Escape to Paradise: Family Fun Awaits at Hotel Costamar, Puerto Escondido!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, slightly chaotic, and oh-so-tempting world of Hotel Costamar in Puerto Escondido, a place that promises "Escape to Paradise: Family Fun Awaits!" And after a deep dive, I'm ready to spill the beans (with extra crema, naturally).
First off, let's be clear: Accessibility is a big deal. I'm always thrilled to see hotels taking it seriously and Costamar… well, they try. They list "Facilities for disabled guests," which is a start, but I really wanted more specifics. Is there a ramp at the entrance? Wheelchair-accessible rooms? Details, people! This is important for everyone, not just those directly affected.
Now, on to the good stuff!
The Foodie Paradise (and the Hangry Moments): Alright, let's talk chow. Because let's face it, what's a vacation without a good meal (or a few questionable ones)? Costamar's got a decent spread. Think restaurants, bars, poolside bar and a coffee shop. They claim Asian, International, Vegetarian and Western cuisine. A veritable smorgasbord!
Here's the messy, honest truth: their buffet breakfast was a lifesaver. I hit the buffet in the restaurant HARD. Because, you know, vacation calories don't count. The Asian breakfast wasn't my cup of tea, and I am so sorry to admit the fruit was a tad underripe, I’m sure I could have had a fresh papaya, but I was too tired to ask. The real star? The coffee! Seriously, the coffee/tea in the restaurant was a daily ritual. It really set me up for the day, I wish I could have some right now! I saw some people looking at the desserts and really regret not trying things.
And the Happy Hour? Let's just say I may have forgotten the exact order of events one or two evenings… Okay, maybe three. The cocktails were strong, the view was stunning, and the sunset… chef's kiss.
Important Note for the Picky Eaters (like me): I'm a total salad snob. I NEED a good salad. So, the fact they had a Salad in the restaurant was a relief, but the quality was… let's say, inconsistent. The A la carte in restaurant was alright but limited. If you're like me and traveling with a child with very specific dietary needs, you might want to pack some snacks. I’m not even going to talk about the soup.
The Relaxation Station: Spa Day Dreams and Fitness Center Foibles: Okay, let's talk about the Spa! This is where Costamar really shines. I'm talking Body scrubs, Body wraps, and Massages that make your worries melt away like ice cream in a Puerto Escondido heatwave. The Sauna and Steamroom are pretty standard, but after a long day of surfing (or just soaking up the sun) they will be your best friend.
The Swimming Pool, Oh My! The highlight for me? The Pool with a View! Seriously, folks, the views at sunset are something else. The Swimming pool [outdoor] area is clean (more on that later) and buzzing and well looked after.
Now, the Fitness Center… bless its heart. It's there. It exists. My advice? Lower your expectations. You're not going to achieve fitness model status here, but it's a good spot to stretch.
Cleanliness and Safety – A Sigh of Relief: Let's talk about the elephant in the room: safety. It's a huge point these days. I was happy to find they had Daily disinfection in common areas. And they had Hand sanitizers everywhere. They have a whole bunch of things listed in this area and it definitely gave me peace of mind: First aid kit, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. The detail is much appreciated, and important.
Rooms – The Good, the Bad, and the WiFi: Let's be real: the room is where you'll actually live for a few days! I liked that they have a bunch of amenities! Your basic amenities like Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Mirror, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Safe/security feature, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Sofa, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Window that opens … all the essentials for comfortable living, but what of the tech?!
Internet? The Crucial Detail: Yes, they have Wi-Fi [free]! Yes! A huge win. It worked (mostly). Some days it was faster than others, but hey, you're in paradise. Try to disconnect, yeah? I did love having Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! though, and I’m so used to that.
For the Kids – Family Fun Indeed: YES! Costamar is truly family-friendly. I especially loved the Babysitting service, even if I didn't use it. They actually had something on offer for the parents! They have Kids facilities, which is great if you're traveling with the young ones. And I saw some kids meals on the menu, so no stress for the fussy eaters. My Anecdote! My Glorious, Silly Anecdote
One evening, after a particularly delicious (and potent) happy hour, I wandered back to my room. Now, my Spanish is… rudimentary, at best. I was trying to unlock my door when I completely failed. I mean, epic fail. I stood there, giggling, struggling with the key for a solid five minutes. Finally, a friendly staff member came to my rescue. He unlocked the door with a smile and a knowing glance. I then spent the next thirty minutes trying to explain in broken Spanish how hilarious I thought the whole thing was. He humored me. That, my friends, is excellent service.
