Casa Árabe

We had to leave because of the conditions and moved to a much better hotel nearby for a similar price. Our stay at Casa Arabe was one of the worst hotel experiences we’ve had. The bedroom walls were covered in mould, the room smelled damp and made our clothes smell too, and the bathroom was unsanitary because the toilet leaked. There were dirty cloths left in the room, stains on the sheets, and the bathroom and shower doors wouldn’t close. The air conditioning was so noisy we couldn’t sleep, and traffic on the busy road was loud too. These problems raised concerns about cleanliness, safety, and service. We reported them to the manager, Isaac, who promised a full refund within 48 hours. It’s now been two weeks, with no refund, and Isaac has ignored our messages and calls. The management has been completely unprofessional. I’d urge people to avoid this hotel and book somewhere else. Don’t rely on the photos or give them your money.

It was quiet and empty when I went on a Wednesday. A little store was open across the street, but the bar and restaurant were closed. I’d been looking for a public way to reach the Lagon, and was told there was no free access. A woman asked me for $100 pesos to enter and spend the afternoon. I think it may have been empty because Wednesdays are a day off for most locals, with no tours or other activities, so they let the Lagon rest.

The location is great and the views are beautiful, but this is only about breakfast at the restaurant. I didn’t stay at the hotel, just visited from across the street. The staff were nice, though service was very slow, and some seemed to be standing around. We waited 20 minutes for coffee. After more than an hour, we asked about the breakfast we’d ordered and were told they had lost the order, so we paid for our drinks and left. There were several other tables waiting a long time to order too, and some people had to go up and ask for their food.

The mango margarita was delicious, and I really liked my meal at Casa Arabe. I had rock shrimp and ceviche. We stopped in after our boat tour, and the food and ambiance were both good. If you’re in the area, stop by and enjoy a meal.