La Vivienda Villa

We booked a King Room with Mountain View at this property via ***********, but were allocated a much smaller Deluxe King Room (23m2). We room we booked should have an extra-large double and two single beds (33m2). We spoke to the manager who claimed this was Booking.com's error. The room description also says the room includes toiletries and hairdryer, iron (none supplied) - and washing machine and dryer (which is actually part of the shared facilities and they make a charge for). The photos for this room were nothing like the room. She later offered to move us but we had already unpacked, so decided to stay in the room and claim a refund from ***********. That evening the internet failed and the manager claimed this was an area wide problem, which proved to be a lie, as we were able to connect to wifi at the local cafe. The following morning, we were unable to lock the room door - the manager tried but was also couldn't. I asked if we could be moved to the room that we had originally booked and paid for and she refused. Not wanting to leave our belongings in an unlocked room, and the manager's bad attitude made us want to leave. *********** did negotiate a refund but I would not recommend anyone stay at this lodging, as the manager is a liar, the property is not very well maintained, and the rooms and facilities do not match the description on ***********.

This building is sorely in need of an update. The greatest negative is neighbourhood dogs that bark, sometimes incessantly for hours. I love the pool but furniture surrounding the pool leaves much to be desired. At full capacity there would be maybe ten people staying in the building. I guess they can toss a coin for one of two flimsy plastic sun loungers. String chairs are uninvitingly available and difficult for older people to get out of. The waterfall feature of the pool was never once turned on, nor was the pool filter. Several of us renters took turns skimming the detritus off the top of the water.Towels and toilet paper seem to be rationed by the caretaker while once a week cleaning hardly seems enough. Yes, there's access to a communal kitchen and fridge but it feels like a college dormitory. "Who ate my...drank my....???" During my visit the internet was unreliable (this may have been fixed by now). The walk to Santa Cruz beach is 15 minutes. Could be worse. Just know what you're getting. Noise cancelling head phones and/or earplugs recommended.