Vichayito-4.14706700,
-81.11052100,
Carretera Antigua Panamericana Norte Alt. Km. 1210, Playa Vichayito, Los Organos(Show on Map)
7.6
Good
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1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
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Summary of reviewsEl Refugio de Vichayito is widely praised for its remarkable beachfront location, offering direct access to a stunning and expansive sandy beach. Guests appreciate the tranquil and private setting, ideal for relaxation and disconnecting from daily stress. The views from room balconies and bungalows are breathtaking, which compensates for the remote location's transportation challenges. The serene environment creates a picturesque backdrop for dining, especially during breakfast with its sea views, although the menu could benefit from more variety.
The hotel dining experience is highlighted by flavorful dishes, particularly the ceviche, at a fair price compared to local competitors. The restaurant staff's friendliness enhances the atmosphere, despite occasional issues with dish availability and service. Rooms are noted for their rustic seaside charm, combining cleanliness with comfort, although some improvements are needed regarding bedding and maintenance issues.
The hotel's pool, with its scenic beachfront position, offers a pleasant space for relaxation, although guests have suggested expanding its size and enhancing maintenance. Despite some cleanliness concerns, particularly in bathrooms and following occasional cricket infestations, many guests commend the helpfulness and attentiveness of the staff. The pet-friendly and family-oriented ambiance further underscores the location's appeal as a welcoming retreat.
Overall, El Refugio de Vichayito is renowned for its serene beachfront ambiance, exceptional staff service, and culinary delights, making it an inviting choice for families and couples seeking a peaceful escape by the ocean. Its combination of natural beauty and attentive hospitality makes it a memorable destination for many. Show more
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Beachfront Hotel
Located on Vichayito beach, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a relaxed atmosphere. It's known for its proximity to the beach and offers guests a tranquil escape.
Hotel near The Beach
Located on Playa Vichayito, this hotel offers proximity to the beach. It provides a comfortable stay with essential amenities. The location allows for easy access to beach activities and relaxation.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
This hotel is mentioned as implementing green practices.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel in Vichayito provides a relaxed beachfront setting perfect for families, with comfortable accommodations and water sports activities. The tranquil beach and laid-back atmosphere create a peaceful environment for a family getaway.
Dog Friendly Hotel
This hotel is listed as pet-friendly. It is a popular choice among pet owners looking for accommodation in Vichayito.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel provides free parking, including on-site and private parking facilities. Guests can securely park their vehicles directly at the property.
Accessible Hotel
This hotel is exceptionally rated for wheelchair accessibility. It provides a comfortable and convenient stay for guests with mobility needs.
Hotel for Yoga
While specific yoga amenities aren't detailed, its location in Vichayito suggests a tranquil environment suitable for personal yoga practice, complemented by nearby beaches for relaxation.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
This hotel provides an outdoor pool surrounded by sun loungers and is ideally located in front of Vichayito Beach. Guests can enjoy a sea view from the terrace and have access to a private beach area.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Outdoor Pool
Location of the pool:Outdoor pool
Is it a pool of special type?
Heated pool
When is the pool open?All year
Opening hours:08:00 - 21:00
The pool also has:
Pool bar
Pool activities available:
Swimming lessons
Are there written rules guests should follow before entering the pool?Yes
Is the pool accessible to persons with disabilities?No
Double Room with Sea View - 1st BlockThis double room features a cable TV and sea view.
Double Room - 2nd BlockThis twin room features cable TV.
Classic Triple RoomThis triple room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace. The unit offers 2 beds.
Quintuple Room - 1st BlockRooms are 30 square metres.
Deluxe Bungalow with Sea ViewThis bungalow has cable TV, a minibar and sofa.
Family Bungalow with Sea View (5 Adults) - Ground FloorThis bungalow features a cable TV, sofa and minibar.
Family Bungalow with Sea View (5 Adults) - Second FloorThis bungalow has a minibar and sofa.
Family Room with Garden View - Second FloorThis bungalow includes 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. Boasting a terrace with sea views, this bungalow also offers a private entrance and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 4 beds.
Deluxe Bungalow with Sea ViewFeaturing 1 bedroom, this bungalow offers 1 bathroom with a shower, a seating area and terrace where you can relax. Boasting a balcony with sea views, this bungalow also provides a private entrance and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 4 beds.
Bungalow with Garden ViewThis bungalow comprises 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. Featuring a terrace with garden views, this bungalow also provides a private entrance and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 5 beds.
Superior Quadruple RoomThis quadruple room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace. The unit has 2 beds.
