Fodor's Expert Review Casa de Isabella

A block away from El Parque de los Novios, a focal point of Santa Marta's nightlife, this small boutique hotel has a cheerful design and plenty of greenery in the courtyard that adds a calming element to the space. After renovations in mid-2016, the hotel feels updated and renewed, notably in the well-decorated guests rooms, with dark, hand-carved furnishings, exposed ceiling beams, and touches of bright Caribbean color in cushions or wall hangings. Rooms are also equipped with free Wi-Fi and Apple TV. Another bonus: there's a pleasant terrace with a splash pool to take the edge off the heat.