The best hotels in El Tunco
El Tunco has exploded in popularity, and with 8,000+ places to stay across the surf coast from La Libertad to El Zonte, picking the right one is genuinely hard. We reviewed the standouts. these 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in El Tunco
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Mopelia Hostel & Hotel
El Tunco Beach, El Tunco
Free cancellation & Pay later
La Guitarra Hostel
El Tunco Village, El Tunco
Free cancellation & Pay later
Tekuani Kal Hotel
Playa El Tunco, El Tunco
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Roca Sunzal
Playa El Sunzal, El Sunzal
Free cancellation & Pay later
La Libertad Surf Club Hotel
La Libertad Port Area, La Libertad
Free cancellation & Pay later
El Sunzal Beach Hotel
Carretera El Litoral, El Sunzal
Free cancellation & Pay later
Surf Ranch Hotel
Playa El Zonte, El Zonte
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Pasatiempo
El Tunco Main Road, El Tunco
Free cancellation & Pay later
Decameron Salinitas
Playa Salinitas, Sonsonate
Free cancellation & Pay later
Aloft El Salvador
Costa del Sol Access Road, La Libertad
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mopelia Hostel & Hotel | El Tunco Beach, El Tunco | $45–75/night | 7.8/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | La Guitarra Hostel | El Tunco Village, El Tunco | $55–90/night | 8.1/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Tekuani Kal Hotel | Playa El Tunco, El Tunco | $110–165/night | 8.6/10 | Best Location |
| 4 | Hotel Roca Sunzal | Playa El Sunzal, El Sunzal | $120–180/night | 8.9/10 | Top Rated |
| 5 | La Libertad Surf Club Hotel | La Libertad Port Area, La Libertad | $130–190/night | 8.4/10 | Most Popular |
| 6 | El Sunzal Beach Hotel | Carretera El Litoral, El Sunzal | $140–200/night | 8.3/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 7 | Surf Ranch Hotel | Playa El Zonte, El Zonte | $150–210/night | 8.5/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 8 | Hotel Pasatiempo | El Tunco Main Road, El Tunco | $175–230/night | 8.7/10 | Family Friendly |
| 9 | Decameron Salinitas | Playa Salinitas, Sonsonate | $260–380/night | 8.8/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Aloft El Salvador | Costa del Sol Access Road, La Libertad | $290–420/night | 9.1/10 | Top Rated |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Mopelia Hostel & Hotel
This small spot sits right in the heart of El Tunco village, a short walk from the black sand beach. Rooms are basic but clean, with decent air conditioning and reliable WiFi. The communal area is a good place to meet other surfers passing through. Staff are friendly and will point you to the best local spots for food and waves. Don't expect luxury, but it delivers solid value for the price.
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La Guitarra Hostel
La Guitarra is one of the most established budget options in El Tunco, sitting close to the main strip of restaurants and bars. Private rooms are small but tidy, and the shared bathrooms are kept clean throughout the day. The open-air hammock lounge is genuinely relaxing after a long session in the surf. Breakfast is available on-site at reasonable prices. A solid pick for travelers who want to stretch their budget without sacrificing location.
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Tekuani Kal Hotel
Tekuani Kal sits directly on Playa El Tunco with unobstructed ocean views from most rooms. The pool area is well maintained and positioned to catch afternoon light. Rooms are comfortable and decorated with local artwork, giving the place a distinct character. The on-site restaurant serves fresh seafood and is one of the better dining options in the immediate area. Book an ocean-facing room for the full experience.
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Hotel Roca Sunzal
Roca Sunzal is perched on a rocky cliff overlooking Playa El Sunzal, one of the best surf breaks in the country. The views from the terrace are exceptional and the property has a calm, unhurried atmosphere. Rooms are spacious with good natural light and solid air conditioning. The restaurant is above average, with a menu that goes beyond the usual beachside offerings. It is a short drive from El Tunco village but the setting more than compensates.
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La Libertad Surf Club Hotel
This hotel in La Libertad is a short drive from El Tunco and caters heavily to the surf crowd. It has a dedicated board storage area and connects guests with local surf guides. Rooms are modern and well-appointed compared to what you find closer to the beach strip. The rooftop offers good views toward the Pacific and is a popular spot at sunset. A reliable choice for those who want more comfort while staying connected to the surf scene.
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El Sunzal Beach Hotel
Located along the Carretera El Litoral just past El Tunco, this hotel offers direct beach access without the noise of the main village. The pool is large and the grounds are well kept with shaded lounging areas. Rooms are clean and comfortable, with some featuring small balconies facing the ocean. Service is attentive and the staff speak English, which is helpful for international guests. It feels quieter and more relaxed than properties closer to the El Tunco bar scene.
