Drake Bay Getaway Resort

The views are lovely, dinner with Lily at the restaurant was quite good, and the location works well for playa jinetes tours and pickups. Still, there are several things to weigh before booking. Getting to the room from the restaurant or town entrance means a long, steep walk, at least five minutes straight uphill. Staff communication and coordination weren’t great for us. Emails before arrival got replies inconsistently, and later on WhatsApp we couldn’t get clear answers about basic things like taxi departures to the airport. There’s no generator if the power goes out. The rooms also have no AC or heat pumps, just a fan, and nights can feel stifling. The patio doors don’t have screens, so keeping them shut at night is difficult. Bathrooms are partly open to the outdoors, which gives you a forest or ocean view but also lets bugs in.

There’s potential here, but I found the hotel only okay for the high price. Most rooms are attractive and have a great view, and the jungle bathroom is beautiful and fun, though moths come in at night. Free restaurant drinks were included in our stay, which was a nice touch. Service was uneven. My laundry came back clean and was handled well, but my brother’s was taken and left outside all day without being washed until there wasn’t enough time left. The rooms are lovely, but they got hot and damp at night without air conditioning. They also didn’t keep insects out well. The windows need outside air, but the screens seemed faulty, and there was a large gap by the bathroom door. Ants got all over my luggage and even into my bed, disturbing my sleep. You have to walk up a steep slope to reach the rooms. I didn’t mind, though I saw others struggle. The promised buggy wasn’t available as often as expected, including later in the day or when nobody seemed to be at the restaurant. The road is poorly lit and feels grim at night. Calling these issues part of an “eco hotel” didn’t seem convincing to me. It could be a five-star hotel with some work, but as it is, it’s okay with potential.

The walk up takes a while, but that’s the tradeoff for such a beautiful view. The rooms are spacious and nice, and since you’re in the jungle, remember to keep the bathroom door shut. Staff were lovely and helpful, and the service over the provided WhatsApp number was good too. I had a very positive stay and would definitely recommend it.

A lovely little hotel surrounded by nature. The staff were amazing, and the local chef made us the best vegetarian meals!