Estelar Santamar Hotel & Centro De Convenciones

I wish that my room wasn’t ready upon check-in because then I would have seen the rest of the property first. First the (really) bad: The rooms are terrible. The out-dated decor only worsens the condition: leaking a/c, filthy furniture, and lack of amenities (no iron, board, fridge was frozen, mosquitos every where). It’s basically four white walls, no pictures, with dorm room furniture and hand-me-down equipment. I literally can find better furniture on craigslist. It felt like a typical American roadside Inn from the inside. Now the great: The two pools, the outdoor bar/restaurant, and beach area are pristine. After spending the day outside I wanted to write a stellar review but then I went to the room to shower and I was reminded of where I had to sleep. The Area: Is about 5 miles south of Santa Marta in a very private and quiet area. Its about 15-20 closer to Barranquilla/Cartagena if you are driving in from the southwest. Personally, I like that. I prefer a hotel with a good private beach away from the noise. You can easily travel to central for 15-20.000 pesos. In summation: If you want a four star beach and pool and don’t care about the room, stay here. However, if you place more emphasis on the room and are willing to pay a little more for a similar beach and pool area, find another hotel.

We are here now with the family, for one night before we head east. The hotel is in a reasonable location and only 5 km from the airport which suited us, as we arrived late. The beaches are not great, however it does front onto the beach, which is nice, with chairs and thatched areas available. The hotel is in dire need of renovations, you could say it is almost falling apart. We went to the restaurant last night and it was terrible. It has the prices of a first class restaurant, however is in bingo hall type area, with tables and chairs to suit. The carpet is many, and even the entrance door is falling off. The AC was good though. Food very average and when a plate of rice costs over 30,000 pesos, something is wrong. Give this hotel a miss unless you have some nostalgia for the 70s.

We had a rest with my family. Did not like the pools, dirty, the pool bar also leaves much to be desired. Beach slippers were stolen from me on the beach in front of the hotel. We liked the work of our maid Cady Roman. Thanks to her, our room was very clean.

This is a great property that I have been to 3 times - the rooms are basically right on the beach - it's very convenient to walk to two pools and the beach. I will definitely go back a fourth time. It's clean and the staff is great. Everyone is attentive - We visited Crystal Beach as well and it was a great day.

The photos online do not match the experience on the ground. The hotel is in a state of disrepair. Check in took over an hour and staff showed little concern. The hotel is far from town and is quite overpriced. Stay at a newer hotel. There are far better options.