Botanico Hotel y Spa

Everything exceeded what I expected. The place was spotless, smelled fresh, and breakfast was really good.

The restaurant was the worst part of our stay and why I’m giving one star. We ordered ceviche, which we usually enjoy whenever it’s on a menu, but this version had an odd recipe with far too much oil and a sauce that didn’t taste like leche de tigre. The fish didn’t seem fresh. My husband wouldn’t eat his, though the waiter offered to replace it, and I ate some because I was very hungry. We declined the replacement because we didn’t want more of the same experience. They didn’t take either dish off the bill, and the next morning we both had intestinal trouble. Avoid the restaurant at all costs. The room itself was spacious and clean, the mattress was good, the air conditioning worked well, and coffee was complimentary. But there was no drinking water and no hot water in the shower. The windows didn’t close properly, so there was no soundproofing from the street. Reception had promised all rooms were soundproof, and I’m glad we insisted on a room at the back, though it was still right next to the gas station. The pool is tiny and not suitable for swimming. We couldn’t use the jacuzzi to relax either, since three men sat there with beers and talked loudly for hours.

We arrived from Medellin at 8:30 pm, exhausted, and they refused my American passport because it had no stamp. We don’t use stamps anymore, just facial identification. They need more training. I felt as though they thought I’d copied my passport, like a thief. I hate being treated that way. Maybe it was because I spoke Spanish to them. Americans, make sure you bring a stamped passport and extra ID if you stay here.

Thanks, guys! :)