Caracas doesn't have many mid-range hotel options, and the Hotel Coliseo seems to know this, based on the "take it or leave it" attitude of staff and management.

When I arrived, they didn't have the "classic tower" room that I had reserved, so they put me in the "modern tower" but wouldn't give me a break on the significantly higher price. Take it or leave it.

While settling into my room, I found 1) a used towel with some kind of make-up all over it, 2) long brown hairs in the shower and on the bathroom floor, 3) a broken shower head that sent the water out like a hose, 4) no hot water, 5) no safe box, and 6) no internet jack. (The brochure says "All rooms have a safe, internet access, etc.")

After one night, I switched to the cheaper "classic tower", which felt like a cell in a monastery--tiny room, one tiny window, one dim fluorescent light on the ceiling.

Breakfast is not included, and it's not... more