Hotel Cabrero Mar

Located in a residential neighborhood, the hotel would be easy to mistake for an apartment building. Eight stories high with a modern white-and-orange facade, Cabrero Mar resembles many of its neighbors. Only a small sign near the front door indicates that it's a hotel. Wide steps cross a simple water feature and lead to the building’s front entrance. Inside, the tiny lobby has a bright, airy feel thanks to its large windows and all-white decor. A white-and-orange front desk mimics the look of the facade, and two leather chairs and a small table with free coffee and water provide a small seating area. Be aware that there's not much English spoken here (during our visits, the guests were mainly Colombian), so it might be worth mastering some basic Spanish phrases, although travelers shouldn't let the language barrier deter them. Cabrero Mar is well located and less expensive than many of its more centrally located competitors in Bocagrande. It draws travelers from across the spectrum, and its apartment-style rooms are especially suitable for families and groups, and those on extended stays.

Hotel Cabrero Mar is located in a residential neighborhood near the airport. Known as Cabrero, the neighborhood is dotted with tall apartment buildings and tons of construction sites. It’s still up and coming in terms of tourism -- there aren’t many hotels here, save for the nearby Ibis, and there’s not much to see or do within walking distance. Travelers looking for Bocagrande’s nightlife or the walled city’s charm might be disappointed with this locale but pleased by its budget-friendly rates. The hotel is a five-minute drive from the airport and the walled city, and is one block from the beach. It’s possible to walk to the walled city (about 15 minutes), but we wouldn’t recommend it at night. 

For a mid-range property, the 14 rooms at Cabrero Mar are impressively sleek and modern, with lots of bright-orange accents. White walls and white-tile floors give rooms a bright, airy feel, while floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors let in tons of natural light. Beds are dressed with white sheets and tangerine-colored bed runners. Light-wood night tables and headboards give each space a streamlined, uncluttered look. Rooms have high-tech features, such as large, wall-mounted smart TVs and automatic blackout shades. Large closets are equipped with ironing supplies, extra blankets, electronic safes, and well-stocked minibars. Bathrooms are decorated with bright orange and yellow subway tile, and have glass-enclosed walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. Round vessel sinks sit atop granite vanities, but there isn’t much counter or storage space. Many rooms have balconies. Some have partial ocean views, but most face the street. Rooms and bathrooms are tiny, and tight on space, but they’re immaculately clean, despite a few nicks and scratches on the walls and furniture. 

There are four room types at Cabrero Mar: Standard, Superior, Ocean View, and Apartments. Decor and amenities are standard throughout, but there are a few minor differences among the room categories. Standard and Superior Rooms are almost identical, but Standards have queen-size beds, while Superior Rooms have kings. Couples should consider springing for Superior Rooms with king-size beds -- as beds tend to be small. We don’t necessarily recommend an upgrade to Ocean View Rooms, as neighboring buildings obstruct most of the sea views. Apartments, which include one- and two-bedroom units, can sleep up to six people, and they have full kitchens, washing machines, and separate living and dining rooms. The two-bedroom apartment has two bathrooms. 

While Cabrero Mar doesn’t have any big-ticket amenities like a pool, spa, fitness center, or on-site restaurant, it does offer some nice freebies. Breakfast is included in the room rate for all guests, and is served on the eighth-floor terrace. The first course consists of fresh fruit, breads, cereal, juice, and coffee, all served buffet-style. For the second course, guests choose from a list of different egg preparations, which tend to vary day by day. The oregano and tomato omelet is particularly good. The terrace also has a six-person hot tub with awesome ocean views, and guests can reserve it for private use. High-speed Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and it works on multiple devices. Cabrero Mar also has 24-hour reception and free parking in a private, secure lot behind the hotel.