San Andrés Island, located in the Western Caribbean near the coast Central America but actually owned by Colombia is a nice beach getaway destination.
It’s an especially good place to just relax, enjoy the beach, and enjoy some island vibes, maybe with a few tasty drinks, like the island favorite Coco Loco.
Susana and I have been to San Andrés a couple times, including a stay where we were there for nearly two weeks after we had to cancel our trip to the nearby island of Providencia after Hurricane Iota devastated much of that island.
So, needless to stay, we got to see just about everything this tiny island has to offer!
To be honest, I actually think there’s more to do here than it often gets credit for. Do check out my in depth guide to San Andrés island for lots more information on things to do on and around the island.
However, here, we are going to talk about where to stay in San Andres.
There are a variety of places to stay in San Andrés. Below, I’ll give my picks for the best San Andres Resorts, including some All Inclusives, a few nicer and pricier luxury hotels, and also some San Andres hotels that are a bit more moderately priced.
So, hopefully there will be a San Andres resort or hotel for everyone in this list!
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I am a member of Amazon Associates, LLC and other affiliate programs and earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking those links. There is never any additional cost to you. To learn more please consult our Disclosure Policy.
A Short Introduction to San Andrés
As I alluded to above, San Andrés is a bit of a hidden gem in my opinion.
It does have a less developed tourist industry and infrastructure, than better known Caribbean destinations like the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, or the Virgin Islands. So, you won’t find huge luxury style resorts in San Andrés.
However, that also means it’s lesser known and lesser traveled, so you’ll see fewer foreign tourists. Plus, it is a bit cheaper than those better known destinations.
They call the Caribbean around San Andrés the sea of 7 colors for all the different shades of blue you can see.
While San Andres is a great addition to any Colombia trip, it can also be a good addition to a budget backpacking trip in Central America and the Caribbean due to the fact it’s actually closer to Nicaragua than Colombia.
I’ve really enjoyed San Andres the times we’ve been, and I think it’s a good choice for a relaxing beach getaway.
Unlike some of the more isolated beach destinations in Colombia like Cartagena’s Rosario Islands, the San Bernardo Islands, or Tayrona, there is a bit more to do and more options for restaurants.
Renting a golf cart to tour the island (see my recommended route here), doing a day trip to the gorgeous Johnny Cay, and seeing the blowhole known as the Hoyo Soplador are my recommended highlights.
However, also unlike the Cartagena beaches in the city or in places like Palomino, the beaches of San Andres are much prettier. I also put together a little write up on the main beaches you can read in this guide to the San Andrés beaches.
So, I think it’s a really nice best of both worlds place for some fun and sun!
Best Area for Where to Stay in San Andrés
So, now hopefully I’ve convinced you to visit San Andrés if you were on the fence. Let’s talk briefly about where to stay on the island before we actually talk about the best hotels in San Andrés.
Based on our experiences, I think staying in or close to the downtown area is the best option for most travelers.
Known as the North End, this is the only real urban area on the island. The beach here, called Spratt Bight, is also the overall best on the island, in my opinion. There’s a decent variety of restaurants, and it’s also where most of the best hotels in San Andrés are located.
On our first visit, we stayed in San Luis, which has a very local vibe. On our most recent visit, we stayed for part of our time on the west coast of the island at a pretty spot.
However, honestly, both times we wished we were closer to town. In fact, we even ended up moving to a place on the North End during our last visit.
While I have included a few San Andrés, Colombia resorts outside the North End on the list below, I think most travelers will like prefer in town and exploring the other beaches on the island with a golf cart rental.
11 Best Hotels in San Andrés, Colombia
Ok, without further ado, let’s get into this list of the nicest San Andrés, Colombia hotels.
This is a top 11 because, well, everyone does top 10s, 11 has a special significance for Cartagena (this site is mostly about it after all) since it declared its independence on November 11, 1811 (11/11/11), and I think you deserve just a bit more value.
I made this list by taking a look at location, photos, amenities, and reviews and deciding what hotels I’d like to stay at with budget not being a consideration. That does mean I included mostly higher end properties on this list, including a few San Andrés All Inclusive resorts.
However, I also have one San Andrés hostel/hotel option as well as some more moderately price places that offer a unique experience or a good value. So, hopefully there’s a little something for everyone!
1. Hotel Casablanca – Best Combo of Quality, Location, and Value
I’ve decided to put Hotel Casablanca first on this list as the overall best hotel in San Andrés because I think it has a nice blend of quality and value, and it has as good a location as any other hotel or resort in San Andrés.
It’s right on the beach of Spratt Bight. The next two places on this list have nicer rooms and pools and offer a more luxurious experience, but I think this has the best location for enjoying the beach, in my opinion.
What I like about it is that it’s far enough down the strip to be out of the thickest crowds while still being walking distance to tons of shops and restaurants.
Speaking of restaurants, Susana and I ate at the hotel’s Sea Watch Cafe several times even though we weren’t staying here. We enjoyed their pizza and though their burger and sandwiches were solid, and their milkshakes were bomb.
