Hotel Cartagena Plaza

From its exterior, Hotel Cartagena looks like many of its neighbors in Bocagrande. The tall high-rise isn’t the newest or nicest on the block, but it offers prime access to the beach across the street. Inside, the dated lobby has a semi-refurbished look, with subway-style tile floors, velvety tufted chairs, and sparkly chandeliers. Purple shag rugs and a black granite and gold tile front desk even have a little bit of an old Hollywood feel.

Hotel Cartagena Plaza’s renovations are aimed at millennials. The hotel has installed Xboxes in certain common areas, replaced the former emerald counter with a local souvenir stall, and set up several “selfie corners” across the property, which encourage guests to post pictures on social media with specified hotel hashtags — using the hotel’s free Wi-Fi, of course. And, it looks like Cartagena Plaza’s efforts are working. During our visit, we definitely noticed a younger crowed hanging around the hotel. Of course, the hotel is perfectly suited for families and older adults, but the majority of guests are twentysomethings who have come to Cartagena looking for a good time.

It should be noted that the majority of Hotel Cartagena Plaza’s staff members do not speak English, so we’d recommend brushing up on a few key words and phrases if you are not a Spanish speaker.

Hotel Cartagena Plaza is located across the street from the beach in Bocagrande, Cartagena’s Miami-like neighborhood known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife. The hotel is located on Avenida Santander (Carrera 1), and is within walking distance from restaurants, bars, malls, and casinos. Hotel Cartagena Plaza is about a 10-minute drive from Cartagena’s historic walled city, and about a 25-minute drive from Rafael Nunez International Airport.

Rooms at Cartagena Plaza are simply decorated with modern decor and equipped with a few nice amenities. White walls and white tile floors create a neutral palette, while black furnishings add a bit of contrast. Beds are dressed in simple white sheets, with pattered pillows and bed runners. The Ocean View Twin Room we visited had a black leather love seat and a desk, but most rooms do not. Guest rooms are equipped with fully stocked minibars (that you have to pay for), electronic safes, flat-screen TVs, and single-cup coffeemakers. Bathrooms have vessel sinks and glass-enclosed shower stalls.

Guests who can afford an upgrade should definitely consider booking a room on the hotel’s executive level, which has its own breakfast room, a private concierge, and much nicer rooms. Executive Rooms have a fun, funky style that’s inspired by Cartagena’s vibrant street life. Pop art canvas prints bring lots of color to otherwise bland rooms. Beds are topped with locally made patterned fabrics, and there’s even a cool woven rocking chair in every room. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, iHomes, free minibars, terrycloth robes, and designer toiletries. Executive-level suites have multiple bedrooms, separate living spaces, Xbox consoles, and bathrooms with jetted tubs.

The rooftop pool at Hotel Cartagena Plaza is a happening place with a constant schedule of activities. Hotel staff members lead guests in bachata lessons, aqua aerobics, and poolside competitions throughout the day. It might be a little loud for anyone looking to read a book or relax, but it’s popular with families and young adults. The pool is surrounded by cushioned lounge chairs and shaded cabanas. Travelers who’d prefer to hit the beach can easily access the sand by crossing the street in front of the hotel. Like all beaches in Colombia, the one in front of the hotel is public and is intended for anyone to enjoy. The beaches in Bocagrande are notoriously crowded and are filled with tons of local artisans selling their wares (read: the beaches can be a tad overwhelming). Unlike many of its competitors, Hotel Cartagena Plaza doesn’t have a private beach club for its guests.

Hotel Cartagena Plaza has two on-site restaurants, Kasabe Fusion and Le Place. Kasabe Fusion is the more upscale of the two options, and is open nightly for dinner. Kasabe serves sushi and Asian fusion cuisine, and also has its own bar and an ample wine list. La Place is the hotel’s buffet restaurant, which is open for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is free for all guests and includes options like fresh fruit, pastries, cereals, arepas, pancakes, and eggs. There’s even an omelet station and a kids’ buffet. Dinner is centered around nightly changing themes, like Italian, Mexican, or barbecue.

For business travelers, Cartagena Plaza has a business center and several meeting rooms. The modern business center is nicely equipped with ample work space, and several computers, printers, and fax machines. The meetings rooms haven’t been renovated, but they have updated audio-visual equipment.