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Surf Ranch Hotel
Surf Ranch is situated on the quieter Playa El Zonte, about 15 minutes from El Tunco by car. The bungalow-style accommodations are set among tropical gardens and feel genuinely private. The beach here is less crowded and the waves are excellent for intermediate surfers. The hotel arranges surf lessons and board rentals on-site. Couples in particular appreciate the peaceful setting and the quality of the evening meals.
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Hotel Pasatiempo
Hotel Pasatiempo is one of the more polished mid-range options actually inside El Tunco, sitting on the main road with easy access to the beach. The pool is a genuine highlight, large and well maintained with good seating around it. Rooms are larger than average for this stretch of coast, making it a workable option for families. The staff are consistently praised for being helpful and responsive. Breakfast is included in most rates and the portions are generous.
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Decameron Salinitas
Decameron Salinitas is a large all-inclusive resort on Playa Salinitas, roughly 40 minutes west of El Tunco. The property spans a long stretch of beach and includes multiple pools, restaurants, and water sports facilities. Rooms are spacious and well maintained, with sea-facing options worth the upgrade. The all-inclusive model works well here given the quality and variety of food and drink on offer. It operates on a different scale from anything in El Tunco itself, which suits guests wanting full-service resort amenities.
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Aloft El Salvador
Aloft El Salvador is the most upscale option in the greater La Libertad coastal region, with a design-forward aesthetic and consistently high service standards. The rooms are modern and well equipped, with fast WiFi and quality bedding. The infinity pool is the standout feature, with a clear sightline to the Pacific. It is a better fit for travelers who want proximity to the El Tunco surf scene without sacrificing comfort. The bar program is strong and the cocktails are genuinely good.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in El Tunco
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
El Tunco Village vs. Beachfront: Which actually wins?
Most travelers assume beachfront is always better. In El Tunco, it's more complicated. The black sand beach at Boca del Rio is beautiful, but the loudest bars. La Bocana, Café Sunzal, Estabar. sit right on the water and run past midnight on weekends.
Staying in El Tunco Village, a 5-minute walk inland along Calle Principal, gets you lower prices and actual sleep. La Guitarra Hostel sits here and charges $55-90/night versus $110-165/night for beachfront options. If you're a light sleeper or traveling with kids, village-side is the smarter call.
The El Sunzal upgrade: Worth the extra $40?
El Sunzal sits 2 km west of El Tunco along the CA-2, and the vibe shifts noticeably. Fewer bars, fewer vendors, and a point break that surfers actually travel internationally to ride. Hotel Roca Sunzal is perched above the rocks at Playa El Sunzal with unobstructed Pacific views.
At $120-180/night it costs more than El Tunco's mid-range options, but the rating of 8.9 is the highest of any beachside hotel on this stretch. If you're staying 3+ nights and want quality sleep with good surf access, El Sunzal is worth it.
Semana Santa in El Tunco: Plan 6 weeks out or pay double
Semana Santa (Holy Week, usually March or April) is when the entire population of San Salvador descends on the coast. The El Tunco Main Road turns into a gridlock of pickup trucks, and every room on the strip sells out. Prices on Playa El Tunco jump $60-100 above normal rates.
Book at least 6 weeks ahead for this period, full stop. Hotel Pasatiempo and Tekuani Kal both fill by mid-February for Semana Santa. If you miss the window, El Sunzal and El Zonte stay slightly less chaotic, and Hotel Roca Sunzal sometimes holds rooms longer.
Getting here from San Salvador without the tourist-trap transfers
Skip the $60 hotel shuttle. The 102 bus from Terminal del Sur in San Salvador runs directly to La Libertad for under $1 and takes about 75 minutes. From La Libertad's central market area, a mototaxi to El Tunco costs $3-4 and takes 15 minutes.
If you're arriving at Aeropuerto Internacional Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero (SAL) near Comalapa, a private taxi to El Tunco runs $40-55. That's the one transfer worth paying for, especially with luggage and a surfboard bag.
El Zonte: The quieter alternative worth knowing about
El Zonte is about 8 km west of El Tunco along the CA-2, and it has a completely different character. Fewer tourists, a calmer beach, and it's become known globally as the first Bitcoin Beach community. Surf Ranch Hotel sits on Playa El Zonte and runs $150-210/night.
It's rated 8.5 and tagged as a romantic stay, which fits. The area around Playa El Zonte has no real bar strip, just a handful of low-key restaurants and surf shops on the main access road. Go here if you want El Tunco's surf coast energy without the weekend crowd noise.
