Hotel Casa Vieja — Hotel in Santa Marta

At first glance I thought that this hotel was a total disaster and very overpriced. Until I had a chance to see other hotels/hostels of this price range. So although it has a lot of disadvantages it’s a good choice in that city.||As for hotel: room was clean, but in the shower I’ve met a cockroach. Room was on the second floor: 207. Do not take it. It is very close to some water-pumping system, and the noise is like 20-30 minutes every hour that I wasn’t even able to hear my voice. This noise is audible from all over the hotel but in the rooms in a far conner is much more so take rooms closer to staircase if it’s possible. Room had ceiling van and TV. Toilet paper, soap and towel were provided. Bed is good and clean. Shower is awful. It has some malfunction in drain system. So when you take a shower the water is over your ankle which is disgusting. Wi-Fi in the room is OK although it could’ve been faster. The room for one person was 36000 COP (October 2013). ||They have a small restaurant on the first floor. The food (at least vegetarian options) are tasty enough. And stuff is friendly...

I liked: I´ve got a rather small room that was in general ok, though I think some easy improvements could be made to its condition. The hotel offers two or three options of a good, tasty breakfast; the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, too. Great location in historic downtown, steps away of restaurants, bars and the beach. Easy to take public buses to get to Taganga, El Rodadero, and other areas of the city; public buses also available to the airport and to the local bus station. ||I did not like: The noise caused by the air conditioned unit next room; terrible at night! The windows of the room / bathroom had no nets to avoid mosquitos entering the room. Prices in neighboring grocery shops tend to be higher than...

It's an old place, sure. The staff were very helpful and friendly once my face was known and the location is good. The air was cold, the wifi is fast and there are several decent restaurants within 100 yards. I made a habit of taking breakfast there, walking to the marina to go diving with Kimera dive tours then getting lunch at "Esquina Paisa" for 6500 pesos (menu el dia). I think a couple could get out of a week in Santa Marta inc room and all meals for $750 which is a steal. so long as you aren't expecting white glove service. My wife and daughter weren't thrilled I'll admit but with the budget we had, it was fine, I spent a lot more on diving than the hotel, which...