Hotel Cielo Rojo is just how I like my hotels: small, clean, and affordable, with tons of character and charm. The beds are comfortable enough and the open-air patio, festooned with lights, is a wonderful way to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast (homemade yogurt and bread with fresh fruit). Between the roosters, dogs, and children, the hood can get a little loud, and they thoughtfully provide ear plugs. They also provide beach towels and umbrelllas, as well as filtered water so you can replenish your water bottle. I would definitely stay here again.

With the intent of playing polo in San Pancho, we followed the advice of a recent article in the Wall St. Journal and checked into the wonderful CIELO ROJO HOTEL. Our experience was beyond our expectations. Marcello, the hotel manager took care of us the entire stay. He was warm, generous and provided us with information ranging from dinner suggestions to bird watching to hiking. The rooms are immaculate, comfortable and if available we would recommend the "Palapa Suite". The cuisine prepared by chef Juan Diego was exquisite, and creative with fresh organic ingredients at all times. Incidentally, for those who are either experienced in or wish to learn polo or riding in general, the CIELO ROJO is a short walk from the Polo and Equestrian center at La Patrona Polo Club. The beach is a short walk away, and the local restaurants are a good place to meet the local population of ex-pats and other visitors.

My wife and I took our two kids andtheir spouses to San Pancho. Two ofthem had previously stayed at Cielo Rojo and loved it. So did we. The town is terrific, and the hotel made our stay very comfortable. The hotel is of colonial design --- if you are looking for a Hilton this is not it. Cielo Rojo is small scale --- it feels like family. They have an excellent chef, a friendly and REALLY helpful and attentive staff, fine food (especially for fish and vegetarian diets), all the bottom line amenities (hotwater, Internet, etc.) and it is a very short and pleasant 3 minute walk to one of the finest beaches you'll ever see. And continental breakfast is included --- we supplemented with chilequiles, huevos rancheros, and other really tasty and elegantly served dishes. I can't think of anything not to like about it.

Only a couple of times in our life have we found a hotel so utterly charming. The staff is wonderful, the rooms artisticlally chic and the food the best in the area. On this visit we chose not to eat anywhere else in town except for some fish tacos for lunch on the main street. Ask for some of chef Juan Diego's spicy salsas. Also we discovered his jalapeño margaritas which were wonderfully addicting. Can't wait for our next visit! Nancy