Notto Zicatela Hotel carries the beach's name and sits in the zone that defines Puerto Escondido for most visitors. Zicatela is where the surf culture lives, with morning sessions, board repair shops, yoga classes and long dinners on the sand. A hotel in this district puts you within walking distance of most of that, which is the main reason to choose it. The address falls in the Santa Maria Colotepec municipality, which covers the Zicatela strip, so it should be on or near the beach road. It has a shorter track record than long-established hotels, so reading the most recent guest comments is a good idea.
What to expect
Hotels in this area tend to be compact, with simple, bright rooms, a terrace or small pool and a laid-back approach to service. Ask about distances to the sand, since some properties sit directly on the beach road and others a block or two back. Check cooling, noise levels and water pressure, and ask whether there is secure storage for boards.
If you want to learn to surf, the front desk can usually point to schools and instructors. Request a quieter room if you plan early nights, and be aware that the beach road becomes lively in the evening.
Zicatela is the surf heart of Puerto Escondido. The beach road runs parallel to the sand and is lined with surf shops, juice bars, yoga studios, beachfront restaurants and small guesthouses, and the sound of the Pacific is always in the background. Staying here means you can walk to breakfast, watch the morning session from a terrace and be at the sunset without a taxi.
The trade-off is activity
The strip is busy in the evenings, music drifts from some venues and the road can be dusty and warm in the middle of the day. If you want quiet, ask for a room away from the street and check what the hotel says about noise.
In the Zicatela strip, small differences matter. A room facing the beach road enjoys life and sound, while an interior room is quieter and cooler. Ask about the direction the windows face, how early the street wakes up and whether a rooftop or terrace is available for sunset. If you intend to surf, ask where boards and wet gear can dry, and whether staff can introduce instructors or rent equipment.
Who it suits
Surfers, backpackers upgrading from a hostel, couples seeking a beach-first trip and anyone who wants to wake up near the waves. It is less suited to travelers who want a quiet retreat or who prefer to be near the old town. A good routine is a dawn walk, a long breakfast, a swim lesson with an instructor and a sunset dinner on the sand.
Why stay here
- ✓In the Zicatela district
- ✓Short walk to surf beach
- ✓Surf shops and cafes nearby
- ✓Casual beach-town setting
- ✓Staff tips on lessons
- ✓Taxi access to La Punta
- ✓Ask about board storage
- ✓Ask about cooling and noise
Good questions
Is it on the beach?+
It is in the Zicatela area, but distance to the sand varies. Confirm the walking time when you book.
Is it good for surfers?+
The location suits surfers. Ask about board storage and instructors.
Is it noisy?+
The beach road is lively in the evening. Ask for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper.