Hostal Secreto
Isla Grande
10.17205100,
-75.74310600
,
Isla Grande, Islas Del Rosario-cartagena Bolivar
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Summary of reviewsHostal Secreto, situated on Isla Grande, offers a serene escape away from the bustling Cartagena. Guests enjoy its lush, tropical surroundings, scenic views and proximity to nature trails leading to various beaches like Playa Libre and Playa Cristal. The hostel's setting amidst mangroves offers a unique, tranquil atmosphere, although the private beach is not the typical Caribbean shore with crystal-clear waters. The nearby village of Orika, just a short walk away, adds convenience despite sometimes being noisy.
The breakfast at Hostal Secreto generally receives positive reviews for its hearty and delicious variety, including local Colombian dishes. However, it is not included in the accommodation price, which some find disappointing. There are occasional logistical issues like slow service and item unavailability, but the buffet's abundance and daily changing hot dishes are appreciated.
Dinner experiences are mixed with many praising the well-prepared, delicious food and BBQ events. However, long waiting times and high prices are common drawbacks. Despite this, cocktails and options for gluten-free and vegan diets are well-received, contributing to a generally positive dining experience.
Accommodation options at Hostal Secreto range from private rooms to dormitories. Private rooms are typically spacious and comfortable, featuring amenities like large beds, terraces and air conditioning. Cleanliness and security are often highlighted, though some dorms are described as basic and small with issues like weak water pressure, lack of storage and occasional maintenance problems. The hostel’s colonial architecture, common spaces and pool area are well-regarded, but some rooms require better maintenance and facilities.
Cleanliness at Hostal Secreto garners mixed reviews. While common areas and many rooms are praised for cleanliness, issues have been noted with the pool and some bathrooms. Specific complaints include dirty linens, mold and even bed bugs. Improved maintenance and deeper cleaning could enhance guest satisfaction.
The staff at Hostal Secreto receives significant praise for their kindness, warmth and helpfulness. Guests frequently mention feeling at home due to the personable and attentive service with specific staff members being highlighted. The team’s efforts in creating a community-like atmosphere are often noted as a highlight.
The free WiFi at Hostal Secreto is another mixed bag. It tends to work well in common areas but is often poor or non-existent in private rooms. Stability issues are frequent with the connection dropping multiple times a day.
The pool areas at Hostal Secreto are lively and social, though maintenance is sometimes lacking. While some guests appreciate the daily cleaning, others report greenish water and dirt. Despite this, the pool areas are enjoyable with comfortable sunbeds and a relaxed ambiance.
The hostel's beach is generally not well-received due to poor maintenance, seaweed and unpleasant smells. Guests looking for clear, blue waters may find the beach disappointing.
As for the beds, while many find them large and comfortable with useful additions like mosquito nets and fans, there are complaints about hard or sinking mattresses and stained sheets. Improvements in the quality of mattresses and nets could enhance comfort.
Overall, Hostal Secreto is celebrated for its peaceful, natural setting and friendly staff, despite areas needing improvement in maintenance, dining service and amenities.
Categories
The breakfast at Hostal Secreto generally receives positive reviews for its hearty and delicious variety, including local Colombian dishes. However, it is not included in the accommodation price, which some find disappointing. There are occasional logistical issues like slow service and item unavailability, but the buffet's abundance and daily changing hot dishes are appreciated.
Dinner experiences are mixed with many praising the well-prepared, delicious food and BBQ events. However, long waiting times and high prices are common drawbacks. Despite this, cocktails and options for gluten-free and vegan diets are well-received, contributing to a generally positive dining experience.
Accommodation options at Hostal Secreto range from private rooms to dormitories. Private rooms are typically spacious and comfortable, featuring amenities like large beds, terraces and air conditioning. Cleanliness and security are often highlighted, though some dorms are described as basic and small with issues like weak water pressure, lack of storage and occasional maintenance problems. The hostel’s colonial architecture, common spaces and pool area are well-regarded, but some rooms require better maintenance and facilities.
Cleanliness at Hostal Secreto garners mixed reviews. While common areas and many rooms are praised for cleanliness, issues have been noted with the pool and some bathrooms. Specific complaints include dirty linens, mold and even bed bugs. Improved maintenance and deeper cleaning could enhance guest satisfaction.
