Hilton Cartagena

The Caribbean Sea-facing Hilton Cartagena, although massive, isn't exactly upscale where decor is concerned. While the lobby is airy, its teal leather couches, swirled multicolor rug, and diamond patterned tiles all look slightly gaudy and neglected. Pleasant views of the beach can be enjoyed from several common areas, which incorporate more class, but there's an overall dated look to the property. However, the mediocre aesthetics don’t deter a wide variety of guests on business or holiday from staying here -- it’s especially popular with families with children. 

Curved along the tip of the El Laguito Peninsula in the Bocagrande neighborhood, the hotel’s location is a perk for beach lovers and anyone wanting a break from the tourist hub of the city. The surrounding area is still lively enough, with local restaurants and shops within walking distance, but the attractions within Old Town Cartagena, such as the San Felipe de Barajas Castle, or the Plaza Santo Domingo, are a 10- to 20-minute drive away. The Museo del Oro is also 15 minutes away while the shops of Las Bovedas are a 20-minute drive away. Rafael Nunez International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.  

The rooms look much more contemporary than the lobby. White marble tile floors are an appealing contrast against the light wood furniture and the cool blues and purples on the walls, bedspreads, and blackout drapes. Standard rooms have either two queen or single king beds. While they’re labeled as having ocean or city views, even the city view rooms offer some glimpses of the ocean through large windows. All come with air-conditioning, safes, ironing equipment, and 32-inch LCD TVs. Three-pronged outlets on the work desks and bedside tables conveniently eliminate the need for converters. Wi-Fi in all rooms is only free for members of the hotel’s loyalty program, which is free to join. Cuisinart coffeemakers, snacks, and minibars are also available. Suites have private terraces and separate work areas and living areas. Executive Rooms include 42-inch TVs and free breakfast and snacks, along with access to the hotel’s Executive Lounge. Bathrooms are clean and well-lit with polished granite counters. Standard varieties have walk-in showers with handheld and rainfall showerheads. Suites and Executive bathrooms have separate bathtubs. All rooms provide Peter Thomas Roth toiletries and hairdryers. 

Features cater to a variety of guests. There are three sit-down restaurants on site: Pizza Al Forno serves tasty wood-fired pies on a breezy terrace; the pricier Tinajero Steak & Seafood House has an old-fashioned fine dining environment; colorful Las Chivas Restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating, serves a decent buffet breakfast (not always included with rates), plus cooked-to-order items like eggs. Honors program members can also have breakfast in the Executive Lounge on the top floor of the building, which offers fantastic views, refreshments all day, and free Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, the Lobby Bar, Pool Bar, and Tibabuyes Kiosk in the hotel’s gardens serve drinks and snacks to keep dining options extensive for all guests.The beach can be directly accessed from the property, but isn’t entirely private. While there are fewer vendors here than other beaches, guests have noted that they can still be disruptive and the sand gets dirty. The large outdoor pool, which includes a small waterslide, is more popular. Other wellness features include a 24-hour fitness center, reasonably-priced spa, and beauty salon, along with a tennis court where instructors are available on request.Several child-friendly amenities are a plus, including kids’ menus and a game room featuring a PlayStation, foosball and table tennis, and a ball pit with a slide. There’s a huge range of mobility features, from accessible ramps to audible alarms and visual alerts in common areas. As a popular wedding and business conference venue, the hotel includes several meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment rental, banquet halls, and outdoor event spaces, plus a business center. Free self-parking is available in the outdoor lot, and Wi-Fi in common areas is also free. Pets are welcome.