Hotel Escondido

Hotel Escondido, a Michelin Key Selected property in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, offers a distinctive "barefoot luxe" experience on a remote stretch of the Oaxacan coast. This adults-only retreat is celebrated for its stunning design, private bungalows, and tranquil atmosphere, though some guests highlight areas for improvement in maintenance and dining flexibility.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Escondido is overwhelmingly positive, often described as an "amazing stay" and an "incredible setting." It consistently receives "very good" ratings, with scores typically ranging from 8.2 to 9.0 on review platforms, reflecting a high level of guest satisfaction. Many guests consider it one of the nicest hotels they have ever stayed in, praising its beautiful aesthetics and the solitude it provides.

Key Highlights

Guests are particularly enamored with the hotel's striking design, featuring "beautifully designed" architecture that blends modern style with primitive elements. The private pools accompanying each bungalow are a significant draw, offering an exclusive and intimate experience. Its secluded beachfront location is a major highlight, providing a sense of escape and tranquility. The quality of the food and the welcoming nature of the staff are also frequently lauded.

Room Quality

The bungalows at Hotel Escondido are described as perfect, offering ample privacy and a private plunge pool. Each air-conditioned bungalow features elegant modern décor, free WiFi, cable TV, a mini-bar, and a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer, bathrobes, and organic toiletries. Guests often comment on the exceptionally large and comfortable beds. However, some reviews indicate that the rooms, designed to feel "very open to the elements," can present issues with poorly maintained door shades and gaps that allow bugs and mosquitoes inside, sometimes necessitating a mosquito net over the bed. Furthermore, the air conditioning in some rooms has been noted to struggle with effectively cooling the space, particularly in high heat.

Dining Experience

The dining experience at Hotel Escondido is generally rated as "excellent" and "amazing," with breakfast receiving particular praise for its delicious offerings, including "Huevos Escondido." The on-site restaurant, set in an authentic palapa, serves a fusion of Mexican and international cuisine, focusing on fresh local products, seafood, and healthy options. However, some guests have expressed a desire for more variety in the dinner menu, noting that the "creative dinner menus can be hit or miss" and that the food quality might not always match the price point compared to other luxury hotels. A recurring complaint is the late dinner timing, with the meal plan not allowing guests to eat before 8 PM, which some find inconvenient after a time zone change.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at Hotel Escondido generally receive high marks for being "super nice," "wonderful," "friendly," and "helpful." Many guests highlight the personalized attention and warm hospitality. However, some reviews mention instances of "mediocre, understaffed and undertrained" service, with other guests finding it "hit and miss."

Location & Accessibility

Hotel Escondido boasts a prime location directly on a remote and private beach along the Oaxacan coast, offering a serene environment for those seeking solitude. It is an adult-only property. The hotel is approximately 27.7 km (a 27-minute drive) from Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM). The most convenient way to reach the hotel from the airport is by taxi, with an estimated cost of $390 - $470 MXN. While the secluded nature is a strong appeal for many, it also means the hotel is quite isolated, roughly 40 minutes from the main town of Puerto Escondido. Guests should also be aware that the ocean at the hotel's beachfront can experience strong waves, making it potentially unsafe for swimming at times.

Value & Pricing

A stay at Hotel Escondido is considered a luxury experience. A one-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $500.25 USD, with prices subject to change. Some guests perceive the rooms as overpriced, suggesting that while the experience is unique, the cost might not always align with all aspects of the offering, particularly in comparison to other high-end properties.

Common Complaints

Several recurring issues have been noted by guests:

• Insect Intrusion: Gaps in poorly maintained door shades allow bugs and mosquitoes into rooms, sometimes requiring the use of mosquito nets.
• Ineffective Air Conditioning: The AC units occasionally struggle to adequately cool the bungalows, especially during hotter periods.
• Limited Dinner Variety/Menu Transparency: Some guests desired more diverse dinner options and a more clearly presented menu, with "creative dinner menus" occasionally missing the mark.
• Late Dining Hours: The fixed meal plan's requirement of not serving dinner before 8 PM was a significant inconvenience for some guests.
• Service Inconsistency: While generally praised, some feedback indicates that service can be "mediocre, understaffed and undertrained" or "hit and miss."
• Unswimmable Beach: The strong waves at the hotel's private beach can sometimes make it unsuitable for swimming.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. puertoescondidoairport.com
5. hotels.com
6. rome2rio.com
7. youtube.com
8. youtube.com