Quinta Maria Cortez Beach Hotel

The place has loads of stairs, but the different levels give you a whole range of views, from the beach up to the rooftop bar. We loved the secluded little beach, the spectacular sunsets, and those killer views. The hotel is quirky, with well appointed rooms, and the staff were caring and more than helpful. From the minute we arrived, Fabian gave us outstanding service. Jesus at the bar and restaurant was outgoing and made everyone feel welcome and appreciated. The hotel is AMAZING.

We were glad we went despite the construction complaints we’d read before the trip. You could definitely hear the work in the room during the day, and it isn’t ideal, but it didn’t interfere with our enjoyment. We loved the holiday: the room and view were spectacular, and the staff were friendly, attentive, and kind. The little beach here is beautiful, quiet, and perfect for a good holiday. It’s a 20 minute walk to the romantic zone and a bit farther to centro. There are three pools, including a rooftop one with a 360 view. Who comes somewhere like this and stays in the room all day anyway?

The hotel is beautiful, old, and scenic, in a peaceful upper class neighborhood close enough to the main attractions. The two managers we dealt with were comically unhelpful, and the service was the worst hotel experience I’ve had. We were there for four nights for a special occasion, and I’m writing this hoping ownership will improve things for future guests. Before arrival, they didn’t answer texts or emails. We’d asked days ahead to check in 15 minutes early, but they refused. Then they put us in a room several classes below what we’d booked, supposedly explaining why we couldn’t check in early. They later put us in a different class from the one booked and claimed there was nothing they could do because we booked through Amex. The next day, they moved us to the room class we’d originally reserved, as though it were an upgrade, even though it was clearly available the day before. After dinner we returned to a room that smelled entirely of septic. When we tried opening the doors to air it out, a giant curtain rod fell on us. At 11 pm, not one staff member was on site or answering texts, WhatsApp, or email. I had to search the hotel, go into a back room, get a ladder, and fix the curtain myself. Then we found sand in the sheets, and the bed looked like someone had already slept in it. We got only two towels for the entire stay. We left housekeeping a giant note asking for more, and the next day there were still two. They didn’t clean the room at all. It was a suite with a kitchen and several trash cans, but none were emptied or cleaned, and they didn’t even make the bed. They also painted the stairs to our room without telling us beforehand. Afterwards they called to say we had to use another entrance, go up to the 4th floor, cross the building, then come down two flights. At checkout we expected at least an apology, but there wasn’t even a manager on site. Instead, they charged us $97 for food and drinks and sent us on our way. Don’t bother. It’s a huge disappointment for what could be a cool hotel. Absolutely DO NOT book this for a honeymoon, anniversary, or anything special.

The staff are wonderful and extremely welcoming, and it’s an elegant place I’d highly recommend visiting. We’ve stayed at Quinta Maria Cortez three times in the past eight years, and each visit has had something new and unique. They’ve added quite a bit, and the property is very nice. Getting downtown by taxi or Uber is easy.