Acapulco Hits Its Stride After Midnight

ACAPULCO - Few Mexician resorts claim to be in the same league with Acapulco when it comes to nightlife.

And even if you don't ``indulge'' in such excitement at home, locals and veteran visitors here say you haven't really experienced Acapulco unless you've hit at least a few of its several dozen discos.

I accepted the offer of Tony Rullan Ditcher, president of the Acapulco Discotheque and Restaurant Association, to be my guide.

``First, get some sleep, get some dinner and I'll see you at 11:30,'' Rullan said.

Yes, 11:30. Rullan said Acapulco's discos seldom open until midnight and stay open until 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. or later. Shows by big-name entertainers seldom start before 1 a.m. The late start, Rullan said, is a Mexican custom and stems from siestas when businesses are closed in early afternoon, then reopened until 7 or 8 p.m.

Acapulco's modern nightlife began in 1955 with the opening of clubs such as the Tequila Go-Go and Armando's Le Club.

These were followed by Fantasy - a high-fashion disco where 45-foot tall windows look out over the bay, and Baby'O, with a cavern motif that has been one of Acapulco's most popular nightclub for more than a dozen years.

The Planet caters to the under-25 set with rail cars and a Rolls Royce that once belonged to John Lenon. At The News, a massive warehouse-shaped structure, an elaborate lazer show illuminates the 1,000-plus people on the dance floor.

Locals are said to save Jackie-O's, Le Dome, Cats and Peacock Alley for late in the morning.

At the more popular discos, the decor - and the dress of patrons - is sleek and sophisticated. Cover charges vary from $5 to $10.

Acapulco's newest disco, Extravaganzza, opened in November. The $4 million project is built into a hillside overlooking the bay.