Sonesta Hotel Barranquilla

Location :

• Anynomous

  20 February 2018

  I have visited Colombia at least 7 times. I have stayed at various hotels. My experience at the Sonesta Hotel was the worst. I will NOT stay at this hotel again for many reasons:
  1. Mold in the ventilation system - there is a very strong odor of Mold in the hallways. There was a dehumidifier at one end of the hallway and an open window at the other end of the hallway but the very strong odor of Mold still exists. This is a dangerous health issue for employees and guests.
  2. Hallway Carpet - appears old and dirty. Needs to be replaced.
  3. Windows Not Soundproof - could hear noise all night.
  4. Bed uncomfortable - mattress is very firm. Felt like sleeping on ironing board.
  5. Location not good - no restaurants or bars within walking distance.
  6. Money Exchange rip off - the hotel recommended Mister Dollar Money Exchange. I went to Mister Dollar to exchanges US Dollars for Pesos. I was given Counterfeit 50,0000 pesos.
  7. Security Overkill: I was followed in the hotel and constantly starred at by security guys in the hotel lobby. I had two guests visit me at 11:00 am to spend time at the pool on the 13th Floor. Even after showing their ID, we were followed by Hotel Security to the pool on the 13th Floor. Hotel Security returned at least 3 times observing me and my guests. We felt very uncomfortable and not welcomed. On another occasion, I had one of the same guests visit me on Sunday morning at about 10:00 am for breakfast. I went outside to meet her and pay for the taxi. Hotel Security guy came running behind me and stood behind me as I opened the taxi cab door for my guest. We felt very uncomfortable and not welcome. This was embarrassing and totally unnecessary.
  8. Very Poor Service at the Pool: we ordered drinks and it took waiter/waitress at 30 to 45 minutes to bring the drinks. We had to ask 3 times before they finally brought the drinks. There were only 2 other guests present so it was not busy, just horrible service.
  9. Taxi Drivers Dishonest - the majority of the taxi drivers working at the hotel were Dishonest and tried to scam me for more money every chance they got. I called the hotel in advance to arrange for pick up at the airport. When I arrived at the hotel, I asked the driver the cost for the pickup. He said 35,000 pesos and so I paid him 35,000 pesos. Once I checked out of the hotel, I was billed again 35,000 for the airport pickup. I was told the taxi driver should NOT have charge me because the hotel had arranged the pickup. The hotel then called the driver to lobby to question him about the situation. The driver admitted to charging me 35,000 pesos but said he thought I was giving him a tip. Another taxi driver at the hotel was told I needed a ride to the Western Union. I even showed the taxi driver the address on my cell phone. However, the taxi drove to a gambios. I again showed the taxi driver the address of the Western Union. He then drove around in circles pretending not to know how to get to the Western Union. I then instructed the taxi driver to take me to the Buenavista Mall because I knew there was a Western Union inside the mall. Another taxi driver at the hotel was told I needed a ride to the Frogg Club. This is a well known club in Barranquilla. Instead of driving to the Frogg Club, the driver drove to the Bourbon Street Bar. I told the driver this was the wrong place. The driver then proceeded to drive in circles pretending to not know where the Frogg Club was located at. I then had to instruct the driver 3 times to get him to take me back to the Sonesta Hotel. Again, the majority of the taxi drivers working at this hotel are Dishonest and looking to scam guests for more money especially foreigners.
  10: Positives: one young lady working at the Front Desk spoke very good English and she was very helpful and very professional. She made me feel welcome and she treated me with dignity and respect. They should have her train the rest of their hotel staff. Also, the Housekeeper that cleaned my room did an Excellent Job every day.

• Anynomous

  21 November 2017

  Great place but certain things are just unacceptable and same was informed to the staff and management

• Anynomous

  18 September 2017

  High end accomodations. Has everything for a comfortable stay

• Anynomous

  08 September 2017

  Its ok but for the same price you can stay at the Holiday Inn which is a stone's throw feom this hotel

• Anynomous

  08 June 2017

  Nice hotel, good value

• Anynomous

  07 June 2017

  Great hotel good bar best breakfast around

• Anynomous

  03 February 2017

  Service was great, breakfast was outstanding, loved the view

• Anynomous

  08 January 2017

  One of the nicest hotels in Barranquilla and located in THE best area of the city.

• Anynomous

  25 December 2016

  Nice clean modern hotel. Attached to an indoor mall.

• Anynomous

  17 January 2016

  Excellent service and friendly staff. Also loved the food at "Tarboosh" Lebanese Cuisine

• Anynomous

  21 June 2014

  Nice Hotel, good for conferences.