The staff at Hostal Secreto receives significant praise for their kindness, warmth and helpfulness. Guests frequently mention feeling at home due to the personable and attentive service with specific staff members being highlighted. The team’s efforts in creating a community-like atmosphere are often noted as a highlight.
The free WiFi at Hostal Secreto is another mixed bag. It tends to work well in common areas but is often poor or non-existent in private rooms. Stability issues are frequent with the connection dropping multiple times a day.
The pool areas at Hostal Secreto are lively and social, though maintenance is sometimes lacking. While some guests appreciate the daily cleaning, others report greenish water and dirt. Despite this, the pool areas are enjoyable with comfortable sunbeds and a relaxed ambiance.
The hostel's beach is generally not well-received due to poor maintenance, seaweed and unpleasant smells. Guests looking for clear, blue waters may find the beach disappointing.
As for the beds, while many find them large and comfortable with useful additions like mosquito nets and fans, there are complaints about hard or sinking mattresses and stained sheets. Improvements in the quality of mattresses and nets could enhance comfort.
Overall, Hostal Secreto is celebrated for its peaceful, natural setting and friendly staff, despite areas needing improvement in maintenance, dining service and amenities.
Hostel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hostel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Cheap Hostel
Hostel for Adults Only
Small Hostel
Hostel with Outdoor Pool
About Hostal Secreto
License: 57461
Guest Reviews
Location
While the hostel boasts a small private beach, reviews indicate that it is not the typical Caribbean beach with crystal-clear waters, as it is situated near mangroves causing the water to appear darker. For those seeking brighter sands and clearer waters, other beaches on the island are reachable within a relaxed 30-minute walk. Proximity to the local village of Orika, just 7 minutes away, adds convenience, though some guests found the village to be quite loud.
Despite its somewhat remote location and the basic nature of the private beach, the hostel's setting in the heart of nature offers a magical and tranquil atmosphere. Guests highlight the fantastic views, well-maintained grounds and the hostel's distinctive campus-style layout featuring several houses and a small pool. Dining options are enhanced by nearby establishments like Hamaquero, known for its excellent food and inviting beach area.
The destination is described as a beautiful island paradise, ideal for those who enjoy exploring trails and the natural surroundings. While some found the hostel's distance from the renowned beaches a downside, the overall consensus celebrates Hostal Secreto as a peaceful getaway well-suited for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty of Isla Grande.
Breakfast
However, the breakfast is an additional cost and not included in the accommodation price, which some guests find disappointing and expensive for what is offered. The breakfast service sometimes suffers from logistical issues like slow service, occasional unavailability of items and delays which some guests have found frustrating. The buffet has received accolades for its abundance and the variety of options provided with mentions of hot dishes that change daily, making it a highlight for many.
Despite these positives, there are suggestions for improvement, particularly in terms of variety and replenishment of items. Overall, the breakfast at Hostal Secreto can be a delightful start to the day, albeit with room for enhancements in service and inclusion policies.
Dinner
However, the food service is marred by consistent delays with numerous guests reporting prolonged waiting times, sometimes up to an hour and a half for their orders. The pricing of meals is another point of contention, as both food and drink prices are significantly higher than in Cartagena, leading some guests to feel that the value for money doesn't quite match up, especially when portions are small.
Despite these issues, the cocktails receive high marks and the restaurant is lauded for offering gluten-free and vegan options. While some meals are okay or just average, the general consensus leans towards a positive dining experience with great options. The dinner service is particularly recommended, although careful planning is necessary due to early order cut-off times. Although there are gaps in service and occasional stock shortages, the food quality and taste at Hostal Secreto's restaurant receive considerable commendation.
Rooms
Some dormitories, however, have been noted as small and basic with several reviewers pointing out specific issues such as weak water pressure, lack of storage and occasional maintenance lapses. Despite these concerns, many found the common spaces pleasant and appreciated the beautiful colonial architecture.
The hostel’s attractive pool area and spacious, airy rooms received frequent positive remarks, though the level of comfort and maintenance varies notably between room types. While standard rooms are described as very simple and could benefit from additional facilities like reliable mosquito nets or more comprehensive cleaning, some suites offer a higher level of comfort with balconies and hammocks.
Guests noted the hostel’s need for renovations in some areas with certain rooms suffering from poor air circulation, broken fixtures and minimal furnishings. The presence of bugs and noise levels in some rooms were also mentioned as areas for improvement.
