El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel

Hotel Embajador’s rooms are comfortable, beautiful, and well maintained. The check-out was confusing, though. At first the front desk said everything was fine and I could leave, then I was asked to wait while someone inspected the room. They should coordinate this better, especially with an incidental hold already in place for extra charges. A smoother process would have made the whole experience much better.

The stay was nice overall, and the hotel was clean. The staff were kind and inventive, but our shower drain didn’t work properly and the bathroom flooded. Water even went under the door and into the hallway. We were traveling with over 15 people, and it happened in two other rooms too, so it seems like a common problem. I also found it invasive that staff would knock once and then come in if the “do not disturb” light wasn’t on. I was in bed under the covers on multiple occasions when they walked in to check or restock the minibar. I’d give it a 3.5/5.

The room was spacious and comfortable, but its bedside lights didn’t work. I told management twice and was assured someone would come fix them, but nobody did. The building feels old, probably from around the 1950s, and there’s water damage by the lobby entrance. We chose this place because breakfast at a Barcelo property we stayed at in Jakarta, Indonesia had been outstanding. Here it was average, nothing special. The location is central, though other hotels are just as central. Some staff were less friendly than others. I spent three nights here with my partner, but I won’t stay again when I come to the island to visit relatives.

My husband and I are so grateful for the lovely stay we had at “El Embajador.” A special thank you to Ms. Viviana from the SPA. Her service was excellent, and I’m still happy thinking about the experience. Thank you, Viviana.