“What a beautiful hotel!”

Hello! I recently went on a business trip to La Serena, Chile. OUr hosts booked us into the Jardin del Mar cabana hotel. Wow! What a beautiful, beautiful resort! It's across the street from the beach and each cabana is like a deluxe, private cottage at the seaside. The staff are fabul… more

Hello! I recently went on a business trip to La Serena, Chile. OUr hosts booked us into the Jardin del Mar cabana hotel. Wow! What a beautiful, beautiful resort! It's across the street from the beach and each cabana is like a deluxe, private cottage at the seaside. The staff are fabulous and speak some English. The cleaning ladies don't speak English but will do whatever they can to help you. They are also extremely honest and had to be convinced to take the tip money we left for them each morning. Sometimes we would come home and find the money still there if a new cleaning lady came on that day. The hotel has a large outdoor pool and there is a playground for kids. There are beautiful lawns and lawnchairs in front of each cabana. A big, beautiful restaurant specializing in beef sits at the front of the property. Great food and atmosphere. There is a free breakfast (included in the room rate) each morning and it is sufficient to get you started on your day: toast & jam, desserts, fruit, juices and coffee, slices of cold ham and cheese. The hotel has free access to internet and you can use their own internet in the lobby if you like. There is a small TV and billiard room, but each cabana comes equipped with TV, fridge and a little stove. The only drawback for this hotel is that is is quite far down the beach from any stores or the main restaurant areas. Not to worry, there are some restaurants only a short 15 min. walk away. They, too are fantastic! M in Surrey, BC, Canada

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“Excellent views but no service”

The positive to this location is the excellent view, the good security and the modern building. Unfortunately, there are several negatives. There was dirt on the bedding and furniture. The hot tub and swimming pool were closed when we stayed (April). And this really isn't a hotel, it is a condo… more

The positive to this location is the excellent view, the good security and the modern building. Unfortunately, there are several negatives. There was dirt on the bedding and furniture. The hot tub and swimming pool were closed when we stayed (April). And this really isn't a hotel, it is a condo with no services or front desk. So the first thing we had to do upon arrival was go to the store to buy toilet paper. We were also given a defective key and had to wait for the manager to arrive to let us in since the superintendent could not open the door to the room.

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