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Santa Marta & Cali Accomodation

Hi,
I am trying to put together a travel plan to Colombia and am stuck with accomodation.

in Santa Marta region, we want to stay right ont he beach and were wondering whether there is any good accomodation. Our past experience with all inclusive had meant that we had little, if any, contact with locals, but this time we want to interact with locals. Any ideas, tips about accomodation and how to organise tours to the national park etc?

Alternatively, we dont mind going somewhere along the Caribbean coast as long as it is not Cartegena (too touristic).

Also, I would like to rent a nice apartment for 10-14 days in Cali. Tips welcome.

gracias
sen

By sen on Jul 22, 2005, 21:49 in Friendly Talkzone.

pisgah2 says on Jul 23, 2005, 13:58:

Santa Marta
In Santa Marta, the hotel area is El Rodadero. You can find apartments and really nice hotels in a matter of minutes. There are tour businesses right there for trips to tayrona.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 23, 2005, 15:23:

Sen If you want to interact with cool locals, go to Taganga, which is a little village about 10 minutes east of Santa Marta and in its own bay. The townspeople are really fun.

There are a couple decent but not luxurious hotels there. The best is the Ballena Azul. There are also a couple hostels if you're on a budget.

The beach is only okay there but you can boat into others in Tayrona that are gorgeous

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M7 says on Jul 23, 2005, 19:52:

Accomodations well, i just learned that in that area a "Hotel" refers to the large chains (american style) and all inclusives while a "Hostal" (not to be confused with youth "Hostel") is a small family owned type of hotel. with various searches i was able to come up with a list in Cartagena, some of which have websites. probably you will find similar ones in Santa Marta.

the ones i found were small, very nice and with a romantic charm. here are a couple samples to give you an idea what i consider "nice,,," www.pietro.com & www.hotel3banderas.com i have not stayed at either yet,, still makiing arrangements.

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Gator says on Jul 24, 2005, 12:41:

hotel3banderas. the wife's favorite. Will be there in about two weeks. Very romantic in the heart of the old walled city.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 24, 2005, 18:18:

You forgot "Motels" Don't forget the 3rd catagory: Motels, which are by the hour love nests with all the trappings.

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