Hotel Smiling Crab

I’d stayed here several years ago with my husband and daughter. The view and the hotel’s style were breathtaking then, and Fermina, the host at the time, was welcoming and did her best to make us feel special. This visit felt very different. For the price, the hotel hasn’t improved. The furniture in the room, restaurant, and pool area looked worn and dirty. The pool was dirty when we arrived and was cleaned only after I complained. They said it had been very busy over the last few days. Our stay included continental breakfast, listed on the menu at 18 soles and very basic, or American breakfast at 20 soles. We asked to switch to the American option with scrambled eggs and pay the 2 soles extra per person, but they said that wasn’t possible and charged us 8 soles per person for the extra eggs instead. The room came with three large towels and soap. There were no floor mats or small towels, and when we asked, they confirmed they didn’t have any. My husband slipped on the wet floor, but luckily landed on the old yellow WC seat, which broke in two. They repaired it quickly. On the second night, we heard two men talking loudly late at night. The next afternoon, we heard them burping and making funny noises. I got alarmed when I looked out the window and saw a man sitting on his toilet seat just outside my daughter’s window. Reception said he was the hotel guardian. We tried to avoid the restaurant as much as possible. Unlike on our last visit, the TV was very loud, as was the kitchen staff’s mobile phone. I tried an apple pie for 16 soles a piece, probably the worst I’ve ever tasted. Toward the end of our stay, there was no water when my daughter was about to shower. Nobody was available to help except Carlos, who luckily fixed it quickly. I want to mention Carlos especially. He assisted us from the beginning and was the only person who made us feel welcome and comfortable. He was always busy working on something, and we appreciated his hard work. He was also the only person available at the hotel most of the time. We were the only guests, and since our flight wasn’t leaving until later in the afternoon, we asked for a late check out. They agreed but charged us 20 soles. It’s not a lot, but it would have meant a lot if they’d offered it as a courtesy. We didn’t feel the love. The hotel seems forgotten, and we definitely don’t think it’s worth what they charge. I don’t recommend it. Please read the other reviews too, since you can find a better place for that price.

The location was wonderful, and the sunsets were the best. Service and friendliness were great, and the hotel tried to help with all my requests. The food was decent and it was good value for money. Thank you!

There was a cockroach in the bed, the pool for kids was dirty, and the fish at lunch was spoiled. Terrible. Run as far away from Smiling Crap as you can.

It was ok.