The Carmen Hotel - Ocean Front

Mina at the desk was great, and the spot is hard to beat, right on the beach and near a good stretch of 5th Ave for food and bars. We spent Christmas at the Carmen and would stay again if the price worked for us. The room was decent and nicely designed, though it could use some refurbishment. Traveling with a friend made the open bathroom setup awkward, with some shuffling around needed. I imagine it’s easier for couples. The shower pressure was good, and the smart TV and internet worked well. Since it’s a city hotel with city plumbing, toilet paper has to go in the trash. I understand why, but I still can’t get used to it.

We only had one day here, which was our main regret. The Caribbean Sea right outside our window was stunning to wake up to, and the sunsets were perfect. Everything felt thoughtfully cared for, including the in-room Nespresso machine, which made it easy to have a good coffee before breakfast. Breakfast had a great range of tasty choices. I’d read reviews suggesting otherwise, but we were able to pick one item from the menu. We also used the discount at the hotel restaurant, where the food was very good. Our room booking included a sunbed and towel in the hotel’s beach area, which was a nice extra. It was a lovely stay, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for luxury and relaxation.

The rooms look nice, and the location is good. It’s soundproof, so I slept well. I loved it the first time I stayed, but the second visit didn’t work as well for me. There’s no privacy when using the bathroom.

The beds were comfortable and the room was roomy, which are the only reasons I’d give it two stars. If you care about privacy and getting some quiet sleep, I wouldn’t stay here. Nightclubs are right next door, and there’s almost no sound insulation. The bathroom is basically two sliding clear doors, so there’s no privacy. You also have to carry your bags for three blocks because there’s no way to get them to the hotel.