For my overnight in Santa Marta I chose the #1 ranked hotel in the city according to Tripadvisor. Casa de Isabella is a small boutique hotel that focuses on customer service and an elevated experience.

Highlights

• Charming boutique property in a renovated colonial building.
• Accommodating and helpful staff.
• Functional rooms with high end electronics like Apple TV and iPads.
• Central location in Santa Marta in walking distance to most areas.

Experience

We first stopped into the hotel to drop off our luggage for our visit to Tayrona National Park. Many hotels offer a service of holding luggage as did Casa de Isabella.

The reception staff was very friendly and after checking my reservation, took and labeled all our luggage. He also gave us directions to the supermarket and arranged a taxi.

The next day, I checked in and was shown the room. The staff also gave us a map to show us how to reach the tourist sites of Santa Marta. Then the reception arranged another taxi to take me to the airport the next morning.

I also had breakfast at the restaurant which had tasty local food and proper waiter service.

Location

In the heart of Santa Marta, the hotel is near the water and in walking distance of the main restaurant street, shopping area and cathedral.

Taxis and buses to Tayrona are also easily accessible.

Service

Our interface with all of the staff was very positive. They were accommodating in all sorts of ways and very knowledgeable of the area and on topics that would interest visitors.

Room

I stayed in “Suite 10” on the top floor. The highlight of the room was the private terrace on the top floor with a lounge area and small pool. When the sun set, the sky turned pink while birds snuck a drink from your pool.

The bedroom was very comfortable with a seating area next to a king sized bed with a mosquito net.

The room was fully equipped with Apple TV and high speed internet, which is a rarity. You could also request an iPad to use during your stay.

The bathroom was small but had a great shower with good water pressure.

Activities

• Tours: Visit around Santa Marta or take a trip to Park Tayrona. The hotel can help arrange both.
• Pool: If you are not staying in the suite on the top floor, take a dip into the pool on the second floor next to the dining area.
• Movies: The hotel offers a wide range of movies for free, so if Colombia television is getting boring, catch up on that movie you always wanted to see.

Dining

The hotel restaurant is on the second floor. The made to order breakfast is served here in the open air seating. Try the local arepa with eggs!

They also offer other meals.

Professional waitstaff will attend to your order.

Summary

After a visit to Santa Marta, it is easy to see how Casa de Isabella is ranked as the top hotel. The service and property create a complete experience of Colombian hospitality in a location that can’t be beat.

I would without a doubt recommend this property to those that can get a reservation.

Contact
Casa de Isabella
Website: http://www.kalihotels.com/en/hotel-casa-de-isabella
Address: Carrera 2da #19-20 El Centro, Santa Marta, Colombia
Phone: +57(5) 431-2082