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Summary of reviews'El Portal De Champey' offers a uniquely immersive experience nestled alongside the serene Cahabón River and enveloped by lush jungle. Its location, just a short two-minute walk from the entrance to Semuc Champey National Park, provides unparalleled convenience for nature enthusiasts wanting to explore waterfalls, natural pools and caves. The stunning views of mountains, close proximity to the river and surrounding jungle provide a heavenly escape from urban life, enhanced by friendly and helpful staff contributing to an overall pleasant stay.
The accommodations, ranging from cozy bungalows to semi-detached cabins, are notably clean and functional despite their rustic simplicity, offering beautiful river and mountain views from some rooms. While basic amenities such as air conditioning and fans are absent, comfortable beds, clean bathrooms and the ambient natural sounds create an authentic jungle experience. The well-maintained and frequently cleaned pool is a standout feature, offering a relaxing spot amidst the beautiful landscape and enhancing the jungle resort atmosphere.
Guest feedback on the dining experience is mixed. While many found the food delicious, abundant and reasonably priced, others felt that the breakfast options lacked variety and were occasionally overpriced. Dinner received similar feedback with some enjoying fresh and tasty dishes while others criticized the limited and uninspiring menu. Issues with food quality and occasional loud music during meals detracted from the dining atmosphere, leading some guests to explore local eateries for better options.
Cleanliness is a high point at El Portal De Champey with most guests commending the immaculate rooms, bathrooms and grounds. Despite a few reports of dirty towels, stained sheets and occasional pests, the overall cleanliness and well-maintained facilities were consistently praised. The staff, including notable members like Sergio and Axel, received frequent acclaim for their friendliness, attentiveness and the ability to make guests feel welcome and cared for.
The rustic charm is further emphasized by the limited connectivity, offering an opportunity for a digital detox. While WiFi is available intermittently in the restaurant, the overall lack of mobile reception and limited electricity supply encourages guests to disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
In summary, ‘El Portal De Champey’ provides an enchanting jungle retreat with convenient access to natural attractions, clean and comfortable accommodations and a hospitable staff, making it a memorable destination for nature lovers seeking both adventure and tranquility. Show more
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Categories
Hostel with Swimming Pool
This hostel offers a swimming pool and is appreciated for its location near Semuc Champey. It is known for cleanliness and friendly staff.
Outdoor Pool
Hostel with Parking
El Portal De Champey offers free private parking on site.
Hostel with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Double RoomThis double room has a desk, a patio, river views and a private bathroom. The unit has 1 bed.
Triple RoomThis triple room has a desk, a patio, mountain views and a private bathroom. The unit has 2 beds.
Quadruple RoomThis quadruple room features a desk, a patio, river views and a private bathroom. The unit offers 3 beds.
Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features a private entrance, patio and view.
Double Room with Shared BathroomThis double room has a shared bathroom, a private entrance, a wardrobe as well as a patio. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe Queen RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower. The double room offers a wardrobe. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.5
Good
Location
Nestled alongside the serene Cahabón River and enveloped by the lush jungle, the location of 'El Portal De Champey' is unrivaled. With stunning views of majestic mountains and the river flowing right by, nature enthusiasts will find themselves in a paradise. The proximity to Semuc Champey National Park is exceptional with many highlighting the convenience of its location just a short two-minute walk to the park entrance.
Guests can easily transition between the river, waterfalls and their accommodations, making it an ideal spot for exploring the natural pools and caves. The setting is described as heavenly, offering an escape from urban life with many lauding the stunning outdoor areas, including a nice terrace with river views.
This strategic position allows visitors to be among the first to experience the park each morning, enhancing their stay with easy access to nature’s wonders. Moreover, the area's cleanliness and the friendliness of the staff contribute to an enjoyable and pleasant stay. Although the tranquil jungle setting enhances the allure, the vibrant activity options around add to its charm, confirming that the location indeed makes 'El Portal De Champey' not just a place to stay but a destination in itself.
Breakfast
El Portal De Champey seems to offer a mixed experience when it comes to breakfast and dining with some standout positive aspects. Guests mentioned the restaurant's close proximity to the entrance of Semuc Champey, which is very convenient for early morning tours. The breakfast options at the hotel received mixed reviews with some finding the food decent and reasonably priced, while others felt the portion sizes and variety could be improved.
Several guests highlighted that the food was delicious and abundant, adding to an overall great atmosphere. On the other hand, some guests experienced limited breakfast options and found the prices to be high for what was offered. There were also remarks on the simplicity and lack of flavor in the dishes and some were disappointed by the absence of local cuisine.
Despite these drawbacks, the restaurant's full contact with nature setting was appreciated and there were mentions of local food options available nearby at a reasonable cost. The convenience of having many dining options and a vibrant happy hour contributed to a pleasant stay for several visitors. Overall, while there may be some areas for improvement in terms of breakfast variety and cost, the natural surroundings and overall atmosphere at El Portal De Champey make it a charming choice for travelers.
Dinner
El Portal De Champey offers a mixed dining experience according to guest reviews. The food is often described as delicious and fresh with some guests appreciating the basic yet tasty menu items. However, there are significant limitations in the variety of dishes available with many commenting on the menu's lack of diversity and uninspiring options.
Guests also noted the relatively high prices for what is perceived as mediocre to decent fare and some meals were described as extremely greasy. Several reviews highlight issues with food quality, including instances of food poisoning and stomach issues following dinner there.
The restaurant atmosphere is not always conducive to a pleasant dining experience; loud music, particularly reggaeton, is frequently played during dinner, making conversation challenging. For those seeking more local cuisine, it might be preferable to explore options outside the hotel, as the restaurant focuses predominantly on international dishes.
