City Express Plus by Marriott Cali Colombia

I liked the room size, the complimentary breakfast, and several staff members were very pleasant. But I’m still trying to get back the charge for a night I didn’t stay. My reservation was Wednesday to Sunday, four days. At check-in, I told the front desk I might leave Saturday because of a personal matter. They said to let them know that morning, and there’d be no problem. At 4 a.m. Saturday I said I’d try to catch an earlier flight and would return if I couldn’t change it. They just said to contact them either way. I got a flight, then called at 6:30 a.m. to say I was checking out. Nobody answered, even when I called again, so I sent a WhatsApp message. I got no reply until about 7:30, when someone said they’d check me out. Later they asked again if I was leaving, and I confirmed, also sending a screenshot showing my unanswered calls. Still, I was charged for the full stay. I called for three days and kept being told the manager would get back to me. Then I was told the charge stood because it was my original reservation, and I’d be charged if they couldn’t book the room that day. I’d never been told that. I’d informed them hours before checkout time, and I’ve never heard of being charged after checking out early. I’m only asking for a refund for the night I didn’t stay, and for them to explain these terms when customers report a reservation change. I’d still like the manager to contact me.

I spent four weeks here working as a digital nomad, putting in 12-hour days without distractions while launching a new business. The stay was perfect from start to finish, from the front desk and Deli to security and housekeeping. The staff feels like a family, and I’m grateful for their professionalism, friendliness, and patience with my not-so-great Spanish. I’m a Titanium Elite Bonvoy member, travel globally, and spend more than half the year in hotels. This is one of the best-run Marriott properties I’ve experienced. I highly recommend it.

The rooms are comfortable, though very small, and the breakfast buffet is limited, with hardly any vegetarian choices. It doesn’t meet Marriott standards in my view, so don’t book just because it’s a Marriott property.

For a tourist, after researching nearby hotels, this seemed the best choice. The staff were friendly, and a large mall with plenty of shops and restaurants is an easy walk away. Breakfast was a highlight: the menu changed each morning and included fresh fruit, a cheese platter, breads, cereals, juices, and a typical dish such as caldo de costilla, calentado, or buñuelos. I also ate at the first-floor restaurant. It was a bit pricey, but the food was amazing. I still remember the salmon cooked in a banana leaf with coconut cream sauce.