globe-trotter,
The Sos?a Bay Resort is an excellent hotel. It is definitely one of the best in all of Sos?a. It is right on the bay with incredible views. It has two large pools and a separate jacuzzi area, a fully-equipped gymnasium, two indoor squash courts, a casino and the "after-one" late night disco on the hotel grounds. Things are slow right now so only the buffet restaurant is open. But the food is decent and all of the all-inclusive bars are open till 11:00 P.M. They only have wi-fi available in the lobby and the terrace and bar next to the lobby.
The Sos?a Bay Resort is not two hotels. It is all one hotel with several different "all-inclusive'" and "room-only" options available. There are three different building complexes on the grounds. The Sos?a Beach Hotel is the "guest-friendly" section of the hotel, the Sos?a Bay Hotel is the main "all-inclusive" section and The Victorian House is a more up-scale building, with larger rooms, some with jacuzzis and two two-bedroom duplex penthouses.
As far as the side entrance is concerned this is for access directly from the beach. It was originally a separate entrance for the Sos?a Beach Hotel but they no longer have that policy. The front main-entrance is open 24 hours and available to all guests. Guests staying at the Sos?a Beach Hotel are sometimes sent to the beach-side reception to check in but you enter from within the hotel. You will always have access through the front entrance.
There is absolutely no problem with bringing in "guests" through the front entrance. You just have to register the guest at the reception desk. If you are paying for the "guest-friendly" section you just pay $50 or $60 (ocean view) for the room and the guest stays for free. If you are staying in any of the all-inclusive rooms they charge $50 per night per guest. Again, no problem, just register at the front desk.
There are plenty of good restaurants and bars within walking distance. The hotel grounds are at the start of the main street of Sos?a (Pedro Clisante) so everything is pretty much within walking distance.
Hope you enjoy your stay in Sos?a.
V.