The Boato Hotel

Excellent 👍🏼

Nice hotel

First learned of Guatape and El Boato from watching reviews on YouTube. We especially liked the look and layout of the El Boato. It was easy for us to reach out to the property via WhatsApp. They arranged safe and efficient private transportation to and from MDE airport at a reasonable cost. We were given a casita closest to the lobby which was both a blessing, (because all the other casitas could be quite a challenging walk for some people), and a curse because you can hear the constant music from the lobby/restaurant. We learned to live with the music which eventually went off at 9PM and were thankful we did not have to climb the hill to either go to town or to dine at the restaurant. The casita was warm and inviting. It came equipped with a two burner surface gas stove. Fridge with mini-bar and snacks for sale. Room also came equipped with plates, silverware, coffee cups and glasses. Our room did not come with a coffee maker, just a couple of packets of instant coffee. I asked if they had something else to assist me in making coffee and they brought to the room an electric kettle. I purchased a container of instant coffee in town which was much easier than the two packets. We were surprised to find that they did not have an adequate supply of fresh coffee in the restaurant for the diners? The room included a large portable electric fan which we used several times to cool down the room from the afternoon sun. We had no problem getting to sleep at night, the temperature was fine for sleeping. The room had two large sliding glass doors to view the lake and let the fresh air in. No screens, we had several sparrows visit but they quickly left. Our bed and pillows were comfortable. We knew there was no room safe but there was nothing to worry about and not needed. Shower and sink were wonderful. Our complaints:Not enough hand to wels and another property with no facecloths. Perhaps they get taken? The wooden chairs inside the room were extremely uncomfortable and one was in need of repair. You just could not sit in them comfortably. The two deckchairs also were of odd design and as a result you are unable to adjust them much. The hot tub was nice but the water faucet to fill it was installed in the wrong place. You had to literally get into the hot tub to change the temperature, which is challenge with the hot water heater type they utilize for it. We did enjoy the nightly fire. Yes, you have your own personal fire pit on your deck! And each nite a nice gentleman brings the wood and makes the fire for you! Unfortunately during our stay, unknown to us, the lake was very low. We were told that the lake was intentionally drained so they could work on it. People were still kayaking from the dock and were able to manage the long walk down the steps to the dock. If I could I would suggest installing a handrail. The property also managed to always secure a Tuktuk for us which was very helpful. It was safe and we always knew the $ into Guatape. The proper

The hotel has a great view but it’s really run down, looks abandoned by the owners or they run out of money to fix it and maintain. it’s a 2 star hotel “conditions” at the moment ( I stayed in better 2 stars hotels in the past. What saves this place is the view ( witch is great) and the staff, as they are unstoppable to make you feel welcome. The staff is for sure the best part of this hotel, it’s what holds this business, hope the owner pays them well, they deserve. But don’t come here expecting a good condition property as it’s all a quite broken and out of place. ( the kitchen does not have thins for you to use, there is NO coffee machine, the window in the bathroom was broken and did not close, the kitchen doors were all broken and did not close, what can I say crazy bad conditions). If you are staying only the view and good service then yes this is a place for you. It’s a 1 star room with 6 star employees and 5 star views and a 0 star owner. And this is a very honest review for the price you pay it’s actually hilarious. Worst hotel I stayed in Colombia in the 4 weeks i stayed in Colombia. And one of worst conditions hotel I stayed from the 54 countries I visited. The owner should really be ashamed of selling it in this conditions.

The service was excellent and very attentive! 10/10 We stayed in the family room (Lar 11) and we had amazing views from our room. Safe and enjoyable for kids and adults. We went with an 3yr old and 8yr old and they enjoyed it a lot! Great breakfast options, vegetarian and vegan friendly also available. They also have room service which is excellent! The hottub on the deck of the room is a must do! Very enjoyable and with an amazing view. It gets cold when it rains, so bring your rain coat/jacket and at sunrise and sundown it gets pretty chilly. Only sidenote: you have to walk up the hill to get to the restaurant/lobby area and walk down the hill to get back to your room. It is not suitable for people who have walking disabilities or difficulties.

I was a little hesitant to stay here because of the rating but I am so glad we did. I'm not sure what people had to complain about. Everything was great. Do not stay here if you are not able-bodied is my only suggestion. The rooms are on a mountain side and hard to access if you or a family member is not very mobile.

Amazing, Amazing, Amazing Stay. The service was truly unbelievable. We had Santiago attend to us during our entire stay and he was nothing but attentive, and so was the entire staff. I highly recommend anyone that visits Colombia to make a stop at this incredible gem of a hotel.

Extremely underwhelming. Arrived via the pontoon which was nice. Then a steep walk to the property up a mud path. Great views and nice concept. Food- Average at best. Overpriced because your are stuck with in the hotel, so they can name their price. Breakfast portion size enough to feed a small child, I’m still waiting for my coffee. Dinner was a poor cut of ‘fillet’ steak. Cleanliness- Bed was filthy with yellow stains on. 3 times it was changed, eventually some clean bedding. Not much empathy showed from the hotel which was a shame. Facilities- Decided to hire a jet ski at the cost of $80 for an hour which is on the pricier side. This was despite being told less by a member of staff. Also be careful as they slap on service charges for every single thing you consume. This is voluntary so you can remove it. Overall, 5/10. I believe there are better places in Guatape, don’t be roped in by their social media posts.

The pick up experience was just terrible..! (The roads are being fixed so a 30 min boat ride is the only way to get here)… Staff was apologetic but it could have easily been remediated off communication was better. We were waiting one and half hour to be picked up by the boat when they normally pick people up every hour… I’ll update more later