Santa Elena hotels from RM178

"All was well in most regards except the waitress at the restaurant tried to play us saying the 10% tip line that is automatically added on the bill is “not a tip, it’s commission” . :-/ ( I paid cash quickly adding a 10% cash tip but then when I looked at the bill and saw the 10% was automatically added with the words “10% tip” I said to her . “Oh I guess the tip is already in there” and asked for my extra money back. She basically refused to give it back saying that wasn’t a tip that was a commission . Ugg. I had to ask at least 4 times for my money back and even then she did not give me all of it. Buyer beware of tricksters . I was already tipping but when it’s expected or even worse; demanded, with a side order of lying , it ticks a person off. "

"The pictures on the Expedia listing are not accurate. The whole property is filty and unsanitary. In rooms and common areas there is mold, rust peeling paint and trash everywhere. This property is a health hazzard. The food is not eatable and very minimum choices."

"Stayed for 1 night after a long flight. Nice room, staff friendly and helpful. Restaurant had a good breakfast. Very family friendly pool. Very central, which also means traffic is loud."

"Great location. Charming but slightly dated room, but i don't really fault that. I liked the vibe. It was suitable for sleeping and the patio/pool area was very nice. Staff was helpful and the available towels and such were handy. Only a 1 minute walk from beachfront and main street but still kinda tucked away so it was quieter! The only downside was the breakfast. There wasn't really a proper breakfast area to store the food, so I didn't feel eating it. It seemed too hot where it was kept and that made me not want to risk a possible stomach ache. They did have some fresh fruit though and that was tasty. Overall, I was happy with my stay."

"We stayed in a second floor master suite, which was very spacious and had a great view of the salt water pool area and the beach from a large balcony. It was kept very clean. The food was excellent - lots of variety and consistently delicious. There was a different theme at each evening meal. The water in the pools was warm and inviting. We found the constant music at the pool area distracting and a bit tiresome."

"Breakfast was good"

"We had an amazing time at Buena Vista Eco lodge. We stayed in the cabins and it was such a clean and cute accommodation. The buffet breakfast was excellent, we couldn’t have asked for more. We ate at both the Jaguar and the Mirador restaurant, the Jaguar had a wider selection and the food was delicious, while the Mirador is lighter fare but with stunning views of the country side and sunset. We did the zipline, the horse riding tour, the bird tour and the night tour. The zipline and horse riding was amazing, I would do it again in a heartbeat. The bird and night tours are lovely, but you have to be realistic in what you may or may not see. The staff in every location: the front desk, all restaurants, the nightour and bird tour guide, and the horseback riding guides are incredible, helpful, friendly, and they make it such a great experience. Be sure to set aside a day for the thermal pools, at first we didn’t realize how immense it was, but definitely worth it! "

"Food was good and pools were fun. Met a lot of nice people. Difficult walking, lots of hills so not good for people that have trouble. Shuttles run all day till late at night and never had to wait long for one. They take you wherever you need to go from your door. "

"It was ok"