some help in Cartagena!!!!

suzannyo says on Dec 17, 2004, 12:51:

Here's an idea.... Hey! Came across the name and address of a little place I've stayed at in Cartagena a couple of times.

It's about 2.5 blocks from a couple of beaches in the quiet upper-middle class neighborhood of Crespo and its got a more homey atmosphere than many of the larger hotel chains. The lady who owns/runs it is named Don~a Ana de Cabanzo and her address is Avendida 3, No. 65 - 109, Barrio Crespo, Cartagena. Her phone numer is (575) 6661415 or (575) 6697394. Rates are reasonable...$25000 Colombian per day (unless you wish to use a/c, then it increases considerably) and include breakfast (which is typical costen~o food, unless you specify otherwise), although she will prepare up to 3 meals per day if you like.

It's kind of off the beaten trail, so to speak, but not far from the walled city...taxis will get you there for $4000. I like it beacuse its not so touristy...not so crowded and noisy...

Good luck!
Suzanne

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YEP says on Dec 17, 2004, 13:27:

Sounds like a very nice tip and a good place to support Do you have more tips in that league for other cities/places ??

------------------------------------------------------------------- Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

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suzannyo says on Dec 18, 2004, 22:00:

Reply to YEP... Hey! Nope, sorry! I've only been to Cartagena and Bogota...I live and work at a Girls Home an hour and a half outside of Bogota...

However, if you're looking for some cute, little towns to visit, try Tabio or Tenjo...both are cute, built around el Parque Central...Tabio is more touristy, but still has the small-town feel. I think the best way to get there is by flota, but I couldn't tell you which ones to take...both towns are towards Chia from Bogota.

Buenas Suerte!
Suzanne

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YEP says on Dec 19, 2004, 14:51:

OK
But thanks for your information ;-)

I doubt that I'll be hitting many smaller towns because of lack of/non-existant spanish (ehm ... have a couple of CD's here kicking my consience ;-) )

------------------------------------------------------------------- Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

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Flyinrob13 says on Dec 20, 2004, 22:17:

Suzannyo Thanks for your advice on places to stay in Cartagena. I will be heading there on the 29th, and will be there until the 5th. Im going to head up to Bogota after that. I called Don~a Ana, and although she didnt have any room left, she referred me to a friend. I have been searching for a place to stay there (Cartagena)for a while, and quite frankly its been a pleasure. The people that I have talked to have been the friendliest people that I have dealt with over the phone in my life. They are very patient with my spanish, speak slowly, and when Don~a Ana gave me the phone number for her friends place, she made me repeat the number about 10 times before I got it right...poor connection and poor spanish. Before she hung up, she told me to make sure and stop by so that we could meet in person. I finally found a place, and know that its going to be a great trip. The pictures of Cartagena online are awesome, and in person its going to be better.

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YEP says on Dec 21, 2004, 02:45:

at Flyinrob13 do report on that other place ... price/comfort and all that ;-)

Think I'm really gonna need that talking translator badly that I just bought ;-)

------------------------------------------------------------------- Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

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Flyinrob13 says on Dec 21, 2004, 10:52:

Yep I will let you know how everything ends up. Right now, all the prices in Cartagena are pretty high, and will stay that way I think until mid January. I doubt that the place im staying at will be the best place in the world, but at this point, im lucky to just have a place to stay. Well see how it goes. Yeah, when I called down there, all the talking was in Spanish. If you are calling down there for a room, I would find someone who speaks Spanish to do it for you. Of course the fancier hotels will be able to help you out in English. For your trip down there, talking translator would be nice.

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RolaParaTodaLaVida says on Dec 24, 2004, 12:58:

cartagena... Hotel Caribe but you are cutting it close...not sure if they would have anything open.
i can say they were very helpful when we stayed and they might be able to guide you to another location/hotel

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