Kanta Sana

It's a really beautiful place, and the rooms are okay, but we were disappointed by the cold pool and the bar, which was usually closed. We wanted to spend time around the pool with our children, but ended up looking for other pools in town, where you have to pay silly prices just to use them. Such a shame. The woman at reception also never answers the question you actually asked, quite incapable, really.

I went four nights without getting any sleep. The salsa party carried on until 1:00 AM, and the rooms were extremely noisy. Mosquitoes got in through holes in the wall, the toilet was open, and the shower water was ice cold. There was no drinking water or breakfast, and the place is far from the center. Cheap can end up costing you.

The pool was a highlight: it’s big, clean, and well looked after, and there are a few spots around the hotel where you can relax or work. We had a spacious, comfortable Deluxe King Room. No air conditioning, but the fans were enough since the room didn’t get direct sun. Catalina at reception was lovely, friendly and professional, though a few other staff members weren’t as pleasant. Our stay was especially peaceful because it was early in the week and the restaurant was empty. I’d expect more noise during events. The street itself is quiet, and 6th Avenue, with most of the restaurants, is an easy walk away. Breakfast isn’t included; instead of paying a lot at the nearby restaurant, you can cross the road to Coffee History or head to the main street for breakfast around 15,000 pesos. Bring mosquito repellent if you’ll be outside, they’re relentless.

The pool was clean and the room was really lovely. But the young dark-haired woman at reception was rude and unfriendly. She wouldn’t let us check in even a minute early, and barely communicated with us. Also, not having free drinking water at the hostel is annoying.