Hotel Dorado Plaza Punta Arena

“nice hotel on an island”

this hotel had the food of a 4 star all inclusive resort unbelievable at the prices they charge.the rooms were excellent and the maid did a wonderful job cleaning.the chef was first class the beach was excellent nice beaches with restaurants next to the property.i highly recommend this hotel especi… more

this hotel had the food of a 4 star all inclusive resort unbelievable at the prices they charge.the rooms were excellent and the maid did a wonderful job cleaning.the chef was first class the beach was excellent nice beaches with restaurants next to the property.i highly recommend this hotel especially at the prices.they o however need to put in more internet services.it only works near the reception

less

“Quiet, peaceful, relaxing hotel on the beach. Gorgeous spacious rooms and friendly service.”

I had read some very negative reviews of this hotel and was rather worried and apprehensive about my stay. My first concern was that some guests appear to have had an issue with the transfer from the mainland to the island, which involves going to the Hotel Dorada in Bocagrande. However, I am glad … more

I had read some very negative reviews of this hotel and was rather worried and apprehensive about my stay. My first concern was that some guests appear to have had an issue with the transfer from the mainland to the island, which involves going to the Hotel Dorada in Bocagrande. However, I am glad to say that I had few problems here. I think I did have to pay an additional charge for this but it wasn’t much. The girls on reception didn’t speak any English, which is the case throughout the city but I always like to make an effort to speak the language of a country I am visiting, so I didn’t mind this too much. I had just missed the 8am boat trip, so had to wait until the 4pm one but it gave me chance to explore this beautiful city. The hotel on the island is set right on the beach, and whilst it is true, as others have commented, that there is building work going on around the hotel and there is litter on the beach nearby, the beach in front of the hotel is well maintained and the view of the Bocagrande skyline is amazing. On the subject of the locality, this is a populated island and people are building and maintaining their own houses. I hear it said that the beaches of Cartagena are too dirty to swim in but I did not find this back on the mainland and whilst the water off the coast of Isla Tierra Bomba is not crystal clear, it is calm and I was able to swim long distances every day. My room itself was very spacious, charming and beautiful. The air-conditioning worked perfectly and only on odd occasions first thing in the morning was it not possible to use to use the WiFi. Another thing I have read about the hotel is that there is no choice of food and that it unappetising. I stayed for 4 days and was only given the same breakfast once. I found breakfast particularly enjoyable, always with a huge plate of different varieties of fruit and juice I have never had before, to accompany the eggs, sandwiches, potatoes or whatever else I was given. I do not like fish and when I told the staff, they ensured I never had this for lunch or dinner. I would stay that for a couple of the dinners, the meat was a bit tough but I cannot complain too much. The staff here could not be more friendly, with the receptionist during the day speaking English and the innumerable gardeners, cleaners, beach and pool attendants always greeting you with a cheery smile. I was there out of season when I was one of the only guests, so there was not much for me to do at night but I was there to relax so it was perfect for me. I was there during a quiet period and I think that there would be a lot more to do in higher season. One of the highlights of my trip was when a large group of girls came over from the mainland for a day’s partying, so I think the hotel has an entertainment staff that organises parties on the beach. I would say this hotel is perfect if you are on your own and want a break or if you want a couple of nights' romantic getaway. There is not much you can do on the island except relax on the beach. This was a perfect start to my trip to Colombia, after which I returned to mainland to enjoy the Old Town and the beach life of Bocagrande. It is one of the cheapest hotels you can find, so for the money I could not complain.

less