Escape to Paradise: Colibri Suites, Margarita Island Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Colibri Suites, Margarita Island Awaits! - A Review (and a Rant)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the passion fruit juice, this is Margarita Island after all) on Colibri Suites. This isn't your polished, perfectly-formatted travel review. This is real, unfiltered, and probably has more tangents than a geometry textbook. So, let's dive in, shall we? Because honestly, after a week of sun, sand, and… well, you’ll see… I have thoughts.
SEO & Metadata (Ugh, but Necessary):
Keywords: Margarita Island, Colibri Suites, Venezuela, Caribbean, Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurants, Beach, Paradise, Family Friendly, All-Inclusive (Maybe? We'll see!), Free Wi-Fi, Internet, Safety, Cleanliness.
Meta Description: A brutally honest (and hopefully helpful) review of Colibri Suites on Margarita Island. Covering EVERYTHING – accessibility, food, cleanliness, amenities, and the general vibe. Prepare for some laughs, some groans, and maybe a little bit of sunburn-induced existential dread.
My Arrival - Or, "How I Spent an Hour Staring at a Wall"
First impressions? Let's just say they were mixed. The promise of "Paradise" does set a high bar, you know? Driving up, it looked… well, it looked like a pretty standard hotel, which is perfectly fine, if not a bit… generic. The exterior corridor thing, and the fact that my room was a bit of a walk from the lobby, was a bit of a let down.
The lobby itself was… fine. Clean, bright-ish, with that slightly sterile air-conditioned feel that hotels love. Check-in was, blessedly, contactless, which is HUGE for me these days. I’m a bit of a germaphobe, and the fact that they seemed to be taking cleanliness seriously was a major win. (More on that later, though.) The lobby had a few signs in Spanish, which is understandable. I wish I had brushed up on my GCSE Spanish for this trip.
My REAL beef, though, and the first crack in the facade of "Paradise," was the internet. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" the brochure had screamed (probably). But… it barely functioned. I spent the better part of an hour in my room, staring at a loading icon, trying to get a video call to work. This is a major issue when you're trying to work remotely, or, you know, just check on the family back home. Eventually, I gave up and wandered around, hoping for a stronger signal.
Internet – The Bane of my Existence (and Possibly Yours)
Alright, let's get this out of the way now. The Wi-Fi at Colibri Suites is… sketchy. It's there, technically. It exists. But it's about as reliable as a politician's promise. I'm talking patchy, slow, and prone to vanishing into the digital ether at the most inconvenient moments. They do have Internet [LAN] if you're feeling old school, and I think there's Wi-Fi in public areas, but good luck finding it. I managed to catch a glimpse of it in the dining room, with the same issue as the in-room. Honestly, if you're planning on doing anything requiring a decent internet connection – work, streaming, video calls – pack a serious data plan or prepare for frustration. This is a colossal letdown, and frankly, inexcusable in this day and age.
Rooms: The Good, The Bad, and the "Wait, Where's the Iron?"
Once I finally got online, I could finally see my room. The room itself was pretty typical hotel fare, I did get a kick out of the "slippers" and "bathrobes". The decor was clean, which is reassuring, and the air conditioning worked a TREAT. (Thank heavens for that.) My room had a separate shower/bathtub, which I love, and a comfy bed, a mini-fridge, I really think they were trying. The in-room safe box was a nice touch too, even though I am not putting my things in there.
- Things I Appreciated: The blackout curtains (essential for proper sleep!), the coffee/tea maker (a lifesaver in the mornings!), the comfortable bed.
- Things That Could Be Improved: No iron. Seriously? I travel, and I was not expecting to be a wrinkled mess all week. I asked for one, and it took… a while. Like, "I thought it had gotten lost in the Bermuda Triangle" while. And the TV had more channels than a cable company on a good day, but half of them were fuzzy.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag
Now, I didn't specifically request an accessible room, but I did notice a few things. The elevator was a blessing, obviously. The hotel itself seemed relatively accessible, but I didn't spend enough time to be sure.
I do, however, need to make note that I did read about the facilities for disabled guests. I think I saw some of them, and the hotel claims to have facilities for disabled guests, which is a plus.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Vacation (or the Hangry Fits)
The food situation at Colibri Suites is… interesting. They had "Restaurants" with a la carte, a buffet, and I think a "vegetarian restaurant" (though I never saw it advertised as such). The Buffet was a gamble. Some days it was amazing, a culinary explosion of flavour. Other days… well, let’s just say my stomach did a little dance of sadness. The coffee shop was a godsend for my caffeine addiction. The poolside bar was the perfect place to get a cocktail, or a beer after a hot day. The bar itself had the goods, and the staff, who are super friendly.
