Hotel Gavia - Rio y Mar

One of the most beautiful places to “ stay in Palomino, 20-30 minutes away from all the noise of Palomino’s night life. This hotel is located just in the delta’s river and the Caribbean Sea just a few meters away. A perfect paradise to contemplate nature…The staff is super courteous and friendly, Carolina from the front desk was very professional and efficient when finding our reservation. Homero seems to be the most welcoming and friendly, he gave us some tips and facts about the premises and Johan, a young man always willing to give us the best. If you want to relax and stay in a quiet area, go to this hotel i would highly recommend it. Good for the price, food is delicious and varied… if i ever go back to Palomino, i would definitely stay at Gavia without hesitation. Thanks to the staff.!!

everything its confortable

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Excelente la atención de todo el personal del hotel. Nos ayudaron con el manejo de alergias alimentarias de mi hijo, de manera excepcional. Un hotel para descansar. Muy buenas las recomendaciones de los planes para hacer en la zona.

Todo

Que no tenga TV

Everything was perfect, it was a dream , our stay was an out of this world experience, y’all should go so you can experience this for yourselves 😍😍😍

No comments ❤️

Everything is fantástic to take a break, you have private ocean and river, breakfast delicious prices are good

Is so far of palomino town, you have to take transport (tuk tuk) to arrive to the town 15USD for each trip

The location is very pretty, ample, and surrounded by nature. The pool is fantastic, with a pleasant temperature and clean. We liked the vibe of the place. We loved the attention of Jose Luis at the bar. A great place to stay for a couple of nights, allowing you to enjoy being isolated in the middle of nowhere surrounded by nature.

The female hostess was in a bad mood, and it felt like we were asking her for personal favors, which was not the case. There was a female person who seemed like a manager who never acknowledged our presence. We didn't like that the beach had a lot of plastic. The hotel should take care of cleaning the beach, as it is theirs, even though the plastic might come from the river. We also didn't like that there was only one light in the room; they should add night lamps. Additionally, the shower head is clogged, providing little water. The food served for lunch and dinner is underwhelming in both taste and preparation. They should bathe the local dogs, as they are infested with flies and suffer from skin issues, which is unfortunate, considering they are friendly and adorable.

Excelente lugar para descansar. Espectacular la experiencia. Recomendado 100%.

The Staff were great: 1. Omero: a great man proud to serve 2. Daiver: ready to help, did everything he could 3. Jennifer: very attentive 4. Kevin: Promised a full return, never did. He new I had another hotel booked after they failed to restore power and wifi. After all caos, Kevin promised a full refund. I have all text and audio confirm his promises of full refund. They never refunded me, at the end they stole more than 300 dollars from me, and Booking said that because they did not reply I would be eligible for only 30%... Something is very wrong as although Booking cannot talk to them, they are still listed on booking... how do you list a hotel you cannot talk to?

No power and no internet due to strong winds. Property has no generator. It was caos, no air conditioning, very hot and no internet at all. I had to work and I could not. We waited until 1pm the next day and had to move to another hotel as power and internet were still down.

Es excepcional en un entorno magnifico. El hotel es limpio y seguro. Un verdadero paraiso. El personal muy agradable sobre todo los Sres Daiver Reales, Yair Orozco, Kevin Gutierrez y el pirata Edilberto que siempre esta sonriendo y muy atento con los huespeds Los puntos negativos son el dificil acceso por un camino cahotico y el ruido de los motores exteriores de la climatisacion que se ubican en el muro exterior de la habitacion.

Excellent hotel, avec un site majestueux et personnel professionnel et tres agréable surtout nous remercions le pirate Edilberto pour son service exceptionnel et son bon humeur. Par contre, l'hôtel est éloigné de la grand route et il faut emprunter un chemin de terre cahoteux pour se rendre sur près de 8 kilomètres. Aussi, nous avions la chambre deluxe mais malheureusement tous le ventilateurs de climatisation y sont accollés donc cela est très bruyant.

Un paraiso con playa exclusiva y desembocadura del rio "Ancho". Tranquilo y con mucha naturaleza. Oferta gastronomica especial y cócteles. El personal muy amable.

Location was gorgeous. Loved the private beach and the privacy overall. Not too many people. Nice little pool and grounds. The room was spacious, clean and comfortable. Loved our balcony overlooking the beach and ocean. One night we lost power due to high winds so no air conditioning or water for many hours. But in spite of that, it was amazing! Would go again for sure. Staff was great overall, but Omero was amazing!!!!

The access to the hotel is horrible! But at least we were warned by previous guests. Maybe something could be done to improve that.

