Hotel Boutique Casareyna

We enjoyed our first two nights enough to extend the stay by another two and book a second room for our son and his wife. Then, just after 0600 on the third morning, work started on the pool above our room. Nobody had warned us. Reception said they'd speak to the manager, and agreed the work wouldn't start early the next day. We heard it begin at 0645, with loud, continuous banging from 0800. A construction rubbish chute had been put outside our window, which made the disruption even worse. On holiday, we found it incredibly disappointing that they hadn't told us or offered to move us. The room quality also varied a lot. Ours was a lovely, very large superior room with a bathtub and shower. We paid the same for the room booked for our son and his wife, but theirs was half the size and nowhere near as nice. Booking through booking.com was cheaper than booking direct, which seems odd since the hotel would be paying platform fees. After we spoke with the manager, they refunded one night's stay. It's a shame, because if they'd moved us once they knew the work was starting, we would have left a glowing review.

We came for a meal, not as hotel guests, and the food was excellent. I tried the tasting of moles, and every one was delicious. The terrace was quiet, with just one other table occupied, but it took around ten minutes for the waiter to bring the drinks menu. He then asked if we were ready to order. Since the host had already given us the menu, I would have preferred a more engaging start, perhaps being offered drinks while we looked it over. I ordered a mezcal with my meal, but it didn't arrive with the appetizer or the main course. I had to ask about it, and the waiter said he planned to bring it with the main dish. That seemed odd for a shot of mezcal. The service felt awkward and a bit rushed despite the strong cooking. The kitchen clearly has talent, and I'd like to return if the service gets better. For now, it's hard to recommend wholeheartedly.

We booked two rooms for one night, arriving on February 14th at 9am, but the rooms weren't ready. While we waited by the pool, a maintenance worker started hammering very loudly and seemed unconcerned that we were trying to sleep. The Spa staff were upset when we complained and wouldn't even give us a glass of water for medicine. Pool towels weren't changed, just rearranged, and the hotel seemed to give Spa visitors priority over guests. The whole pool area was reserved for people coming in just to use the Spa. Incredible.

The restaurant is wonderful, and there are nice things to do at the hotel, including the spa and swimming pool, so I’d recommend it for a longer stay. The architecture is stunning, with a mix of old and new. Staff are very friendly, the rooms are comfortable, and the location is just perfect. Probably one of Puebla’s finest hotels.