Casa Caribe Hotel

The hotel's unique boat-only access and its stunning riverside location directly opposite the historic Castillo de San Felipe de Lara make it a truly memorable destination, offering a picturesque backdrop for relaxation. Guests consistently highlight the exceptionally friendly and attentive staff, who go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay, alongside the beautiful pool area with its captivating views. The overall peaceful, jungle-like atmosphere provides a serene escape from daily life. This tranquil retreat is an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic and quiet getaway, and equally well-suited for families who appreciate the recreational amenities like kayaks and the natural setting. Nature lovers will also find this a perfect fit due to the surrounding environment and available walking paths. To enhance your experience, guests should confirm the complimentary boat shuttle schedule to and from town, as it's the only way to access the property. Additionally, bringing mosquito repellent is advisable to fully enjoy the outdoor spaces, especially in the evenings.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of amenities designed for relaxation and enjoyment. The swimming pool is a major highlight, often described as beautiful, clean, and offering stunning views of the river and fort. Many guests also appreciate the jacuzzi, noting its spectacular views and relaxing qualities, though some reviews indicate it was not always working or the water quality was questionable. Free kayaks are available for guests to explore the river and mangroves, providing a fun activity, although some found them not perfectly clean. The property also features swings over the river, adding to the unique charm. While Wi-Fi is provided, some guests experienced intermittent connectivity and dropouts, which could hinder long calls. The hotel grounds include walking paths through the jungle, which are well-maintained and offer a pleasant opportunity for nature walks. The bar area is noted for its nice ambiance and great views.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and comfortable, praising the large and comfortable beds which ensured a restful sleep. The presence of air conditioning is appreciated, though some reported it could be loud or cause walls to rattle, and in some instances, it was not functioning properly. However, a notable number of guests described the facilities as somewhat rundown or in need of maintenance, mentioning issues like a strange smell in rooms, holes in walls, or loose wiring. Due to the wooden construction of the hotel, noise levels are a recurring concern, with guests frequently hearing sounds from adjacent rooms or from people walking overhead, impacting privacy. Some also noted issues with shower water pressure or the need for showerhead descaling, and a few reported finding dirty linen or insects in their rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives varied feedback. Most guests found the food to be delicious and reasonably priced, with the breakfast often highlighted as the best part of the menu. The restaurant offers a pleasant atmosphere with great views. However, a significant number of guests noted that the menu options are quite limited, especially for vegetarians, and some dishes were occasionally unavailable. While the quality is generally good, some felt the food could be improved or that the limited selection did not justify the overall cost. The bar is praised for its delicious drinks, particularly the margaritas, though some specific drink ingredients were not always stocked. There were suggestions for the menu to incorporate more local cuisine rather than primarily catering to tourists. Some guests also reported issues with tables not being cleared promptly after breakfast.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently praised as exceptional and a major highlight of the stay. Situated directly on the waterfront, it offers stunning views of the Castillo de San Felipe de Lara and the surrounding jungle. Its unique characteristic is that it is only accessible by boat, which many guests found to be a charming and exciting part of the experience, with the hotel providing a convenient and often complimentary boat shuttle service to and from Rio Dulce town, which is just a five-minute ride away. This remote setting contributes to a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal escape. While the boat access is a defining feature, some guests mentioned initial challenges in coordinating pick-ups or finding parking before reaching the boat departure point. The ability to explore the river by kayak directly from the hotel is also a significant advantage of its prime location.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive overwhelmingly positive reviews, consistently highlighted as a standout feature. Guests frequently describe the team as exceptionally friendly, helpful, attentive, and accommodating, often going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Many appreciate the personalized attention and the staff's willingness to assist with various requests, from arranging room changes to organizing tours and providing local tips. The boat pick-up service is noted for its efficiency and the staff's welcoming demeanor. While most communication is in Spanish, some staff members do speak English, and the team is generally very responsive via WhatsApp for inquiries. Guests particularly value the staff's genuine care, with instances of them checking on guests who stayed out late or offering assistance with personal tasks like drying clothes. The overall impression is one of warm hospitality and a dedicated team.

Additional Information
Several unique aspects contribute to the overall guest experience. The hotel's structure, primarily built from wood, creates a distinctive charm, though it also contributes to noise transfer between rooms. While the hotel offers to organize tours, some guests reported discrepancies in pricing compared to direct bookings, suggesting caution. The property is home to several cats, which some guests found charming, though a few noted a lingering cat urine smell in certain areas. Guests should be aware that the hotel's water dispenser for drinking water is sometimes empty, requiring guests to request refills from staff. Additionally, some of the bridges on the walking paths around the property were noted as being wobbly, requiring careful navigation. The hotel has recently undergone a change in ownership and name, with some guests noting that while it has potential, certain areas still require significant maintenance and upkeep.