Casa Nicole is always on my list, it just looks so serene, in a very convenient neighbourhood.

You might have a look at Casa Isabel - lovely and Isabel is such a gracious hostess - fabulous views from virtually every room - onsite restaurant. It is "up the hill" though - walkable into town but probably a taxi back up after dinner.

Of those three I would pick Casa Nicole in a heart-beat. It has a great location nearer the beach (than Garlands) and is a nicer place than Dona Susana.

I would rule out Casa Dona Susana because of the small room size. The few units with balconies are larger and hard to get, and it is an old place yet Mexican in feel. The bathrooms in the units with balconies are rather small and strange. But the pool is great.

Everywhere will provide umbrellas for shade though.

As stated, Casa Isabel is up a hill, but you get unparalleled views from many of their rooms. It also has a quaint Mexican theme. There are rooms there where you can wake up in the morning and see the bay and town from your bed! I think Casa Nicole is overpriced for just a garden view room as compared to Casa Isabel.

Keep in mind that some of these do not have elevators, if that matters to you. You will also want to check that the pool is heated wherever you stay.

Take a look at the Sheraton 2 pools nice grounds,beach a little rocky but great pool food and close to downtown

I think the Sheraton suffered some damage from the quake.

Yes, I heard that The Sheraton suffered damage from the earthquake as well.

If you do choose Casa Isabel, please note that it is up high on a hill. Walking up there might be tough and tiring, depending on your level of fitness. Most people can walk down and cross over the busy highway- going to old town or the beach BUT they usually need to taxi back. It is very beautiful up there tho. Taxis are cheap and plentiful.

At this point you might not be able to be too picky on your choice of hotel because most people have reserved back in January, February, and March for December. And too, with covid and many people wanting to travel again, many hotels are booking out over a year in advance.

Los Arcos Suites (across from Casa Dona Susana) is a place we stay if we can't get into Play Los Arcos and we've grown to love it! You can use the "adults only pool" on the rooftop of Casa Dona Susana and also the beach at Play Los Arcos. Lots of shade at the beach with a guy setting up umbrellas, little tables and lounger. Plus beach service. And.... lots of umbrellas and loungers for shade at Casa Dona Susana.

Good luck!

FYI. I got the following message from the Sheraton, as I had asked them about reported damage. Of course, I'm taking it with a grain of salt, but here's their response:

Hello jtwiz, thank you for contacting us. We are aware of the recent publication on social networks where it is mentioned that our hotel suffered damage from the earthquake registered yesterday. We can confirm that these images do not belong to Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center but to the adjoining Vacation Club that is under remodeling. So far there are no reports of significant damage or injuries to our hotel, and we are operating normally. As always, we work closely with local authorities as well as the hotel's engineering team, and take guidance and direction as the situation warrants. The safety of our guests and associates is always a priority.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I booked Casa Nicole, being close to the beach made it ideal for my husband and I.