Hotels in Cartagena

oldbongo says on Dec 17, 2007, 10:56:

stay at caribe....
location and pool area unmatched
good food too.

tompower says on Dec 17, 2007, 11:44:

The Hotel Caribe has better beach facilities plus its right where I'll be at that time and the added benefit is that I attaract all the vendors so there won't be any to bother you.
If you see me don't be shy.
Remember, we're all in this together.
Tom Power

ColombianoGringo says on Dec 17, 2007, 13:20:

It sounds like Hotel Caribe is the way to go. Everyone I have asked has been very positive about this place. From the photos, I like the look of the place and the gardens. Also, it is a good deal. We are waiting for the confirmation for our reservation.

Tom, I'll look for you on Playa Hollywood. I'll PM you when I get down there.

ColombianoGringo says on Dec 17, 2007, 13:34:

BTW, do the rooms really look like this?

http://www.hotelcaribe.com/habitaciones.htm

aztec says on Dec 17, 2007, 14:18:

Been there. Can't go wrong if the price is right. Otherwise follow the advice of Gator on hotel recommendations.

Believe this is the hotel where the beauty contest was held. As someone has already indicated, you are enclosed and will not be bothered by the street people.

There is an opportunity for a little gambling if that is of interest to you. Saw the smallest deer ever running free on the premise.

ColombianoGringo says on Dec 17, 2007, 14:32:

We are doing a quick side trip on my next visit. it works out nicely because we leave Bogota on a Saturday at 7:40 am and don't leave until Tuesday night at 9. A three night semi-inclusive (breakfast and one other meal) stay with airfare from Bogota, transfers and all taxes is $1.086.000 per person.

ColombianoGringo says on Dec 17, 2007, 15:55:

Wow! That place looks nice. With three bedrooms it might be a bit big for us. Would you PM with some pricing info for late January?

Thanks,
CG

ColombianoGringo says on Dec 17, 2007, 18:55:

This trip is just for my wife and me, so that is too big for us. Still, it is very nice.

tompower says on Dec 18, 2007, 05:46:

The rooms are very nice definitely 5 star, in the wing where my friends stayed the rooms had high ceilings and beautiful plaster mouldings.

dwr says on Dec 18, 2007, 06:29:

Check out Hotel Las Americas. A little withdrawn from the city but nice beach and if the price is right you can't go wrong. I don't like the Caribe because the rooms are old and dark in my opinion. Maybe they have changed. It's been a while. I always stay at the Hotel Dann or Las Velas. The beach and pool aren't so great but the rooms are big and the price is cheap. Very close to the Caribe. The beaches in Cartagena aren't very good anyway. Cartagena is more about the nightlife anyway. That's my two bits.

ColombianoGringo says on Dec 18, 2007, 07:34:

I looked at Las Americas, but they wanted 2.000.000 per person for three nights. By all accounts, it simply isn't worth it. I think we are going to stay at Hotel Caribe this time.

I have been trying to explain to my wife that the beaches here are not tranquil, white sand paradises. We are not big night life people, so what are some good options to get to some nice beaches?

tomtom33 says on Dec 18, 2007, 13:58:

Playa Blanca and the Rosarios have nice beaches. Hop a lancha for a short ride.

Chelesupercono says on Dec 18, 2007, 14:03:

Try the Casa Real in the old city, nice rooms with pool and a rate of 150,000 per night including breakfast and internet. Go to the beach from there and really you want to be in the old city anyway.....

never go to bed with someone crazier then you are, you will do it and you will regret it.......

ColombianoGringo says on Dec 18, 2007, 14:21:

We are going to go with the Hotel Caribe this time. It has been well recommended by many people and it looks nice.

I just looked at airfare and hotel separately and it looks like it would be about $2.500.000, whereas with the Aviatur it is $2.200.000 with semi-inclusive.

Thanks for all the info guys. I will definitely check out Isla Rosarios. How much should the boat ride cost? Is it like Johnny Cay in San Andres where they take you and leave you there for a while?

Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 18, 2007, 14:34:

CG.. a friend of mine stayed at Las Americas during thanksgiving week....paid $140 per night with breakfasts included.....basic room at the Hilton is over $330 a night.....dont use the Las Americas website.....call directly and make the reservation or have a local do it....usually much cheaper........

Per person for Isla Rosario is 70,000 pesos RT....not sure if lunch is included, but i think it is.....leaves at 8am in the am.....45 minute boat trip

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

ColombianoGringo says on Dec 18, 2007, 15:18:

My Doña now has her heart set on Hotel Caribe. She's happy and it's pretty cheap, so I'm happy.

Thanks for the info on Isla Rosario. I hate that the trip is so early. When in San Andres, we showed up about 1 in the afternoon for a ride out to Johnny Cay and found out to our dismay that the boats all left in the early morning. I ended up talking a boat guy into take us for $30.000. He left us on the island and told us to come back with his buddy who brought back the workers from the island.

Here is the boat that took us back.

Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 18, 2007, 15:31:

i am about 3 minutes from the Hotel Caribe...so PM me when you get to CTG...and the boats depart pretty close to the Hotel Caribe as well.......

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

tomtom33 says on Dec 18, 2007, 16:56:

You could go to the beach near the Hilton and hire a private lancha for the trip whenever you want to go. However, the seas pick up in the afternoon. The trip back can be a bit choppy.

ColombianoGringo says on Dec 18, 2007, 20:03:

Thanks for the info Tom. I might just do the private launch thing because I just don't get up that early on vacation unless I'm snow skiing.

tompower says on Dec 19, 2007, 06:14:

I've used those lanchas to go to playa blanca too. Last year I paid 150,000 pesos. It's the best way to go to playa blanca because when you're sick and tired you can go home. I'll share the cost with you if you want because I'm always up for that trip.
Remember, we're all in this together.
Tom Power

kentuckygreg2 says on Dec 19, 2007, 09:22:

I stayed at the Estelar Almirante. It's pretty nice. Good beds and a great pool on the 9th floor. You can rent a much nicer apartment for what you pay at the hotel though. Food is below average there w/ the all you can eat breakfast. Hotel bar expensive.

Overall I would recommend it. Although one of the maids stole my nokia cell phone. (and it was only two weeks old) That is my fault for not putting it the safe.

Love and happiness!

Jebediah says on Dec 19, 2007, 16:18:

anyone stayed at the Hotel Millenium?!

tomtom33 says on Dec 20, 2007, 01:51:

Never stayed there, Jeb, but I observed their remodeling. Looks nice.

kentuckygreg2 says on Dec 21, 2007, 17:38:

rent an apt. nuff said.

Love and happiness!