La Casita Hotel

La Casita (which translates to "the little house") lives up to its name. It's a wee 17-room hotel taking up a small footprint on a street surrounded by two-story beach condos. This property stands in stark contrast to the mammoth resorts in the area, and it aims to be a refuge for those seeking a more intimate getaway. Painted teal and white, the traditional exterior opens to a sunset-yellow reception area and lounge, with ample cushioned wicker seating gathered around tile floors. This leads to a courtyard with wooden stairs zigzagging up to the higher floors while a few planters of flowers color the path. Note, there's no elevator access, and some guests report that the stairs can feel steep.

Apart from size, La Casita also differs from other resorts when it comes to noise levels; it tends to be hushed, with plenty of tranquil nooks for relaxation. Even the pool tends to be a quiet spot, as it's just a small rectangle with a dozen seats and loungers set around it. Animation teams, loud music, or poolside bar scenes are entirely absent -- though airport noise can be heard at times. Travelers drawn to this low-key atmosphere tend to be couples, solo explorers, and even the occasional business traveler. Families are less frequently spotted, although the property does have Triple Rooms and cribs available.

Set on a low-key residential street, La Casita is away from the bustle of both the beach and the mega-resorts, though they are nearby. The immediate block is surrounded by low-rise condos, often used as beach getaways for Spaniards and other Europeans, lending a quiet, neighborhood feel to the area. Caleta de Fuste's broad public beach is a short 10-minute walk away. Even closer is a shopping complex -- with restaurants and bars, plus conveniences like a grocery store and a pharmacy -- just a six-minute walk through town. The airport is a speedy 11-minute drive up the coastline. But the giant sand-dune beaches of the Grandes Playas are a 38-minute drive away to the north.

For a budget property, La Casita has rooms that meet and surpass its two-pearl status. Decor varies, but the style tends toward bright beachy colors like aquamarine or sunburnt orange, with bedspreads in various geometric patterns. But beyond the punchy hues and motifs, rooms are simple, with tile floors and basic wooden furniture. Open shelving provides a spot to stash clothing. All rooms include balconies, but some are large enough to be furnished with patio sets or loungers, while others are just narrow Juliet balconies that have little room apart from a ledge to take in some fresh air. Alas, the hotel isn't oceanfront, and it's hardly tall enough to catch glimpses of the water, so views are of the street or adjacent buildings.

Bathrooms are equally simple, white-tiled affairs with pedestal sinks and shower/tub combos. Toiletries are limited to pump bottles of hand soap. All rooms come with mini-fridges, safes, hairdryers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. One notable omission is a lack of air-conditioning, though fans are available on request. There are also no kettles for coffee or tea. Rooms offer either double beds or two twin beds, though Triple Rooms are available for families or larger groups.

As an intimate budget property, La Casita can't compete with other resorts in the area when it comes to their sheer number of features, but what it does offer is in keeping with its personality. The pool is a small rectangle at the front of the property that's better suited for a refreshing dip than a proper swim. But it's paired with a sizable tiled patio with a few loungers and plenty of cushy armchairs and loveseats gathered under sun umbrellas. 

For dining, the hotel offers a breakfast buffet that has full English (bacon and eggs) dishes or continental options such as pastries, cereals, fruits, and cheeses. A little bar also doles out coffee drinks in the mornings and tapas, sandwiches, and other light bites throughout the day (along with the expected wines and cocktails). There's no full restaurant, although the hotel does offer a discount to La Bodeguita, a neighboring venue.

Staff aim to provide personalized service that separates La Casita from the larger resorts. Reception can help arrange excursions; bike, electric bike, buggy, or car rentals; or in-room spa treatments like facials. There's no public computer, but Wi-Fi is free throughout. Pets are also allow for a small fee.