Mercure Santa Marta Emile

Very clean and comfortable room for the family. Close to the beach and walking distance from the mall.

The Mercure Santa Marta is a great mixed-use property (hotel and private apartments) in the Bello Horizonte area outside of the city. The rooms are nicely-sized, kept very clean and have nice balconies overlooking the pool or other tower. Since the pandemic, things are slightly different, but the property has been well-maintained. Hotel staff are friendly, but limited in English. (As I speak Spanish - it's not a problem, but if you're expecting English like in a European city - forget it!) The beach is a block away, the hotel has an assigned area and maintains tents and chairs. RESERVE THEM IN ADVANCE as there are not enough to satisfy the many guests on a weekend. The pool is quite pleasant and sufficiently sized to allow for kids to play away from adults. The restaurant breakfast is quite nice - although not quite as many varieties since the pandemic. Lunch at the pool is great as was the service. With so many restaurants in the Zazue Mall and in Santa Marta historic center, we limit the hotel to lunches. Other comments about the prices being a bit "high" are right. Speaking of prices - TAXIS!!! 25,000 COP one way to Santa Marta is ridiculous. 10,000 to the "walkable at day" Zazue is ridiculous. Something to be aware of if you chose to visit Santa Marta without a car. The Mercure is an above-average value and certainly worth considering for a stay on the beach.

We spent four night with my family, we all like the staff, the breakfast, the near beach.