Hotels near CENTRO COMERCIAL OLAYA PLAZA, Cartagena

It was good value for money. Not hot water (neither that cold, it is caribean weather just not heated) and a bit far from the main hotspots (i use uber motorbike so for me was ok, is around 1/2$ per trip).

Three things lowered the grade for this hotel: location, dining, and poor wifi. Be warned, this Holiday Inn on Manga is not near the main spots. Getsemani is about a 30-minute walk and Bocagrande is a car ride away. The hotel is located in a business district within sight of the port and the cruise ship terminal. While it is quiet and very safe, you'll be walking or taking taxis to go anywhere interesting. The hotel's restaurant only serves breakfast. You are on your own for lunch and dinner. There are a few restaurants about 10 to 20 minutes' walk away. They do have a small store where you can buy snacks and drinks, but nothing substantial. I'm not sure if this is the result of Covid, but it can be a problem unless you eat while you are out. I found the wifi was hit and miss especially on the floors below reception. This hotel's reception is on the 10th floor and the rooms are on floors below. I understand the internet in Colombia is barely 10 mb/s, but it would seem more nests might be the solution to help boost the signal. The Good The staff are very friendly. They are very nice and welcoming. The general manager takes time to chat with guests and introduce himself which is a practice I have rarely seen in hotels. There is a small swimming pool on the 10th floor with views of the city and the flight path to the airport which is on the other side of La Popa. It would not take much for this hotel to be a great hotel. An express lunch or dinner on offer would make things better. It is clear that this hotel caters to a business demographic, but it will do in a pinch for tourists, especially if you won't want to stay in the party zones.

After a long overnight bus journey arriving at the bus station in the main part of Cartagena, I was pretty tired and just wanted to drop my luggage off. Took a cab (20 minutes) to the hotel and the welcoming staff were happy to hold my stuff for a few hours prior to check-in. Was then amazed at the pleasant mainly residential neighbourhood and took a five minute stroll to the beach and then onto the Old Town. Returning to check in later in the day different staff by then were equally helpful and pleasant. Was given a smallish room with efficient air conditioning and small bathroom. The mattress was as firm as could be and I had one of the best sleeps for ages. There was also the availability of a breakfast until 10am which I didn't bother with. Upon checking out staff were again fantastic with holding luggage so I took a ten minute Uber to the Old Town. Returned to pick up my stuff and was amazed that it was only a five minute walk away from the hotel until I was inside the terminal at the airport. Fantastic value for money, perfect location. Friendly staff!!