The hype
Travelers obsess over the design, the attentive staff who know your name, and the food at Joi, but many wish the pool was larger and cleaner.
Casa Joseph Zicatela
$325-550/ noche
Reserva esto si You want a sexy, adults-only beachfront sanctuary in Zicatela that feels like a private villa, not a big resort.
Por qué a la gente le encanta
- Direct access to a quieter stretch of Zicatela beach
- Joi Restaurant serves some of the best food in town (even for non-guests)
- Intimate vibe with only 18 suites ensures no fighting for pool chairs
Resumen rápido: It's a stunning Instagram trap that mostly delivers, but the 'service charges' on everything—even the 'free' breakfast—will sting.
Reseñado por @samanthaweiss: I stayed here for a weekend recharge and it was bliss. The outdoor shower was my favorite feature, and waking up to the sound of the waves crashing on Zicatela beach was unforgettable. It's the perfect spot if you love that raw, organic luxury vibe.
Lo que dijeron los huéspedes que se hospedaron aquí
Reality check
The 'private pool' suites on the ground floor lack privacy and can be noisy; you're better off in an upper-level ocean view suite.
- You prioritize aesthetics and design over massive resort amenities
- You want to be near the party scene but not sleeping inside a nightclub
- You are a foodie who wants high-end dining steps from your bed
Limpieza y Mantenimiento
8.8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable and thorough, with turn-down service often mentioned.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally spotless, though some guests wished for more spacious layouts.
- Maintenance: Modern and well-kept, though a few reports of 'sticky floors' and AC issues exist.
- Linens & towels: Premium quality, plush towels and robes provided.
- Odors & scents: Fresh and breezy, no lingering musty smells reported.
Sleepability™
7MODERADO
0-4RUIDOSO
4-7.5MODERADO
7.5-10SILENCIOSO
- Public buses turning at the corner near the hotel
- Staff activity near service areas on ground floor
Antes de reservar
Es bueno saberlo
- Breakfast is often listed as 'included' but guests have reported being charged a service fee on the 'free' meal.
- The hotel is adults-only (18+), so no screaming kids at the pool.
- You are about a 10-minute taxi or long walk from the main Zicatela strip action.
Qué llevar
- Earplugs if you end up in a street-facing room
- High-SPF sunscreen (the Zicatela sun is unforgiving)
- Cash for tips, though the hotel pushes cashless/card payments
Genio de Habitaciones
Mejores opciones
- Upper-floor Oceanfront Suites for the best views and breeze
- Suites with balconies rather than ground-floor patios for better privacy
Habitaciones a evitar
- Ground floor rooms near the street (bus noise)
- Ground floor suites where the AC unit blows directly onto the bed
Genio de Solicitud de Habitación – copiar y pegar
“I am booking a stay and would love to request an upper-floor suite with a balcony, specifically away from the street side to avoid bus noise. Please avoid assigning a ground-floor unit if possible.”
Preguntas frecuentes y consejos ocultos
Todo lo que realmente quieres saber antes de reservar.
Is the beach swimmable?
Generally no. Zicatela is famous for world-class surfing waves and dangerous rip currents. Swim at Carrizalillo or Manzanillo instead.
Is breakfast included?
It depends on your rate, but even when 'included,' watch out for a mandatory 15% service charge added to the bill.
Is it noisy at night?
Mostly quiet compared to central Zicatela, but street-side rooms catch noise from early morning buses.
Does the hotel have a gym?
No dedicated gym, but they offer yoga classes and you can run on the beach.
How far is the airport?
About a 15-20 minute drive from Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM).
Is there parking?
Yes, free self-parking is available for guests.
Consejos de Insiders
- ✨
The 'private pools' in ground floor suites are often shaded and cold; the main pool is warmer.
- ✨
Book a table at Joi for dinner even if you don't stay here—it's one of the best spots in town.
- ✨
Walk to 'La Punta' for a more bohemian vibe, it's a bit of a trek but doable along the beach.
5 cosas que debes saber antes de ir
💡The 'service charge' surprise on included items.
💡The pool is smaller than it looks in photos and can get murky.
💡Ground floor rooms can feel a bit like a fishbowl with people walking by.
💡The AC units in some rooms are positioned aggressively close to the bed.
💡It's not *in* La Punta, which is a pro for quiet but a con if you want to stumble home from bars.
Guía Local
Mapa
Descubre dónde se encuentra Casa Joseph Zicatela y qué hay cerca.