How old was the lady giving you this feedback??
I feel she’s misleading and ummm I’d take that all with a grain of salt!
And yes hermosa is a much bigger compliment than bonita…hermosa is VERY pretty.
Bonita is just like a “regular pretty”…

In Venezuela—men told women ALL the time that they were hermosa and bonita… (where I grew up)

Here in Mexico—men have said the same to me and I had a guest from Nigeria visit and a Mexican man came from no where just to tell her: she was so beautiful ….

So if a Mexican would feel comfortable coming to a foreigner—why would an American not be able to tell a Mexican lady beautiful?….

Plus—Latins typically understand foreigners may not say things appropriately so they are even more forgiving!

They are going to be more offended at the locals before a foreigner—in my opinion! ;-)

Just my .02🤪