ZAG Coliving

The place is nice and sits in the quietest part of the peninsula. There's no private parking, but there was usually space along the block, and it felt safe leaving the car there. I saw lots of motorcycles, some not even locked. Restaurants and currency exchange places in the town center are about two blocks away, so it's easy to walk around. Playa de los Ingleses is pleasant for drinking mate, though it's rocky and not suitable for swimming. The room is small but comfortable enough for sleeping. No TV, but it has air conditioning and a comfortable bed. The bathroom is small and in good condition. The shared kitchen is large and clean. If you're not too demanding and want to keep costs down, it may suit you, though unpleasant surprises can happen. One such surprise was the pool. While we were at a gas station on the day we were leaving, I got a message saying that “due to unforeseen circumstances” it wouldn't work during our three day stay, and they offered a refund if we wanted one. Finding another place that same day would've been difficult, so we stayed. When we arrived, it turned out they were draining the pool for cleaning. This should have been scheduled and announced much earlier. I thought the situation was terrible. The staff weren't bad, just a bit cold and not very attentive. They spent the day at the front desk computer and didn't move around much. An older man couldn't work out how to access his room, and they kept saying, “It's all in the message.” The access code had been sent by WhatsApp. Come on, step away from the computer and show him how to get in. Have some patience. At my next hotel, they warmly welcomed me, showed me to my room, and paid attention to any concerns. It was nothing like the Zag.

We were glad we booked ahead. Getting a sea-facing room at a better price is easier that way. The room faced the sea and was comfortable and clean, and the staff were friendly and attentive. The location is excellent, close to everything. Even though the hotel also operates as a hostel for longer stays, guests can use the microwave and dining area, which made eating at the tables practical. The pool and hot tub were a real help during the rainy days in January, especially with the beach water being so cold. For the price we paid in peak season, we loved our stay. It was clean, comfortable, inexpensive, and well located. Highly recommended. We'll be back.

The location is good, and the shared areas are really nice. We enjoyed walking around the hotel, but the service needs work. We were told on arrival day that the outdoor pool wasn't available due to unforeseen circumstances, and reception staff came across as distant and unhelpful. Feeling welcome makes a big difference when you arrive somewhere for the first time.