Hotel El Prado

For a hotel that trades on its legacy, I expected something closer to timeless — not tired. The first surprise was being charged local taxes because my American passport apparently wasn’t sufficient proof of living abroad. That conversation alone set the tone. I’m still waiting to hear back from the manager who promised to “review” the issue. The room was… fine. Not offensive, just uninspired — sparse furniture, little character, and none of the polish you’d expect at this price point. Service felt reactive rather than attentive. And the poolside food? Cold, forgettable, and wildly out of sync with the hotel’s self-image. My overall impression is that this place peaked about 20 years ago and is now relying on cosmetic updates to preserve the illusion. Unfortunately, hospitality isn’t about makeup — it’s about execution. And execution was lacking. I’ll be back for Carnaval in 2027. Just not here.

There was a lot of issues in not just my room but acquittances. For example, A/C not working, sink not working, water leaking from the floor above, poor service in the spa, etc. There is a lot that needs to be addressed.

The staff is amazing. The housekeeping was on top of it. Remember this hotel was built 99 years ago. It has that old hotel charm. Some things need to be overlooked to enjoy it. The pool is amazing. The breakfast was great. The restaurant by the pool was not so good. I had a club sandwich. Not the best be it is only one meal in my life.

I have to say, this hotel is a GEM, from arrival to leaving. The hotel staff is courteous and always helpful. The rooms are clean, the pool is great and the bar is a lot of fun. People always say....did you feel safe, and yes I did, Colombia is a beautiful country

Mosquitoes in room, and because I accidentally reserved for 3 people instead of 4, they wanted to charge me for another room. My wife had to stay apart from us at her family’s house.

The staff was wonderful, the general Manager Alexander amazing and his job to conserve the arquitectonic gem in Barranquilla is priceless.

Hotel El Prado is the best! You are crazy to stay anywhere else in Barranquilla! I travel all the time. I know what I am talking about. Classy, historic, great food, awesome beds and pillows and bedding. Go stay for 2 nights. It is the best mini vacation you can have and super affordable. The only complaint is that the food and drink service at the pool can be very slow.

The room, breakfast, services, and overall attention were excellent. I 100% recommend this hotel.

The infrastructure of the hotel is iconic, being almost 100 years old. The hotel from outside has great presence and the lobby and pool areas are beautiful. The rooms are in desperate need of renovation, the amenities (soap, shampoo etc) are of very low quality and I'm very limited amounts. All that can be managed and somehow can be over looked but the thing that was extremely disappointing was the service. First I asked for two keys for the room because we were 3 people and they declined the request, only gave us one key upon check in. Later I went with friends to the pool bar at night and the service was terrible. Unfriendly, unapproachable, the staff needs to be train desperately in basic customer service. Particularly an older gentleman - Eduardo - was rude in his delivery, didn't even make time to listen when I was ordering, it was all a transaction for him. When the bill came we wanted to split in two and they did not allow either. I would not stay here and would not recommend it, this place at best is 3 stars.