We stayed here a few weeks ago and had mixed feelings about the hotel. Great location for beach and town. Really, a very charming place if that's what you're looking for. The staff seemed a little burnt out probably after a busy season. Some of the other drawbacks were due to it being the off season. There was some maintenance like painting and stuff going on which was distracting and the restaurants weren't available. Overall average, not stellar.

I loved Casa Rafael - it had character that many of the larger hotels lack. The owner and hotel manager were attentive and friendly. It is one block to a great beach and only one block to the Marina/town. They have wireless for free and jugs of water to feel your water bottle. The pool is quaint and perfect if you prefer privacy over large crowded hotel pool.
I will definitely be back! I loved how I felt safe and the security gaurd, Miguel stood watch at night.
If you pay in cash you get a 10% discount. I sent a check a few weeks earlier and received the discount. Casa Rafael is a great value.


The only reason I didn't give the hotel an "excellent" rating is because the website says there is a fitness room, pool table, and jacuzzi - but there was not. I need to work out so I was a little dissapointed. It looked like one area was being redone so I imagine they just hadn't redone their website.

Me and my boyfriend went here for a 5 day vacation and it was the best place ever! This place gives you a good feeling. It's not like any other hotel with a ton of rooms and people everywhere. It's very secluded, but right by everything you need....set right behind the beach with a beautiful view. All of the staff were very nice and the place was very clean. You feel like you're staying at a friends really nice house and being taken care of rather then at a hotel. The restaurant was amazing, and the local restaurants were in walking distance, along with all of the nightlife!! I would highly recommend this place if you're into staying at a culturalized place rather then a basic hotel.

I stayed at Casa Raphael's in February 2005. Casa Raphael's is not "luxury" as the website might suggest. It is also not what I would call "boutique" - it is a kitsch(ie) hotel in need of some updating. It is a hotel for those that want convenience and a nightly rate that is reasonable. ($75-100). It was renovated in the mid-90's - and the dating is beginning to show. The view rooms appear to be losing their "views" as there is construction next door between the hotel and the beach. My bed/bedding was mediocre. The pillows were cheap and made of cotton batting. The sheets were clean, but see-through. The comforter was looking mid 90's - a cheap cotton comforter you'd find at Sears in a bag. Ironically - the temperatures almost made the comforter unnecessary. There were some eclectic natural wood furnishings that really worked nicely (nightstand, armoire, etc) - but the faded flower patterned loveseat and chairs were awful - cheap and uninviting - again almost not necessary. I glanced in a few of the other rooms to see similar out-dated bedding and furnishings. With some thought to the bedding and some creative furniture coverings, the room would have been authentic looking and tasteful. About cleanliness - the room and bedding was clean. The bathroom was clean and the shower's water pressure was great! The staff obviously takes pride in this hotel. Clean, fresh towels daily - creative origamy-type folds in the towels and tissue dispensers. The location is wonderful - just a short walk to the active Medano swimming beach (bars, kayaks, waverunners, etc.) and just a comfortable walk down the hill to the marina, eateries and shopping. My room fulfilled its job as my resting place from the sunny activities! $14-16 cab ride to and from the airport. My recommendation would be - stay at Casa Raphael's if you are ok with kitsch - just don't expect boutique and luxury. I do hope they update and pay more attention to the linen and furnishings details!! It has great potential!