Hotel Boutique Don Pepe

The hotel itself was incredible, beautifully furnished and impeccably clean. The rooms felt regal and comfortable, and the staff were amazing. Don Pepe was a fantastic stay, with great proximity to the beach and Parque de Los Novios. I can't give it five stars because of what happened outside. At check-in, while waiting for our luggage to be taken up, we asked if we could step out for a cigarette. The staff member was very friendly and said we could smoke on the street, just not to take our phone, and they'd let us back in. The blocks east of the hotel felt very dangerous. After leaving the front door, we couldn't get past a corner without being approached by microtraffickers, and we were even followed back from the same street the hotel is on. I wouldn't recommend it for solo travelers or families with children.

We stayed in the off-season, when there weren't many guests, and the attention from staff felt strange to us. At breakfast, kitchen and reception staff seemed to watch us eat. The first-floor pool is tucked between the kitchen and reception, so stepping out of your room means getting curious looks, which took away from the chance to relax. There's another pool upstairs by the spa, and we preferred that one. Breakfast prep right outside first-floor rooms can also wake light sleepers. The property itself is beautiful and well located. Maybe the attention would suit someone who likes a little spotlight, but it wasn't for us.

The rooms are spectacular, and their 500-year colonial history is a real delight in Santa Marta. The staff are one of a kind and made us feel at home throughout our stay. This is the best hotel I've stayed in in South America, and I look forward to coming back to this gem.

Don Pepe feels like a dream. It's intimate and just the right size, with divine rooms where every detail seems thoughtfully chosen. The staff are incredibly attentive, and the location puts the main sights in the town center close by. Highly recommend it.