Estelar Playa Manzanillo: Relaxing resort

The Occidental provides a relaxing stay in the sun. A great beach, with the opportunity to have long walks. The service is good, as is the food. The shuttle to Cartagena is excellent. The majority of quests are Colombians, and it makes for a nice ambience. The staff has sufficient English to serve non-Spanish speakers. Overall, a great place.

Estelar Playa Manzanillo: WARNING!!!!!!

Great pictures.....BAD idea. The staff are rude and incompetent. The rooms are definitely not as advertised. Most services have been sourced out to independent companies. The concierge service is actually a salesman for timeshares. Two people in our group contracted food poisoning or bacterial infection. This I realize is normal n Punta Cana but instead of fixing the problem they have managed to build a business on it. If you go to the Doctor for medication you are put into the system. Ambulance [... read more] to private hospital. Any number of tests, ultra sound and a recommendation to stay forr observation. Why? $$$$$$$ $1260.00 later for our little visit. We refused to sign papers that were all in Spanish so they let us go with just the medication they could have given us originally at the resort clinic. I don't usually complain but felt that I should warn people that this hotel is not where you want to go.

Las Americas Resort & Convention Centre: loved it!

very clean, friendly staff, staff who couldn't speak English tried to find someone who could, pools are kept very clean, beach is public and we didn't use. Food on buffet was same all the time but other restaurant was off the menu

Las Americas Resort & Convention Centre: Wonderful Resort & City!

Las Americas Resort & Spa Casa De Playa was absolutely amazing. Bright, clean, comfortable rooms. In-room safe included and easy to use with English instructions. ALL of the staff were wonderful, and would go out of their way to help! All staff spoke English quite well. Food and drinks were great! BBQ for lunch daily was amazing. Great for both couples and families. Beach is a little rougher water, more for walking or sitting on, but there were those who swam. Emerald Centre on site with great ( [... read more]and negotiable) prices! Make sure that you venture into the city! My6 year old daughter and I took a cab into the old city for 12,000 Colombia Pesos ($6US), and is it COMPLETELY safe! We would recommend and will definitely be returning again! Be prepared to leave a piece of your heart in Colombia! You'll fall in love!

Las Americas Resort & Convention Centre: Amazing city and great location

The hotel was in a great location. About $10USD to get to downtown and 5 minutes from the airport. Being a newer all-inclusive area, they are still figuring things out. The bars close early and there is no night-time entertainment. The beach wasn't well maintained and lots of locals trying to sell you things (more than usual). Both pools at the resort were awesome and both had pool bars. The convention centre, the newer hotel, was nice, however nothing there was included in our package. Food was [... read more] decent, but a lot of the same thing. Service was so-so. It was different than any other resort in the Caribbean I have stayed, as it was not entirely all inclusive. However, it was clean, safe and the price was right! Cartagena is an amazing city and there is lot's to do off the resort.

Las Americas Resort & Convention Centre: Amazing Resort

everything in this hotel is great rooms are very clean staff very friendly right on the beach, beach is clean very long beach you can walk for hours close to the airport very close to old Cartagena cabs are cheap

Las Americas Resort & Convention Centre: Not for those seeking peace and quiet

Food, accommodation, beach, staff - all fine. However, the hotel/convention centre had to have a carnival atmosphere every single minute of the day and well into the night. We had to move to another room one night in order to get some sleep from the performance taking place right outside our room. We simply could not get one solid night of sleep or quiet time during the day. A warning to others seeking some rest.

Estelar Playa Manzanillo: Lovely property & Friendly Staff = Fantastic Vaca!

