Hotelito Desconocido

Eco-luxury hideaway

The Hotelito Desconocido is set on a wetland estuary, in an exceptional nature reserve of the Costa Alegre, on the Pacific shores of Mexico.

Despite its name ("Unknown Little Hotel"), this boutique hotel is actually quite famed for its tranquility, its unconventional barefoot-luxury concept, and its beautiful natural environment. Rustic, romantic, and respectful of the environment: a dream hotel in a dream setting!

Here's a hotel with 24 thatched-roof bungalows on stilts ("palafitos"), where light bulbs have been replaced by candles, telephones remain mute, and scenes of nature that come straight out of National Geographic.

Time fades away in this quiet , secluded, and exotic piece of heaven where you will indulge yourself!

Back to Nature, one-of-a-kind retreat

At the Hotelito Desconocido, you won't have to choose between your pleasure and care for the environment. Since its opening in 1997, the hotel combines the concepts of eco-friendliness and barefoot luxury through a clever association of high personal comfort and respect for the beautiful surrounding environment.

With its individual Palafitos along the estuary, Hotelito Desconocido has the appearance of traditional Mexican village. The interior decoration is inspired from a Mexican card game where the individual cards have inspired the hotel's rooms. The bungalows are individual works of art and have a unique personality. Wall paintings, tiles, woodcarving, ... everything is hand-crafted.

The hotel proposes bungalows fronting either the estuary or the beach. On the estuary side are Palafito Rooms, Palafito Suites, and Palafito Master Suites -- the latter have a private jetty with a small rowing-boat. The Nopalito and Palafito beach suites are located on the beach and enjoy the unobstructed views of the ocean.

The bungalows all have a private terrace with hammock, embroidered sheets, a mosquito-net above the bed, a small reading lamp, outdoor shower, and hot water 24hours a day. The amenities are organic and include soap cakes, shampoo, organic moisturizing-revitalizing-cleansing cream, deodorant sprays, perfume phials and even mosquito-repellent sprays.

Tempting Experience: a 100% environmental-friendly hotel

100% environmentally friendly, Hotelito Desconocido is immersed in nature: there is, therefore no electricity and of course neither television nor telephone. All rooms are, however, equipped with a walkie-talkie, so that you can express your needs at anytime. And, to keep the rooms cool, there are solar-powered ceiling fans.

Hotelito Desconocido sets itself apart from traditional resorts. This "boutique hotel" is a paragon of sustainable tourism with strong ecological concerns. Located on Mexico's Pacific shore in the Playon de Mismaloya, a sanctuary of sea turtles and a harbor for sea birds, Hotelito Desconocido is deeply involved in the preservation of its surroundings. Operating on solar energy in the daytime and lit by candle light at night, the hotel strives to limit negative impacts on the environment.

Ecological activities are also put forward: you can embark on a boating excursion to observe the habitat of birds or sea turtles and, from June to December, you can attend the releasing of sea turtles. Thanks to the biodiversity of the place, you may discover 3 species of giant turtles, more than 150 species of birds as well as rare mammals and reptiles. Hotelito Desconocido has opened a department of biology to introduce its customers to its rich natural surroundings.

Services and activities

Relax and step out of the ordinary is the promise of Hotelito Desconocido. Contacts with the outside world are sparse: no shopping malls here ... but a little souvenirs boutique, no pressing urban life ... but quiet and pristine nature instead.

Treat yourself at the spa, relax by the pool, or practice some sport: kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, horse-riding, and various beach-sports are proposed.

At the Hotelito Desconocido, the chef will teach you how to cook your favorite dish on the menu - an original souvenir to bring home and practice in your own kitchen...

Discovering the Costa Alegre

Enjoy the mountains in the nearby Western Sierra Madre.

The nearest city is Puerto Vallarta. Formerly a traditional Mexican village, it is now a harbor and an important touristic resort. Its Mismaloya beach is very popular with celebrities. John Huston shot his film "The Night of the Iguana" in this village in 1963, with Ava Gardner and Richard Burton.

Also of interest are the impressive Los Arcos rocks emerging from the sea: a paradise for divers.

Every year in November, participants meet for an international deep-sea fishing tournament.

Awards and press comments

"A new concept of luxury... Luxury is when you go in a place in the middle of the jungle with a safe, healthy atmosphere and good, simple food. Other hotels let us work, but they don't let us dream." Hunter Drohojowska-Philip, Architectural Digest

"On Mexico's Pacific coast, the ecology-minded Hotelito Desconocido proves that you can protect the environment in style". Richard Alleman, Travel & Leisure

"A resort that combines luxury with a love for the environment." New York Times