Julio Cesar

Reviews

75 total reviews · 4 listings · 2 locations

75 reviews

4.49

2018–2023

Hosting since 2018

75 reviews

Studio in Soná District

Mara

Good, 2 years ago

The place was clean and accurately described, but in the rain you can get very badly the way to the beach or restaurants because of mud.

Unfortunately, the local staff only speaks Spanish. We were only given another room, which would have been much cheaper when booking. But since we booked the place exactly for this room, we tried to explain this to the lady. In front of the room is a construction site directly (but the noise can also be heard from the other rooms and therefore makes no difference). We were under the impression that the construction workers otherwise use the room for breaks. Unfortunately, the room was not very well maintained and clean. It therefore no longer corresponds to the condition of the images. There were stains on the bed and the bathroom (especially the shower wall) has not been thoroughly cleaned for a long time. We didn't feel very welcome.

Host Response

Me parece injusto que nos digas que solo hablamos español, yo viajo a otros países por ejemplo tu país y no espero que me hablen mi idioma, debería ir preparado a hablar el idioma de ese país. Nuestro personal es 100% local como turista deberías venir a conocer otras culturas e idiomas, todas nuestras habitaciones están limpias completamente, a lo mejor su estándar de limpieza es muy alto para lugares rurales rústicos.

We unfortunately had to end our stay a night early due to travel changes. Nativo is a beautiful spot with an incredible view of the bay and nearby island, which we kayaked to. We were traveling with a toddler and found the property quite steep and not child friendly, so we had to keep close, watch that she didn't fall. Our accommodation was quite a bit dated compared to the photos advertised and unfortunately construction was happening right against the rear of our unit, which was a bit tricky with our little one's nap time. The food was great and the bar served the most delicious fresh juices and drinks. The staff are all so lovely, kind and welcoming.

Julio's place was nice, but did not meet my expectations. Despite being advertised as a "very quiet and peaceful environment", they played loud dance music from 8am to 10pm every day. I'm fine with dance music at night, but not at 8 o'clock in the morning! My second disappointment was the on-site restaurant. The first and only time we ate there we ordered a Caesar salad and ceviche. After an hour and a half wait, they brought us the wrong salad and ceviche that was so tough and chewy it was nearly inedible. My final complaint, which is minor, is that although we rented a space for 2 people, they were only able to give us one key. Other than that, the location and views were nice, the staff were friendly, and our room was clean and had a working air conditioner. Overall, the place had a vibe more like a hostel than a "boutique hotel" and I didn't think it was quite worth the price ($90/night).

Julio’s place must have one of the most beautiful spots in the area - the pool overlooks the ocean and it really feels as though it’s the only hotel there - surrounded by trees and in a really peaceful area. Walkable distance to the town, and parking (although it filled up quickly) was a huge bonus. The food was good, too. I was slightly surprised when I saw the bedroom however, as it felt quite run down and the bathroom seemed to have a window into the reception which was strange. Music is noisy but is turned off early. Overall I would recommend!

absolutely magical place! beautiful location, very private, chic little restaurant with cocktail bar, chic furnishings of the apartment with incredibly great views of the ocean, beautiful infinity pool with perfect location for sunset. From there, Coiba is very easy to reach, make sure! To the beach nearby and the associated surf bar is magical. If you're still grumbling, just book! For us after 4 weeks Costa Rica and Panama the absolute highlight!

Studio in Soná District

Melanie

OK, 4 years ago

That was a really nice hotel for the view, the restaurant, the pool and the room even if it was not totaly clean (dusk on the desk, moisture on the curtains and shower). It is not a fully close room so it has some bugs what is it is really ok for me but if your are fancy you may not like it... We experienced a big problem when we arrive.... I apparently made a mistake and book for only one traveller. The woman at the front desk told me that was 25$ extra by night. So, I taught breakfast or something was included, she told me no. I start writing to the owner who told me I needed to pay because he didn't accept two persons on the room (but I booked a 4 places room)... So I changed my reservation for 2 persons on Airbnb but he refused my request twice. The price on Airbnb was 6$ by night...I didn't want to pay because I feel like he try to scam me...so I contact the help center on Airbnb, in the help center it says : if you want to add a travellers just modify your reservation. The owner finally accept my request....after that everything went fine and he even fix the hot water for us even if it had interruption when we take the shower (hot water go on and off). Finally, that was a nice stay so I recommend it but don't do mistake on the reservation

Host Response

Hello Melanie, no one tried to scam you. You was the only one that tried to get a extra person in the room for free and that is not fair for us. Our Rack Rate is $25 extra per additional guest, but we are running an offer right now in all our platforms not the front desk, you made a mistake in your reservation. I don’t think is fair you use the word scam when you was the one paying for 1 people and coming with 2 people to our property. Next time we recommend you to check well how many people are you selecting as guests, as many guests are using this excuse to scam hotels and get cheaper prices.