- Standout Good: The fresh fruit at breakfast was always a winner. And the staff. Seriously, the staff were fantastic. Always friendly, always helpful, genuinely seemed to care.
- Room for Improvement: Consistency. The quality of the buffet could fluctuate wildly. And the availability of food delivery to the room was, well, let's just say spotty.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Chasing that "Paradise" Feeling
They have a pool with a view, the gym/fitness center, the sauna, the spa, and a steamroom, and the swimming pool (outdoor). I didn't use all of them; I definitely went for a swim. I got a massage. I also spent a lot of time just… lounging. The terrace was a lovely spot to sit and enjoy a drink.
- The Spa: The spa was pretty standard, but the massage was wonderful. I needed it after a long, irritating online session!
- Overall: It does offer a reasonable (if not overwhelming) array of activities.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Bright Spots! (and the Worrying Bits)
Okay, here's where Colibri Suites shines. They have all the features listed for cleanliness to a high degree and take things seriously. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Seriously, during the pandemic, this was huge. I felt safe. I felt that they were really trying. This, I was impressed by. The staff seemed to be dedicated to training.
- On the Flip Side: While the room had "soundproofing," I could still hear… things. Let's just say the thin walls did not exactly contribute to a peaceful night's sleep.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things (and the "Where's the Front Desk?")
Colibri Suites actually offered a good list of amenities. Concierge, facilities for disabled guests, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, doorman, elevator, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, safety deposit boxes.
- The Cashless Payment Service: Super convenient. No fumbling with currency!
- The Front Desk: Always helpful and friendly.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly or Family-Stressful?
I didn't have any kids with me, but I saw families around and that they offered some babysitting, if you need it. Kids facilities were offered, too.
Getting Around: The Adventures (and the Annoyances)
You can catch a taxi service, which is great! I needed to get to the airport. Airport transfer was offered, and I did make use of it, and it was convenient.
The Verdict: Paradise Found? (Maybe… with Caveats)
So, is Colibri Suites "Paradise"? Not quite. It's got some real issues, especially with the internet. But it also has a lot going for it: friendly staff, a decent spa, clean rooms, and a strong focus on safety. It's a solid choice for a vacation, especially if you're looking for a relatively safe and comfortable base on Margarita Island.
My final rating: 7/10. Could be an 8 if they fixed that Wi-
Escape to Paradise: Natai Beach Resort, Phuket Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a chaotic adventure to Hotel Colibri Suites on Margarita Island, Venezuela. Consider this less of an itinerary and more of a fever dream punctuated by questionable decisions and the unwavering scent of sunscreen.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Pool Debacle
- Morning (or what passes for it after a red-eye): Land in Porlamar. Ugh, the airport. Let's just say the air conditioning was "optimistic" at best. Found the transfer – a beat-up taxi that smelled suspiciously like fish guts and regret. Anxiety level: moderately high. Why didn't I learn Spanish before this?
- Mid-Morning: Arrive at Hotel Colibri Suites. Okay, first impressions… the lobby is gorgeous. All that tropical, airy vibe. Like it was ripped from an interior design magazine. And then… the room. It’s… fine. Clean enough, I guess. The balcony does look out over the pool, which is the biggest selling point.
- Late Morning: Quick unpack and dive headfirst into that pool. Glorious, right? Wrong. Took one tentative step in and nearly faceplanted. Apparently, there's a sudden, treacherous drop-off in the shallow end. Like, legit, I almost drowned in a foot of water, flailing like a dying starfish while a group of very judgmental Venezuelans silently observed. Mortifying. This is going to be a recurring theme, isn't it?
- Afternoon: Sulk. Dry off, rethink my life choices, and order a disastrously sweet piña colada. Think I'm a bit dehydrated anyway. Maybe I try some of the local arepas, which I later discover are a life saver. Stumble upon the beach bar, where I spent the afternoon attempting (and failing) to order a beer with my limited Spanish, resulting in a generous pour of cheap rum instead.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food was… edible. Let's go with that. The service, however, was delightfully relaxed. By "relaxed" I mean, our waiter took a solid 30 minutes to bring us menus, then gave up on the order for another 45. Finally, the food comes and it's… delicious. Worth the wait. Stared at the stars after, contemplating the universe and the mysteries of Margarita Island. And also, the fact that I still don't know what to do with the random bag of plantains I bought at the market.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and the Unexpected Cactus Encounter)
- Morning: Okay, redemption time. Actually went to the beach. The beach! El Yaque beach is phenomenal. The water is crystal clear, the sand is white, and the wind is perfect for kitesurfing (which I am, of course, terrible at). Spent hours just staring out at the waves. I thought I lost my sunglasses at some point, and panicked. I should’ve known they were on my head.
