Hotel Aldea del Bazar

With its striking Moroccan-meets-"Arabian Nights" look, Aldea del Bazar seems like it was airlifted from another continent, but it stands as a striking model of architecture, nevertheless. There are two buildings -- the main two-story structure containing the lobby and rooms; and the restaurant at the rear, which resembles an open-air domed mosque. The Middle Eastern references are apparent everywhere; from the mini elephant statues flanking the driveway entrance; to the lantern lighting overhead; rugs hung on walls as artworks; hookah pipes in the restaurant; and huge star-carved pavers that decorate common outdoor areas. The attention to exotic decor detail is thorough. The pool is a long, wide oblong expanse of deep-sky blue that glows like luminescence at night after the biggest, brightest sunsets play out behind it, right over the Pacific. Lush manicured lawn scattered with tall palm trees surround the hotel, and in one corner, hammocks slung between palms, prove to be a popular chill out zone for guests. Aside from the pool (and the sunsets), it’s this hotel's calm oasis-like vibe that guests truly appreciate. There are virtually no activities; the food is average to say the least; but those willing to look past the flaws may discover a little (affordable) piece of paradise like many guests before them.

Aldea del Bazar is set just a three-minute drive from the international airport, and about a 12-minute walk (down a steep winding road) to Bacocho Beach. Other nearby beaches (more suitable for swimming) include Carrizalillo Beach (a six-minute drive) and Puerto Angelito Beach (a five-minute drive). Benito Juarez Markets are a six-minute drive from the property, it’s about five minutes to the “El Adoquin” night markets, and there are convenience shops and eateries within walking distance. However, the main tourist scene unfolds along famed “Zicatela” surfing beach -- about a 13-minute drive from the hotel. Taxis can be arranged at the front desk and generally arrive pretty swiftly. 

Rooms are only available in one category -- a Standard (with two queen beds), so they’re pretty much mirror images in layout, but they can differ in terms of view. Those at the rear overlook the pool and gardens toward the Pacific Ocean (and the amazing sunsets). Those at the front overlook the gardens and (quiet) car parking area. Rooms are full of light, and dressed in crisp white everything (walls, bedding, and furniture), offset by terra-cotta-style floor tiling; a wooden desk and chairs; and clay Moroccan-style light fixtures suspended over lounge areas. The look is fresh and minimalist, and textural elements such as carved headboards and Romanesque columns in the sitting areas add depth. Moroccan-esque windows frame the palm-treed views with an exotic silhouette. Rooms facing the water can experience some hefty glare of the seawater in the afternoon, so the anti-glare and blackout screens come in handy; but the views and sunsets are worth it. Flat-screen TVs are mounted on the walls, and free Wi-Fi is also included. Marble vanities and wall-mounted hairdryers are located just outside the bathrooms, which are outdated but serve their purpose. They feature stand-up marble showers, and free individual toiletries are provided along with free bottles of water. 

Aldea del Bazar’s most noticeable feature is its big blue pool -- it’s a traditional Olympic shape, perfect for laps, and it shows off a dome-roof gazebo at one end -- offering welcome pool shade during the day. While the pool is a highlight, other features are a bit of a mixed bag. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with plenty of seating both indoors and out on the expansive patio. However, the food is a let down. (Thankfully there are other restaurants within walking distance.) Aldea del Bazar’s spa is uneven as well. It features several treatment tables, a sauna, and a temazcalli (or a healing “sweat lodge” inherited from ancient Mexican tradition) set amongst tropical palm gardens beneath an open-air thatched roof. But the space seemed a little neglected during Oyster’s visit, and some guests suggest the spa experience isn't worthwhile. There’s also a waiting lounge, and showers, though the layout is all very open, so privacy doesn’t appear to be a priority. The hotel also has a gym, but it’s a pretty poor excuse for one, comprising a lone treadmill and an elliptical machine.