Casa Liquen

"Casa Liquen is a special place with an appealing Mexican artsy/bohemian architectural spirit--just the right size with earthy thoughtful design and layout, plus lovely plantings. It felt like an oasis. Our room was spacious and light-filled with a very comfortable bed and pillows, kitchenette, and spacious bath. We especially loved the large wooden shutters that were a perfect balance of light, air, and privacy. The shared spaces were wonderful, too--the pool and shared lounge/dining space, rooftop for morning coffee and ocean views, and lovely space for group yoga or as a private workout space. The location is ideal--steps from the beach and the small village of Chacala. What made it most unforgettable was the feeling--while we had complete privacy, Casa Liquen also felt like staying with family and in someone's home. The owner, Adrianna, is the heart of it all--warm, intuitive, and deeply connected to the community, offering thoughtful recommendations and linking us with wonderful local guides. It's the kind of place that stays with you and if we return to Chacala, Casa Liquen is the only place we would consider."

Costa Alegre Hotel & Suites

Costa Madero Resort

"We recently returned from Mexico after our first visit to the Guayabitos/Los Ayala area. Considerably more quiet than Puerto Vallarta but this does appear to be a haven for Canadian seniors who go down there for weeks and even months each winter so they're not looking for a party spot. Costa Madero is a newer hotel very near the beach which allows for great walks not only on the Los Ayala beach but also an easy jaunt over to the Guayabitos beach which is considerably longer and, if you feel even more ambitious, you can continue on to La Penita beach which goes on for many more kilometres. The beaches here are lovely with hard-packed sand nearer the water that allows for easy walking (feet don't sink into the sand)... I am here though to speak to our experience at Costa Madero Resort. As we were only going to be there for a week I booked the 'King size bedroom' (Room 105). We knew it wasn't going to have a true kitchen BUT should not every room in any hotel (particularly in Mexico where it's hot) have at least a little bar fridge for a beverage or two? No fridge and zero interest on the resort's side to provide one. In the room there was nowhere to sit; aside from either on the bed or a couch (the couch though was the only place on which to put your luggage - no other place to put it aside from the floor). The room was plenty big enough also to provide a small table and 2 chairs – but no. There were a couple other minor items that needed attention and Nancy at the front desk was right on it and they were remedied. I believe Room 105 is the only one at the property that has neither a kitchenette nor any outdoor space. It has a window but you can't pull back the curtain because you are then 'on display' to everybody that walks by – rather unnerving so we just left the curtains drawn and lived in the dark. Even adding some sheers between the window and curtains would suffice to allow some natural light in and provide a bit of privacy. The resort WIFI was, for the most part, fine while outside the room but essentially nonexistent in the room. Pretty sad when you have to leave your room to get anything done online. The pool was nice and clean but too bad it's so cold that you can't be in it for more than a few seconds (cool down and get right back out). I read some older reviews for the property and it appears that the pool heater has been broken for quite a while. With a little thought and effort put in to it, this room (and our experience) could have been so much more enjoyable. It is unlikely we will return..."