Hotel Secreto

The rooftop bar was a lovely spot for sunset, and there was live music on the weekends. The staff were all so nice, and they set up beach beds, which I wish we’d taken advantage of more often. The location worked perfectly for us, a little away from the main strip but still an easy walk to it and to the beach. Our fourth floor ocean view room was huge, with an amazing view that looked like a postcard, and a spacious shower. I was sad to leave. We’ll definitely stay here again, which isn’t something I say often.

The oceanfront at the hotel is stunning, though you can’t really swim there. On calmer days there are a few places to wade, and Playa Norte, one of the best public beaches, is a few blocks away. The rooftop bar has lovely views, too. The northern part of the island, with its shops and restaurants, is an easy walk, but the hotel sits at the end of a quiet dead end street away from the noise. The location really couldn’t be better for a peaceful getaway near the action. We’ve visited Isla many times and stayed in all kinds of hotels, and this was easily the best, especially for the price. We’ve just finished ten days here and will definitely return. Although the rooms seemed fairly booked, the pool and beach seating were never close to full. It was quiet and peaceful, with a daytime pool bar that was rarely used, so it didn’t feel like a party spot while we were there. The staff were kind and the room was comfortable. Water was delivered daily. The bed was decent, if not the best, and the room was a bit humid but cool. We also had consistently hot showers, which isn’t typical here.

The standard room was clean and comfortable, and I wished I’d booked a longer stay. The rooftop bar was excellent. There were two issues, though. First, mosquitoes were everywhere. I’d never seen swarms like that, and people by the pool were covered in bites. The hotel said it was unusual, and they were due to fumigate on the day we left. Sitting on the beach can get you away from them. You can’t swim there because of the current, so you need to go around the corner to Playa North. The gym was just a weights room with no cardio equipment. It also smelled damp, so I didn’t use it because I was concerned about my health. The machines and free weights started at 2kg, then jumped to 5kg and 10kg, with lots of heavier ones after that. Some weights between under 5kg and 10kg would make the setup more user friendly.

We had a king room on the third floor with a balcony so enormous it even had a bed on it. The room itself was amazing, with a very comfortable bed. The hotel is on the quiet side of the beach, which was lovely, and both the balcony and rooftop bar have exceptional views. You can’t swim in the bay, but there’s a pool if you want to cool off, though the water is very cold. One of the nicest hotels we’ve stayed in. I’d highly recommend it.