Standard Family RoomThis family room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace with garden views. The unit offers 5 beds.
Deluxe Double Bungalow with Sea View Boasting 1 bedroom, this bungalow has 1 bathroom with a shower, a seating area and terrace where you can relax. Featuring a balcony with sea views, this bungalow also features a private entrance and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Superior Quadruple RoomThis quadruple room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace with garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.6
Good
Location
El Refugio de Vichayito boasts a truly enviable beachfront location, offering direct access to a beautiful and expansive beach area. Guests frequently admire the hotel's proximity to the sea, highlighting the convenience and privacy it affords. The ambient atmosphere is calm and cozy, making it an ideal spot to disconnect and unwind. The hotel's facilities, while generally viewed positively, do require some maintenance, yet they remain functional and clean. The attentive and friendly service from the staff enhances the guest experience, ensuring comfort and satisfaction during the stay. Although the location is quite remote and poses transportation challenges, the serene setting and stunning views from room balconies and bungalows more than compensate for this distance. Overall, El Refugio de Vichayito is a peaceful retreat for those seeking a direct connection to the beach, complemented by good service and a relaxing ambiance.
Breakfast
The breakfast at El Refugio de Vichayito offers a stunning view of the sea, adding a pleasant touch to the morning dining experience. However, the breakfast itself has received mixed feedback from guests. The selection is notably limited, with a repetitive menu primarily featuring eggs, either scrambled or hard-boiled, and simple accompaniments like bread and jam. Several guests felt that the portions were small and lacked variety, particularly for those staying multiple days who noticed the monotony. While some found the breakfast to be good, others expressed that it could benefit from improved seasoning and more diverse options. The absence of a buffet leaves guests feeling constrained to a single serving, with some mentioning a desire for more quantity and variety, including desserts and snacks. Despite the picturesque setting, the breakfast experience could be enhanced with a more varied and abundant selection.
Dinner
El Refugio de Vichayito offers a culinary experience that has impressed many guests. The dinner is often praised for its delicious flavors, particularly the ceviche, which stands out as an unforgettable dish. The food quality is generally perceived as very good, with many reviewers enjoying the tasty options available. Additionally, the affordability of the restaurant’s menu compared to other local hotels is a notable advantage, making it an attractive choice for travelers seeking value.
However, the reviews also highlight some areas for improvement. While the food is pleasant, there are mentions of limited menu variety, and occasional service disruptions where dishes run out. Some diners have noted that the food could be better, hinting at potential enhancements in culinary offerings. Furthermore, a few guests have commented on the high restaurant prices, suggesting a need for more consistency in pricing.
The serene location near the sea contributes to a peaceful dining experience, enhanced by oven-baked pizza and the beautiful surroundings. Despite some concerns about infrequent unkindness from staff and the inconvenience of ongoing renovations, the overall mood of the reviews suggests that the dining experience at El Refugio de Vichayito is a highlight, characterized by delicious food and generally good service.
Rooms
El Refugio de Vichayito presents a mixed picture when it comes to its accommodations. On the positive side, some guests have noted that the rooms are clean, comfortable, and spacious, with the rustic seaside style adding a charming touch. The facilities, including a clean pool, provide a welcoming environment both by the pool and at the beach. Families have found enjoyment in the beautiful bungalows, and the on-site breakfast has been described as good.
However, several guests have highlighted areas that need improvement. The comfort of the rooms appears inconsistent, with reports of hard and worn-out mattresses, uncomfortable pillows, and bedding issues such as hairs and stains. Some guests experienced unprepared rooms, inadequate towels for the pool or beach, and facilities that struggled with maintenance issues, such as stiff door locks, a sewage odor, moldy bathrooms, and a lack of hot water. The rustic charm is marred by old infrastructure that sometimes fails to meet guest expectations, particularly in problem-solving and room readiness. While aspects of the stay satisfy, there are clear opportunities for enhancing the guest experience at El Refugio de Vichayito.
Beds
The accommodations at 'El Refugio de Vichayito' have received mixed feedback from guests, particularly concerning the beds. While some appreciated the comfort of the mattresses, others found them to be highly inconsistent, describing them as either uncomfortably hard or too soft and worn out. Furthermore, pillows are commonly criticized for being uncomfortable and aged. Cleanliness issues have also been noted, with some guests encountering stains and ants on bed sheets, as well as concerns over hygiene with mattresses having areas of human urine. These factors contribute to a less than ideal sleeping experience for visitors.
