Golden Bay Hotel & Spa

International Chef and Hotel entrepreneur Luciana Bianchi has built a lovely boutique property nestled along the bay. Hotel staff 5-stars, rooms incredibly comfortable and large and the food fantastic. Great little courtyard inside full of tropical plants and the view from the bar or dining area is perfect! We are so glad we stayed here while in San Cristobal.

The bad review from Matt Knight is so off-base, I wonder if he owns a competitive hotel (or maybe has never been to the tropics?) -- we had a terrific experience and didn't see a single ant (tho I wouldn't have freaked out if I had).

PROS: Helpful, friendly, professional staff; stylish comfortable furniture, high quality linens, great water pressure, plenty of hot water; excellent breakfast w/ local fruits, homemade breads (crusty w/ chewy inside) + variety of well-prepared eggs; also, Muyu restaurant was excellent for dinner (perfect seared tuna & excellent seafood stew). Fabulous location on the Malecon right in front of sea lion beach, great cocktail bar overlooking beach.

CONS: Like all showers w/ stylish open glass door, water gets on the bathroom floor; A/C worked well but did make intermittent noise tho not at night; like almost every other hotel in the world not enough shelf space or hooks.
Motion sensor lights lag a bit, glass handrail at stairs is attractive, but is form over function.

We are in our 2nd ant infested room as I write this review. Breakfast is mediocre at best. AC barley works. Water is Luke warm, mold on the ceilings, hanging electrical wires, key cards work sometimes. From a seasoned traveler, please stay away.

What a great place. Beautiful location, comfortable rooms, excellent staff, delicious food. I will definitely be back.

Beautiful and spotless hotel staffed by wonderful, caring people. My fiancé and I caught a stomach bug and the entire staff checked in on us and offered us every amenity under the sun. This is a very special place with a homey feel and unparalleled attention to detail.