Villas de San Sebastián

The pool was broken in two places and had sharp, dangerous spots. We booked an 80m2 suite, then were told the 27m2 suite they moved us to was an “upgrade,” as if we wouldn't notice the difference. They said septic issues were the reason, and it seemed to affect all the rooms. Whenever someone flushed a toilet on the property, our room smelled like other people's feces. It was so bad that aside from sleeping, we stayed away during the day. The shower gave hot water for 30 seconds every 10 minutes, and it was hotter than fresh coffee. It burned our skin. The service was dry, breakfast was a 5mil barrio breakfast, and the coffee was sugar water. For the same price, you could stay just about anywhere else in Colombia. This isn't a pleasant place or a good weekend getaway. They'll probably think this one-star review is because they charged us for a service that was their problem to handle, but there was plenty else wrong. It might be a great place at half the price, if everything weren't broken, old, or decaying.

We had a comfortable, nicely decorated junior suite with a huge balcony, and breakfast was simple but delicious. The staff were helpful, and security around the property was excellent. It's a beautiful place set among lush gardens, with a large swimming pool. Our room was quite noisy, though, because it was near a busy road.

The room had a urine smell when shut up, and we could only reduce it by opening the doors and turning off the air conditioning. Pool and jacuzzi service ended at 8 pm, which felt early. The early departure “traveler's breakfast” was supposed to include juice, a ham and cheese sandwich, and cut fruit, but the fruit was missing, and there was no convenient way to pack the breakfast. The scenery and greenery are beautiful, and the pool and jacuzzi area is inviting, with music in the background. It feels private and exclusive, especially when occupancy is low. We heard crickets and capuchin monkeys and saw lizards. The busy road next door does bring some street noise. Our Junior Suite had a rustic cabin-like feel, a comfortable California King bed, and another single bed. The staff were few but generally helpful. They assisted with our luggage and quickly arranged a taxi for the airport, though we sometimes had to buzz to get their attention, which made communication difficult. The suite wasn't properly cleaned when we arrived: the mirror and shower were wet. There was no sliding shower door, so the bathroom floor stayed soaked, and the water heater didn't work. My in-room order with beans was misunderstood and the meal was disappointing. There were several chicken dishes on the menu, but no chicken was available, which limited our choices. The dishes we did get were well prepared and tasty. I stayed in early July, and it was a mix of great moments and letdowns. The natural setting is the strongest thing about this hotel, but service and maintenance need attention. Given the price compared with nearby competitors, the service should match the look of the place. Set your expectations accordingly and bring mosquito repellent. 3/5.

We were accused by the staff of lying and charged for services we never used. The audacity was remarkable. I won't return or recommend this place to anyone. Stay away unless you like being robbed.