We had a bad experience a few weeks ago at hotel Cafe del Mar in Santa Fe, one night while we were out our room was opened by key and everything of value stolen. The staff there were sure it was one of the staff members that had just been given the sack that day. Personally I am very disapointed by the security of that hotel and the not bothered attitude of the local owner (it is not German owned anymore as the LP says) and although it is cheap I would recommend staying somewhere a bit nicer in this town. The police force too were close to useless. When I first went to report the crime I found the policeman talking to the prime suspect, clearly they were friends.
Le Petit Jardin is quite a bit more but in our experience was well worth it changing to for both comfort and security.
Overall we loved Venezuela and would like to go back, money wise it's best to overland from Brazil with either $ or Reis and change all the money you need in Santa Elena where you can get the best rates in the country.
Edited by: stevemonty
