Hotel Santa Fe

The hotel's classic colonial Mexican architecture and lush, well-maintained gardens create a memorable and authentic atmosphere, offering stunning ocean views from many vantage points. This charming property is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway and families looking for a relaxing vacation, thanks to its tranquil environment and dedicated pool areas. Surfers and beach enthusiasts will appreciate the direct access to the main beach. While many guests praise the hotel's unique aesthetic and prime location, some note that the property, despite its charm, shows signs of age and could benefit from updates. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to request a room on a higher floor for better views and to minimize potential noise from common areas or the street. Additionally, guests should be prepared for inconsistent Wi-Fi connectivity, especially in rooms, and consider bringing their own toiletries as they may not always be provided.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a variety of facilities designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Guests particularly appreciate the two distinct swimming pools, one of which is designated for adults, providing a quieter atmosphere, while the other accommodates families. These pools are generally described as clean, well-maintained, and deep enough for comfortable swimming, with ample shade and comfortable seating. However, some guests noted that the adult-only pool, which often has the best views, is not accessible to families. While air conditioning is available in rooms and generally works effectively, some guests found it insufficient to cool the entire space, relying on ceiling fans which were occasionally dusty or noisy. Wi-Fi connectivity is a consistent point of concern, frequently reported as unreliable, intermittent, slow, and often not reaching all rooms, making it unsuitable for remote work. The hotel also provides a small library and offers beach towels for guest use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is notably mixed. Many rooms are described as spacious and equipped with basic necessities, including air conditioning and hot water. However, a significant number of reviews highlight that the rooms are old, dated, and in need of renovation, with issues such as broken floor tiles, dirty or stained furniture, and oxidized fixtures. The bathrooms are frequently mentioned as problematic, with reports of mold on tiles, clogged drains, poor water pressure, and leaking toilets. Beds and mattresses are a common complaint, often described as uncomfortable, hard, old, worn, or springy, impacting sleep quality. Noise levels can also be an issue, with thin walls allowing sounds from neighbors, common areas, or the street to be heard. Some rooms also suffer from musty smells or moldy walls, and issues with windows not closing fully or lacking adequate curtains for light control.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's restaurant receives generally positive feedback for its food quality and ambiance. Many guests praise the delicious and generous portions offered, particularly highlighting the vegetarian and pescatarian options. The open-air setting provides a beautiful view of the ocean, enhancing the dining experience. While the breakfast is often described as good, some guests found the continental option basic and the overall restaurant prices to be on the higher side compared to local alternatives. The bar is noted for serving good drinks, including popular cocktails. However, some guests experienced very slow service at the restaurant, especially during peak times, and a few reported dissatisfaction with the flavor of certain dishes or even instances of food-related illness. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the restaurant remains a popular choice for its convenient location and tasty offerings.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. Situated directly across from Zicatela beach, it offers easy walking access to the sand, making it ideal for watching surfers or enjoying sunsets. The property is conveniently located on the main street of Zicatela, placing guests within easy reach of numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. This central yet tranquil position means that while nightlife is accessible, the hotel itself remains peaceful, allowing for restful nights. Guests appreciate the ease of finding taxis nearby for exploring other areas of the town or different beaches. Parking is available, with both a private garage and street parking options, though some guests noted that spots can be limited and difficult to find, especially during busy periods, sometimes requiring vehicles to be left on the street.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests commend their professionalism and willingness to accommodate requests, contributing to a positive overall experience. The cleaning staff is particularly noted for their efficiency and ensuring rooms are well-maintained. However, feedback on the front desk service is mixed; while some found them very supportive, others reported instances of unhelpful or even rude interactions, particularly concerning check-in times, payment discrepancies, or room change requests. Communication can sometimes be a challenge as not all staff members are proficient in English. There were also reports of slow service at the pool and restaurant, and issues with the availability of basic amenities like pool towels. Despite these inconsistencies, the majority of guests found the staff to be a significant positive aspect of their stay.

Additional Information
This hotel maintains a distinctive traditional colonial style with charming architecture and extensive gardens, creating a unique ambiance that many guests find appealing. The property features numerous stairs to access rooms and different areas, which some guests noted could be challenging for those with mobility limitations. While the hotel aims for an eco-friendly approach, some guests reported a lack of basic amenities like shampoo in rooms. There were also mentions of a pet-friendly policy, though specific details were not widely reviewed. A unique aspect noted by some guests is the presence of a destination fee, which covers certain amenities. The hotel also provides water carafes in rooms, promoting sustainability. Some guests mentioned a rewards program offering benefits, and a few shared unusual experiences, including ghost stories associated with specific rooms, adding to the hotel's unique character.