Decameron San Luis

Although the all-inclusive rates here are attractive to families and groups on budgets, the same can’t be said about the hotel’s appearance, which is mediocre at best. The exteriors of the two-story structure, spread across three blocks, could use fresh coats of paint, and the exterior hallways have a motel-like feel. The spacious and open-walled reception areas across the blocks feature multicolored walls and bamboo sofas with bright sofa cushions, but everything has a slightly run-down look about it. Common spaces, including restaurants and pool areas, could also do with better maintenance. Since large crowds are common here, the atmosphere is lively and energetic, but frequent parties late into the evenings at the on-site discotheque can be a source of unwelcome noise for guests expecting a peaceful stay.  

Located 15 minutes on foot from the center of San Luis, the hotel’s surroundings are less bustling than those of downtown resorts, while are still somewhat close to the main action. Guests looking for a beachfront resort may be somewhat disappointed, as the beach across from the hotel is tiny and requires walking across some slippery exposed coral to access the sand. The larger, more scenic Playas De San Luis is an eight-minute drive away. Johnny Cay Park is 27 minutes away by car, as is the nightlife scene at clubs like Blue Deep and Coco Loco. The International Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Airport is about a 30-minute drive away. The hotel does provide airport transfers for fees.

Standard Rooms here are sparsely furnished with bamboo furniture, bed platforms, and no bedspreads. Wooden walls and the occasional wall print add minimal, but unmemorable, touches of character. Matrimonial Rooms, with fresh white walls, are in better condition, but don’t have much more style. Room amenities include simple desks, safes, and flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is not available. Mini-fridges are provided, along with large bottles of water. Guests have complained of malfunctioning air-conditioning and leaky ceilings in several rooms. 

Bathrooms are tiny, with old tiles and little space to maneuver between the toilet, sink, and walk-in showers with fixed showerheads. Lack of a substantial barrier blocking the shower area from the toilet may cause water to spill over. Towels are stacked on top of the toilet tank in some rooms. All bathrooms come with toiletries and hairdryers. 

Some second-floor rooms may look out onto the sea, but most windows don’t have any views to speak of.   

The best feature here is the all-inclusive aspect of the hotel. Restaurants are part of the all-inclusive rates, but apart from the buffet restaurant (open for three meals) the Japanese and Italian a la carte restaurants require reservations in advance. The international buffet restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and the hotel’s buffet breakfast, with a spread of breads, fruits, meats, cold salads, and omelet bar is impressive, but the space is often crowded. There’s also a Snack Bar, serving items like French fries and hot dogs, and an indoor Piano Bar. Drinks and tips are included in the rates. Nightlife entertainment comes in the form of a small discotheque, open at night, and although the facility is mediocre, it’s often full.

Several hotel blocks feature outdoor pools, with some pools including poolside bars and one area including a children’s pool. Pools are decent in size but still get packed with people. The beach, located close by but off-site, is tiny, and with rocks instead of sand and no beach umbrellas, it isn’t the most comfortable place for lounging. Free non-motorized water sports like kayaks are available. As an alternative, hotel guests have access to the nearby Rocky Cay Beach Club if they make reservations in advance. 

Additional amenities include an outdoor tennis court, a pool table, and a ping pong table. A recreation team frequently performs shows on the outdoor stage and organizes activities among guests like karaoke and games. 

There’s also a small jewelry store and boutique for picking up toiletries and snacks. Laundry is available during certain hours. There’s also an on-site infirmary. Free Wi-Fi is only available in the reception area, and with a slow connection and a password that changes daily, using it can be more annoying than convenient.