As a corporate travel agent for over 25 years I have stayed at many resorts but this one is one of the worst run I have encountered in years. I read the other reviews which claim it to be the “best” in Bocas and great location, but that is furthest from the truth
If you looking for a hotel in the middle of a bunch of farm fields, this is your place. After driving 30 minutes through muddy bumpy unpaved roads I was expecting a glorious beach resort with plenty to do, we found a half finished, over priced hotel. If you are looking for a hotel with others around, or a hotel with a city in the remote area, avoid this tourist trap.
The owner, a former waitress, also serves as the cook, bartender, cashier, receptionist, and manager.
She accepts no credit cards, cash only. She insist you pay, in advance, all the nights upfront, which you have no choice. I paid for 2 but decided to checkout the next day. She decided to keep my 2nd night.
The room consisted of 2 queen size beds on the second floor (no elevator). The room was dusty and the windows did not close at all. The noise of the waves crashing at night, though soothing to some, were more a bother to a light sleeper for my wife.
I tripped and nearly fell because the floor boards were uneven.
My room had no TV, no A/C, no coffee maker, no telephone, and shower pressure was low at best
She offered us free use of the bicycles. After riding down the road the chains came off several times, the brakes were extremely weak and the handle bars were loose. I nearly killed myself trying to slow down a hill. Totally unsafe.
The beach was about 3 miles from the hotel. The owner said it’s a nice walk down the road. In reality, the road was, for the most part, muddy and impassable. And to get to the beach you have to pass through a dump where locals burn their garbage. The stench was so awful my wife nearly fainted.
Free wireless internet hardly worked at all.
The restaurant is an open air-style with reasonably priced food. If you like spicy and you’re a smoker, this is your place. Non-smoking sections are non-existent. Don't like the food? Too bad, nothing else around to eat. You need a taxi to get anywhere here, expect to pay $30 roundtrip.
I asked her about a private boat tour when we arrived in the morning for the next day, as we were anxious to explore the other islands. She said she would make a few phone calls to find out (but never did and suggested next morning to go into town and look on your own)
On the positive side, the breakfast was ok. The “fresh squeezed” juice consisted of pineapple or watermelon. The pineapple juice was very frothy so I asked the owner for a straw, (breakfast is at the bar) her response was “I don’t have a new one, but I can wash a used one for you if you like.”
WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
no way!
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun