Hotel Banana Azul - Adults Only

This property offers a tranquil escape, distinguished by its direct beach access and lush, meticulously maintained gardens that create a magical, tropical paradise. Guests frequently highlight the friendly staff, good food, and comfortable accommodations as key elements of their stay, all contributing to a peaceful and relaxing vibe. The hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway or honeymoon, and nature lovers eager to observe local wildlife like sloths and colorful frogs right on the grounds. While advertised as adult-only, some families with well-behaved children were present. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room with air conditioning, as not all units have it, and be aware that some rooms may experience noise from nearby areas.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of amenities designed for guest comfort and convenience. Most guests appreciate the availability of hammocks and seating areas on balconies, perfect for relaxation. While there are pools on the property, some guests noted they are small and occasionally in need of repair, with one advertised as "adult-only" but sometimes used by children. Wi-Fi coverage is available throughout the property, including the beach, though some guests found it to be spotty or inconsistent. Secure parking is offered for a nightly fee. An on-site mini-market and a tour booking kiosk add to the convenience, providing easy access to snacks, supplies, and activity arrangements. Many rooms rely on ceiling fans and portable floor fans rather than air conditioning, which some found sufficient, while others preferred rooms with air conditioning.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed, varying significantly by room type. While many rooms are described as clean and comfortable, some guests reported issues such as mold in multiple units, dirty cushions, or grouting in need of attention. Bed comfort also varies, with some finding beds comfortable and others describing them as too soft, saggy, or hard. Noise is a recurring concern for certain rooms, particularly those near the road, kitchen, or reception, with guests reporting disturbances from street noise, kitchen noise, and sounds from upstairs neighbors due to thin walls. Some rooms are noted as being quite small with limited closet space, requiring luggage to be kept on the floor. Additionally, some bathrooms experienced flooding or a sewer smell, and a lack of sufficient drying racks for towels and swimsuits was noted.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options generally receive positive remarks, with the restaurant and bar areas creating a pleasant atmosphere. Breakfast is included and widely praised for being delicious and varied, typically offering three fixed options plus a daily special, though some guests found the menu repetitive over longer stays. The coffee is consistently highlighted as excellent. Food quality for lunch and dinner is generally good, with some dishes like coconut shrimp and specialty salads receiving high praise, while others were described as mild, plain, or disappointing. The cocktails are popular, though some guests found them to be on the lighter side. Happy hour is considered a good value. The convenience of beachside service for food and drinks is a significant advantage, allowing guests to enjoy meals without leaving the sand.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent beachfront location directly on the beautiful black sand beach, offering easy and direct access to the ocean. This peaceful setting is ideal for long walks and enjoying the natural surroundings, though the ocean can sometimes be wavy. The property is conveniently situated a short drive from the main town, with many guests opting for a pleasant 25-30 minute walk along the beach or renting bikes for easier access. While the hotel's access road has some potholes, it does not significantly detract from the overall experience. On-site parking is available and considered safe. For those without their own transportation, taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available and can be arranged by the front desk, ensuring convenient travel to nearby attractions and dining options.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives high praise, with guests describing them as exceptionally friendly, welcoming, helpful, and attentive. Many reviews highlight the professionalism and kindness of the entire team, from the front desk to the restaurant and housekeeping staff. While some guests experienced minor issues with the check-in process, such as waiting for rooms to be ready, the staff generally made efforts to resolve concerns promptly. The housekeeping team is noted for maintaining clean rooms, though some specific requests for towel changes were not always fully met. Service at the restaurant and bar can sometimes be slow or inattentive, but the staff's pleasant demeanor often compensates for any delays. The availability of a welcome drink upon arrival is a thoughtful touch appreciated by guests.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that despite being advertised as "adult-only," children were occasionally present on the property and in dining areas. The hotel advises that the water from faucets is not potable, but provides convenient filtered water stations around the premises for drinking. For animal lovers, friendly local dogs with collars and tags are often seen roaming the resort grounds and beach. While the hotel aims for a tranquil atmosphere, some guests noted that quiet hours starting at 10 PM were enforced for guests, yet early morning noise from staff or other guests was not always managed similarly. A few guests reported significant mold issues in their rooms, which impacted their stay and required room changes.