Rosario de Mar Ecohotel

Premises: The hotel is surrounded by a smelly landfill full of garbage which attracts stray dogs who enter the property and poop on the beach. I counted 7 poops on the beach and on the restaurant terrace. Staff: very unfriendly and inefficient (especially the young woman at reception and the male waiters). Rooms: no cupboards in the rooms, impossible to hang clothes, no warm water, bugs everywhere Catering: 80% of the menu is not available. Colombia is the land of coffee and tropical fruits, but at breakfast they only serve cheap instant coffee… and there is no fruit! The cutlery, plates and cups are dirty. The tables are not cleared until several hours after meals, which attracts hungry birds who spread their leftover food everywhere. Beach: No protection from the sun (except a few palm trees), loud music and dogs taking over your places and being masters of the place. A French woman was frightened by 3 dogs who were barking aggressively and baring their teeth as they walked on the beach. Transport once a day by a small speed boat (1hour journey: 8am to the island and 2:30 pm from the island). Since boat is open and it was raining, we arrived totally soaked and had to wait until 3pm to get the room (after begging we received a towel to dry ourselves and changed clothes in the toilets). Since breakfast is between 7 and 9am, it is not even possible to get a coffee or drinks upon arrival and you need to wait until lunch. We decided to leave the next day (although we had booked for 3 nights) and go back to Cartagena. Eventually we were happy to spend another couple of days in Cartagena.

Rosario de mar Ecohotel was the highlight of my trip to Colombia! Once we were on the boat from Cartagena, we could feel our troubles melt away. On arrival, we enjoyed both beaches which are located on a point of the Isla Grande, and drinks were brought to us. We had room 202, which has a fantastic view and an excellent air conditioner that cooled the room down quickly when we returned briefly or to sleep. Everyone working at Rosario de mar were knowledgeable about activities and the menu at the restaurant and the food was very delicious! I can't give more than 5 stars but I would if I could!

I only give it 4 stars due to one factor, transportation is badly organised! Otherwise it definitely would be a five star rating. It really is a paradise hotel, and everyone is so helpful and friendly. The food is good and reasonably priced. I just felt they charged too much for the water. The management needs to take full responsibility for guests getting to and from their hotel.