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Worst experience ever. We booked a ‘Deluxe 2 Persons Room’. Firstly it was very difficult to get there. A taxi takes you a lot more money than normally just because of the bad conditions of the road. Then we get there, and we see a girl at the reception who doesn’t speek English and who makes us pay right away. After that: the room. I will post a picture of the room we’ve booked and the room we’ve got. It was a big SCAM. I went back to the reception to ask for another room, but she simply laughs at you and tells you booking doesn’t show pictures of all the room. That we are not the first ones complaining about it, but that I should get over it. If I tell her that I’m on a honeymoon and that I didn’t pay €65 for this crappy room, she just laughs of you and tells you you have to enjoy the romantic setting at the beach. She doesn’t offer you another room (half of the hotel was empty so there were plenty of rooms), but she just asks you if you want to cancel the room. Then the reimbursement will be done after 15 days, but I don’t know if that’s true. So we had to pay a taxi that is vert expensive to find another hotel the same night. Generally the scene wasn’t also it, the pictures show way better than in real life. Don’t go there, it was a living nightmare. I’ve never experienced such a terrible receptionist as this one.

It was quiet and beautiful to relax in the nature. The service personal was very friendly. Breakfast is really good.

The lady at the reception is not very friendly nor helpful. We had a medical emergency and would have wished for morn support. Our bathroom has not been cleaned at all when we arrived. Not many options to eat for vegetarians.

A very tranquil setting on a beautiful part of the Caribbean.

The air conditioning was a bit noisy.

Location

Burned trash, website showed kayaking, there was a kayak there, yet they told us we had to go all the way to Palamino, refusing to let us use the one sitting there. Absolutely nothing to do, un like the picture they portrsyed on their website. I have bad asthma and the intense trash burning caused a bad attack, which they laughed about when I told them. Over all a dissapointing place. And they over charged me for drinks

It was a good time to relax and chill. Expect to only spend time at the hotel and surrounding beach area. Difficult to get out of that area and/or expensive. The nice man running the food at breakfast, lunch & dinner. He was really dedicated and truly providing such a nice service.

Some things could have been said from the check in like unstable electricity, wifi, tempered water but not really warm or hot for showers. Also we didn't find out until the second night that near the kitchen there is filtered water for guests consumption. Also at some point if the filter was out of water it was not refilled for the evening until the next day. Also the proactivity from the person at the reception is a bit lacking. We asked for activities and they offered kayaking but in the end it was not cleaned by the time we were expecting it. Seems the family of the owner took it prior to us. Also no one really provides info on the kayaking if it should be guided or not.

The pictures do not do this place justice. The view from the beach is breath taking! The rooms clean and beds are comfortable! Very simple rooms but the real star of the show is the outdoor area. The staff is incredible friendly, I felt at home. The food selection is limited but delicious.

The hotel could use some updating. The pool and lounge area is small. The outdoor bathrooms are very rustic but so is the whole hotel. Also be aware of the bugs!!! Bring pants and bug repellent! Overall this was a lovely stay and would highly recommend staying at Hotel Gavia

Very remote place, with direct access to the sea and the river, in beautiful surroundings, everything done on whatsapp, the food was not bad with different menu every day

The 4km road leading to this place is very very difficult, especially after it rains. Even with the 4x4 we had it was challenging at times (crossing river or huge rocks). DO NOT ATTEMPT IN A NORMAL CAR. The food was overpriced for the quality, the sea view room which we booked did not have a sea view - it was on the sea side of the building but on the ground floor with a hut in front. Pool had the filters turned off few times a day and the water was getting very dirty very quickly.

Proximity with nature. Beautiful constructions Private beaches

Food vas good and varied, but VERY expensive

Amazing location, however get a 4x4 taxi as hotel is down a 10 minute rugged road. Location and common areas are amazing.

Rooms were very simple / no hot water at all.

The setting is really stunning, by the river and the sea. You can use kayaks for free up the river and it's absolutely beautiful. The pool is great. Rooms are minimalist but spacious and comfy.

It is very isolated, so you can only eat there. Breakfast included but other meals are very overpriced and were hit and miss. Most meals came out cold despite arranging times (at their request) even when we asked for them to be warmer they came out cold, it's a miracle we didn't get ill. Also very bland. While not their fault, the bugs and mosquitoes are a problem for tourists - we all got eaten alive in the middle of the day, soo itchy! Make sure you wear repellant at all times. Communication was also frustrating. It is all done by WhatsApp, sometimes in English sometimes not, but they use chat GPT so the messages are really long and unnecessary about each meal every day. We had to ask every single time for the vegetarian option. And then came the final bill, we asked to pay the night before so it was smooth on checkout, but at checkout they presented another confusing version of the bill with things we had already paid for, over 2 pages in Spanish, with many items from another of our parties room. Really complicated and the staff member was rude.

The Beach and river is beautiful to sumerge in the nature. You can see gaviotas. The waves are pretty nice for surf begginers. The service was great they help with some of your needs always with good attitude and a big smile. The waitress were so nice. The food was really good but expensive for the area. The chef knows how to cook well and he is pretty open for your expectations.