Studio in Soná District

Marcy

Repeat guest

Excellent, 4 years ago

Everything amazing, the place, the food, everything facing the sea, a fully recommended show

Studio in Sona

Marcy

Repeat guest

Excellent, 4 years ago

Beautiful place, everything is very clean , it is not far from the beach, I would come back a thousand times more and they have a restaurant next door that takes you to the airbnb

The path to the property is paved for almost 2 hours of driving with deep potholes. Had I known beforehand, I would not have booked this place. This was a significant stress factor before arrival. With a normal car, you would not have reached the destination at all. The listing address is misrepresented. We had to drive to three different accommodations in order to get a new route from the respective people. It took us 1 hour to find the accommodation. The pictures were beautiful, the reality was different. I would describe the place as dirty, the bathroom was partially moldy in the shower. The accommodation was not closed, but has no window on the terrace upstairs, only an open cladding. Therefore, we had a lot of stuff in the room at night. We are ordering something to eat and just didn't get it. Upon request, the lady told us something in Spanish that we did not understand. We went to dinner somewhere else. However, two things were very nice, the pool and the view from the pool. But it doesn't make it easier to improve the total number of points. Worst of all, though, was the way to get to the listing. This is a reassurance. Since we left after a day, fortunately, we did not make a big uprising. Furthermore, we have had a bit of a panic, since there is about 1 hour no gas station and that on the way back and forth. That can get you in a lot of trouble.

Host Response

Dieser Kunde ist unehrlich, er erzählt Lügen, es stimmt, dass es einen Straßenabschnitt gibt, aber es sind nur 8 km, bevor er das Hotel erreicht, er verurteilt uns für Dinge, die unsere Schuld sind, wie die Straße, das Fehlen von Eine Tankstelle, die eindeutig nicht funktioniert, ist unsere Schuld, Sie müssen sich vorher über das Ziel informieren, an das Sie reisen, und ob es eine Tankstelle gibt, wenn Sie gebraucht hätten, hätten wir Ihnen Benzin besorgt.

As other have stated, this is a nice location with a beautiful pool and outdoor spaces. there is a backup generator for when the power goes out (happened often while I was there). However, the host needs to repair the entrance door immediately. It is a heavy sliding door which is off its track and therefore it is sliding along the ground. This takes a lot of force to move and makes it extremely difficult to lock and unlock. Also, the bathtub does not look like the pictures. It has a large brown stain which made me dis-inclined to take a bath in it. Host communication for check in was non-existent. I asked multiple times throughout the day for check in instructions due to a late arrival time. No one answered the hotel phone. I drove 6 hours from the airport having no idea if I'd have a place to stay. Fortunately someone answered the doorbell when I arrived. Everything turned out OK, but the lack of communication added an unnecessary level of stress and uncertainty.

Cabin with an exceptional location, tastefully decorated. The place is just magical: from your bed you can see the sunrises and sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. You can also relax by the infinity pool looking out onto the ocean while sipping a cocktail. Nativo is in the immediate vicinity of Santa Catalina's main street. Above all, disregard a recent review that refers to a rusty lamp, etc. These small details don't take away from the quality of the place. You can go there without so much as a second thought!

A nice, scenic hotel with wonderful staff who do a wonderful job. Besides the door not locking and us having to keep our passports on us, the spot is great. The air bnb host however was unresponsive and ended up contacting me via WhatsApp threatening to call the police due to a simple misunderstanding over a (very modest) unpaid tab, which I was of course happy to pay. A very unprofessional and inept host who clearly has no idea how to communicate with guests, and has a penchant for blaming his tremendous, hardworking staff at the first sign of inconvenience. A nice and quaint hotel with a wonderful staff doing a wonderful job. Apart from the fact that the door doesn't close and we have to store our passports, the place is excellent. However, the Air Bnb host didn't respond and ended up contacting me by WhatsApp threatening to call the police for a simple misunderstanding about a (very modest) unbeatable invoice, which I was of course paying. A very unprofessional and inept host who clearly has no idea how to communicate with guests and has a slope to blame his tremendous worker for the first inconvenience.

Nativo is in a beautiful location, with perfect sunset spotting and a lovely pool. The staff is very friendly and cooperative. Our room was big and we had a nice private porch. At first glance it looks really nice, but on a closer look there is quite some work that could be done to the interior (rusty lamps covered in spider webs and broken seats on our deck). Overall, a wonderful staff, great views, but in need of a little update.

Host Response

We live right in front of the ocean, everything will become rust in matter of weeks as well we are surrounded by nature and spider make their web in matter of hours. So sorry for this inconvenience but sometimes there is things that we try to keep clean and the nature make their part, some people appreciate and other don’t. Anyway we hope you enjoy the other thing we have besides of this thing you didn’t like.

Studio in Sona

Lia

Repeat guest

Excellent, 4 years ago

An excellent stay, a magical place, exquisite food and friendly staff. The rooms are beautiful, the pool is incredible. The view is spectacular! One weekend is not enough. We were delighted and can't wait to come back.

We had a super great space with a stunning view on the sea. The whole thing was then topped by the infinity pool. You can walk to the various restaurants and a small supermarket as well as to the main beach in about 15 minutes. The host has been the best host in Panama to date. He was super friendly, helpful and accommodating. A little extra is that you can have your laundry washed and dried there for an extra charge. I would recommend the place at any time!

We were very pleased with the room and property overall. The room was clean and inviting with a comfortable bed and air conditioning. There was a nice patio with comfortable seating including a hammock. The property is right on the ocean and we enjoyed a beautiful sunset our first night. The breakfast was fresh and delicious. We enjoyed the company of the two dogs and a cat as well. There are good places to eat a short walk away and private secure parking. We would gladly stay there again.

Studio in Sona

Richard

Excellent, 7 years ago

Very nice site facing the ocean, the visit of the island of Coiba is magical. very good welcome and a breakfast served in the excellent and hearty garden. Listing as described facing the sunset and ocean view.