Quinta Maria Cortez Beach Hotel

The setting

Out of the way location —difficult to navigate for an older person

Very charming hotel, beautiful ocean view, private beach, spacious and smart decorated rooms, good breakfast, friendly staff, we enjoyed everything

The infrastructure is lovely, the staff is friendly and always willing to help. The location is a 20 min walk from la Zona Romantica, so you have peace. The breakfast was phenomenal. Bed and sofas were comfortable.

Lots of stairs but worth it. A few sea urchins on the rocks on the beach. Just be careful

Room Raphael: Imagine waking up and watching the ocean from your bed (a very comfortable bed with the smoothest sheets). Then you start the day with your yoga routine from the enormous private terrace overlooking the beach. Just a few steps up and you are served an abundant breakfast a la carte by Eric or Giovanni who are always and discreetly available for all your whims (a cocktail by the beach? sunshade and chairs right by the water? get ready to be spoiled). You then have the hard choice between spending the morning at the beach right outside the magnificent historic building that the infrequent passers-by stare at in awe, or hanging out by the small pool with a magnificent view of the waves crushing into the rocks, or just leave the cozy nest in search of adventures both north (el Malecon de Puerto Vallarta, playa Amapas, playa los Muertos, Islas Marietas etc.) and south (Boca de Tomatlan, Jardin Botanico, Los Arcos de Mismaloya). Either way, you will always want to be home by sunset that you can admire from the rooftop common terrace. You will feel safe thanks to the discreet Security guard monitoring the area and will enjoy fireworks most nights from the comfort of your own private space. Every little corner of the entire house will amaze you with its character and detail that will throw you back in time, from the architecture, the original tiles, the Mexican furniture, the lush plants. If you look for privacy, quiet, beauty and a discreet but friendly service, do not miss Quinta Maria Cortez.

If you have mobility problems be aware that, as clearly described in the website, the entire building has lots of stairs, no elevator. The access to the house is also on a steep downhill which actually comes in handy to walk off all the "huevos rancheros" you will have for breakfast! Unlike the website says, there is no shuttle service but if you ask Sara she will give you all the information you need on any subject. The wifi is sometimes slow. There is a small store (Oxxo = 7Eleven kind of store) up the hill and a good restaurant at 5 minutes walk. Other than that you will have to travel a few km to find food and entertainment (which in my opinion is also part of the charm).

The hotel has a lot of character but is very dated and needs attention. The bed was very comfortable and sheets were also clean and comfortable. The neighborhood is quiet and we felt very safe. Breakfast was delicious and offered a nice selection of choices. The value was very good. I hope that the attention needed to compete with the nearby accomodations happens, I would stay again.

The lamp shades are old and stained, the light fixtures had cob webs. The throw carpets need to be cleaned or replaced. The hinges on doors on the bureau in our room need to be replaced so that the cabinet will stay closed. The light switch covers are yellowed and need to be replaced.The ironing board frame is old and rickety and should be replaced (the cover was clean, just the base was very old and bent). In room safe was old style and the lock was heavy and would fall out each time we unlocked, it should be replaced with an updated style. Curtains should be updated/replaced.

The property is quiet and close to Zona Romántica. It is right on the beach.

Nothing.

The location.

Lack of air-conditioning.