Greetings from Puerto Ordaz.

22-29 March: Disheartened by the crummy hotels I found in Ciudad Bolivar and uncertain about my best option for a visit to the falls I returned to Puerto Ordaz thinking I was sure to find at least one decent hotel in that large city. Instead, fate provided two more nights in aggravating hotels. A hectic couple hours locating the $50 Embajador, a barely acceptable hotel followed by more hotel shopping without the encumbrance of a backpack and I finally found the $115 Rasil Hotel that seemed to be pretty good... except it had no Internet service and no one spoke English. You are unlikely to find Puerto Ordaz on most maps. The reason is that it is only half of twin cities officially called Ciudad Guayana... a name no one uses... except on maps!  

I'd seen a McDonald's Restaurant on my previous walk and desperate for something familiar to eat headed in that direction. Between bites of a Big Mac I noticed an unusual, unmarked building next door with a steady stream of people going in and out. Curious, I walked over and discovered the $124 Roraima Inn Bingo and Hotel, a brand new structure housing a large casino and... a deluxe hotel. I seem to be one of a very few guests in the place, no doubt because it is not identified as a hotel anywhere outside. After all the disheartening experiences of the preceding four nights, discouraged and disoriented I decided I needed some R & R and booked best room in the hotel, the $143 Golden Salon with access to an excellent three terminal Internet service right near my room. After three nights of being pampered and wanting to be near the airport for an early morning flight, I switched to the $136 Best Western located directly across the main highway from the airport. My first five nights in this aggravating country were spent in different hotels every night. 

Peace

Fred L Bellomy

 

Puerto Ordaz Venezuela: View of the $148 Roraima Inn next to a McDonald's Restaurant.

Puerto Ordaz Venezuela: View from my second floor room in the $148 Roraima Inn next to a McDonald's Restaurant.

Puerto Ordaz Venezuela: View from my second floor room in the $148 Roraima Inn next to a McDonald's Restaurant.

Puerto Ordaz Venezuela: View from my second floor room in the $148 Roraima Inn next to a McDonald's Restaurant.

 

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