Hotel Joaquin

Shaw's Cove is just steps away, with snorkeling and a place to relax, and the nearby hills are good for easy hikes. We could walk everywhere without a car. Hotel Joaquin is an intimate boutique spot with cozy rooms, thoughtful design, and a retro, relaxed Laguna feel. The town itself felt safe and clean, with greenery, ocean views, and an artistic, laid-back atmosphere. We’d love to spend more time there. A couple of things fell short: the room WiFi worked only about 20% of the time, which was inconvenient with the weak cell service, and the bathroom light switch didn’t work, so the light stayed on and we kept the door shut. Those were minor snags in an otherwise lovely stay.

The resort is beautiful and thoughtfully designed, with an ocean view despite its location on the highway. The facilities look impressive, but service fell far short of what I expected for the price. My room cost $600 a night and opened straight onto a pillar, making it feel like an afterthought. The air conditioning was broken all week. I reported it every day but never got an update or a fix. I was staying for a week and asked to move rooms. First I was told nothing was available, then I was told I could move. After I packed and came back from a business meeting, they said again that there were no options. Breakfast had only three main dishes and no customization, so it got repetitive after a day or two. The hotel also seemed chronically short-staffed in the kitchen and elsewhere. I wanted to love the place, but poor service outweighed the setting and facilities. I can’t give it more than two stars.

Kayla, the supervisor, was like Superwoman. She greeted us warmly and made us feel right at home, and everyone on staff was friendly, professional, and helpful. We spent five nights at the resort and left feeling refreshed. The room was beautifully furnished, the bed was comfortable, and the towels were soft and fluffy. We liked having a record player instead of a TV and didn’t miss the TV at all. The living room, bar, and dining area were enjoyable, and the pool and its food and drink service were just right. Breakfast was delicious and filling, and having coffee delivered in the morning was a handy, unusual touch. We’ll come back.

Matthew at the front desk helped make the trip memorable. The vibe was great, the staff and rooms were wonderful, the pool was epic, and the setting was beautiful.