Portales del Tayrona Garden Hotel

The room was clean and had everything I needed. I also really enjoyed the pool area, and the birds around the garden kept things lively. The staff were so helpful: they stored my luggage while I was at Tayrona park, arranged laundry, and helped me catch a bus from the hotel to Riohacha. I had a really nice stay.

I arrived late at night after a day of travel and had nowhere else to go, so I reluctantly accepted a room change on my own. The replacement room had hairs on the linens too, with tiny flies all over the bedding. The bathroom was an unfinished-looking outdoor shower with no roof, which I hadn't been told about and made me feel unsafe as a solo traveler. It was a very bad experience, and I was still charged full price for the night. The response saying I received a refund is unfair and incorrect. No refund was given. You only returned the money for the second night I had originally booked, since I couldn't stay at the hotel because it was unsanitary. Suggesting that the room change or that payment was a refund is terrible.

The pool and restaurant were both very good. Everyone was kind and helpful, and it was a great spot to unwind and enjoy the quiet.

The food was a real highlight, fresh and local. I ordered the fish, and I'm 73% sure it was swimming five minutes before it reached my plate. The staff were attentive, friendly, and always smiling, even while carrying trays of fresh coconuts. Set in lush Colombian forest near Tayrona National Park, the place feels wild but still has a little comfort. The rooms are open-air and rustic, like something from a Colombian fairytale. It's a jungle dream whether you're hiking Tayrona, chasing waterfalls, or just working on your tan, with enough luxury to keep you from joining a capuchin monkey tribe. Great location and amazing Colombian food. 10/10, I'd come back.