But outside these few hotels, beware of ads that picture jaguars, toucans, and tropical flowers. In the case of the Santo Tomas, it is paradise once you are inside their property. The rooms are so nice that you quickly forget the situation outside. But if you are picky about the immediate environment, double-check this factor in advance. Economy hotels and especially out in the country, may even have sponge instead of an actual mattress.
Pillows are even worse.
Even when freshly washed various remnants may be noticeable. Even in expensive restaurants, if you check every table cloth in the restaurant, you will almost certainly find one or more with burn holes. Just accept this as part of local atmosphere. Fortunately few people actually smoke, far less than in Europe, so cancerous smoke is not usually an issue. At least half the hotel swimming pools were not clean enough to be inviting.