Hotel Cocoliso Resort

We welcomed the New Year hungry, despite paying 550,000 COP each for the event. The main course didn’t arrive until 11:30 PM, and nobody at our table ate the food. It was inedible. The evening was meant to begin at 8:00 PM, but the service was disorganized from the start. Hours went by without anyone telling us what was happening. Between the long waits, chaotic service, and awful food, the night was a huge disappointment, especially at that price. I’ve traveled extensively and rarely leave a negative review, but this was bad enough that I feel people should be warned. I’d strongly advise against celebrating a special occasion here. Update January 17: The public response offered a refund, but I still haven’t received a reply or any money back.

The only reason I gave this three stars for location was the illuminating plankton. I’d advise staying in Cartagena and taking a day trip instead. Places on playa Libre are much better, and we paid a lot for very little beyond breakfast. We arrived at 9am, then had to wait until 3 to get into our room, even though there weren’t many people on the island. Food and drinks cost so much they ended up costing more than the stay, yet lots of options weren’t available. I picked three meals before being told they were available, and the portions were tiny. When we asked reception for a towel, the resort didn’t have even one for my friends and me. Embarrassing. Staff seemed all over the place. I waited at reception five or six different times during the trip just to reach anyone. The room’s water pressure sucked, and the bathroom was so hot it felt like torture. Really disappointed with this resort.

The location on Isla Grande is idyllic, and we had three wonderful days by the big pool with its swim-up bars. Our accommodation was very large, there was a great cocktail selection, and the resort had plenty of well-organized activities. We also had a great snorkeling day with Arlen, the guide they recommended. They’re renovating some rooms and building an outdoor gym right now, so I’m confident the place will be even more beautiful in the future.

Service was the worst part. Every food or drink order took at least an hour, and they still managed to get every one wrong. We also couldn’t check in until two hours after check-in time, and the room we got had only been half cleaned. The rooms were sort of clean, and maybe the location looked good twenty years ago, but they don’t seem to maintain it. The staff in general didn’t seem to like having guests 🤷🏽‍♂️