Hotel Contadora is the largest of the inns on the island with 354 rooms, perched on the seashore near the airport end of the island. The property offers: two outdoor pools; three tennis courts; and a casino, in addition to beach activities. But I encourage you to consider other lodging on Isla Contadora, as this property is remodeled and upgraded.

There are a number of tough reviews on the hotel from previous guests.  Some compliment the spacious accommodations. Other guests aren’t so complimentary; “We were directed to a building that was like a SLUM, and that is being kind. Air-conditioning was not working. Bathroom was dirty, and had no hot water. Sliding glass doors did not have locks and were kept closed by wooden sticks.  Linens were ancient, with only two small, grungy bath towels.”  Most of those things are maintenance issues, but it doesn’t sound like my idea of paradise holiday lodging. Is it yours?

One reviewer noted: “Service is very poor, rooms and facilities are in bad condition, the food sucks and no one warned us the water wasn’t safe for us-so we got ill from it, AND the hotel charged in advance for the whole trip.” 

It appears the members of the management company have taken the messages from their guests to heart, and the buildings, restaurant, pool and grounds are getting an urgent update. This resort has great potential with right management, better upkeep and TLC.  With the “New Contadora” flag on their new (Spanish only) website:   http://www.hotelcontadora.com   – maybe…it’s happening now.