Casa de Isabella

Hotel review

What strikes any visitor to this delightful boutique hotel is its strikingly colourful decoration. Look around and you’ll see a clutch of bright cushions, a dramatic Moorish tiled floor, an exuberant mural and walls painted in rainbow hues — from the lilac of the exterior to cheerful orange, yellow and magenta inside. It might not work in colder climes, but the eye-catching decoration suits the Colombian sunshine to a tee.

Downstairs is a small but well-stocked bar with a comfortable sitting area and peaceful courtyard garden filled with trees and lush exotic plants. Both here and in the bedrooms, the vibrant colours are offset by natural wood: huge heavy doors, shutters and traditional colonial style furniture. Some pieces have been carved by local artisans; others are restored antiques.

Not only are the ten rooms lovely looking, but they’re remarkably well equipped. They have air conditioning, fridges, LCD TVs, beds with memory foam mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets, plus spotless modern bathrooms. You’ll find everything you need and more, such as complimentary iPads and in-room massage treatments. There’s a great choice of nearby restaurants, but if you can’t face going out, 24-hour room service is available. The excellent breakfasts include abundant fresh fruit and ever popular pancakes.

Relax on a sunbed, if it’s too hot to sightsee, and take a dip in the small pool. Prices are so affordable, you might consider splashing out and booking one of the suites with its own rooftop plunge pool and sunbathing area.

Leonie Glass Review published: 10/31/2018