Santa María Vacations from $1,130

We refused to check in and had to find other local accommodations. The directions were off by 1 mile, requiring getting locals to help find the place. When we got there we found 1) No way to secure our belongings, since door locks were not working, 2) no A/C in the main rooms and 90 degrees without fans, 3) Open access from the public beach, 4) cockroaches, 5) bad neighborhood without the listed local restaurants and shops, 6) Poorly maintained pool, barbeque, and other amenities. Host responses were slow and unhelpful. We are dealing with Expedia for a refund.

We stayed at the villa for five days and four nights, and it was the perfect accommodation for four female travelers. Our room was comfortable, clean, and spacious, and we felt completely safe and at ease throughout our stay. What truly stood out was the staff. Everyone was incredibly kind and accommodating - even with our many requests. Communication through WhatsApp was seamless; they responded quickly when helping to coordinate different services, and regularly checked in to make sure we had everything we needed. The food and drinks were delicious, and the beautiful pool and grounds made the villa feel like a peaceful retreat. El Zonte is much quieter than El Tunco, which was exactly what we were looking for. The hotel had an almost all-inclusive feel, with everything we needed right on the property, making it easy to fully relax and enjoy our stay. We felt genuinely welcomed and well cared for from beginning to end. We highly recommend staying here, whether you’re traveling as a couple, a family, or a group of friends!