i totaly agree with the OP....El Candil is great!! Costalunga comes in second....but i give my #1 vote to Candil.
Security is much tighter at candil. and i like their key policy (you have to leave the key at the front desk when you leave...seems like a pain in the butt at first...but you dont have to worry about losing it!).
Yes...petteri picks you up in person at the airport for FREE.....and if you are new to town he will swing thru the town and point out some good places to eat etc.
They also have LARGE bottles of water available for your room(5 or 10 gallons..i dunno..but the BIG blue ones). The cost of water can really add up eventualy.
I have to say also that the maid service is MUCH better at candil. I hate to say it...but there were a few days when i didnt get new towels at costalunga
my BIGGEST gripe with costalunga (and i sorta hate posting this...cuz i really like mario but i gotta) When we got there this year...there was a group of about 20 guys from NYC & NJ.....and EVERY NIGHT they would take over all the public spaces with their "girls"....and party in the street right outside my window....and there were hookers and loud guys all around the public areas. Hey...i got NO problem with chica chasers hanging out and partying....but go to one of the discos or down to what is left of Duarte!!! i didnt get an OUNCE of sleep for my first four nights!!!! Dont get me wrong...the guys were just doing their thing...and when i told a few of them about my lack of sleep on their last night...they were VERY appologetic.....but still partied till the wee hours....but not QUITE as loud. this "scene" would never have been tolerated at candil. BUt hey...if you are a bunch of chica chasing guys....then you might prefer costalunga. Just giving the heads up.
Finaly....i just find the layout of Candil nicer. I like the pool in the courtyard...and the balconies that look over it. It is a bit more sociable as well. There are a few tables by the pool where they serve breakfast and drinks....and i met some really cool people there. (nice when you are traveling solo...or even with just one friend). Overall..its just a nicer looking place with better service and caters more to discrete guests and families. (not all the guests are THAT discrete.....but there wont be a big frat party in the halls)
ALso ...at candil there is NO WAY someone will get in with you with out leaving there identification at the desk. Costalunga attempts to do this....but a few of my friends got by the front desk with no problem (this can be either a pro or con....depending what you are looking for).
So....i vote for El Candil as #1.....but i still recommend costalunga....it all depends what you are looking for.
well...i hope this info helps. and this is just my humble opinion
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