What 'budget' actually means on the El Tunco strip
Budget in El Tunco starts around $45/night. Mopelia Hostel & Hotel near El Tunco Beach is the lowest-price vetted option, and it's decent for the price. La Guitarra Hostel in El Tunco Village edges it on rating (8.1 vs 7.8) for $10-15 more per night.
Below $40/night, quality drops fast on this strip. We've seen guesthouses near the Boca del Rio junction that look fine in photos but have no hot water and paper-thin walls. The $45-90/night range is the real budget sweet spot in El Tunco, not $20 dormitories.
El Tunco's best neighborhoods
The stretch from La Libertad port down to El Zonte covers about 15 km of surf coast, and where you sleep changes your whole trip. Start with Playa El Tunco or El Sunzal if surf access and nightlife matter. Go further to El Zonte for quiet, or north to La Libertad if you want a real town feel.
El Tunco 4 vetted hotels The surf village epicenter. loud, fun, and very convenient.
The surf village epicenter. loud, fun, and very convenient.
El Tunco is the beating heart of this stretch of coast. Calle Principal runs from Carretera El Litoral down to Boca del Rio, and everything you need is along or just off this one road. Surf shops, taquerías, hostels, and bars are packed into about 400 meters.
The beach itself is black sand volcanic, which looks dramatic but heats up fast in the afternoon sun. The right-hand point break at Boca del Rio works best at mid-tide. Beginners can rent boards for $10-15/hour from the shops on Calle Principal.
Stay here if you want to be in the center of things and walk everywhere. If you need quiet nights, push to El Sunzal or El Zonte instead. The noise from La Bocana bar carries further than you'd expect.
El Sunzal 2 vetted hotels Quieter, classier, and sitting above a world-class point break.
Quieter, classier, and sitting above a world-class point break.
El Sunzal is the upgrade option, no question. It's 2 km west of El Tunco on the CA-2, and you'll notice the drop in noise immediately. The Roca Sunzal rock formation anchors the point break here, and it's a genuinely better wave than El Tunco for surfers with some experience.
Hotel Roca Sunzal, right above Playa El Sunzal, is the standout accommodation on this entire coast. At $120-180/night with a rating of 8.9, it justifies the price. El Sunzal Beach Hotel on Carretera El Litoral is the other option here, running $140-200/night.
The area has a handful of restaurants and one or two bars, but no real nightlife strip. That's the point. Come to El Sunzal to surf, eat well, and sleep properly.
La Libertad 2 vetted hotels A real working port town with the most consistent swell access on the coast.
A real working port town with the most consistent swell access on the coast.
La Libertad is not a polished resort destination and doesn't pretend to be. The port area around the Muelle de La Libertad is gritty and alive, with the fish market operating from 5am and the best ceviche on the coast available for under $5. This is where locals eat.
La Libertad Surf Club Hotel sits in the La Libertad Port Area and runs $130-190/night, rated 8.4. It's more popular than its rating alone suggests because the location puts you close to both the port action and several surfable breaks including Punta Roca, one of El Salvador's most famous right-hand point breaks.
Aloft El Salvador near Costa del Sol Access Road is the luxury outlier here at $290-420/night and a 9.1 rating. It's a modern full-service hotel, not a surf shack, and it prices accordingly. Worth it if you want hotel-hotel comfort with coastal access.
El Zonte & Sonsonate 2 vetted hotels The quieter end of the coast, for surfers and families who want space.
The quieter end of the coast, for surfers and families who want space.
El Zonte sits about 8 km west of El Tunco along the CA-2, and Playa El Zonte is significantly less crowded than the main strip. The community here made international news as the original Bitcoin Beach, and there's a low-key creative energy to the place. Surf Ranch Hotel is the anchor accommodation, running $150-210/night.
Further northwest, Playa Salinitas in Sonsonate is where Decameron Salinitas operates. It's an all-inclusive resort at $260-380/night, rated 8.8, and it targets families and groups rather than solo surfers. The beach at Salinitas is calmer and better for children.
These two areas don't really connect culturally, but they share the 'away from the El Tunco crowds' appeal. El Zonte is for people who've done El Tunco before. Salinitas is for people who don't want to do El Tunco at all.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of El Tunco.
Romantic
El Zonte's Playa El Zonte is the pick here. Surf Ranch Hotel has the isolation and Pacific sunsets without the El Tunco bar noise just up the road.
Culture
La Libertad port area gives you the real El Salvador. The fish market off Calle 2 Poniente and Muelle de La Libertad are operating from before sunrise every day, and it's genuinely fascinating.
