Colombia (Lonely Planet, 5th Edition) - Jens Porup [160]
Hotel Hernando Henry (Map; 512 3416; Av Las Américas No 4-84, San Andrés Town; s/d with fan COP$40,000/60,000, with air-con COP$45,000/85,000; ) You won’t send postcards home about this place, but with its own water and electrical system, this low budget option offers a leg up on those dependent on the local government for both. Most rooms have a balcony and all come with private bath. There’s an internet cafe attached.
Freeport Hotel (Map; 513 1212; Av Las Américas No 2A-101, San Andrés Town; s/d COP$50,000/80,000; ) Gloomy from the outside but nice and bright inside, this functional option offers good value in a clean and friendly environment. Prices include breakfast and dinner.
Apartahotel Tres Casitas (Map; 512 5813; www.apartahoteltrescasitas.com; Av Colombia No 1-60, San Andrés Town; r per person COP$90,000; ) A cute yellow and blue clapboard hotel with extra large rooms, all with kitchenettes and separate living areas. Rates include breakfast and dinner.
Hotel Portobelo (Map; 512 7008; www.portobelohotel.com; Av Colombia No 5A-69, San Andrés Town; s/d with breakfast COP$92,500/113,000; ) This unassuming beachside property is nothing fancy, but offers simple rooms, some with sea views, a small book exchange, cable TV and new air conditioners.
Noblehouse Hotel (Map; 512 8264; www.sanandresnoblehouse.com; Av Colón No 3-80, San Andrés Town; s/d with breakfast COP$95,000/114,000; ) This Italian-run operation likes to mix its decors: New England Leaf Peeping one moment, Moorish Seaside the next. The 15 large and kitschy rooms here are a comfortable option in town and the staff is super helpful. It’s one block from the beach.
Sunrise Beach Hotel (Map; 512 3977; www.sunrisehotel.com; Av Newball, San Andrés Town; s/d from COP$154,000/222,000; ) Depending on your viewpoint, the largest hotel on the island either embodies all that is evil about holiday destinations or is vacation hog heaven. It’s a modern place, with two restaurants, three bars, a disco, gym, sauna and tennis court. The larger rooms are on the 4th floor and above due to the architectural style of the hotel. Rates include the cheesy lobby singer.
Decameron Los Delfines (Map; 512 4083; www.decameron.com; Av Colombia No 16-86, San Andrés Town; s/d from COP$289,000/444,000; ) The first boutique hotel on the island as well as within the Decameron chain, this stylish, 36-room hotel is quiet and discreet. It features an over-water restaurant, a small pool and smart furniture, housed in a design-forward hotel that wouldn’t be out of place in Los Angeles.
Casa Harb (Map; 512 6348; www.casaharb.com; Calle 11 No 10-83, San Andrés Town; d from COP$780,000; ) Located in an impressive Republican-style mansion behind the airport, this small design B&B is a step above anything in the archipelago. The five exquisite suites are individually designed with Asian aesthetics and feature deep soaking tubs. It caters to an exclusive market.
SAN LUIS
This hamlet is a 10-minute drive south of San Andrés Town; bus connections are frequent. It offers a little more peace and quiet than El Centro.
Cocoplum Hotel (Map; 513 2121; www.cocoplumhotel.com; Carretera a San Luis No 43-39; s/d COP$125,000/171,200; ) On a private beach shaded with palm trees, this recently renovated low-key beach resort sports Caribbean architecture and its 44 rooms offer a good midrange alternative to the higher-end options in San Andrés Town. There’s a restaurant that serves fresh meals all day, and is open to nonguests. Rocky Cay, a good spot for snorkeling, is nearby.
Ocean Eco Beach Resort (Map; 513 2866; San Luis; per person COP$100,000; ) This festive oceanfront hotel with Gaudí-inspired mosaics is another good San Luis option just five minutes up the road from Cocoplum. It boasts a small (private) beach and a large communal Jacuzzi. Three meals are included in the price.
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Eating
You will encounter a change of culinary pace on the islands due to the Creole-Caribbean influence. Staples include breadfruit, which