Where we are
The hotel is in the centre of the old walled city and faces onto Plaza Fernandez de Madrid. We have romance and history on the doorstep. The plaza is supposedly the setting for Gabriel Marquez' "Love in the time of Cholera" and the church of Santo Toribio on the corner displays a cannon ball fired into its walls by Sir Francis Drake in 1585. The hotel Santa Clara and promenade are also within short walking distance.
Rooms and Rates
We have a variety of rooms and rates. Bedrooms on the ground floor open onto the garden patio where we serve breakfast. They will lose some privacy at this time of day so they cost less. Upper floor rooms on the second and third floor face onto the same patio at higher levels, offer better privacy and cost a little more. Finally we have four bedrooms facing onto the park with private balconies and these are our most expensive rooms. However they can also be noisier due to street traffic and music, particularly in high season. Special offers are available but require a minimum stay. By entering your specific dates these opportunities will display or they can be viewed in our booking calendar
Making a Booking
Our online booking system uses a secure server to ensure data protection. You have the option of entering card details online or sending them by fax within 24 hrs. We accept Visa and Mastercard and payments in Colombian Pesos. We do not accept Amex cards or cash payments in USD.
Cancellations
We process cancellations of Regular Rate bookings within 24 hrs of receipt and send you a copy of our reimbursement instruction to Visa/ Mastercard. However be aware that it can take up to 30 days for the credit to appear in your account. This time period is determined by the Card issuer and is beyond our control or influence. Cancellations of bookings at Prepay Rate/ Special Offer are not refundable regardless of circumstance. See our Policies.
Taxes and additional charges
If you are non-resident (ie your booking address) is outside Colombia you will not be charged sales tax on your hotel room. Our booking system defaults to show tax but our receptionist will charge your card according to your address. A 4% service charge is added to your bill and this is divided equally amongst all hotel staff. The charge is discretionary and you may wish to make alternative arrangements. Finally the hotel carries guest insurance and charges COP 5000 per night for cover.
Airport transfers
Our recommendation is to take a cab from the airport. Taxis are registered, painted yellow and safe to use night or day. Journey time to the town centre is 10 mins and the fare is 10,000 pesos. However first time visitors may prefer a personal pick-up costing 20,000 pesos per person and this can be booked online with your room reservation.
Changing money
There are plenty of banks and ATMs in
town. We recommend drawing cash against your Debit Card or Credit
Card from an ATM for both convenience and the best exchange rate. There are many exchange bureaus accepting USD or Euros at a poorer rate. Never change money in the street.
Tours and Excursions
Our advice is to wait until you are here before booking any day trips to the islands or tours of the city. Unless you are visiting in high season there is plenty of capacity. Generally avoid the cheaper deals to the islands and go with our recommendations.
Electrical system Colombia uses an identical system to the USA, 110v 60 cycle and the same wall outlets. All our bathrooms have hair driers and an iron is available from our housekeeper.