- Mid-Morning: Sunscreen application strategy: FAIL. Redder than a lobster. Seriously, how can you burn under a parasol?!
- Afternoon: The greatest thing happened. Strolled around the beach, then had to go into the desert! I’m from Europe, so I never saw a real cactus before. It was such an amazing sight to see so many massive cactuses. The desert was also fascinating to see, but then I walked a bit into it… and got way too close to a massive prickly pear cactus and, yeah, let's just say I have a newfound respect for those spiky bastards. Extraction was a process. My arms looked like pin cushions. I was convinced I'd need a tetanus shot. Seriously, if anyone sees me now, they're probably wondering what is wrong with my face.
- Evening: Dinner at a beachside pescaderia (fish restaurant). Fresh grilled fish, toes in the sand, sunset… bliss. Had some issues communicating with the waiter, so I ended up with something I didn't order, but the food was still amazing. So grateful. Swallowed a fly at some point, and probably ingested a whole lot of sand.
- Night: Laying on the beach in the pitch black. Trying to remember the stars' directions, but there was so much light pollution.
Day 3: Exploring & The Rum Revelation
- Morning: Decided to be adventurous (or, you know, maybe not). Took a taxi into Porlamar. Big mistake. So hectic. So many people. Bought some tacky souvenirs. Had a disastrous experience trying to haggle – clearly, I'm not cut out for this.
- Mid-Morning: Ended up escaping the chaos and retreating back to the hotel in record time. Found solace back at the pool.
- Afternoon: Finally tried the hotel's spa. Got a massage. Okay, I'm not gonna lie, it was amazing. All the tension from the cactus incident, the haggling trauma, and the questionable piña coladas just melted away. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
- Evening: The real highlight of the trip: a rum tasting at the hotel bar. And let me tell you, I was not prepared for this. The bartender, a charming local named Carlos, was a rum guru. He schooled me on the finer points of different rums, the history of distillation, and the cultural significance of the drink. Learned you can buy rum for 2 dollars… but it’s better to drink the 20-dollar one. Also, got to sample some local cigars. Let's just say I left feeling happy. And maybe a little wobbly. But mostly happy. Wrote in my journal for the first time, with a drunken, shaky hand.
- Night: Stumbled back to my room, convinced I could speak fluent Spanish. Woke up with a splitting headache and a vague memory of karaoke and dancing with the hotel staff. Worth it.
Day 4: Island Adventures & the Airport Farewell
- Morning: Recovering from the rum-induced coma. Breakfast was a blurry affair, but found comfort in the arepas (again!). The arepas are a lifesaver.
- Mid-Morning: Attempted to go to the beach, but the sun and the wind were too strong. Decided to spend another morning at the pool, and ended up trying to learn how to do a backflip dive, which I now know I cannot do.
- Afternoon: Time to head back to the airport. Saying goodbye to Hotel Colibri Suites and Margarita Island. A bit sad to go, but also ready to sleep in my own bed. I don't know, something about this place felt… real. Flawed, messy, a little bit wild… but real.
- Evening: Flight home. Reflecting on the trip. I don’t know, I’m not sure what I was expecting. I got cacti. Some really amazing food. And a whole lot of sun. Probably I will be back.
Final Thoughts:
Margarita Island? Hotel Colibri Suites? Definitely a trip. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be prepared for the unexpected. Pack your sense of humor, sunscreen, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor. And maybe brush up on your Spanish. Or, you know, just wing it. The chaos is part of the fun. And the rum… the rum is definitely part of the fun.
Hiptique Sukhumvit 13: Bangkok's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? (You NEED to See This!)
Okay, so, Escape to Paradise: Colibri Suites... Sounds dreamy. Is it *actually* dreamy? Like, do I need to pack a magic carpet?
Alright, let's be real. Magic carpet? Nah. But dreamy? YES. Mostly. Look, Margarita Island is... an experience. Colibri Suites? They're trying. They *really* are. The pictures? Kinda hold up. That gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean sparkling? Yup, it's as good as it sounds... until you realize it's *slightly* crowded with other dreamers.
I went with my best friend, Sarah. We'd saved for ages, picturing ourselves sipping cocktails, laughing, tanned to perfection. We did *some* of that. The first day? Bliss. We basically worshipped the sun, swam until our fingers were pruney, and ordered ridiculously overpriced (but delish!) cocktails that gave us the giggles. Seriously, I haven't laughed that hard in ages. Then the power went out. Twice. And the wi-fi, let's just say, didn't exactly live up to its promises of streaming everything. So, dreamy with a generous helping of island time and a side of, "Okay, guess we're just chatting, then?"
What's the deal with the location? Is it safe? Because, you know, headlines...
