Quinta Carrizalillo

The beach is a 5-10 minute walk away, though getting there means taking a lot of stairs. It's in a calmer bay, but the waves can still be too strong for little kids to stay in long. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and small shops nearby, and the larger supermarket, a smaller kind of WalMart, is about a 20-minute walk away. We stayed five nights in dry season and really enjoyed it. Our room was clean, spacious, and basic with a rustic feel. The kitchen worked well for making simple meals for us and our two kids. Staff were always helpful, and the woman who cleaned the rooms was lovely. The kids especially liked the pool, which was fairly clean and refreshing in the heat. We took a night bus onward, so we left quite late. They let us leave our bags at reception and still use the pool and rooftop terrace, including its bathroom.

The pool and terrace were nice, and there are good beaches and a few restaurants close by. Our room was clean and comfortable. There was some humidity, though, and that could be improved.

The rooftop hammocks were a nice place to hang out at night, and the TV had all the local soccer games we wanted. Our room was big, and the kitchen had everything we needed to cook, including a good-sized fridge. The pool was a highlight, as were the nearby beaches, stores, and restaurants. Everything was clean. The shower was great, but the sun-dried towels felt like loofahs. The Wi-Fi was very spotty. Our AC would stop working early in the morning, though the room stayed cool enough. There was also an unexplained chirping sound in the main hallway. Hopefully they fixed it.

We mostly used the room to shower and sleep. It was decent, with the standard kitchen setup, though there's no microwave. There's Wi-Fi and a pool, and the service was good. The location is amazing, right across from shops and restaurants that stay open late. You can buy a water jug for about 40 pesos, around $2.00.