Hotel El Prado

The pool is the standout amenity, and breakfast is great. Pizzeria El Prado is great too. The bellman, concierge, and cleaning team are really good. The hotel is old, and you have to call the front desk whenever you want the air-conditioning temperature changed because you can't adjust it in the room. Avoid C203. It's small and dark, the TV is off to the side of the bed, and there's no minibar or closet.

The pool area is amazing, and the hotel itself is gorgeous, with a lovely Caribbean, historic feel. The bar staff were better, though slow. At reception, the woman seemed in such a bad mood she couldn't manage a simple smile or a warm welcome. It's a shame, since the first person guests meet should make them feel welcome.

The poolside food was cold and forgettable, and the service felt reactive rather than attentive. My room was just fine, with sparse furniture, little character, and none of the polish I'd expect at this price. The hotel seems to be leaning on cosmetic updates to keep up an image, though it feels like it peaked about 20 years ago. Hospitality comes down to execution, and that was lacking. I also got charged local taxes even though I showed my American passport. That didn't seem to count as proof I lived abroad. The manager said they'd review it, but I never heard back. Two weeks later, I'm still waiting for a response about the VAT charged because I'm Colombian but live abroad. Apparently I'm in some “special status” category that disqualifies my residency for this hotel, even though it was accepted at every other hotel, including Faranda the week before. The policy seems selectively rigid. Maybe it's interpreted differently here, or applied when it benefits the property. Management's silence makes it feel like guest concerns are easier to ignore than resolve. For a hotel trading on its legacy, I expected something timeless, not tired. I'll be back for Carnaval in 2027, just not here. I'd spend my money somewhere else.

The gardens are spectacular, especially with the historic architecture. Friendly staff, a great pool, a good gym, and a good breakfast make this a place with everything you need for a great holiday. The rooms could use a proper shaving mirror.