Pepes Hideaway

The first mark that you've arrived at Pepes is the cage with two monkeys just before you turn left to the hotel's driveway. Once guests reach the unmarked property, they'll find the open-air lobby area, where striped cushions and a wooden table sit below a thatched roof, along with various knickknacks decorating the space. Adjacent is the dining area, with two wooden tables, and a couch that faces the lush grounds. While meandering the property, guests can expect to spot a parakeet cage, the owner's dogs, palm trees with coconuts, and caricatures of staff and past guests by the pool.

The resort is the fruition of owner Pepe's dream to create a hotel with gorgeous thatched roof palapas; an expat, Pepe is an eccentric character that delights guests with his stories. As there are only six bungalows on the property, seven if you count Pepe's, the vibe is relaxed and peaceful. Guests become familiar with each other over breakfast and dinner, while lunch is more casual and typically includes ceviche, guacamole, and chips served by the pool. There's Wi-Fi but no TVs, and most guests, who are primarily couples, are content listening to the waves lap against the cliffs and watching the stunning sunsets from the hammock on their balconies.

Pepes Hideaway is located in the private residential La Punta area; it's an upscale, gated community where guests must check in with security. The property is along the water, and all rooms except for Bungalow 1 have gorgeous views of the ocean. The La Punta community has a private beach and tennis courts, which are open to guests of the resort. The beach is a 10-minute walk from the property, but staff will drive guests there and back upon request. 

The Playa de Oro International Airport is a 45-minute drive away. Typically, guests spend a majority of their time on the property, but taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. The well-known Las Hadas Golf Resort and Marina is a five-minute drive from the hotel. Plaza Manzanillo, the largest mall in the main town area, and a Walmart are a 12-minute drive away. There's also a Starbucks 15 minutes away by car.

There are only six guest rooms, with a few differentiating factors like location, size, and bathrooms. Across the board, the brightly painted palapas all have gorgeous thatched roofs, stocked mini-fridges with water, soda, and beer, and free Wi-Fi. All have furnished balconies with a table, two chairs, and a hammock, except for Bungalow 1. They lack TVs and air-conditioning, but two fans are provided. Mosquitos can be a problem, but citronella candles and a lot of bug spray are in the rooms. There are also work desks, robes, and ample eco-friendly Eartherapy toiletries. Bathrooms are clean, but some showers are showing their age. The king beds are comfortable, but the comforters are dated and not very soft. Overall, they rooms are in good condition and unique, but don't expect luxurious accommodations. Also, be aware that some of the rooms require walking up and down steep steps, posing problems for children (not typically allowed) and those with mobility issues.

• Bungalow 1 is the largest, with a large living and bathroom area, porch, and loft with a hanging bed. But it doesn't have views of the water. 
• Bungalow 2 and 3 are most often requested, as they are closest to the water and have the best views. 
• Bungalow 4 is by the pool.
• Bungalow 5 is above the pool, with a king bed and another hanging bed. 
• Bungalow 6 is adjacent to the pool, with pretty mural walls.

Aside from the nearby beach, guests can get their water fill at the pool, which is surrounded by padded lounge chairs and has views of the ocean. There's also a small whirlpool built on the edge of a cliff. Next to the pool are couches and tables, a bookcase filled with reading material, and a fridge that's stocked 24/7 with frozen margaritas, beer, soda, and water for guests. By the water, there's a massage table where guests can receive various spa treatments. The community's tennis courts are open to guests, and there's a pro that will give lessons for a fee. Staff can also help arrange excursions, activities, and generally will fill most requests. 

Pepes Hideaway is an all-inclusive, with all food and drinks provided. Speedy, the main chef who has worked at Pepes for years, is praised by guests for his delicious cooking. First, guests receive coffee or tea on their balconies each morning. Then, a large traditional breakfast with items such as huevos rancheros or eggs with thick-cut bacon and fruit. Lunch is more casual, typically ceviche, guacamole, and chips served by the pool or brought to guests who are at the beach. Guests can also make special requests. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. and usually starts with a soup, then followed by a main dish like fish or shrimp. During my stay, dessert was coconut ice cream served in half of a coconut. Wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks are included.