catalina (reply)

Yandosan — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 03:07:34 +0000

Tim Leary needs to come back to Catalina.

Changes at Catalina (reply)

Padrino — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 02:45:30 +0000

It may take more effort, maybe more upfront costs, but it's well worth it in the long run. Seems like a no-brainer.

There you go again! How many times have we told you about the dangers of applying common sense to a situation?!

(Well said!)

Changes at Catalina (reply)

jay — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 00:56:46 +0000

Our last stay was nice but I could tell the new management was difficult on staff as well the rooms were falling apart

I can't speak to the ills of the Catalina, but I've never understood why management types think they have to be snarling hardasses all the time, especially in the hospitality industry. Those kinds of bad vibes always flow downhill through the staff to the guests and everybody suffers. On the other hand find good people, treat them with kindness and respect (with a healthy dollop of good humor), pay them what they're worth, and they'll run through brick walls for you. It may take more effort, maybe more upfront costs, but it's well worth it in the long run. Seems like a no-brainer.

Changes at Catalina (reply)

ZihuaRob — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 00:54:39 +0000

After 17 yrs @ the Catalina our old friend Javier has retired, he was my welcome home greeting and took care of my bill since meeting him next door when he worked for the Sotavento.
Our last stay was nice but I could tell the new management was difficult on staff as well the rooms were falling apart Linda vista suits)
Now that he’s gone I may look south vs stay there as it won’t be the same.
We had some incredible memories and blessed we had a chance to spend it there.
I wish Javier the best

I hope you'll continue to give them a chance. I know they are trying harder than ever to do a good job, and from what I understand they've been renovating rooms.

Changes at Catalina (reply)

seattlejim — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 23:59:30 +0000

After 17 yrs @ the Catalina our old friend Javier has retired, he was my welcome home greeting and took care of my bill since meeting him next door when he worked for the Sotavento.
Our last stay was nice but I could tell the new management was difficult on staff as well the rooms were falling apart Linda vista suits)
Now that he’s gone I may look south vs stay there as it won’t be the same.
We had some incredible memories and blessed we had a chance to spend it there.
I wish Javier the best

El Fin de las VacaZIHones de Verano (reply)

ZihuaRob — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 18:05:19 +0000

Good thing it doesn't snow down there. I would be against the law to plow the streets.

No, only to interfere with natural waterways such as lagoons, estuaries and rivers. It's a damn good law. The restaurants and the community of La Barra are all new arrivals there. They ALL know it floods there, but they choose to live and operate restaurants there anyway.

El Fin de las VacaZIHones de Verano (reply)

frostbite — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 14:13:42 +0000

Good thing it doesn't snow down there. I would be against the law to plow the streets.

El Fin de las VacaZIHones de Verano (reply)

Altona Stu — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 14:06:51 +0000

I was told interfering with nature in this fashion is against the law.

El Fin de las VacaZIHones de Verano (reply)

frostbite — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 10:30:27 +0000

If Barra de Potosi was flooding, why couldn't they use a backhoe to speed up the draining?

El Fin de las VacaZIHones de Verano

ZihuaRob — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 02:01:52 +0000

https://youtu.be/Zt8WEpov-1Y

After weeks with many restaurants flooded and unable to operate, the barra at Barra de Potosí finally opened today, much to the relief of residents and restaurant owners. It'll be a good place for fishing for the next few weeks as it empties out.

We had some nice rains in between bursts of sunshine this Friday. More of the same is expected for Saturday, while Sunday things are expected to intensify. I hope those of you who live here have prepared for the worst. Parts of the coast have had stronger rains than others, but the accumulated rains and the winds that may arrive this weekend could cause a bit of damage. I don't expect it's going to be a good weekend for tourists. Fortunately many families will be at home getting their kids ready for school on Monday.

Not a day passes that I don't give thanks for being in and being part of Zihuatanejo and its community. The family, friends and acquaintances I have here are the best! I couldn't be more fortunate. I certainly feel like the luckiest Gringo in Mexico.

No local hotel better represents the true charm and magic of Zihuatanejo than the Hotel Catalina at Playa La Ropa. An oasis in a garden of paradise. Comfortable rooms with privileged views, delicious food at their restaurant, excellent refreshments under the palapas of their beach, extremely warm and friendly staff, and the truest ambiance of Zihuatanejo.
Zihuatanejo Hotels, Inns & B&Bs

¡Cuidemos nuestro patrimonio!
#NoQueremosMuelleParaCruceros
#NoQueremosBlueFlagEnLasPlayas
#PreservemosPlayaManzanillo

Un nido de una tortuga marina que vino por la noche para desovar en Playa Principal.