Family
Hotel Pasatiempo on El Tunco Main Road is the family call, with a pool and a calmer position away from the late-night beach bars. Decameron Salinitas at Playa Salinitas works for families wanting all-inclusive.
Budget
El Tunco Village around La Guitarra Hostel and Calle Principal is where your money stretches furthest. You're 5 minutes walk from the beach and paying $55-90/night.
Beach
Playa El Tunco at the Boca del Rio end is the classic beach base. Tekuani Kal Hotel sits directly on the sand with under 2 minutes to the water.
Foodie
La Libertad's central market area and the fish stalls near the pier are non-negotiable. Ceviche, fresh mariscos, and pupusas at prices you won't find in San Salvador.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit El Tunco
When to visit El Tunco and what to pay.
Dry Season (Nov-Apr)
This is the main season and the reason people plan trips around it. Offshore winds clean up the surf at El Sunzal and El Tunco from November through February, with temps sitting comfortably at 28-33°C. December and Semana Santa (March or April) are the two biggest spikes, with beachfront rooms on Playa El Tunco hitting $200+ and selling out weeks in advance.
Shoulder Season (Oct-Nov)
Late October into November is the sweet spot that most visitors miss. The rainy season is winding down, the surf is pumping with south and southwest swells, and hotels on the El Tunco strip are running $40-60 below peak prices. Temperatures stay at 27-31°C and afternoon showers become less frequent by mid-November.
Rainy Season (May-Sep)
Rainy season brings daily afternoon downpours and onshore winds that make the surf messy. It's not unpleasant. mornings at Playa El Tunco are often clear and warm at 26-30°C, and the entire coast is far less crowded. Budget options like Mopelia Hostel drop to $45-60/night. But if surf quality is your priority, this isn't the time.
Transition (Sep-Oct)
September and October bring the tail end of hurricane season across the broader region, which can generate excellent long-period south swells reaching Playa El Sunzal and El Zonte. Rain is still frequent but becoming patchier. Hotels are quiet and negotiable, with mid-range options on El Tunco Main Road often open to direct booking discounts of 15-20%.
Booking Tips for El Tunco
Insider tips for booking hotels in El Tunco.
Book Semana Santa 6 weeks out. not 6 days
Holy Week turns the El Tunco strip into gridlock. Every vetted hotel from Playa El Tunco to El Sunzal fills by late February. If you're arriving during Semana Santa and haven't booked, expect to end up 20 km away in La Libertad or paying walk-in premiums of 50%+ on Calle Principal.
Use mototaxis for short hops, the 192 bus for the coast run
Mototaxis between El Tunco Village and the beach cost $1-2 and take 5 minutes. For the run west along the CA-2 to El Sunzal, El Zonte, or east to La Libertad, the 192 coastal microbus is under $0.50. Avoid private taxis on the main strip. they'll quote $10-15 for a $3 ride if you don't ask the price first.
'Beachfront' on Carretera El Litoral often means highway-front
The CA-2 (Carretera El Litoral) runs along the coast but sits above the beach, separated by a drop and sometimes a wall. Some hotels list themselves as beachfront when you'd cross a highway and walk 8-12 minutes to reach the water. Check Google Maps satellite view before you book anything that claims beach access in El Sunzal or between El Tunco and El Zonte.
Bring cash for El Zonte. and Bitcoin is actually accepted there
El Zonte is cash-light by design. The area around Playa El Zonte pioneered Bitcoin adoption in El Salvador, and restaurants like El Bitcoin Beach Cafe genuinely accept it. But ATMs are nonexistent in El Zonte itself. Withdraw cash at the BAC Credomatic in La Libertad before heading west, and carry $50-100 in small bills.
The fish market at La Libertad is worth the early morning trip
The market near Muelle de La Libertad runs from around 5am and is the best food experience on this coast for under $10. Ceviche, fresh snapper, and shrimp plates cost $4-8. It winds down by 10am. If you're based in El Tunco, take a $4 mototaxi east along the CA-2 and go before breakfast.
Weekend pricing on the El Tunco strip is 20-35% higher
Friday and Saturday nights at hotels on Calle Principal and Playa El Tunco run noticeably more than Sunday through Thursday. If your dates are flexible, arriving Sunday and leaving before Friday saves real money. La Guitarra Hostel and Mopelia both apply weekend surcharges, and Tekuani Kal is often sold out on Saturdays by Wednesday.
Hotels in El Tunco — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in El Tunco.
What's the best area to stay in El Tunco for first-timers?
