Eteka Slow Beach Hotel

This place has the potential to be an amazing experience but unfortunately there were SOOO many hiccups during my birthday experience and I honestly can not recommend this place to anyone for a special celebration I feel like it is very hit or MISS. . Prior to even touching down in Columbia, myself and two friends booked Eteka's day pass. I also booked a nook to be decorated for my birthday and myself and a friend booked massages. The day that I was set to head over to Eteka from the city, there was ALOT of rain in the morning. Luckily the rain stopped and we decided that we would head over on the last boat. I was in communication via Whatsapp that entire morning with a staff member for Eteka. in case we had to switch plans due to weather. I was told, the waters were safe and that we could head out on the last boat and I would still be able to get my massage etc. We arrived to the beach at 11:33 and the boat was already gone. They left at exactly 11:30. I understand that they have a schedule to adhere to but after being in communication all morning and sharing that it was my birthday I was hoping we would be given a little grace. Many of the streets of Cartegena were completely flooded and the drive over took twice the amount of time that it normally would. Another boat arrived around 12:05 pm -ish and we did not pull out until about 12:25; which is interesting because I thought they were so punctual. The entire time that my friends and I were waiting the staff member that checks you in prior to getting on the boat said that she couldn't find my freinds reservation. My friend had to pull up her receipt and show proof of payment; I don't know why they didnt have record of it. We finally get to the island and my friend was told that she couldn't get a massage because they initially didn't have record of her booking. I ended up getting a refund for my massage because the new time given just wouldn't work. Finally, once my nook was ready, I realized that the flower bouquet that I was told would be included was not there. When I inquired about it and showed a picture of what the nook was supposed to look like (picture was sent to me during my exchange with staff prior to booking) I wos told to wait and that it would be corrected. When I came back for the second reveal, flower petals were placed all over the floor and seats and table which was pretty and a nice touch but no bouquet. Lastly, the lunch was absolutely delicious but I asked THREE times if everything on the menu was included in the day-pass price and was told yes by our server. At the end, we had a bill of course and was told that the meal that we chose came with an additional cost. The flies were absolutely too much. I know that flies and insects are a part of nature but I have NEVER had an experience like this with flies. We could not relax and enjoy our meal; it was impossible. We wanted to take the lunch to go but they did not have to go containers. Sigh The beach was much quieter

Over priced, over rated. Everyone was very nice but unfortunately there’s not much the staff can do if the conditions aren’t the best. Raw food, old fruits , tons of flies that make it impossible to eat outdoors, tiny beach, rooms poorly finished ( not even a spot to hang towels in a beach hotel) supposedly a place to have rest yet the waitress will follow you and knock your door thousand times to hand you the check. Plus, loud live music the entire afternoon . I still don’t get the full value proposition of this place. Try to be many things at one and can barely get couple right. Probably OK if you were paying 50% less than what you pay for absolutely everything. Probably just a good site for Instagram pictures but not a place to stay. Very sad about finding they’ve only do good decorating plenty of space and missed the whole point of being a hotel.