If you want to stay in a comfortable place don’t book it. Hotel Gavia y Rio is located very far away to the main road so if you want to do any kind of activity or you need to have $200,000 COP for the round trip to Palomino (nearest Town). Also there is not any store to buy something. A bottle of wine is $120,000 COP and for cocktails around $35,000. Be aware about tons of mosquitos bites. You need to use repelent multiple times a day. I stay in my room to rest for the mosquito bites. It was really crazy and bothers me. I booked 2 rooms with ocean view, 1 have a kiosko as a view and the other one you can see from the balcony just a bit because the palms cover the view. Bedrooms look pretty poor looking. For my surprise the pictures that they display are totally far away for the reality. The walls doesn’t have paint. They don’t provide any refrigerator and safe in their rooms. I can’t sleep because the air aconditioner was pretty noisy and the remote didn’t work to adjust temperature. They don’t clean the rooms as the rest of the hotels I stayed in Colombia and for the price I didn’t expect this issue. Also they don’t provide any kind of shampoo, conditioners. If you need extra towels you need to ask for it. I stayed in a different hotel double price but the food was around $10,000 to $20,000 COL cheaper than here. Food prices are between $45,000 to $75,000. The difference is that here you don’t have any more options you need to paid whatever they ask for. Prices are in overall over the range for the area. If you want to get a massage they charge $180,000 COP and in other hotels is around $100,000 COP. If you want to do kayaking they charge $80,000 COP person and in other hotels is around $40,000 COP. In overall for the price I rate the hotel with 5.0 and I really don’t understand how people rate this place in 9.0 this is the reason why I’m writing this review. The hotel has a great potential if they invest in the bedrooms.

The hotel is in front of the beach and a river outlet. The river cold water is refreshing, and very convenient for hot days.

Furniture is minimal, and not vey confortable.

Landsacape

Access road and general maintenance o of the infraestructure

Everything was outstanding just unpaved entry not easy access in and out

It was good, clean and the staff were great

Provides a lot of experiences. Amazing staff.

Limited food options and no prior notice about the mosquito problem, which was especially tough on the kids. Plus, a recommendation for a taller vehicle would have been appreciated given the road conditions. Sadly, I found a lot of garbage on the beach.

Really beautiful and calm spot!! If you are looking to spend a couple days disconnected from this crazy world, this is the place. An oasis of tranquility to connect with nature. The food, amazing. And the staff super friendly and helpful

All fantastic!

The staff was really helpful and friendly The food was delicious The spot was wonderful Santiago and the whole Gavia's team are doing an awesome dream come true! 🙏🏻 Thanks

Excellent stay. If you enjoy more of a secluded quiet place to escape the crowds of Santa Marta. We had a rental car which made day trips and arrival quite easy (must drive some km in an unpaved road from the main road). Bonfire by the beach every night!

Everyone was super friendly. The hotel and its outside area are amazing since it’s right at the beach. Definitely recommend it!

It’s a little tricky to get there because of the long dirt road (4km) but that’s because it’s right by the beach.

Spacious rooms.parking. Good air conditioning.

Restaurant was lonely.

Set in nature. Beach between 2 river mouths so sea water was loaded with mud and vegetation after heavy rains. Bedroom on ground floor with windows open to passing by others clients: not very nice... restaurant staff very helpful - good to see nice locals people working in this place. Cooking was EXCELLENT.

Intimacy in bedroom not possible or only with closed curtains.

Hotel is a bit removed from the main road but once you arrive you’ll be very pleased with the location. Food was amazing for the price. Great service. Any special request was accommodated without special charge. Romantic spot for couples or great spot for a group of friends or family just looking to hang out. Gif Highly Recommend. And pool under construction. Hotel will get even better.

The food is absolutely incredible!

The attention to detail and the service provided by the staff is amazing, they will work to make your stay in Gavia totally exceptional. The location is a little far from the main road but it's totally woth it, beside the sea, beside the river and the sunset is only for you.

I don't have any major dislikes

Beautiful scenery. Lots of activities available in one place. Going kayaking on the river and being surrounded by nature. Enjoying the sunset at the beach. Spending time at the bonfire. The experience becomes memorable and unforgettable.

Beautiful place with the most beautiful people working there!

I loved how private it felt and that the beach was very private aswell, what I think could be improved a bit is the transportation to the hotel as it is quite a secluded place it is not very easy to get to the hotel. The staff of the hotel did help us out, but i think the transportation is something that could be improved. Other than that small thing it is an amazing place to stay and relax.

Nice view of the ocean and beautiful beach.

Somewhat isolated. Expensive taxi to the nearest town.

¡Una joya escondida! Es un hotel donde uno puede desconectar del ajetreo de la ciudad y disfrutar de la naturaleza increíble que le rodea. Las playas son preciosas y casi no hay nadie. El hotel me prestó una canoa para subir el río que se encuentra muy cerca y fue algo muy bonito. Vi muchas aves y escuché los ruidos de monos. El personal del hotel fue muy amable y correcto en todo momento, todas las instalaciones eran limpias y quedé impresionado con lo rica que era la comida que preparaba la cocina del hotel. Quedé muy contento.