Hampton by Hilton Cartagena

The best thing (or the worst thing, depending on your perspective) about the Hampton by Hilton Cartagena is that it feels like many other Hampton by Hiltons all over the world. If you’re a fan of the chain and know what to expect from it, the brand’s Cartagena outpost does not disappoint. Its swanky lobby, located on the 16th floor, offers sweeping views of Bocagrande and is filled with colorful modern furniture. The lobby is where guests congregate throughout the day, and is where the hotel’s reception desk, 24-hour business center, snack bar, and breakfast room are located. The majority of guests here are business travelers, but there are also a fair share of vacationing families and couples. Travelers looking for a similar property with a more resort-like feel might prefer the nearby Hotel Dann Cartagena. It should be noted that the hotel lobby is located on the 16th floor of the hotel building, not on the ground level. There’s usually a hotel staff member stationed at the hotel’s entrance directing new arrivals where to go, but the process can still be confusing for some guests. 

The Hampton by Hilton Cartagena is located in Bocagrande, Cartagena’s Miami-like neighborhood with lively beaches and a vibrant nightlife scene. The hotel is located on Avenida San Martin (Carrera 2), one block from the beach and within walking distance of multiple shops, restaurants, bars, malls, and casinos. The Hampton is about a 10-minute drive from Cartagena’s historic walled city, and about a 20-minute drive from Rafael Nunez International Airport.  

Rooms at the Hampton are clean, well kept, and feature modern, if generic, decor. White walls and dark floors create a contrasting palette, while bright pops of color like orange headboards and lime green drawers add some much needed personality to the rooms. Canvas photos of Cartagena’s old city hang at hip level near the headboards, giving rooms a personalized flair. Rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, electronic safes, and ironing equipment. There’s also a separate desk space with multiple outlets. Even for an affordable chain hotel, rooms feel a bit small and cramped. The space is okay for one or two people, but three people in one room might feel crowded. Bathrooms are also on the smaller side but are nicely equipped with glass enclosed walk-in showers and Neutrogena toiletries. There are three room types are the Hampton — rooms with a queen-size bed, rooms with a queen-size bed and sofa bed, and rooms with two twin beds. Decor and amenities are consistent across all three types. All rooms are non-smoking.  

The Hampton has a mid-size rooftop pool with awesome views of Bocagrande. The pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and glass panels, so guests can soak up the city views while taking a dip. The fitness center is located on the same level as the pool. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow gym-goers to gaze down at the city below while they work out. The Hampton gym is tiny, but has a few treadmills, an elliptical, a stationary bike, and a weight machine. All of the equipment is modern, and the gym is well air-conditioned. Free breakfast and Wi-Fi are necessary components of any chain hotel worth its salt, and the Hampton offers both. Breakfast is served each morning in the hotel’s sky high lobby. Guests can help themselves to a buffet of hot items like eggs, rice, and sausage, along with cold items like pastries, cereals, and fresh fruit. Our one complaint is that the coffee is from a machine, not freshly brewed. One part of the Hampton’s lobby is a dedicated business center. Though it’s not private, the business center has several communal computers, a printer, and a fax machine. The lobby also has its own snack bar, where guests can purchase chips, candy, and assorted soft drinks.