Estelar Bungalow Santamar

The staff were really nice, and breakfast was good. It’s free for adults, but costs 20,000 peso per kid each day. The beach is warm and pleasant, though not blue, with shaded spots. There’s security, but some vendors can be very pushy. Night entertainment on the beach was good, and there are several pools, Wi-Fi, hotel taxis, and air-conditioned rooms with hot water. Free water is available in just two areas. The hotel is older, with a small elevator and an older gym. Beds and pillows were both about 8/10 for comfort. Food and drink prices felt fair. The Expedia ad says the hotel offers a shuttle, but it costs extra, so it isn’t free. I didn’t try the mixed drinks.

The beach entertainment is good and free, and there’s a secure roped-off area where vendors selling food, toys, and other things usually don’t come up to you. I still wish staff would keep more of them away, since they can be really annoying, but it’s better than resorts with no rope or security on the beach. The rooms are spacious, if a little dated. Everything else was great, especially the friendly employees. They seem to be treated well by management.

We were treated so kindly and the staff were genuinely helpful. The beach bar is worth a visit for a couple of cocktails and some food.

Wilson was incredibly kind and so good at his job. He was super helpful the whole time. Honestly, give that guy a raise. Everything was fantastic.