The Fine Print (And the Quirky Bits):
- Things to note: They do have a doorman and 24-hour front desk.
- Things I loved: The Terrace! The views were unbelievable.
- Things I wish were crystal clear: Their parking situation. They list Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], and Valet parking. Which is it? Is it all of them? Is it a lottery? I'd want to know before I arrived after a long drive.
So, would I recommend Hotel Costamar?
Overall, YES. It's not perfect. But it's a genuinely lovely place with great staff, a fantastic location, and enough amenities to keep everyone happy. It's more than a place to sleep – it's an experience. If you're looking for a chill, family-friendly getaway with stunning views and a chance to unwind, Costamar should be on your shortlist.
Now, for the Big Kahuna: THE PERSUASIVE OFFER TO BOOK!
Escape to Paradise: Your Family's Adventure Awaits at Hotel Costamar, Puerto Escondido!
Tired of the same old vacation routine? Craving sun-drenched beaches, turquoise waters, and memories that will last a lifetime? Then pack your bags, ditch the stress, and prepare for an unforgettable escape to Hotel Costamar in Puerto Escondido!
Here's why you should book right now:
- Unplug and Unwind (or Don't!): Do you want to sit overlooking the beach with a cocktail? You got it! The poolside bar is calling your name! Need to work? Great, they have Wi-Fi for special events. You can relax, and you can work.
- Family Fun, Guaranteed: From the babysitting service to the kids' facilities, we've got your little ones covered. And the grown-ups? Well, the pool with a view, spa, and happy hour are waiting for you!
- Safety & Peace of Mind: With stringent hygiene protocols, and daily disinfection, you can relax and know that you're in good hands. You can feel safe and enjoy your vacation!
- Unbeatable Value: Yes, you can find cheaper options, but you won't find a better experience for the price.
- Exclusive Limited-Time Offer: **Book your stay at Hotel Costamar before [Insert Date] and receive a FREE
Puerto Escondido: Operation "Get My Tan On (and Maybe Find Some Peace)" - A Messy Itinerary
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously planned, Instagram-perfect travel blog. This is the REAL DEAL. My Puerto Escondido trip? Let's just say "family-friendly" and "peace and quiet" are currently squaring off in a battle for world domination. And honestly? The battle is already messy.
Day 1: Arrival, Sunshine, and Existential Dread (Mostly Kidding…maybe)
- Morning (or What Passes For It When You're Running on Airport Time): Land in Puerto Escondido. Holy guacamole, the heat! The air practically hugs you. Check into Hotel Costamar. Let me tell you, "centrico" is an understatement. We are right there. Like, you can practically smell the fish tacos from the balcony. Which, by the way, is a plus. Breakfast? Scrambled eggs, tortillas that taste like sunshine, and coffee that I swear is strong enough to wake the dead. (Needed that. The flight was…an experience.)
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Beach Reconnaissance & Attempted Relaxation: Okay, time to hit Playa Principal. (Oh, side note: My Spanish is about as fluent as a toddler's, but hey, we'll manage.) The beach is… crowded. Touristy, but still gorgeous. The waves are crashing, the sun is beating down, and I'm starting to feel…slightly less strung out. Spent an hour getting the perfect spot.
- Afternoon: Beach Blunders and Taco Triumph: Attempted to swim. Got promptly smacked by a rogue wave and swallowed about a gallon of salt water. Elegant. Retreat to a shady spot, where I promptly discovered I'd forgotten sunscreen on my face. Idiot. This is where the tacos come in. Found a little shack selling fish tacos – the best damn tacos ever. Seriously, food is a godsend, it saved the day.
- Evening: Sunset Spectacle & Mosquito Mayhem: Sunset at Playa Carrizalillo. (I actually learned how to pronounce that one. Progress!) The colours were insane - orange, pink, purple, all melting into each other. Pure magic. Until the mosquitoes found me. And they were hungry. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I single-handedly sustained the local mosquito population. Bedtime? A blissful escape from the bloodsuckers and a good book (hopefully).
Day 2: Surf School Shenanigans and My Almost-Fatal Encounter With a Conch Shell
- Morning: Surfing…or Attempting To: Today, I, your fearless narrator, decided to conquer the waves. Signed up for a surf lesson. (Should've probably started with a swimming lesson, but, you know, priorities.) The instructor was a laid-back local dude with amazing hair and a smile that could melt glaciers. Getting up on the board? A different story. I was more "flailing gracefully" than "surfing hero." But hey, I managed to stand up for about 2 seconds! Progress!
