Rosario Island · Colombia
Isla Mulata
Bed bug reports
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Confirmed Booking.com
We had high hopes for this stay given the location, but unfortunately our experience was far from relaxing. First and foremost, our room had visible signs of termites and what we believe were bed bugs. Both my partner and I developed itchy rashes during our stay, and another guest we spoke with mentioned the same issue. This alone would have been a serious concern, but it was not the only problem. There were dogs barking loudly throughout the night, which made it very difficult to sleep. The beds were extremely firm, more like sleeping on a wooden plank than a mattress. The pool is not a proper swimming pool. It is ocean water that gets pumped in and left to sit, becoming murky and warm after a few days. The restaurant food was mediocre at best, yet surprisingly expensive for the quality. While the staff was friendly, it did not make up for the general discomfort and lack of cleanliness throughout the property. We do not leave negative reviews lightly, but we felt it was important to share our experience so other travelers can make an informed decision. The setting is beautiful, but the maintenance, hygiene, and overall value are not what they should be.
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Vibe Analysis
Two small saltwater pools face the sea, with sunset views as the main event. Isla Mulata sits in a green, rustic island setting with trees, hammocks, wide bungalows, and a relaxed after-boat-hours mood. Kayaks are available at no extra cost, and snorkel gear may also be available. The best version of the hostel is quiet, scenic, and simple: spacious rooms or bungalows, friendly staff, good cocktails or meals when the kitchen lands well, and a strong island-offline feel. There may be help arranging local activities, including mangroves, snorkeling, kayaking, or night swimming with glowing plankton. The tradeoff is that the property also works as a daytime stop for boat tours. From late morning into the afternoon it can get crowded, loud, and short on pool space, chairs, and calm. After the boats leave, the mood can shift back toward empty-island quiet.
Signals to check
- There is no proper beach on site. Sea access is limited by a dock, deeper water, passing boats, and sometimes difficult entry or exit.
- Food and drinks can be expensive, with a limited menu and breakfast that may feel basic.
- Daytime boat-tour crowds can bring loud music, full common areas, and dirtier pools or bathrooms before cleanup.
- Service can be inconsistent, with slow meals, weak room cleaning, missing room keys, billing issues, or staff focused on daytime visitors.
- Some rooms may have noise, humidity, insects, weak water pressure, poor insulation, no hot water, limited air conditioning, or no Wi-Fi.