Hotel Carolina Del Mar

Overview

Most hotels in Santa Marta's old town sell themselves on the streets outside. Hotel Carolina Del Mar adds something to come back to after a hot afternoon: an indoor pool, a sauna and a solarium-style sun terrace.

Each room is air-conditioned and has its own bathroom with a shower, a TV, a work desk and bathrobes. Every room also opens onto a terrace or balcony facing the pool. Breakfast comes in continental or American style, and the on-site restaurant serves lunch.

Reception runs 24 hours with security on site, and Wi-Fi is free across the building. It's a sensible pick for travellers who want the colonial centre on foot but also value a pool and somewhere to unwind between outings.

Highlights

• Indoor pool and sauna
• Sun terrace for relaxing in the afternoon
• Balcony or terrace overlooking the pool in every room
• Continental or American breakfast; restaurant for lunch
• 24-hour reception and security
• Free Wi-Fi throughout

Location

The hotel's address is Calle 10C #1C-78 in the Centro Histórico, a few streets back from the seafront promenade on the Bahía de Santa Marta. The property names the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), the cathedral and the marina as nearby, and all three sit within the compact grid of the old town.

Simón Bolívar International Airport is about 17 km away, according to the hotel; taxis are the usual way in. The beaches of Rodadero and the boat trips to Tayrona National Park are within easy reach by road, and the property mentions diving available in the surrounding area.

Good to know

• The pool is indoors, so it stays usable whatever the weather.
• Check whether breakfast is included in the rate you choose, as the listing doesn't say.