Oh, and whether you stay at this San Andrés hotel or not, be sure to hit the homestyle food tables set up on the corner nearby for a cheap but tasty lunch and definitely sample the crab empanadas!
The rooms here are very solid and comfortable with a touch of elegance. There is a decent pool on site too.
I also appreciate that they offer the option to include some of your meals or not. In addition to the Sea Watch Cafe, there is an Italian restaurant and seafood restaurant on site, better than the buffet fare at most all inclusive resorts in San Andrés.
In my opinion, the Casablanca is overall a good blend of nice, great location and flexible on what is and isn’t included, and for that reason, it is my number one choice for a hotel in San Andrés Island, Colombia. Plu,s there’s the bonus of staying at a place Casablanca. Here’s looking to you kid.
2. Nattivo Collection Hotel – Newest and Best Luxury San Andres Resort
When I sat down to do the most recent update of this post, I was pleasantly surprised to find the Nattivo Collection Hotel listed as a new option for where to stay on San Andrés.
Looking at the photos and reviews, I would say it is without a doubt the finest luxury hotel in San Andrés. It has a style that blends classy 5 star style hotel decor with some local flavor and vibes, and the rooms look absolutely like the nicest on the island.
There is a pool, 4 restaurants, a spa, and a gym on site. The location is also right in the central heart of the North End, near all the best restaurants, bars, and cafes and half a block from the beach.
For those looking for a luxury resort in San Andrés experience, it is by far the best option.
3. Grand Sirenis – Best San Andres All Inclusive
I was also pleasantly surprised to see this as a new option for an all inclusive resort in San Andrés. The Grand Sirenis, in my opinion, doesn’t offer quite as fancy of rooms or quite as unique decor as the Nattivo, but it’s still a beautiful property and would be my top choice for an all inclusive resort in San Andrés.
I’m generally not a fan of all inclusive hotels, but I think San Andrés is one of those destinations where it makes sense.
It’s located just around the corner from the beach and downtown area on the North End, and has some great views from its pool overlooking that famous 7 colored sea of San Andrés.
It also is all inclusive, and in my opinion the very best of the San Andrés all inclusive resorts. It’s prettier with nicer rooms than any of the Decameron properties listed next, and that location is great.
So, if you’re looking for a true all inclusive hotel in San Andrés with alcoholic drinks included, it’s, in my opinion, your best option.
4. Decameron Isleño – Best of the Decameron Hotels in San Andrés
Decameron runs a chain of all inclusive resorts in San Andrés and around the rest of Colombia Colombia and other parts of Latin America.
What’s particularly nice if you stay at one here is that there are actually 6 Decamerons on San Andrés, and if you stay at one, you can use the facilities of any, giving you the option to check out some other beaches and the restaurants and pools at the other hotels.
The Decameron Isleño is I think the overall best of the Decamerons on San Andrés. The Isleño is located down toward the end of Spratt Bight, where there is hardly ever much of a crowd, and it is still a 10 minute or less walk to the heart of downtown.
There is a great pool here, and rooms look nice. I also think this Decameron tends to get less visitors than the two others near downtown (more on them below), so there’s a good chance there will be less people around the pool and bar here.
5. Decameron Marazul – Best San Andrés Resort Not Downtown
As I said above, there are 6 total Decameron resorts on San Andrés. Decameron Marazul would be my second choice of the 6. In fact, I tried to get a few nights here the last time we visited, but it was booked up (a good reason to make your reservations in advance!).
I like this choice among the Decameron hotels in San Andrés best for a relaxed and/or romantic getaway. While it’s not quite as nice as the Nattivo, if you want a more secluded feeling that is all inclusive, it is a great choice.
That’s because the Marazul is located down the east coast of the island and nestled in among the mangrove forest. There is a solid beach, and the waterfront deck is absolutely gorgeous. Because of its location off the road, hardly anyone else comes here either, meaning you’ll likely have a virtually private beach.
I included this one because I think it offers a bit more of a unique experience to the other Decamerons and to most of the other San Andrés resorts on this list that are located around the downtown North End.
So if you want an all inclusive resort in San Andrés that is a bit more secluded, it makes a great choice.
Other Decameron San Andrés Resorts:
Some quick notes on the other 4 Decamerons. Honestly, I think they all make fine choices if you want a San Andrés all inclusive resort, I just didn’t want this list to be almost entirely Decamerons.
- Los Delfines – Located right in the heart of downtown, a bit of a smaller property.
- Aquarium – Despite its name, it’s actually not by the aquarium but right by the beach on the North End. It’s actually right on a little point which gives some of the rooms really pretty views but there also isn’t a beach at the hotel itself, so I’d choose Isleño over it.
- San Luis – Down the East Side, the Decameron San Luis San Andrés is a bit more secluded. I think it’s a bit too far from town and the beach here just isn’t as good, but it could be a good option for some.
