Hotel Paraiso Escondido

Quietly tucked away up a small, no-through road, Paraiso Escondido presents a Spanish colonial air that defies its mid-1970s construction thanks to its terra-cotta and white-trim facade. Inside, the hotel displays layers of artwork  and Old World Mexican charm -- all provided by celebrated artists and local craftsmen. Throughout the hotel, covered walkways and common areas (with many stairs) evolve with artful surprises that blend Pre-Hispanic and colonial architectural references. There’s the Spanish Fleet “setting sail” in stained glass; a siren with her conch, hand painted onto walls like mythic emblems; Mesoamerican murals inside corridors; and mini colored glass windows that glow like elaborate portholes. Even the grounds have a dose of whimsy. A herd of stone animals adds curiosity to the garden near the neoclassical pool, which provides an estate-like centerpiece that’s admired from all rooms -- and relished by guests. Meaning "paradise" in Spanish, Paraiso is constantly praised by guests for its architectural uniqueness and ever-so-calm vibe.  

Set in a quiet, elevated pocket, Paraiso Escondido overlooks the old town of Puerto Escondido to Bahia Principal Bay -- home to the area’s fishing fleet. It’s an eight-minute drive to the international airport, and about five minutes on foot to Principal Beach -- behind which there’s a lively stretch of restaurants and bars on Antonia Peres Gasga (Paraiso is positioned just off this road, a little farther up the hill). Each night, a section of this street is closed off to cars for Puerto Escondido’s famed night markets. It’s a seven-minute drive to Playa Zicatala -- Puerto Escondido’s touristy center where beachside restaurants, bars, and nightlife are in abundance. It’s five minutes via car to popular local beaches, including Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito, and Manzanillo Beaches. Benito Juarez Markets are a seven-minute drive from the hotel, and taxis are easily arranged at the front desk, so it’s simple (and inexpensive) to get around. 

The rustic aesthetic and cute decorative details seen throughout common areas flow into rooms. Guest rooms are split between Standard and Suite categories, and they're set over four levels. All rooms have a view of the outdoors, be it the hotel pool, or elevated views across the town below to the Pacific -- which are quite fabulous and enjoyed best in higher level rooms. Standards are simple yet comfortable, with rustic decor that blends white brick walls with terra-cotta floors, dark wood furniture, and decorative ornate lantern lighting overhead. Bedding is white, basic, and lightweight -- but could use an extra layer of warmth. French doors with stained glass embellishments flow to private balconies, and cute window alcoves can double as little work desks. Hand-painted details here and there adorn walls, along with small wood-framed artworks. Suites vary in layout, but they offer much more space and large outdoor terraces (some with plunge pools). They also step up the artful details a notch with extra hand-painted touches, domed moldings on walls, and more luxurious bathrooms. Suites share a kitchen, and the Master Suite has its own small kitchen. 

All rooms offer flat-screen TVs (although they can be in an awkward position to watch), and free Wi-Fi. But there's no mini-fridges, safes, or coffee/tea facilities. Bathrooms are finished with Mexican square tiles, marble vanities, and artsy embellishments. A small selection of bar soaps, and shampoo/conditioner sachets are also provided. Access to rooms can involve lots of stairs, so the hotel isn’t really suited to people with mobility issues, unless they stay in the villa which is handy to the entrance. For families and groups, there’s also a villa residence -- "Villa Paraiso" -- with three bedrooms, a kitchen, two bathrooms, and a private terrace with a thatched-roof palapa for outdoor dining and lounging. 

Paraiso Escondido is designed more for rest than action, so it isn’t bursting with activities and features. The hotel does offer an on-site restaurant that closes during the quiet season, but there are plenty of restaurants and bars within a five-minute walk of the hotel. There’s an outdoor pool surrounded by lawn, with a few pairs of plantation-style chairs, and on one side, a shady hammock area for poolside chilling. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout. Sergio (the manager) is always accommodating with local info and suggestions (although other staff speak limited English which can be challenging for non-Spanish speakers).