Pensión Cassandra

A good choice for a night over, with a handy recommendation for somewhere to eat. It’s about 15 minutes from both the airport and the ferry. It’s a one-star hotel, so the facilities are limited, but they fit that standard. The bed was on the firm side and the shower was good.

There are shops and places to eat nearby, though the area itself isn’t pretty. The hotel feels like it’s seen better days, and the room I got didn’t look anything like the website pictures. The TV didn’t work, the window blind was broken, and opening the mini fridge released a horrible smell, as if something had died inside. There were no tea-making facilities either. When I asked the breakfast-room waitress for hot water to make my own tea, she gave me a look like I’d killed her firstborn. My ground-floor room was close to reception and the entrance, so I was kept awake by guests coming back at all hours, slamming the door and talking loudly. I won’t be back.

We only stayed one night, in a basic ground-floor room, after making a last-minute booking. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The hotel is nice, though well past its prime, and the part of town felt somewhat shady to us.

Buzanada is a village with a few bars and restaurants, and we liked Los Rodriquez best. It’s small and local, cheap, and the service and food were great. There are barking dogs around here, as is standard in the area. The altitude can bring cloud, but it also makes the nights cooler. Los Galletas is a 10 min drive away, with everything you need and a less touristy feel, more residential with expats. The owner was really friendly and helpful. The rooms were basic and functional, but very clean. Beds were made and fresh towels provided every other day. Great price, with parking at the rear.