Maria Del Mar

The beach is the highlight for me: you can walk straight from the pool to the sectioned-off area, rinse off in the nearby shower, and catch some gorgeous sunsets. The pool is spacious, with a deepest point of about 4 feet 11 inches. For meals, I found two restaurants within walking distance and liked Sazón & Sabor. There are also local seafood sellers farther up the beach under colorful umbrellas, usually for about half the restaurant price. Sazón & Sabor has vegetarian and vegan choices, though restaurant prices may not suit a tight budget; they take Visa and Mastercard. My booked room was $22 USD a night, and there was a stay two nights, get the third free promotion at the time, so ask about deals. I barely used the kitchen since I ate out, but staff brought complimentary coffee when I asked. The room I was meant to have wasn't available because it had no key, but the reception staff quickly offered me two alternatives at the same price and let me choose. They were warm, welcoming, and helpful throughout. It isn't a five-star hotel, but I had a five-star stay. I'd recommend it for solo travelers, couples, or families, and it was very child-friendly.