This property is clean, well-manicured & very safe. All amenities are a short walk from your room. The rooms are spotless, the beds are a little hard, but there are a lot of pillows to make up for that. We had a few minor hiccups (safe was broken, patio door wouldn't lock) as soon as we notified the front desk, we had the issues corrected within 15 minutes. I would say that 95% of the staff we spoke to, did speak English. However trying a little Spanish did go a long way. I even got a Spanish le [... read more]sson or two...which helped! There are 3 a la carte restaurants & 1 buffet at this hotel. I was blown away at how good the food was at the buffet, there was a lot of selection & the staff worked hard at replenishing any items that were getting low. Also, if there is a piece of fruit or something you don't see, the staff always tries to accommodate & get it for you. We attended 2 of the 3 a la carts (The Grill & Nativo). Both had a large selection on the menus, with a salad bar to start. One night (Thursday) there was a "GALA" dinner around the main pool, with a variety of different food stations set-up. During dinner there was live music & dancers. It was a great night! There are 3 bars on this property, the quite pool bar, the beach bar & Mar Abierto. The pool bar & beach bar server a large selection of drinks, however they do not have blenders at these locations. But they both make fantastic Mojitos & Caipirinha's. After dinner every night we would go to Mar Abierto for a cappuccino, a few drinks & sometimes snack on the popcorn served there. Service was always quick, and the drinks were incredible. The bar staff definitely know how to make a cocktail! The pool staff were constantly cleaning the pool & testing the water. We usually would go to the quite pool in the afternoon. But the main pool is where all the activates take place. The beach is volcanic sand, and not your typical Caribbean water. The waves were fun to play in, and there is a lifeguard on duty. If you want to go to the beach do so in the morning, as the wind, waves & under toe pick up in the afternoon. We used the body boards, and even paid the $23USD for an hour surf lesson. There is a shuttle provided by the hotel into the Walled City – Cartagena. You have to book 1 day in advance, there are many different time slots to go into town & to come back to the resort. All the staff are friendly & helpful (Francisco, Johnny, Oswaldo, Diana, Lysander, Miguel). It didn't matter if it was a bus-boy, bartender, front desk staff or even the General manager. Everyone went out of their way to ensure we were enjoying our time at the Resort. This resort has top-notch service. I would most definitely visit again!!

Estelar Playa Manzanillo: Estrada Grand Playa Manzanillo Hotel

Great Hotel, staff were very helpful and at the front desk they all spoke English, had a problem with the inroom safe and within 5 minutes it was fixed. Food was excellent - by far the best was the buffet.

Las Americas Resort & Convention Centre: Great hotel

Even though this hotel is in its 3rd week of being all-inclusive with Sunwing, it was a great experience. Rooms were clean and bright. Nice balcony overlooking the ocean. Food was very tasty. If you wanted a quiet pool without kids screaming, there was one. Hotel is located on a public beach and only was a 10min drive from the airport.

Las Americas Resort & Convention Centre: Overall Very Good Resort

I think this resort was pretty much exactly what we had anticipated. The biggest advantage is the proximity to the old town of Cartagena (less than a 10 min taxi ride). There are a number of pools which is great if you have kids (which we did) as well as a big playground and mini golf. The beach is basically what you would expect for being so close to a major city in South America (not secluded, lots of vendors, but really not too bad). The food in the buffet was always great and the staff were  [... read more]excellent. Only note is that it is a convention hotel and as a result hosts, surprise, lots of conventions and weddings which can be kinda big and noisy at times. Overall we had a great time, the city of Cartagena is fantastic and this hotel gets you close with resort style amenities.