Overall, Hostal Secreto seems to be a mixed bag with charming, spacious accommodations that hold promise but often fall short due to inconsistent maintenance and amenities. This hostel is ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly stay with a bit of rustic charm, though potential guests should manage their expectations regarding comfort and facility upkeep.
Beds
However, several guests had issues with the beds' comfort with many describing the mattresses as rock-hard or sinking, which made for an uncomfortable sleep experience. Complaints about stained sheets and dirty walls were also noted with suggestions for the hostel to invest in new mattresses and mattress toppers to enhance guest comfort. Additionally, despite the general inclusion of fans and mosquito nets, some reviews highlighted that the upper bunk beds lacked ladders and the mosquito nets were not always effective.
Overall, the beds at Hostal Secreto present a mix of comfort and discomfort, leaning heavily on the need for improvements in mattress quality and maintenance of bedding amenities.
Cleanliness
However, issues with cleanliness have been reported, particularly concerning the pool and some bathrooms. Several reviews describe the pool as dirty with greenish water and a need for more frequent cleaning. Some bathrooms and public kitchens were noted as being dirty with reports of ants, insects and even a lack of maintenance in certain areas. Complaints also surfaced about the hostel being run-down and needing better overall maintenance with some guests mentioning outdoor areas looking neglected and overgrown.
In terms of the rooms, while many found them clean and comfortable, others reported issues such as dirty linens, dust and general disorganization. Specific complaints included dirty showers, mold and even bed bugs in some cases.
In summary, while Hostal Secreto has been appreciated for its clean and comfortable common areas, the actual cleanliness of specific amenities like the pool and bathrooms varies. Some maintenance and deeper cleaning could enhance the overall guest experience.
Staff
The staff's proactive approach, including organizing fun and engaging activities, further enhances the hostel's lively and social atmosphere. They are attentive to guests' needs, often learning names and making a concerted effort to personalize the experience. Staff members across various departments, including the kitchen and bar, are commended for their good mood and commitment, which contributes to the hostel's overall positive vibe.
Noteworthy is the consistent mention of the staff's ability to create a community-like feel among guests, making it an ideal spot for meeting like-minded travelers. The service provided by the staff is frequently described as incredible, excellent and superb with many guests lauding them as the highlight of their stay at Hostal Secreto. Despite a few less favorable comments regarding some individual staff members, the overall reception towards the team is overwhelmingly positive, making it clear that the people behind Hostal Secreto play a crucial role in its charm and appeal.
Wi-Fi
Pool
However, opinions are mixed regarding the pool's maintenance. Some guests appreciated that the pools are cleaned daily and found the water to be in good condition, while others noticed issues such as greenish water, dirt and occasional chemical irritation. The largest pool, in particular, has been noted for needing more regular cleaning and a fresh coat of paint.
Despite these concerns, the pool areas are generally described as nice with comfortable sunbeds, cozy common spaces and beautiful surroundings. Guests can relax in the pool while enjoying the sun or shade, though shaded areas are limited. The hostel’s private beach is noted but is not ideal for swimming or snorkeling.
In summary, while some maintenance and cleanliness improvements are necessary, the pool areas at Hostal Secreto contribute positively to the overall experience, offering a fun and relaxed setting for guests.
Beach
Adult Only
Though the hostel's nightlife is relatively quiet, many point out that the on-site snorkeling tour is worth participating in. The food and service at the hostel receive high marks, making it a comfortable choice for unwinding over a few days. However, some drawbacks include frequent noise from the upper rooms and water tank, as well as persistent mosquito issues. Despite these challenges, the general consensus reflects that Hostal Secreto is a great spot for young adults seeking a vibrant, party-friendly setting with adequate facilities to ensure a pleasant stay.
Outdoor Pool
However, several guests have noted areas that require attention. One of the pools is frequently described as needing maintenance with comments about chipped surfaces and an uninviting color change in the liner to green-brown. Some also mentioned that the pool water tends to be very hot.
Despite these concerns, the pools are often highlighted as a strong point of the hostel, providing a pleasant setting for relaxation. The presence of a small beach nearby adds to the appeal, offering a nice complement to the pool area. Overall, the outdoor pool area at Hostal Secreto remains a popular feature, though some maintenance could improve its appeal further.
Yes, Hostal Secreto has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Hostal Secreto.
No, Hostal Secreto doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Hostal Secreto.
No, Hostal Secreto doesn't have a gym.
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