Location, location, location, right? Colibri Suites is nestled... well, it's on Margarita Island, which is already a bit of a gamble these days, let's be honest. I'm not going to lie, before we went, I spent a LOT of time googling "Margarita Island safety." It's a mixed bag. The resort itself felt pretty secure, with security guards at the entrance. We weren't exactly roaming around at 2 AM, but we did feel comfortable wandering around the resort and the immediate surrounding area during the day.
We took a taxi to a restaurant one night, a place a local recommended. That was a little… intense. The driver was super friendly, but the roads... let's just say they're more of a suggestion than a strict rule. And the restaurant? Amazing food, but also a few locals giving us *very* curious looks. My advice? Ask locals! Ask the staff at Colibri! They'll give you the real, honest scoop. And maybe stick to the resort's recommendations for excursions if you're feeling particularly skittish. I personally got a little freaked out, but Sarah was fine, she said it was an adventure! Like, who's the adventurous one now, eh?
The Suites themselves... Are they actually "suites" or glorified hotel rooms with an extra sofa?
The suites... Okay, so, "suite" in this case is... *generous*. I wouldn't call it a palatial estate, more like a generously sized, well-appointed hotel room with a separate sitting area. We booked a "Deluxe Suite with Ocean View." The *ocean view* part held up! Seriously, the view was incredible, the balcony was huge. We spent hours just staring out at the water, feeling the sun on our faces, and pretending we were jet-set royalty.
The furniture was... functional. The bed was comfortable enough, the bathroom was clean, and the air conditioning *mostly* worked (see previous power outage rant). The "separate sitting area" was really just a sofa and a coffee table, but hey, it gave us a place to spread out our stuff. I did notice the sofa was a touch worn... and Sarah *may* have spilled red wine on it (oops!). But hey, we were on vacation, right? It wasn't the Ritz, but it was comfortable and pretty damn good, considering the price. Let's be real, you're not there to *live* in the room, you're there to explore and enjoy the island!
Food. Tell me about the food! Is it all just bland hotel fare?
Food! Okay, THIS is where Colibri Suites *shines*. The on-site restaurant? Surprisingly good. Breakfast was a buffet (the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, fruit, etc.) but the fresh fruit was AMAZING. The mango? To die for. Seriously, I ate a mango at breakfast *every single day*.
Lunch and dinner offered a good variety. They had some local Venezuelan dishes... Sarah loved the arepas, I tried them, I wasn't converted. I'm more of a pasta person. They also had international options to accommodate the wide variety of guests. One night we had a fantastic grilled fish. The cocktails? Delicious (again, ridiculously overpriced, but...worth it, especially during happy hour!).
The best part? Exploring the local restaurants outside the resort! We took a taxi to a little seafood shack on the beach one night – best damn fish I’ve ever eaten. So fresh, so flavourful, so cheap! That’s where the *real* food magic happens. Don't be afraid to venture outside, trust me! I had one horrible meal at a tourist trap, but you win some, you lose some.
Activities! Besides sunbathing and drinking, what is there to *do*?
Activities... Okay, so, the resort itself offers the standard stuff: a pool, access to the beach, a gym (which I didn't use, because, you know, vacation!). They also arrange excursions. We did a catamaran trip! It was fun, a bit touristy but beautiful. We swam in the bluest water I've ever seen and drank more cocktails. The crew were super fun.
The real fun, though, is exploring the island. We rented a car (another adventure!) and drove around, seeing the beaches, the mountains, the shops. The markets are incredible! I bought some gorgeous (and cheap!) souvenirs. Beaches, Beaches, Beaches! My favourite was Playa El Yaque. The windsurfing was amazing to watch, even though I didn't try it myself (scared of looking like an idiot, obviously!).
One day we went to a local artisan market and I haggled with a vendor for a stunning, handcrafted bracelet. It was worth the stress, he offered it at less than a quarter of the start price! Seriously, bargain! The trick is to wander and see what you fancy. Just be careful of the sun, it's a killer. Slather on the sunscreen!
The staff... Are they friendly? Helpful? Or just going through the motions?
The staff... This is a real highlight. The staff at Colibri Suites were amazing! From the front desk to the cleaning staff, everyone was super friendly and helpful. They genuinely seemed to care. Considering the economic situation in Venezuela, I think they really valued their jobs.
I remember one time, Sarah lost her phone and we completely panicked. The staff went above and beyond to help us find it (it was in the restaurant, by the way, phew!). They spoke great English, they were always smiling, always accommodating.
They also gave us some great recommendations for restaurants and things to do. One waiter, Carlos, even taught us a few basic Spanish phrases...which were mostly related to ordering cocktails, naturally. Big shout out to Carlos! He made our stay extra special. Honestly, the staff made a HUGE difference to the whole experience. Seriously, they were fantastic. They really saved the day!
Hotel Near Airport