Estelar Playa Manzanillo: very nice resort

I found all of the staff to be very helpful, polite at all times, and cheerful when helping with any questions. The staff had a relative understanding of English and if they didn't understand you, they got someone who could understand. The rooms were very clean; the dining room staff were always helpful; the food was very good; and the pool areas were clean with friendly and helpful staff. The beach area was nice also. The dining room selection could have a little more fruit and a little more de [... read more]sert selection but what was available was very good. With reference to the Sunwing representative, I was disappointed that she did not have sufficient knowledge of certain tours. She also misinformed me regarding the time of a meal that was to be served as part of the Mangrove tour offered by Nexus Tours. I am going to write to Nexus Tours and to Sunwing regarding that tour because my brother, his wife, and myself went on that tour on January 27th, 2015, and were thoroughly disgusted with it. We were booked to leave at 2 PM. 1) The Sunwing Representative (Emi) was specifically asked (twice) when the lunch, included with the tour, would be served. Emi replied that we would do the tour first and then we would have the meal. This was incorrect. After eating a hardy meal in the hotel dining room, we were picked up at 2 PM and promptly brought to the restaurant located in Manzanillo to eat. Well we could not eat again as we were full. 2) We were loaded onto a leaky canoe (with no life jackets provided) and started the tour. The first part of the canoe ride was through some mangroves that smelled like a sewer. The smell was absolutely disgusting. Once we left that area and entered the open lake, the smell was gone. 3) The Nexus tour brochure indicates that we would have an exotic canoe trip through the mangroves of the Virgen ..... visit to primitive lime kilns and hatchery sabalo. The tour guide had very limited information during our walk through the 'Precolombian Museum' which consisted of a few huts with recreations of people and pots etc., and we did not see a hatchery or lime kilns. 4) We continue to canoe through the lake and then entered another channel of mangroves that smelled of sewage. 5) Disembarking from the canoe was hazardous as there was no proper dock. The gondolier backed the canoe into a culvert by a road and we had to turn around in the leaky canoe (which now had about 1.5 inches of water on the bottom) and basically crawl carefully to the back of the canoe and get out. We paid $47.00 US each for this farce of a tour and would like our money back. Of note is that fact that we were misinformed of the time the lunch would be served but were lucky that we missed eating again because I am of the opinion that one of us might have brought up what we ate due to the smell in the mangrove channels.

Estelar Playa Manzanillo: Beautiful resort

Beautiful hotel, about 20 minutes outside Cartagena, free shuttle bus from hotel into the city several times a day, rooms were nice, two queen size beds, maid service not so good, had to ask for towels three times, same goes for water and beer in mini fridge. Three pools, spent most of our time at the passive pool, adults only, bartender and staff at that pool were great, always smiling and being helpful. Food was good, a little more vegetarian options in the hot buffet would have been nice. Did [... read more]n't try any of the a la carte options. Overall, I would recommend this resort, great value for money.

Decameron Aquarium: Aquarium best resort on the island

my husband and I, returned to the Aquarium after a 7 year gap in Jan 2015. We had bragged about this island and the resorts to our friends for years, so they came with us. Now they understand why we love this island so much. The airlines took off this flight from Toronto and you can only get to San Andres from Montreal. We finally said whatever it takes to get back there we were willing to do. We flew out of Billy Bishop Airport(way better than Pearson)and landed in Montreal within an hour. Port [... read more]er is the way to fly and very reasonable. Stayed the night at a motel and flew out early the next morning. Check in was quick and easy, as you were greeted with a cold fruity drink, and smiles. We were in our rooms within 10 minutes. The rooms were clean and the views are spectacular. The pool area is beautiful and plenty of seating. Not once do you feel crowded. My favorite spot is the pier bar, with plenty of lounge chairs for all. They also have an awesome salt water pool with great snorkelling right off the pier. Bartenders there are outstanding, and they remembered us from 7 years ago. Now that's personal service Food was awesome, and there was always a variety. They have 2 buffets and 3 al a cartes. The Thai restaurant was to die for, Italian was amazing, and the Seafood was also great. We had everything from pork chops, cooked ham, turkey, chicken, fish, pasta, and the list goes on. They also have a snack shack that is open 11am-5pm, 11pm- 2am, that serves hotdogs, fried potatoes, fried plantain, & more. Entertainment at the pool area every night was interesting and always different, so it could get a little loud, but it only lasts for one hour. The MC was very friendly and had such great personality. I'd like to say a special thanks to all the staff that made this trip amazing, and to the many that remembered us after all these years. Your friendliness is heart felt and is the reason we will be back time after time. Best thing about the Decameron resort is you stay at 1 and play at all 5. As you are out and about in the city and island make sure to visit every one of them. They all have their special touch. As for excursions, make sure to do the Acurio and Johnny Cay island tour, as it will blow your mind. The waters are the 7 blues of the ocean, snorkelling is amazing and the beaches are great. Rent a golf cart for the day and tour the entire island on your own, as we did. The whole island is so safe and we made sure to meet and visit with as many locals as we could. If you are a shopper, you will fall in love with the city, as you could shop for a week and still not hit every store. You will read many negative reviews about these resorts, but try to ignore their ignorance as they will nit pick the simplest goofy things, which tells you they should have stayed home in the first place To the staff at the Aquarium, I would like you to know that this is our little piece of paradise, and you have all made this(AGAIN) the best trip of my life. I have travelled to many islands, but none has ever come this close to capturing our hearts. Will see you all again soon.

