Distrito 88 - Adults only

Lalo, the on-site concierge, was phenomenal and so helpful, and all the staff were lovely. We’ll absolutely stay here again. We spent the first night in one room and the second in their top-level suite #3, both fantastic. That suite’s private balcony had breathtaking views of the bay. The hotel and staff made my first visit to Sayulita memorable. Both pools were great, and the hotel was quiet. We loved starting the day with breakfast at the quaint poolside restaurant, then taking the short 5-minute walk to the shopping area and beach.

We’d carefully planned this trip and were genuinely looking forward to Distrito 88, but the response to our safety concerns felt rigid and indifferent. About a week before our arrival, cartel-related violence broke out in the broader region following the assassination of the leader El Mencho. Public reporting and widely circulated videos showed masked gunmen firing in public streets, vehicles and gas stations burning, and road blockades in multiple areas. The U.S. government advised travelers to shelter in place and avoid unnecessary movement. This was documented unrest just days before we were due to arrive, not vague anxiety. I spoke personally with several people whose friends or family visiting the region feared for their lives. After considering the situation, we decided not to go for safety reasons. Our airline refunded us, as did another accommodation on the same trip. Distrito 88 refused any flexibility on our $1,600 reservation. The most troubling part was the repeated, almost scripted response that everything was “happy and vibrant as always,” along with the reminder that a “travel advisory is not a travel restriction.” That distinction may be technically correct, but dismissing legitimate concerns less than a week after visible, documented violence that I saw with my own eyes felt profoundly unreasonable. There was no empathy and no cooperation, not even a partial refund. We understand conditions may have improved since then and genuinely hope they have, for the safety of the local community and visitors. But we made our decision based on the situation at the time, widely reported unrest and official government advisories. Travelers following those developments shouldn’t be expected to ignore them because a property says everything is peaceful. We understand cancellation policies in normal circumstances. This wasn’t normal. Hospitality requires judgment when conditions change quickly and safety concerns are credible, not just enforcing fine print. The decision made it seem that short-term revenue mattered more than a good-faith concern for personal safety. Keeping $1,600 may be allowed by policy, but it shows that revenue protection takes priority over guests’ legitimate safety concerns. I’m only now seeing similar stories in other reviews, including a case where a family member’s death and death certificate apparently didn’t warrant a refund. This business is highly unethical and not the kind of hospitality we expect or support. Future travelers should think carefully before booking.

The food served here was delicious, fresh, and made by a very kind, accommodating chef. The hotel staff were very kind, too. We loved the peaceful, clean hotel and its beautiful pools. From our room we could see the ocean, while staying away from the main strip. Town was a very convenient 5-minute walk, though there’s a large hill on the way back. We spent 4 nights here and loved it.

This was our third visit, and the hotel keeps getting better. From arrival, it feels like visiting family. The staff treat us like old friends every time, and the manager is exceptional: helpful, responsive, and genuinely caring. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and housekeeping thoroughly cleans and refreshes them every day. Breakfast is something we look forward to each morning, with fresh, delicious meals prepared by a very talented chef. The on-site dining is a highlight. We can’t recommend the place highly enough and are already counting down until our next visit. Thanks for another memorable stay!