Allure Chocolat Hotel By Karisma

The vibe at Allure Chocolat Hotel is contemporary and stylish, which is a marked contrast to the colonial ambience many guests coming to central Cartagena may have in mind. A funky boutique lobby features bright yellow armchairs, white mod sofas, driftwood furniture, photomurals, and a wall of vines. Decor aside, one of the most immediately noticeable details is the smell of chocolate, which permeates its public spaces. There's a good bit of buzz here, coming from the wide mix of travelers using the hotel as a home base for business or exploring. Guests sip cool drinks around the rooftop infinity pool, featuring stellar views of the Bay of Cartagena and city from its large deck -- at night it turns into a chic lounge. The hotel lacks kid-specific activities, so the Allure isn't great for families with children. Plenty of mature couples and groups of friends stay here, and with its location next to the convention center, the Allure also draws numerous business travelers. 

The hotel is situated next to the Cartagena Convention Center at the edge of the hip Getsemani neighborhood, with its galleries, shops, cafes, and restaurants. The area is relatively quiet, and the colonial center of the city is close. Teatro Colon and the southern end of Centenary Park are a five-minute stroll from the hotel, while the main entrance to the old walled city (the clocktower) is a little under a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Inside the walls are Plaza Bolivar Square, the Gold Museum, 17th-century Cathedral of Cartagena, and Palace of the Inquisition historical museum. These attractions are all around 10 minutes away on foot, as are the Church of Saint Peter Claver and the Museum of Modern Art. The hilltop Castillo San Felipe de Barajas 17th-century castle offers sweeping views of the sea and historic center -- it's a 10-minute drive. The ever-popular Bocagrande Beach is 10 minutes away by car as well. Expect a 15-minute drive to Rafael Nunez International Airport.

Rooms and suites at Allure Chocolat Hotel have a contemporary, boutique look that comes from a blend of travertine marble, hip hardwood furniture, and funky details like silhouetted decorative panels. The neutral gray and beige palette is livened up with dashes of color in the patterned throw pillows on the all-white bedding. Rooms are soundproofed and get good natural light through large windows -- the best have partial views of the bay. Size can an issue in some rooms: at 215 square feet (20 square meters) the Deluxe Rooms are a bit snug, with limited storage space. All 33 rooms and suites come with minibars, free Wi-Fi, safes and flat-screen TVs, but there are no coffeemakers. We loved the customizable room fragrances, which include -- of course -- a chocolate scent. Some suites have sofa beds and Juliet balconies. Most bathrooms are spacious, and clad in dark brown marble. They feature hairdryers, make-up mirrors, premium bath products, and rainfall showers, though some add bathtubs. Rooms and public spaces at the hotel are non-smoking. 

Allure Chocolat Hotel's key feature is its relatively small rooftop infinity pool, featuring superb views of the Bay of Cartagena, historic old town, and Bocagrande Beach. The pool and deck can get crowded when the hotel is full, and the poolside bar serves light fare and a variety of drinks. At night, the bar transforms into a stylish cocktail lounge with music, sushi, and specialty cocktails. The hotel has no fitness center, but it does offer a beauty salon and massages (for a fee), with treatments given indoors or on an outdoor relaxation terrace with cabanas and greenery. A breakfast buffet features local dishes like arepas plus cooked-to-order eggs, and a decent range of other hot and cold items (for a fee). The restaurant specializes in good-quality steaks and seafood, and features a wine cellar with an extensive selection of international wines. The restaurant occasionally features live music. Room service is available. The Allure also features concierge service, a meeting room, business center, and rooftop event terrace with views of the bay and city. Parking is available for a fee and Wi-Fi is free throughout.