Hotel Pontao

I booked six nights, but never got a room at this hotel. Every day I was told mine would be ready the next day, and it never was. The staff were nice and I had no personal problem with them, but it felt like they were told to lie about availability. How can you not know when a room will be free? I was moved to the sister hotel, which wasn't nice at all. No clean towels, no pool, and a bad experience overall. Ridiculous place.

The roof terrace is great, the beach is very close, and there are good restaurants nearby. It's about 20 minutes from the airport. We stayed for seven days in January 26, and the staff were all helpful. The same people were working throughout our stay. Breakfast had plenty of choice, so there was always something to eat depending on what you like. It was hotter than expected too: the forecast said 21 degrees Celsius, but it was pushing 30. Sometimes people would hassle us as soon as we left the hotel, trying to take us to the market or asking for food or money. The staff handled that very well. The pool was slippery when you got out, even though it was cleaned every day. Still, a good way to start the year.

The night guard was lovely, and the chef who made the eggs did a very good job. Room service also found my sunglasses. But we weren't told about the nightclub directly opposite, which goes on until 5am every Saturday, and the room windows were filthy. The hotel wrongly said we hadn't paid, then apologized. They gave us silly wristbands that we didn't wear, and the taxi they'd booked for us never came. Breakfast had no breakfast tea.

Right in santa maria, with rooms I'd rate 3 to 4*. The air con is safe. My only gripe is that they don't supply a kettle in the rooms. I'd stayed before, so luckily I brought my own travel kettle.