We and our kids ages 6 & 11 loved the open-air living, hammock, birds, visiting cats and self-sufficient kitchen. Grace was helpful with suggestions of what to see beyond the La Ropa and Las Gatas beaches. That said, less adventurous travelers might not appreciate the 200 step climb up the hill through the forest, geckos, nighttime visits from the coatimundi to steal oranges or the ant migration along the rock wall. We thought it was a slice of authentic Mexico, was plenty spacious, had reliable hot water, working refrigerator, stove and coffee maker, and was well-located with a little store at the bottom of the hill and many restaurants in walking distance.
We LOVED the Refugio de Potosi, and would highly recommend it to other guests who are interested in wild animals or conservation. The bus connections were easy, and the truck driver was gracious and accommodating when we missed the stop. The gift shop was the best place we found for gifts for friends at home.

A treehouse...need I say more? Open to fresh air, stone shower, hammocks, surrounded by trees, full kitchen, bamboo walls. This place will be the highlight of your visit to Zihua!!

We arrived late (nearly midnight) and were met by the surly proprietor who never bothered to find out that we were 6 hours late due to being stranded in a parking lot all afternoon waiting for a replacement of our rental car. She refused to give out the internet code until late the following day which was a problem considering we needed to notify people who were worried about us. Her response to my sister's question about security of our belongings was, "This is an open air house, it's not my problem if something gets stolen." We didn't bother to ask any other questions. Despite our having paid for 2 houses, she wanted everyone to sleep in one house the first night so that the walk up to the second house wouldn't wake up the neighbors. Another day as two members of our party were attempting to light the stove she suddednly appeared out of nowhere and told them not to use their stove as they were likely to "blow the place up." We felt uncomfortable the entire time. While the houses are very cool, and the location near restaurants and the beach cannot be beat, I would not recommend these houses to anyone who speaks above a whisper after dark or who wants to feel welcomed by their host.

My husband and I honeymooned at Casa de las Piedras in the namesake unit. LOVED the Swiss-Family-Robinson-style lodging, LOVED the artistry of the architecture and decorations, LOVED that a Mexican skunk scurried past while I was taking a shower. LOVED waking up to find banana peels left behind by an enterprising coatimundi that helped itself to fruit left on the table overnight. LOVED spending hours in a hammock and listening to the surf while reading. LOVED hearing/seeing birds at close range. LOVED our nightly armadillo visitor. LOVED hearing the geckos "reep, reeeep, reeep!" in the evenings. This place is perfect for someone who loves nature and wants to make it a prominent part of their vacation. I can think of nothing better than essentially living outdoors for a week and being disconnected from tv, phone, and Internet (though there is a phone in the unit, should you need it). If this sounds good to you, GO FOR IT! Only word of caution is to bring earplugs in case any neighbors down the hill decide to rock out to music or throw a wedding at night. I imagine this doesn't happen often, but good to have earplugs to pop in, as there are no walls or windows at CDLP. But remember, the lack of walls and windows is what makes this place so delightful, so dem's de brakes sometimes. Enjoy!
Emily