Casa Vida Bella

Our room was lovely and the hotel was spotlessly clean. The staff let us in even though we arrived at 23:37, after a miserable ride on our Brompton bikes and getting stuck in Atequiza, where we had to take a taxi. We couldn't get in at first, then I checked Hotels.com and saw a message asking when we'd arrive, along with the 19:00 latest check-in time. I blame Hotels.com for not emailing the hotel's message. I'm not going to keep checking messages in the app, while Booking.com emails you whenever there's a message. One thing to know: the room listing said air conditioning, but ours didn't have AC.

I spent February there and got a special monthly rate. My room was in a separate building and had two rooms, plus a small patio where I could read or meditate. The staff were very helpful, and the bed was comfortable. It was quiet after 10 pm, and I was close to everything. The bus station, for trips to other towns Lakeside, was six blocks away. The water was solar-heated, so I showered before bed rather than in the morning. I'd happily stay again.

The staff created such a cheerful, relaxed atmosphere that the visitors I met, from the U.S. and Canada, seemed to feel it too. They were friendly and helpful, and I looked forward to the great breakfast each day. Best vacation I've had in years.

The woman who greeted us looked us up and down and was rude. When we asked to see the room, they laughed and said we couldn't unless we gave them our credit card information.