Palacio Tropical

We had a large group of adults (some were clients and business aquaitances) and stayed here at the end of June through July for 10 days. This was a combination vacation and executive retreat for our group as we all do business together. Overall we had a positive experience but we were surprised and somewhat embarassed by some things which I think are important to mention. There are many compliments at the end of this review but here's what we think should be improved upon ASAP. 1.) GATED COMMUNITY?....It's not. Some sites, such as Luxury Retreats list this villa as in a "GATED COMMUNITY" which it is not. There is a direct road to the villa from the main road. You are not behind gates or in a gated community. This was not important for us but this should be corrected in all descriptions of this property. 2. INTERNET...REALLY NO internet. If this is important to you and/or you are working you will be lucky to get wi-fi or cell service. If you get service, not more than one person can be on internet at at time. This was a problem for the working members of our party and some had to wake up at 6:00 a.m. to try and use wifi. 3.) The CHECK OUT time stated is 10:00 a.m. and yet we were asked to be PACKED AND OUT of our rooms BY 8:00 a.m. We would have appreciated a better last day to our trip truthfully. Be sure you insist on a 10:00 a.m. departure and that it is guaranteed. 4.) POOL SIDE... At least 2 of the pool chaise lounges were damaged and unusable. The upholstery was ripped and wheels were rusted and fell off. If you have a large party you need all the chairs to work. I think ripped lounge furniture is inexcusable for a villa of this quality and at this price point 5.) POOL ENTERTAINING... This villa must find a way to purchase heaviy plastic reusable drinkware for around the pool. There is fantastic bar but we were told we could ony use these tiny plastic cups. Not only is this not eco friendly no one wants to drink wine out of thin plastic cup. We had to delicatly use the glassware anyway. 6.) HOUSE LINENS...linens were absolutely sub-par for a villa of this caliber. The shower mats were stained with bleach and the towels were tiny, thin and vey worn. The bed pillows were thick, hard and foam. 7.) PLUMBING...they are on a septic system so there is a sign in every bathroom that says you can't flush ANY toilet paper down the toilet. Not even the brown dirty type. They put a basket next to the toilet for this.Yep.You read that right. 8.) THE BEACH....is fabulous! BUT... you cannot safely swim there. Not only is it too rocky, there are dangerous undertows and rip currents. It's great but safe only for the strongest of swimmers. And even thn not advisable. BEST PARTS OF THE STAY... 1. The staff...Adrian and the staff was super friendly and helpful. 2. THE FOOD..amazing. 3. THE VIEW... and the privacy was beautiful and you can walk down the beach to the resort for a drink or lunch if you like. 3. AIRCONDITIONING.. you are not allowed to open any windows but each room has its own climate controlled airconditioning and it works perfectly. 4. LOCATION...so many activities located close to this villa and the house manager wil help with all of it! As a group of professioinals who travel A LOT for work and pleasure we would love to come back here again but we are hoping that some of these sub par items we observed might be improved upon before we plan our next trip.