To give some context, the vast majority of my traveling involves work trips to New York and San Francisco, where I stay in very nice (think $500/avg per night) hotels -- so, I have what is probably a higher than average standard when it comes to accommodations.

That said, this was the single most memorable vacation I've ever taken, and this hotel played a big part it in. Just keep in mind:

1) The rooms are sparse. And I mean SPARSE. Tile floors, no hot water (we're talking COLD showers!), and the only furnishings are a couple of nightstands and a bed. The biggest surprise was the "mattress" on the bed -- it's not really a mattress, it feels more like some sort of slightly padded piece of cardboard.

BUT...

None of that matters. In fact, I would have been somewhat disappointed if this had been any more luxurious. No kidding. The island is so unbelievably secluded and tropical that this type of accommodation feels exactly right. It also helps that the rooms are extremely clean, which is really all that matters.

The amazing staff more than makes up for the cardboard beds, too -- everyone is incredibly friendly and helpful. My boyfriend and I didn't speak a word of Spanish, and no one really spoke any English, yet every person was patient and kind.

By the way, YOU MUST take a boat trip to the Sanblas Islands in Panama. I mean, it's not even an option to skip this. It was by far the highlight of our trip and something I still think about often. The hotel arranges the trip -- which seems to be run by some locals out of a somewhat dodgy boat -- but it'll be the best day of your life. No joke.

Bottom line: If you're at all put off by how challenging it is to get to Capurgana -- get over it. It's worth the plane ride to Medellin and the next plane ride (on a tiny charter plane, to boot) to Capurgana and the donkey ride to the hotel (there are no cars) and the bumpy boat ride to Sanblas. Just do it - you will NOT regret it.

We changed to this hotel after spending the first few nights at the Tacarcuna lodge, which was also fine but very limited in resources (breakfast extremely plain, poor security for rooms, and surrounded by a plaza that blared out music at top volume 24/7). Coming to Hotel Nautilos was very relaxing in comparison, you have the advantage of the sea breeze which is absolutely essential as temperatures go up to 40 degrees celcius, rooms are clean and well equipped, staff were very friendly, and they arranged buffets on the beach and other events that you can take part of if you wish. There was also a pool (yet never cooling because of the temperatures) and we had a beautiful view from our room overllooking this and the beach, which is right outside the hotel.
Tip: if you stay here, also visit the Coco Loco shed on the beach and have a beautiful rum and coconut drink (in a coconut) overlooking the sea.
The staff at the hotel were also the friendliest and most professional tourism personnel we came across in Capurganá. Apart from them, we had quite a horrible week arguing with rude locals who constantly try to charge you three times the price for everything, or charge you for things you do not have to pay (be aware: you do not have to pay for overweight at the docks if you have some, that would be with the airport), simply for being foreigners. Colombians in general treat their tourists very badly, using them as money banks, but this experience literally took the price. Be on your guard, and if you're not prepared to argue (or have the spanish to do so), I would not recommend going, the destination is not worth it. The beautiful parts to the area are the islands around capurganá, including crossing over to Panama, Capurganá should just be used as a stop over to get to these.