hostal pakal

The property and just outside has several nice trees, including a cashew, soursop and mango. There were a lovely couple volunteering, making murals on the walls, who were very polite with us and gave a good recommendation for nearby food. The proximity to playa la ventanilla, where we saw crocodiles.

We wanted to arrive in the afternoon, from playa Mermejita, described as '15 min a pie'. There was no path through at all to the property - we messaged to ask and received an abrupt response after several hours to say 'Colectivo asta 7:30pm' 'No camines'. We walked all the way back to Mazunte, for a colectivo, though every one was full as it passed, so we paid for an expensive taxi to take us to there. The beach is absolutely not accessible on foot via the property - it's at least an hour away or more walking. When we arrived, nobody was at the property, we looked around ourselves and were eventually helped by two volunteers who made another room for us, not the double room we paid for (occupied by someone else). The property was very dirty, the toilet full of yellow fluid and brown stains; six empty toilet rolls had been left; bin overflowing with used paper. The door was missing and open for guests to see others using the toilet, which a guest said had been that way for a week. The shower was very basic, the floor covered in sand and hair, and not cleaned in some time. The bedsheets had stains and the pillows smelt bad; the mattress was full of hard wood and springs. We stayed the night, because it was too late and far to find another option; if the door didn't have a lock, I would have probably slept against the door to keep us safe. My partner didn't sleep at all as she was scared and the animal noises outside were loud and constant; neither of us felt comfortable or safe. We only met the manager the next day, after which we left and cancelled our booking - we would like a full refund, but probably won't receive it. The manager told us the owner would 'only do it in person', but he never replied on Booking or Whatsapp. Both people are charlatans, who should not be working in the hospitality industry. This place is not fit for the public, do not stay here.