This was our 3rd year in a row to the amazing 7-room boutique hotel called Posada La Poza (4 days, 7 days and this time 9 days) and each time we wonder how the experience could get any better - and it always does. Being the only resort in Todos Santos on the ocean (the sunsets are amazing), we've already booked again for February. The owners, Juerg and Libusche - or Lily - not only own the property, they tend to treat it like it is their own home, and you are their invited guests. We are greeted upon arrival like long lost friends - which we have become - and usually leave in tears. Once you travel down a precarious dirt road through some typical 'Mexico' homes, you come to an oasis at the end of the road (take a right at the rooster, a left at the dog lying in the road - it's classic). Juerg and Lily have been gracious enough to put us in the honeymoon suite - at regular room rates - the past 2 times we have stayed there, and the room is indescribable - even though the 'standard' rooms are better than most you find in 5 star hotels. The grounds are meticulously maintained, constantly in bloom, and always clean. The weather is magnificent almost year round. The large saltwater pool and waterfall are refreshing during the day, and the outdoor whirlpool/jacuzzi soothing at night under the stars. With only seven rooms, you almost feel like you have the resort to yourself. Juerg and Lily - and their wonderful staff - cater to your every need, whether it's drinks served poolside or lunch up on the rooftop bar/deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean. While the artist-infused town of Todos Santos is worth the visit - home of the world renowned 'Hotel California' - we usually go just to shop and eat on Thursdays, when the resort is closed for dinner only (you can still use the resort facilities). For those inclined, however, there are many wonderful day trips you can take to some fantastic beaches in the area (Los Cerritos has surfing, restaurant/bar and tables/lounge chairs in the sand; Las Palmas, through a grove of palm trees, has black sand and is usually deserted; and Balandra Beach on the Sea of Cortez in La Paz is one fo the most magnificient beaches you'll find anywhere). Otherwise, you won't want to leave the resort and its tropical surroundings. We have almost every meal at Posada La Poza, from the fresh squeezed juices, homemade breads/muffins/jams and huevos rancheros at breakfast (Lily will often create some family recipe) to Juerg's gourmet dinners at night. There is a wide selection of fresh fish/meat/lamb/poultry to choose from, and the menu changes daily depending on what Juerg has found fresh at the market, or just feels like creating. One hint - do not leave without trying the fettuccine with truffle oil. There is also a well-stocked bar, and a wide array of fine wines from Mexico to choose from - and yes, they're quite good. As long as Juerg and Lily are the owners, we plan on returning every year, as the hospitality, comfort and warmth you will be treated to cannot be beat - you will not find a place that feels more like a little slice of paradise on earth than Posada La Poza.

At Posada La Poza, I felt like an unannounced and unwelcome weekend visitor at someone's summer house. Zero hospitality. A pity since the small hotel sits in such a lovely spot. Cocktails on the rooftop overlooking the Pacific were delightful. Our room was spacious and tidy. But on holiday, one wants to be attended to-- pampered even-- and sadly that's not the environment at Posada La Poza.

On arriving at Posada la Poza for our 5-night stay, the first thing
we noticed was that our room rate had been jacked up from $225
to $ 300 per night. We were told we had been " upgraded " to the
best suite - and hence the huge rate increase. But shouldn't we have been asked in advance ? (Doesn't "upgrade" suggest you are getting a better room at the lower rate? We thought so.) We were shown the regular room we had booked, and then the much nicer, much bigger "honeymoon suite" for $300. We took the bait.

The next afternoon matters went from bad to worse. We returned to the hotel after touring Todos Santos to find two workmen outside our room removing a wall with a jackhammer. When we complained to the hotel owner, Juerg, he did nothing to improve the situation. We asked him why he hadn't warned
us in advance about the drilling. His answer ? He and his wife ( who never bothered to introduce herself to us ) recommended we move to another hotel. Because
we didn't want to move , we asked Juerg how long the work would continue that afternoon. He said
the drilling would end in an hour. Two hours later, it hadn't. Then Juerg - after our probing - revealed that a backhoe would be working on the wall the following day.

Following Juerg's advice , we did move. We spent three wonderful nights at the charming little Hotelito in Todos Santos and then our final night at the delightful Todos Santos Inn.

During our time in Todos Santos, we heard from various people that Juerg has a reputation for arrogance and rudeness. Since Posada La Poza is his small 7-room fiefdom, his presence is felt everywhere, all the time.

Just a quick note to say how well i have been treated by the owners of this property. For personal reasons I had to cancel my holiday with them, having paid a substantial deposit.

I explained my situation and without hesitation, and immediately repaid my whole deposit without the slightest question, and showed me much more genuine (as far as I could tell) kindness than I would have expected.

If they treat their guests as well as they treated me, as I am sure they will, you will not be disappointed.