Overall, while some find the food at El Portal De Champey to be tasty and enjoyable, others recommend exploring nearby local eateries for a better and more economical dining experience.
Rooms
El Portal De Champey, nestled in the heart of the jungle near Semuc Champey, offers a rustic charm that is both functional and simplistic. The accommodations vary from cozy bungalows to semi-detached cabins with some providing beautiful views of the river and surrounding mountains. Rooms generally appear clean with comfortable beds and cozy atmospheres, ensuring a good value for the price.
Though basic, the private cabins and dorms meet essential needs and are surprisingly clean given the remote jungle location. Certain cabins even come with balconies and hammocks for a relaxing touch. The ambient noises from the nearby restaurant and the thin walls can be a bit disruptive, but the overall natural environment offers a unique experience.
While air conditioning and fans are notably absent, adding a bit of rustic authenticity, the basic facilities are adequate. Some details like the views, spacious interiors and comfortable beds contribute positively to the stay. The presence of a restaurant with reasonable prices on-site is a convenient plus.
The hotel's location near the entrance of Semuc Champey and the clean, comfortable cabins make it a viable choice for those seeking an immersive jungle experience with fundamental comforts.
Beds
Guests of El Portal De Champey have mixed feelings about the beds. On one hand, some found the mattresses to be comfortable, allowing for a good night's sleep. Others mentioned that the beds were on the firmer side with a few describing them as very hard, which led to discomfort and stiffness. The length of the beds also seemed inadequate for taller guests. Cleanliness appears to be an issue with reports of dirty sheets, unpleasant smells and even sightings of cockroaches and ants. Additionally, the lack of air conditioning or fans in the rooms contributed to a less restful sleep environment. Improvements in pillow quality and overall bed hygiene could significantly enhance the guest experience.
Cleanliness
El Portal De Champey mostly receives high marks for its cleanliness. The rooms, bathrooms and grounds are consistently described as immaculate and very clean, contributing to an organized and pleasant environment. Guests appreciated the well-maintained pool, which was described as refreshing and often cleaned. The cabins also received positive feedback for being clean and cozy with the overall cleanliness inside and outside the facilities being frequently noted. Despite these positive aspects, there were several areas needing improvement. Some guests mentioned issues with dirty towels, stained sheets and remnants from previous guests in the showers. Instances of roaches and a scorpion were also reported. Shared sanitary facilities occasionally fell below cleanliness standards and some guests noted persistent dust and poor ventilation in rooms. Despite these drawbacks, the friendliness and professionalism of the staff, as well as the easy access to the Semuc Champey park and other attractions, made for a pleasant stay.
Staff
Visitors to El Portal De Champey frequently commend the hotel's staff for their consistent friendliness and helpfulness. Phrases such as super friendly, attentive and accommodating recur often in guest reviews, showcasing a pattern of positive interactions. Particular staff members like Sergio and Axel are highlighted for their exceptional kindness and professionalism.
Guests appreciate the staff's enthusiasm and energy, noting that they contribute to an enjoyable atmosphere. The staff's ability to coordinate activities and offer local insights further enhances the guest experience. Their hospitality extends to small gestures, such as arranging birthday surprises, which leave a lasting impression on visitors.
However, there are occasional mentions of less favorable behaviors, such as perceived unprofessionalism or discourtesy from certain staff members. Despite these isolated incidents, the overarching sentiment from guests is one of gratitude towards a team that generally goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
El Portal De Champey's proximity to natural attractions like Semuc Champey, coupled with the dedication of its staff, makes it a memorable destination for travelers seeking both adventure and warmth in service.
Wi-Fi
El Portal De Champey offers a rustic and disconnected experience that many find refreshing. While the website and reviews note the absence of WiFi in the common areas, there is limited access to WiFi available in the restaurant, which some guests have found sufficient. Despite the occasional connectivity, most reviewers confirm that there is generally no WiFi throughout the property, aligning with its emphasis on a digital detox. Mobile reception is inconsistent, which may pose a challenge for those needing constant connectivity. Additionally, the electricity supply is limited to evening hours, so guests are advised to bring a power bank if they rely heavily on electronic devices. This lack of continuous electrical power, combined with no hot water, can be an adjustment but is clearly communicated by the hotel. Despite these limitations, many guests appreciate the break from constant digital engagement, considering it a welcome respite from the modern world's demands.
Pool
El Portal De Champey stands out among guests for its impressive pool, frequently noted as a valuable amenity that enhances the stay experience. The pool area is frequently lauded for being relaxing and well-maintained, offering a cozy and pleasant atmosphere that complements the beautiful landscape and views. Guests appreciate the large and clean pool with some pointing out its refreshing qualities and frequent cleaning that keeps it in top condition. Despite a few remarks about occasional maintenance and cleanliness issues, the pool's overall reputation remains highly positive. The hotel itself features well-maintained facilities, described as giving a feeling of being at a jungle resort, enhancing the whole experience. The pool is a particular highlight given the warm climate and its proximity to the stunning Semuc pools, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. Additionally, the friendly staff contributes to a pleasant stay, rounding out the positive aspects of this charming accommodation.
Outdoor Pool
El Portal De Champey's outdoor pool receives consistent praise for its quality and added value, particularly appreciated given the warm climate of the area. Guests enjoy the combination of a nice pool and a cozy atmosphere, making it a pleasant place to relax. One of the standout features is the stunning view of the river and the mountains, adding a beautiful natural backdrop to the swimming experience. Though the pools are located some distance from the hotel, the setting and views make them worth the 25-minute walk.
Yes, El Portal De Champey has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at El Portal De Champey.
No, El Portal De Champey doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at El Portal De Champey.