- Mid-day: Beachside Binge and Conch Shell Trauma: A little sun-kissed, a little salt-water logged, and a little humbled. After the surfing, I returned to the beach. Another taco-sesh, thank goodness. This time I was sitting on the sand, trying to have a moment of peace, when I accidentally tripped on a conch shell that was left by an inconsiderate child. I went flying. Again. Conch shell trauma. My knee will never be the same.
- Afternoon: Market Mayhem and Souvenir Scavenging: Wandered around the local market. Found some gorgeous textiles that were definitely overpriced, but I bought them anyway. Because vacation. The bartering game is strong in Puerto Escondido. I haggled with a vendor over a cheap straw hat, and I think I got the upper hand.
- Evening: Romantic Dinner (with a Side of Drama): Dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean. Gorgeous ambiance. Ordered the seafood paella, which was divine (finally, some successful eating!). However, my partner, let's call him "Todd", ordered a complicated cocktail and proceeded to slosh most of it down his shirt. Drama. Todd and I went back to the hotel. We ordered a bottle of wine and watched TV.
Day 3: Turtle Time, Tears, and the Tyranny of Travel Fatigue
- Morning: Turtle Sanctuary Visit…or the Search for Baby Turtles: I think the highlight of the whole trip was the turtle sanctuary. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. The sanctuary was a little bit out of its way, but it was a fantastic experience. I've always loved turtles, and it was so important to me that my child would get to see them. We actually got to release baby turtles into the ocean. My children loved it.
- Midday: The Great Meltdown of '23 (aka Travel Fatigue Strikes): Okay, confession time. This trip is amazing, but it's tiring. Kids. Heat. Language barriers. The fact that I accidentally left my favourite book at home. It all built up. A minor argument with Todd over the best way to apply sunscreen (yes, really) spiraled into a full-blown, tear-soaked meltdown. I locked myself in the bathroom, took a long shower, and considered running away to live in a taco stand. (Not really. Kind of. Maybe.)
- Afternoon: Recovery & Poolside Serenity: Finally pulled myself together. Decided a dose of Vitamin D and some pool time were in order. Found a quiet corner by the pool, cranked up my audiobook, and basically melted into a puddle of relaxation. Did the children allow me to have this space? no. We were able to do the best with what was available.
- Evening: Dinner and Reflections (and Did That Cat Just Stare at Me?): Ate at a different restaurant. Chicken and some kind of amazing rice. The food is incredible, I swear. Sat on the balcony, watched the stars, and tried to remind myself why I love traveling. The feeling of being up in the sky, miles from my home… it's a great feeling. Then a cat sat on the railing and just stared at me, judging my life choices. It was really funny.
Day 4: Departure and Departure Anxiety (and That Damn Conch Shell)
- Morning: Last-Minute Beach Walk & the Dread of Packing: One last walk on the beach. Soaked up the sun, breathed in the salty air, and tried not to think about the mountain of laundry waiting for me at home. The feeling of being on vacation and having to go back to real life is soul-crushing. Packing. The worst.
- Midday: Airport Antics & Farewell Tacos: The airport was chaos. As expected. The last-minute purchase of a giant bag of chips was necessary, though. Farewell tacos. One last incredible eating experience before going back home. Then, the plane.
- Afternoon: The Long Flight Home (and Counting the Moments Until the Next Vacation): I'm on the plane now. Looking out the window at the clouds. Reflecting on the trip. In general… an amazing trip. I will be back. I just need to recover from it.
- Evening: Home & The Aftermath: We're home. The laundry mountain is conquered. The tan is fading already. But the memories? The tacos? The almost-fatal conch shell incident? Those, my friends, will last a lifetime. And you know what? I'm already dreaming of my next adventure. Maybe somewhere cold and quiet next time. Or maybe…just maybe…I'll embrace the beautiful, messy chaos of it all.
Hotel Costamar - Final Verdict:
- Location: Perfect for beach access and exploring the town. Prepare for noise (it's "centrico," remember?).
- Cleanliness: Solid.
- Value for Money: Good, but I was hoping for more.
- Overall: I'd recommend it! It's a good base for exploring. Just bring earplugs (and maybe a really good helmet for beach walks).
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Costamar, Puerto Escondido – The Unscripted FAQ
Okay, seriously, is this place REALLY paradise?
What's the deal with the kids' club? My little terrors… I mean, angels… need some serious entertaining.
Is the food good? Because hangry kids (and me!) are a real problem.
The rooms… are they, like, actually nice?
What about the beach? Is it swimmable? Crowded? Should I bring water shoes?
Is there anything *bad* about the Hotel Costamar? Be honest!
Anything you wish you'd known *before* you went? Like a secret tip for surviving?
