Esencia Hotel & Villas

We stayed six nights at the end of November into early December, and there was a lot to like. The rooms were clean, with cold AC and hot showers, and the mini fridge was great. The rooms sit away from the road among lovely jungle, so nights were quiet. The pool was great, and staff were friendly. The beach, shops, and restaurants are nearby. The woman handling checkout was fantastic and let us stay by the pool afterward. Check-in was a bit confusing: nobody explained much, we saw other guests getting breakfast but didn't ask about it, we figured out the AC ourselves, and had to ask about the safe. It uses a key, despite the instructions describing an electronic lock. The check-in staff seemed new and still sorting things out, so it wasn't a big deal. Beach and pool towels are available to rent, but I think pool towels should be included since most travelers don't bring one. It felt like an unnecessary cash grab. We were in room 24, which backs onto a staff area. Closing the bathroom door helped with the noise, but we could hear one staff member's phone constantly dinging during the day, whether we were in the room, by the pool, or relaxing in the hammock. All in all, it was a great stay. I'd recommend this place and would come back.