Hotel Castillo Resort

The room looked nothing like the pictures and felt like a cage. The price might be okay in an emergency, but the windows had bars, the table looked one step from falling over, and the bathroom was tiny and old. It was hard to fit in there.

A good place to stay if you’re flying out of Santa Marta.

I loved the design, especially the industrial feel of the metal structure. The architect seems to have planned the spaces well, they’re comfortable and laid out nicely. There’s a garden around the terrace, with bridges leading to other areas. Fiorella at reception was warm, friendly and attentive, and the brunette who started the new Friday afternoon shift was lovely and attentive too, though I didn’t get her name. The other staff I saw didn’t even look up to greet guests. Still, the hotel itself was very good.

It’s near the airport and beach, but a long way from Santa Marta’s main areas. My room had no storage, an old TV and a bathroom without a door. Pool service was terrible. There are spaces around the property that seem abandoned, and I hope they find a much better use for them.