Hotel El Vistamar

Review date: 10 October 2006 - A HotelStreet visitor from Birmingham wrote:-

Review title: "Disappointed"
Travel date: October 2006
I was expecting something special, having read a number of write ups on this hotel from various sites - all very positive. There is just something that I cannot put my finger on that disappointed me with the hotel. Whilst it had an elegant reception area, very nice bar and superficially it looked good, the actual stay was disappointing.

The meals average. Usually found something to eat that filled the gap. The food was unspectacular and fairly basic. The breakfast choice the same every day - the water for tea only luke warm so unable to have a proper cuppa - tea bags tasted like sawdust. The breakfast choice of cereal and cooked breakfast again ok, but eggs were usually cold. The pastries, however, were fresh but who wants cakes for breakfast? Dinner menu again fairly boring, even dull. There was a speciality cooking area - which we were never told about, just happened to pass by and saw that there were different dishes available in this part of the restaurant. Lots of steps in restaurant, which was dangerous given people wandering around with plates of food and drinks.

There were towels available for pool. Again not told about this. Only 'found this out' by accident when noticed that a lot of people had the same towels.

The room I booked was a suite with sea view. In fact, the sea view was in fact only sea view if standing at the very edge of the balcony and straining the neck and only then, say, an inch of the harbour. Given I paid extra for this, was not pleased - our outlook was in fact of other rooms in the hotel overlooking the bar area - very poor. Paid extra for safe and fridge - again the fridge so small couldn't get a bottle of pop in there anyway so had to buy cans as that all that could be fitted - and no ice box either!

I could go on and on and bore for England. But what could have been a good hotel let down by lack of communications and thoughtlessness on behalf of the owners. Staff in the main friendly, although we were told very quickly when we tried to take a table on the ground floor area of the restaurant - it looked to me full of 'non English' guests, but were told these tables were reserved for people with 'bad legs'. However, a number of times during the week it was clear these tables were occupied by people who had two very good legs and were of good health. As I said, disappointed. El Vistamar, you could do better.

Review date: 03 July 2006 - A HotelStreet visitor from Blackpool, England wrote:-

Review title: "El Vistamar Hotel"
Travel date: May 2006
We booked at the last minute and what a wonderful holiday, so relaxing. The food was excellent. The hotel could not be faulted. I would highly recommend this hotel to friends. We found the staff to be extremely polite and pleasant and very professional. Would definitely go again.

Review date: 08 September 2005 - A HotelStreet visitor from Bournemouth wrote:-

Review title: "Vistamar Hotel - Oh Dear"
Travel date: August 2005
The hotel itself is very clean with a good Mini Kids' club. However, we have a child of 12 and teenager of 15 and would expect a family hotel to cater for all ages.

For the parents with small children please bear in mind that if you are sitting by the pool, you cannot fully relax as both pools are situated on the other side of the road from the hotel. Once in the pool area, there is a gateway to secure the pools in the evening but not to be used by day to secure your child's safety. One of these pool bars has been shut for over two years despite the brochure showing it fully functioning. The restaurant also is situated on the other side of the road which is fine when the weather is good but not when it is raining.

You cannot have a hot drink with your evening meal; you either have to pay for water, soft drinks, wine or alcohol. The hotel offers evening entertainment but it usually starts at 9.45 pm until 11.30 – 11.45 for adults. I have just met up with a couple who are in the middle 60's,(20 years on us) who stayed at the Vistamar Hotel but they had a car. Even they said it was very quiet and by the end of a week they were feeling bored.

Review date: 04 September 2005 - A HotelStreet visitor from Cornwall wrote:-

Review title: "Vistamar No Good For Teenage Children"
Travel date: August 2005
Just been to the Vistamar Hotel in Porto Colom. Please approach with care, this is not for people with children over six. There is not a thing to do unless you want to read a book. Entertainment zero. Every thing is shut at hotel, no drinks around pool, also you can't get a hot drink by day.

Review date: 14 March 2005 - A HotelStreet visitor from Hull, England, UK wrote:-

Review title: "Staying At El Vistamar Was Great!"
Travel date: July 2002
Staying at El Vistimar was great even though I went with my mum and dad. I still had a great time. All the staff there were really friendly and were great to spent time doing the activities with them. My younger sister went to the mini club and loved everything about it! Everyone enjoyed there hoilday! There was not one thing wrong with the holiday!