4 Best Hotels in San Andrés, Colombia

Located on the quieter, greener southwestern part of the island, this somewhat removed hotel is arguably the island's friendliest, with simple rooms offering expansive sea views that give the Sunset hotel its name. Set around an impeccably maintained pool with ocean views, rooms are basic but well maintained and have a/c. The restaurant, Bon Astre, does a decent job at reasonable prices. This is a great choice for novice divers, with a small but friendly dive shop operating on the premises and excellent diving and snorkeling just across the road.

Surrounded by lush gardens and coco palms, Cocoplum is located right on the beach near Rocky Cay and is the best option for those looking for beachfront accommodation a little removed from the town. While the facilities and rooms need an update, Cocoplum is the perfect base where you can wash the sand off your feet and sleep with good a/c. Breakfasts are a treat, taken almost right on the beach, and the restaurants, though overpriced, are decent if you don't feel like exploring, and offer beachside dining or drinks.

Seemingly right out of the pages of an interior design magazine, Casa Harb is easily the island's best-looking hotel, featuring cool, contemporary decoration with heavy Southeast Asian influences. Situated close enough to town for convenience, but still somewhat withdrawn from the busy center, this is a good choice for those who need a touch of luxury. Rooms are gorgeous, each with a distinct style and personality and modern, integrated bathrooms. The plunge pool and patio are pleasant, as is the bougainvillea surrounding the house, but unfortunately sea views are limited and access requires crossing the road.

Just blocks away from the airport and minutes from the town's most popular beach, the Isleño is the best of the island's five Decameron properties, with a bit of everything close at hand for guests looking for an uncomplicated getaway. Rooms with pool and beach views are prime, but all have relatively modern bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. Interiors and public spaces are cool and airy with a colorful design, and the pool areas are well kept, with places to keep kids entertained and keep cold cocktails nearby.The standard buffets serve decent fare, but the on-site restaurants have quality offerings—even if getting a reservation at them is tricky during high season.