Stay on or just off the main drag in El Tunco Village, within 5 minutes walk of Boca del Rio and the black sand beach. You'll have La Bocana bar, Estabar, and the taco spots on Calle Principal right there. Tekuani Kal Hotel sits directly on Playa El Tunco and is the easiest call for a first visit. If that's out of budget, La Guitarra Hostel in El Tunco Village gets you close for $55-90/night.
Is El Tunco safe for solo travelers?
Yes, within the surf zone. The beach strip between La Bocana and Boca del Rio El Tunco is well-trafficked day and night. Avoid walking alone after midnight on Carretera El Litoral heading toward La Libertad port, and skip the side streets north of the CA-2 highway. Most hotels and hostels here lock up at night and will call you a trusted mototaxi for around $2-3.
How far is El Tunco from San Salvador?
About 45 km, which sounds short but take 60-90 minutes in traffic, especially on Friday afternoons when the entire city heads to the coast. The 102 bus from Terminal del Sur in San Salvador runs to La Libertad for under $1, then a mototaxi covers the last 5 km to El Tunco for $2-4. Taxis from San Salvador run $25-40 depending on the driver.
When is the best time to visit El Tunco?
November through April is dry season and the most comfortable stretch, with temps around 28-32°C and offshore winds that make the surf cleaner. December and Easter week (Semana Santa) are the busiest and most expensive periods. Hotel prices on the El Tunco strip can jump 40-60% during Semana Santa. If you want good surf without the crowds, late October to November is the sweet spot.
What's the difference between El Tunco and El Sunzal?
El Tunco is louder, younger, and cheaper, with bars and hostels packed into a few streets around Calle Principal and the river mouth. El Sunzal, about 2 km west on the CA-2, is quieter and more polished, with Hotel Roca Sunzal sitting right above the point break. You'll pay more at El Sunzal but get better sleep and a stronger surf spot. El Sunzal suits intermediate to advanced surfers; El Tunco is more forgiving for beginners.
Are there good budget hotels in El Tunco?
Two solid options: Mopelia Hostel & Hotel near El Tunco Beach from $45-75/night, and La Guitarra Hostel in El Tunco Village from $55-90/night. Both are within 10 minutes walk of Playa El Tunco. La Guitarra edges it for value because you get a pool and the social setup is better for meeting other travelers.
Is El Tunco good for families with young kids?
It can work, but the main El Tunco beach has a strong shore break that's rough for small kids. Hotel Pasatiempo on El Tunco Main Road is the clearest family pick, rated 8.7 and ranging $175-230/night, with a pool and calmer setup away from the bar strip. Alternatively, Decameron Salinitas at Playa Salinitas is a full all-inclusive resort about 40 km northwest, purpose-built for families at $260-380/night.
Can you walk between El Tunco and El Sunzal?
Technically yes, but we wouldn't recommend it. The CA-2 highway between them has no proper shoulder and trucks move fast. It's about 2 km, roughly 25-30 minutes on foot with traffic stress the whole way. Take a mototaxi for $2-3 or flag down the 192 microbus that runs the coastal route.
What's the surf like at El Tunco and which hotels are closest to the break?
El Tunco has a right-hand point break off the black rock at Boca del Rio, best at mid tide with a south swell. It's beginner-friendly and gets crowded on weekends with surfers from San Salvador. Tekuani Kal Hotel on Playa El Tunco is literally beachfront, under 2 minutes from the water. For the better break at El Sunzal point, Hotel Roca Sunzal is positioned directly above it.
Do I need a car to get around El Tunco?
No. Mototaxis cover El Tunco Village to El Tunco Beach in 5 minutes for $1-2. For longer hops to La Libertad port or El Zonte, the 192 coastal microbus is cheap at under $0.50. If you want to explore Playa San Diego or Playa Mizata further west, renting a car or booking a private driver for around $40-60/day makes more sense than waiting for buses.
What are the best luxury hotels near El Tunco?
Aloft El Salvador near Costa del Sol Access Road tops the ratings at 9.1 and runs $290-420/night. Hotel Roca Sunzal at Playa El Sunzal is the more atmospheric choice at $120-180/night, with direct access to one of the best surf points on the coast. Decameron Salinitas at Playa Salinitas fills the all-inclusive niche at $260-380/night. All three are within 45 minutes of El Tunco by car.
What should I avoid when booking a hotel in El Tunco?
Watch out for 'beachfront' listings on Carretera El Litoral (CA-2) that are actually separated from the sand by the highway and a 10-minute walk. We've seen this mistake hundreds of times. Also avoid anything in the cluster of budget guesthouses north of the river near El Tunco Village without checking recent reviews, as quality varies sharply. Book direct or through a vetted source for the El Tunco Main Road strip during Semana Santa, when walk-in rates can be 50% above online prices.