- Maryland – This one is located on the northwestern tip of the island. The facilities are nice but there isn’t a great beach here and it’s not that close to town either. It is a bit of a happy medium between staying farther away though.
6. Dreamer Beach Club – Best Hybrid Hotel/Hostel in San Andrés
I wanted to include the Dreamer Beach Club on this list of best San Andrés, Colombia hotels as a good value option and/or option for backpackers looking for the best hostel in San Andrés.
The truth is there aren’t many San Andrés hostels. This would be my pick for the best one though. There are a number of highly rated Dreamer hostels around Colombia, including in Santa Marta and Palomino.
The San Andrés Dreamer is fairly new, and it has dorms but also private rooms that are a bit more like a traditional hotel experience. There is a nice pool on site, and the location is also pretty darn good, just a block off the beach downtown.
So, if you’re looking for the best San Andrés hostel or even a private room in San Andrés on a budget, this makes a great choice, especially since there are so few hostels in San Andrés.
7. In Di House of Reggae Boutique – Coolest and Most Unique Vibes
San Andrés is known for having an English speaking Caribbean influence with a creole culture and dialect among many of the island’s natives similar to Jamaica. You’ll see plenty of rasta colors and reggae references around the island.
In Di House of Reggae Boutique captures that influence perfectly and is the most unique San Andrés hotel.
It’s got cool, reggae inspired decorations with lots of bright colors. The rooms also look very nice and comfortable, more luxurious than lots of other San Andrés hotels.
The only downside, is the location isn’t my favorite.
It is on the northwestern side of the island. Still, it’s not far from the North End, and there is a great little pool here and some great ocean views.
In short, I think it makes for a great place to stay in San Andrés that is a bit unique if you can sacrifice not being right on the beach.
8. Reina del Mar – Great Value Beachfront Hotel in San Andrés Island
The Reina del Mar, besides having a sweet name (Queen of the Sea), offers what I consider a pretty good value for a beachfront resort in San Andrés in a good location.
It’s located on the East Side near good beaches, right by where the Decameron Marazul is located. The beaches here are especially nice because, as I mentioned above, they are semi-private because not many crowds make it around here.
Rooms are also nice. They have a bit of cheesy decor if I’m being honest, but they look plenty comfortable. Prices here are also better than any of the Decameron hotels on San Andrés, so I think this makes for a good value for doing a beachfront San Andrés resort.
9. Miraflores Boutique – Great Quiet San Andrés Island Hotel
I think Miraflores Boutique Hotel is a bit of a niche choice for a hotel in San Andrés.
It’s located on the West Side where there isn’t a beach or a whole lot to do. It is close to the swimming hole known as La Piscinita, but there isn’t much else going on around here.
However, the hotel is absolutely lovely.
They definitely some of the most luxurious looking rooms of any place on the island. The whole hotel is just really cute with a sort of rustic decor.
There is a nice little pool here, and the hotel has bikes guests can rent. It also feels a bit more immersed in nature and much quieter than the hotels on the North End.
I think that makes this a good choice for where to stay in San Andrés for those planning a bit of a longer stay and for those looking for some peace and quiet for a relaxing or romantic getaway.
10. Aquamare Hotel – Another Solid Resort in the Heart of Town
Aquamare Hotel is one of the largest hotels on San Andrés Island. It’s also one of the newest and most modern San Andrés resorts.
Maybe the only downside is it does not have its own beach.
However, it is located just around the corner from Spratt Bight, just a short walk from the main strip and beach. There is also a great pool, so not exactly a horrible trade off.
Rooms here look very nice too. It’s also garnered a reputation for having some of the best service of any hotel on San Andrés Island, even with it being fairly new.
For that reason, for those that don’t want to do an all inclusive and can live with walking just a few minutes to the beach, it’s another fine choice for where to stay in San Andrés.
11. Sea Avenue Hotel – All Around Nice and Nicely Located
The Sea Avenue Hotel was recently renovated and has a killer location right on the main strip along Spratt Bight.
That means it’s beachfront and also near plenty of shops and restaurants. The rooms also look plenty nice, and there’s a good little pool that overlooks the beach as well.
Overall, I’d say it’s a decent value too. It is one of the few more modern larger hotel options right on the beach in the downtown area. It definitely belongs on this list of the best San Andrés, Colombia hotels.
Ready to Book Your Hotel in San Andrés, Colombia?
There you have it, my picks for the best hotels in San Andrés, Colombia.
No matter which of these San Andrés Island hotels you choose, I expect you’ll have a great time. Be sure to check out all the other content I’ve got on the site on San Andrés to make sure your stay is as awesome as possible.
Cheers and Happy Exploring!
Did you like this article?
Check out these others you might like:
Guide to the Rosario Islands
Best Rosario Islands Hotels
Full Guide to Tayrona National Park
Full Guide to the San Bernardo Islands
Full Guide to San Andrés
Planning a trip to Cartagena too?
Check out these top resources:
Best Areas to Stay
Top Things to Do
Packing List
Best Beaches
