Aroma de Campo

We booked our room a month in advance.
***At that time they told us we did not need to put down a deposit to secure our booking. ***
Three days before our arrival on a Friday during the Christmas holiday they told us we must go to a bank and wire them a 50% non-refundable deposit. I offered to give them my credit card details for security as we were visiting with friends over the holiday weekend and it was not convenient for us to find a bank in the rural location where we were staying but that did not suit them. On Saturday, two days before our arrival during the busy holiday season they cancelled our booking leaving us stranded. They were more interested in securing their non refundable deposit than in honouring our reservation. Perhaps they had other people lined up?
A couple of things here — one, why would I even consider a non-refundable deposit before inspecting the accommodations? At least with a credit card the guest has some kind of security if things are not as advertised at the hotel.
Two, if a hotel insists on securing a deposit it seems only reasonable in this day and age for them to make arrangements to take credit cards. Asking potential guests to go to a bank in a foreign country with limited knowledge of the language to send them a deposit seems a bit beyond what should be necessary.
Three, If they were so insistent on securing a deposit why did they tell us when we first made the reservation that a deposit was not necessary?

This is a complete paradise, the finca/hotel is beautiful surrounded by nature, very relaxing.
Rooms are big and comfortable, hot water in showers.
Breakfast & lunch were delicious.
Juan Pablo madr us feel like home, very kind and attentive, always ready to pleased all our wishes.
We will come back!

Entering the hotel was a bit difficult as the map showed a different road but we finally made it to a bautiful country house. The entrance was beautifully surrounded by palm trees and on the top of the hill the house was awaiting colorful and full of blossomed plants, a friendly dog and a cute cat.
My first impression was “the pictures make it look better than it is”. A very nice woman came out to welcome us and very kindly showed us the rooms (we first looked for the hotel on different websites and weren’t sure on where to stay). We bargained for the price and found out they were asking for more money than the websites fares but in the end we came to a good deal and decided to stay.
The place is beautiful and looks like it will be great when it’s finished. The view is just mesmerizing. However, inside the room everything wasn’t entirely ok. The bathroom was too small for a 4 persons accommodation. One of the beds didn’t have any linen and the mattresses were to hard for sleeping. I really had a rough night and it just felt like I was sleeping on an old mattress.
Also, it feels like the hotel offers just what’s necessary but doesn’t go the extra mile. For a place where tap water isn't adequate for human consumption, bottled water or just a jar with mineral water would be an incredible plus.
Breakfast was delicious, it felt like home.