Tips on Accommodations

You'll find hotel rooms in all price ranges, although in Caracas and on Isla Margarita, the offerings are skewed toward high-end business travelers -- and rates tend to be high. A dozen or so large, all-inclusive resorts are on Isla de Margarita. However, in Mérida, Canaima, Los Roques, and Los Llanos, you can find delightful small hotels and isolated lodges. While Venezuelan tourism is relatively strong, very few foreign tourists visit Venezuela. Still, there is a major glut of hotel rooms throughout the country, and competition is often fierce. Few of the large hotels actually charge their published or advertised rack rate. You can get especially good deals in the off season and midweek. It always pays to bargain, especially if you book directly by phone, or the Internet. Finally, you can also save substantially if you pay in cash, especially if you exchange at the black-market rate.

Venezuela has a broad network of posadas, small inns, and lodges. If you're looking for a small, intimate hotel experience, your best bets are Mérida and Los Roques, where posadas abound.

When booking a room, if you ask for a double (doble), you may be given a room with two twin beds. If you want a double or queen-size bed, be specific and ask for a cama matrimonial.

I separate hotel listings into several broad categories: Very Expensive, BsF450 and up; Expensive, BsF250 to BsF450; Moderate, BsF150 to BsF250; and Inexpensive, under BsF150 for a double. Rates do not include the 15% goods and services sales tax, unless otherwise specified.