Hotels Open in Manzanillo

Almost a month after a magnitude 7.6 earthquake leveled one hotel and caused cracks in dozens of buildings in Mexico’s Pacific Coast resort town of Manzanillo, all of the major beach-side hotels and restaurants are open for business.

The devastating collapse of the Hotel Costa Real and the resulting death of 38 tourists and hotel workers might have indicated widespread damage. But inspections showed that most of the damage to the hotel zone was superficial. (The Hotel Costa Real was condemned after a 1985 earthquake, but had been repaired and reopened.)

Water, electricity and gas were re-established within three days of the Oct. 9 quake and despite a sharp drop in tourism right after the temblor--at least 25%, according to hotel and tourism officials--many hotels kept their doors open while making repairs to swimming pools and tennis courts. Spokesmen said all work should be done before the beginning of high season at month’s end..

Spokesmen also said some of the major hotels may extend low-season rates until Christmas because of cancellations. But for the last week of December, which is almost fully booked, prices will probably return to high-season normal.

All of the major restaurants, including Guadalajara Green, Carlos and Charlie’s and Bigote’s, are open and the Manzanillo airport and the cruise ship docks are now functioning normally.