Hotelito Desconocido

Make a Booking Enquiry

Save as Favourite

Children's Policy

Map

Costa Alegre, Jalisco, Mexico

Extraordinary eco-chic hotel in a nature reserve with thatched stilted cottages overlooking an estuary and the Pacific ocean
Closed until January 2010 for major refurb. We recommend Las Alamandas instead

Reviewed by Arabella Daniell

Hotelito Desconocido, Mexico, Overview

HOTELITO DESCONOCIDO - REVIEW

Set on a wetland estuary in a nature reserve, two hours south of Puerto Vallarta and fronted by miles of wild Pacific beach, the Hotelito is a romantic little hotel modelled on a traditional Mexican fishing village. Built with indigenous designs and individual details, romantic rooms are housed in palafitos, palm-thatched bungalows set on stilts overlooking the estuary or the beach beyond. The pace is slow, the atmosphere relaxed and friendly.

The hotel is ecologically run yet still offers a five-star stay – solar panels heat showers and power ceiling fans; hundreds of candles light the rooms and restaurant at night; fruit and vegetables are grown in the hotel's organic garden; and there is a sea-turtle research station partly funded by the hotel. A short rowboat ride across the estuary, pristine beaches await, as do idyllic chill-out areas in the beach bar. Ideal for honeymooners, young couples and frazzled execs, the hotel also offers a small open-air spa and plenty of activities, from windsurfing to horseriding along the beach.

HIGHS

Exceptional setting on one of Mexico’s most important sea turtle and bird reserves with 40 miles of virgin beach
A unique getaway combining an eco-friendly approach with original Mexican style (no two rooms are the same) and barefoot luxury
Falling asleep to the sound of the waves and waking to the call of exotic birds
Consistently delicious and plentiful food (including lots of fresh seafood)
Federico and Claudia, the friendly couple managing the hotel, ensure friendly staff and personalized service

LOWS

The sea can be rough with crashing waves and strong currents making bathing unsafe at certain times of year (you can swim all year round in the estuary and saltwater pool)
Some of the rooms are next to each other and noisy neighbours can be overheard
This is a nature reserve so expect some insects during June-October
The price tag maybe high but don't expect conventional "western" standards of luxury - there are no TVs, phones, internet, air-con (ceiling fans only) or electric lighting
Secluded and remote, you'll find no shops, restaurants or nightclubs nearby (though for most this is a plus)
The setting is idyllic in fine weather but takes on quite a different aspect in wet or windy conditions (see when to go).

Print Whole Report

Name	Hotelito Desconocido	Location	Costa Alegre, Jalisco, Pacific Coast
Type	Luxury Eco-Resort: 24 rooms	Country	Mexico
Price Guide	Dbl: US$625-995 BB	Open	All year


DISTANCES	Airport: 90km	Nearest Shops: 90km	Nearest restaurant: 90km	Beach: 0.1km