El Machetazo Santa Ana

We arrived early and paid $45 for early check-in. We were told it would be accommodated and asked to wait 10 minutes. After waiting closer to 30, we went back to the front desk, only to find our room key was already there and ready. No one had let us know. The room had a weird musky smell and, strangely, parts of the walls were lined with galvanized zinc. The AC also started leaking. We reported it and were told someone would check it and, if it couldn’t be fixed, we’d be moved. No one ever came. Thankfully, it eventually stopped on its own. We also initially thought there was no hot water until we realized the taps were reversed (H ran cold and C ran hot). On the plus side, the gardens and pool are really nice and well maintained, although the hot tub doesn’t actually have hot water. The pool bar was also closed despite advertised hours of 11am–10pm. We ordered a margherita pizza and got what was essentially a cheese pizza with a small tub of pesto on the side. Despite the quirks, we both got some much-needed sleep, and the location is very convenient for the airport. Overall, though, at $210 for one night plus $45 for early check-in, I’m not sure we got value for money. Traveller tip: For the airport shuttle, wait 10–15 mins past the scheduled time when arriving. When leaving, get downstairs 10–15 mins early or you may have to wait for the next shuttle or Uber.