Casona Sforza

Casona Sforza in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, is lauded as a luxurious and tranquil adults-only retreat, recognized with a Michelin Key One-Key distinction and named the Best Boutique Hotel in Mexico at MexBest 2025. Its unique architecture, exceptional dining, and attentive service consistently earn high praise from guests.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Casona Sforza consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with a "Wonderful" rating of 9.1 based on 160 reviews on Booking.com. Expedia reviews show 79 out of 101 guests giving it an "Excellent" rating. The general sentiment describes the property as "amazing," "perfect," "super luxury," and "seriously incredible," highlighting its success as a place for relaxation and disconnection.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly captivated by Casona Sforza's distinctive design and architecture, featuring arched volumes, cylindrical shapes, and open-air spaces by architect Alberto Kalach and interiors by MOB Studio. The dining experience is a major draw, frequently compared to Michelin-starred restaurants. The service and staff receive universal acclaim for their friendliness, helpfulness, and personalized attention. The hotel's tranquil adults-only atmosphere and its stunning beachfront location with a "splendid" circular saltwater pool are also significant highlights.

3. Room Quality

The 11 suites at Casona Sforza are described as "gorgeous," "beautiful romantic," and "super well decorated." Designed as "love letters to local craftsmanship," they incorporate artisan-made textiles and regionally sourced materials. Each room includes air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, free bottled water, and organic bath products. Many rooms offer balconies with sea views. Guests can choose from various suite types, including Private Pool Junior Suites with their own plunge pools, Seafront Senior Suites with in-room wooden soaking tubs, and Hot Tub Master Suites featuring egg-shaped hot tubs on spacious terraces. Rooms are generally considered spacious and include desks.

4. Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant, La Bóveda, is a culinary highlight, serving "glocal" cuisine that expertly blends hyper-local ingredients with global flavors and French techniques. Guests consistently rate the food as "seriously top-notch" and among the "best food I've ever had at a hotel." The included continental breakfast is described as "incredible" and generous. The chefs are noted for their willingness to customize dishes, and special diet, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. A pool bar is also available.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Casona Sforza is exceptional, with staff frequently commended as "amazing," "excellent," "very friendly and helpful," and providing "very personal treatment." Guests appreciate that the staff makes an effort to get to know them. The hotel also offers a tour desk and ticket assistance.

6. Location & Accessibility

Casona Sforza is ideally situated on the south end of Puerto Escondido, in the La Barra area, "mere yards from the beach." Its beachfront location offers direct access and an outdoor pool. While the open water can be rough for swimming, the area is excellent for surfing lessons on Carrizalillo beach, visiting a turtle sanctuary, dolphin watching, and exploring mangroves and bioluminescent lagoons. Punta Zicatela is a short six-minute drive away. The hotel is an adults-only property. Free valet parking is available, and a paid airport shuttle service can be arranged. However, due to its design, the hotel is noted as not being suitable for guests with reduced mobility, and there are no elevators.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges vary, Casona Sforza is considered a "super luxury" boutique hotel. Its "value for money" is rated at 8.1 on Booking.com. Guests should be aware of a refundable $300 USD damage deposit collected in cash upon arrival.

8. Common Complaints

Minor criticisms include occasional rough ocean conditions preventing swimming directly in front of the hotel and instances of large ants in rooms upon arrival. One guest also noted that the limited shared spaces, like the bar, could be impacted by other guests taking work calls without headphones, detracting from the relaxing atmosphere. The adults-only policy means children under 16 are not permitted.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. odentio.com
3. booking.com
4. expedia.com
5. booking.com
6. mrandmrssmith.com
7. casonasforza.com
8. hotels.com
9. wegalavantclub.com