Decameron Barú - All Inclusive

Location: The hotel is praised for its beautiful surroundings, including nature, beach, and sun, creating an appealing environment for relaxation. Guests appreciate the nice location which contributes to their overall satisfaction.

I have visited Decameron in Cartagena and San Andrés, it was many years ago but the experience was exceptional, that's why I decided to visit Decameron Baru. First of all, the quality of the drinks and meals was very mediocre. They didn’t even offer a variety of tropical fruits. It’s ridiculous, this is Colombia we have the best tropical fruits and they are so cheap. The opening hours of the buffet are very limited. You practically will go hungry if you miss it, since it’s the only available option. Decameron offers 3 specialty restaurants , but you need to make reservations in advance. Even the online system to make reservations needs improvement and you can only make one reservation per day. The restaurants are completely open, without AC, menu options are very scarce, only 3 per each course. And nothing worth your time trying to secure a reservation. I agree with others customers reviews who point out that people who haven’t been able to experience the “all inclusive concept” think that this is a wonderful all inclusive experience. Believe me, you are wasting your money here. Only two positive aspects: the warmth and kindness of all the staff and the comfort and beauty of the hotel and the rooms. Many aspects can be improved with reasonable changes such as being able to return beach towels in the same place where they are collected. It doesn't make sense to have to go up to the pool to return them. I understand that due to the topography of the place stairs are needed everywhere but for that same reason it should be made easier for the guest how to move to the different areas of the hotel. Check-in was a long process that did not take people with disabilities into consideration. In my personal case, I have a minor son with autism. I paid for early check in thinking of being able to access my room early, and it only served to consume lunch and drinks. Another aspect that seemed unfair to me is that they don't let you make reservations in the restaurants for the first night of the hotel, they force you to go to the buffet. They fully charge for a night of hotel and services but limit the services they offer. While waiting to be called to receive my room key ( it felt like waiting at DMV ) I was able to talk to a couple of older guests, they told us that they are used to losing two days: the day they arrive an the day they leave. Finally, it is unprofessional to use false promises to attract guests to the membership program. They promised us a free vacation just to listen to the talk "without any commitment". I'm still waiting for the promised courtesy in my email. Then I found out that it's usual practice to cheat like that. I have lived in the United States for more than 20 years and I have had the opportunity to travel inside and outside the USA, we have also taken many cruises so I feel with enough authority to objectively criticize their services. I have also heard those talks about membership programs and they always fulfill the promis

I would say that the amenities are four star, but the experience closer to three star. Very nice pools (especially the premium plus) and generally clean with nice grounds. A variety of restaurants, but the quality of food is subpar for the price. It depends what you value, but we value food above most else. Also, I was surprised how rocky the beach was as most resorts will clear the beach front. Other beach near the hotel ***** in Cartagena was pure sand and much nicer. There were also a lot or people hounding you on the beach and other areas of the resort to buy excursions, massages, etc. it was very annoying and indicative of a 3-star experience. Also, as a non Hispanic, I found the vast majority of the staff did not speak any English. In that vein, the vast majority of the guests seemed to be Colombian. I would not recommend this resort unless you speak Spanish. If you do, you would probably enjoy it more. Also, if you like to spend a lot of time by the pool, then the Premium Plus is well worth it IMO. Unless you like the same few bad cover songs blaring on the speakers all day.