Estelar Playa Manzanillo: Good Small Resort, a bit isolated...

We just returned from a week all-inclusive at this hotel. The resort is looks as it does in pictures so there is no disappointment on arrival. We had a ground floor suite with hot tub and had no problems with the room - spacious, nothing fancy but just fine. We really enjoyed the large and uncrowded adult pool. The beach is not great, but the water is warm and we did a little body boarding. The food was good and pretty authentic Colombian as the resort is largely populated with South Americans [... read more]. We liked eating local cuisine at all meals, but don't expect a resort catering to North American palates. It got a little repetitive by week's end, and there was little to no seafood. Excellent mojitos, drinkable wines and great cappucinos. It is true that the staff generally doesn't speak English or French, but it is Colombia and Colombians speak Spanish. Staff were helpful despite the language gap so we had no complaints there. We took advantage of the convenient shuttle into the old town 3 times; it is really beautiful and full of life. Be sure to catch sunset at Cafe del Mar. My only criticism is that you can't walk anywhere. It is a small resort and the stroll from your room to the restaurant and bar is maybe two minutes. There is no where to take a stroll along the beach, or around the hotel, say in the evening. We tried to walk the beach a few times and were repeatedly stopped by the security guard. He was friendly enough but made it clear that were not to continue. Not sure whether this was for our personal safety, due to private property issues or what the reason was. If you are planning to spend a lot of time in the lovely walled Cartagena and coming only for a week, I think this is a lovely, relaxing little resort, with no line ups for anything. Very easy and pleasant.

Estelar Playa Manzanillo: Wonderful hotel in every respect

Our family spent two extraordinary weeks enjoying every aspect of the resort. The food was among the best We've had, as was the service. The facilities were top notch and the beach was perfect for playing in the surf and for long walks. I find it hard to find fault.

Decameron Baru Beach Resort and Spa: Terrible service

Bathroom had mildew and no light. I guess they didn't want u to see how disgusting it was and the shower drain was not working properly . The grounds were ok but some cracks on walkways and every uneven stairs , accidents just waiting to happen. But what made the stay worse was the the lack of interest to serve the guest in the buffet and bar areas. We are great tippers but this people could care less even after giving tips. We would order coffee every morning and it would take a good 10-15 min  [... read more]for them to remember you had ask them for coffee. Food :not a lot of selection and almost like they couldn't afford to replenish it or at times too lazy to go to the back and get your request. Breakfast lines to order eggs were ridiculous long and there was one day they ran out of eggs and had to Wait 30min for the eggs to arrive. Poor poor service !!

Decameron Baru Beach Resort and Spa: Beautiful scenery and ocean setting!

This was a beautiful resort..off the beaten path..your own secluded paradise! Very well kept and clean..very spacious rooms. .The ocean was spectacular! We took the tour into cartagena which was amazing..so much to see and explore