Hotel Mastranto

Really good.

There are lots of birds around, which makes the area relaxing, and the rooms are spacious with air conditioning that works well. The natural pool was dry during the summer, though, and the playground felt dated. We stayed on the night of the 31st, and it fell short of what I expected. The hamlet lost power at 6:00 pm, and only the kiosk had solar power. As a result, the dinner I’d paid for came with just salad, a meat roll, and rice, despite the menu also listing yucca puree and chicken medallions. I’d also paid for a pitcher of juice, but since they couldn’t use a blender, they brought prepared panela lemonade instead. The menu priced that at half the cost, but they didn’t adjust what I was charged. The breakfast included in the rate was just a small arepa, eggs, and hot chocolate. Extra broth costs 19,000 pesos, which is exorbitant for a cup. Llanera-style beef has to be ordered a day ahead, with a six-plate minimum, and the portions are small for the high prices. The hotel is in the Apiay hamlet, one of the last ones there. The gentleman on night duty was attentive, as was Danna Valentina, one of the cleaning ladies. She was always helpful and smiling. At checkout they only told me I had a balance for a soda. Nobody asked how the stay was. Zero customer service.

The pool is good, and there’s plenty of space, plus a five-a-side football pitch and a beach volleyball court. The food was decent for what it cost. The rooms, though, were a letdown: hard beds with plastic mattresses and a shower curtain in the bathroom. I get that it’s a country-style place, but those things could be improved.

We came for a day out and had a wonderful time. The hotel felt lovely and safe, with a beautiful pool, green areas, and a river where you can swim.