Cleanliness
El Refugio de Vichayito receives mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness, highlighting some positive aspects amidst areas requiring improvement. Guests generally appreciated the clean and presentable state of the pool and rooms, praising the spacious and well-lit facilities. The attention from the staff was noted to be commendable, contributing positively to the overall experience. Despite these favorable points, several reviews pointed out areas needing urgent maintenance and deeper cleaning. There were specific mentions of insufficient cleaning in bathrooms, nightstands, and wooden furniture, with some guests observing mold in showers and cobwebs in various locations. Additionally, occasional disruptions in electrical power and cleanliness issues, particularly with seasonal cricket infestations, were noted. While the food was acknowledged as tasty, guests suggested the hotel could improve its cleanliness to justify its pricing.
Staff
El Refugio de Vichayito is notable for its exceptional staff who are consistently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests often highlight the incredible attention they receive, attributing their positive experiences to attentive and kind employees who are willing to help at every turn. The hotel staff's communication via WhatsApp stands out as a significant asset, proving to be a reliable and efficient means for guests to coordinate their activities and request assistance.
The dining experience is complemented by the notable kindness of individuals like Segundo in the dining room and Miguel at the bar, who enhance the overall atmosphere with their friendly service. Many guests appreciate the excellent service provided by the restaurant staff and have commended them for their attentiveness.
Despite some remarks on the limited availability of assistance at times and occasional unfriendly encounters, the overarching sentiment remains positive with mentions of excellent, kind, and attentive staff contributing significantly to guest satisfaction and creating a welcoming environment.
Pool
El Refugio de Vichayito offers a mixed experience when it comes to its pool facilities. Positioned right on a sandy beach, the pool benefits from scenic views as it's facing the ocean, which enhances the overall ambiance. Guests consistently note the warmth of the pool water, making it an inviting option for nighttime swims. Additionally, the pool's accessibility and amenities, such as proximity to the bar and TV room, are well-appreciated.
However, there are observations about the pool's size, with several guests finding it too small for the hotel's capacity. It is suitable for individuals with limited swimming skills due to its depth, yet many suggest that expanding the pool could better accommodate visitors. While daily cleaning is noted, some guests feel a more thorough cleaning routine is necessary, and there's mention of the pool bathrooms requiring maintenance attention. Despite these drawbacks, the pool is still described as nice and a pleasant feature, particularly in the favorable weather.
Beach
El Refugio de Vichayito boasts an exceptional beachfront location that promises tranquility and breathtaking scenery. Nestled at the end of a line of beachfront hotels, it offers guests a spacious and beautiful sandy beach where they can enjoy incredible sea views with a special sense of privacy and seclusion. The hotel's direct access to the beach is highly appreciated, making it easy for guests to enjoy the serene environment and beautiful surroundings. Although additional seating on the beach area could enhance comfort, the overall experience is enhanced by the close proximity and stunning vista of the ocean. The entire setting, with its mesmerizing sea views and calming atmosphere, makes it a remarkable choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat by the sea.
Family
El Refugio de Vichayito is a family-friendly haven, perfect for those seeking a tranquil retreat with loved ones. The hotel exudes a welcoming atmosphere that caters to families, making it an excellent choice for both couples and those traveling with children. Guests consistently praise the staff for their helpfulness, particularly when it comes to assisting with babies, enhancing the overall experience. While cleanliness has room for improvement given specific issues like crickets, the positive experiences overshadow this aspect. Families find the environment both pet-friendly and conducive to relaxation, underscoring its appeal for those looking to unwind. Overall, El Refugio de Vichayito promises memorable family experiences and is a place many guests look forward to revisiting, solidifying its reputation as an ideal spot for family vacations.
Beachfront
El Refugio de Vichayito is a serene beachfront sanctuary that captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty and tranquil ambiance. Situated right on a sandy beach, the hotel offers breathtaking views and direct access to the shoreline, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful seaside retreat. The facilities stand out with their aesthetic appeal, featuring various charming areas that enhance the overall experience. Guests consistently appreciate the cleanliness and welcoming nature of the environment, complemented by the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff. The on-site restaurant garners praise for its delicious food, adding to the overall allure of the place. With a perfect blend of beautiful surroundings and well-maintained amenities, this location promises a memorable stay just steps away from the calming waves of the ocean.
Yes, El Refugio de Vichayito has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Outdoor Pool. For more information, read the answers to the Pool questionnaire
No, a spa isn't available at El Refugio de Vichayito.
Yes, El Refugio de Vichayito welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at El Refugio de Vichayito.