Casamar Suites

The room had a comfortable bed, hot shower, good Wi-Fi, and A/C. I also recommend the restaurant's home-cooked breakfast. The staff were caring and attentive, and inside the walls it feels lush and tropical. It's just off the main street, with only a short walk to the beach.

Guests can keep to themselves or spend time with other travelers, and some even change their plans to stay longer. That family feel is what sets Casa Mar apart for me. I've not come across another hotel quite like it, and it's well worth checking out. The owner, Will, retired and found the land, then started by building a few rooms for his family. As they grew up, he added more rooms to help cover the costs and began hosting other people. More than 20 years after it opened, this medium-sized hotel has many returning guests, who often recommend it to people they know. On Tuesday evenings there's a Meet and Greet meal. Will puts on a lovely dinner where guests can get to know each other, the staff, and people from the community. There are also a few free activities at different times in the palapa and pool, and paid massages can be arranged. The staff are treated with care, like family, and are happy to help guests enjoy their stay.

The staff were exceptionally friendly and clearly care about the guests. The location is about a 3-minute walk from the beach, with lots of restaurants nearby. I stayed in one of the smallest, most affordable studios, which suited me as a solo traveler. I could only book it for two nights, and I wish I could have stayed longer. Most of the other accommodations are larger and individually designed. Their built-in kitchens are properly equipped for cooking, unlike the so-called kitchenettes at many hotels. The gardens and pool were my favorite parts. The pool is around 18 meters long and works well for swimming. There are sun beds and tables in the garden, with plenty of shade for Puerto Escondido's heat, and birdwatchers can spot a variety of birds there. My room had a cozy balcony, a comfortable bed, a good fan, and air conditioning. I slept well, and it was quite quiet at night by Mexican standards. I noticed a few very minor maintenance issues, nothing major. They include morning yoga, aqua fitness, and occasional gatherings. There's complimentary coffee in the morning and plenty of drinking water around the property. The on-site restaurant is a lovely spot for breakfast, with very fair prices. The rates may look high at first, but the extra offerings, like yoga, make them worth it if you use them. As a neutral observation, most guests seemed to be retired Canadians or Americans who return often and stay for a while, with the occasional family or couple as well. The hotel is very pet-friendly, which some people will appreciate and others may not. The property appears to be entirely smoke-free, including outdoors. I appreciated that, though others might be surprised.

The place feels calm and welcoming, with lovely greenery and service that made me feel at home. I got to try the AquaGym classes, a fun, low-impact workout, and joined the Meet & Greet dinner. It's a great way to meet other travelers and friends of the hotel. I only got to enjoy this special place for a little while, but I'll definitely be back ✨