Hosteria Las Lagunas

I had a beautiful room in the cabaña, with a hammock beside a tree where I could watch iguanas eating leaves. I could surf right from the beach, and there was a little bamboo bar out front where I could get a drink and watch the bonfire in the evening. Great vibes. I was traveling alone, and they helped with everything I needed. My room didn't have a lock at first, but they installed one for me.

Don't rent here. I agreed to pay $300 a month, plus a $200 damage deposit, and sent the $500 about two months before I arrived. The house and refrigerator were filthy, the linens hadn't been changed, and there were no pots, pans, or water. The mosquito net hung from only two corners, several screens were torn, and there was a serious mouse problem. Internet was off for several days because the bill hadn't been paid. The windows had no locks, and for several days the front door couldn't be locked, so anyone could have gotten in. I had to use the same sheets for three weeks and buy my own towels because the one I got at first was disgusting. The promised hot water was only a trickle, and I had to buy light bulbs. The owner was away in Uruguay, and his dogs were sick and malnourished. He agreed to reimburse me for getting one dog medical help and buying food. I spent over $70 on food, medicine, the trip, and cat food for a cat on the property. The front gate was tied with string, and I left after an armed robbery right in front of the hostel. I was a woman traveling alone, staying at the back of the property, and the only guest, so I felt very vulnerable. After I left, he repeatedly promised to refund my money minus the five days I stayed the previous month. Nearly three weeks later, and only after I got help from Expats in Mompiche, he returned just $150. He charged me $25 a day for those five days, even though that wasn't competitive with other hotels given the condition of the place. There were lots of vacancies around town. This isn't an honest way to do business.

Being right on the beach in Mompiche is a real luxury. The rooms are very basic, but decent for the price. There was almost no service, though the manager was very friendly and could answer our questions and requests.

Friendly service and clean rooms made this a good place to stay. The water was unusable, though, so we had to wash with a hand basin.