Hotel Dann Cartagena

After a day or evening out, it was always nice to return to "El Dann." We spent six days and nights there as a group of friends and had a great time together. We could easily swim in the ocean, relax by the pool, and start every day with the best breakfast.

The hotel's look caught me right away: bright lighting, a soft, sexy feel, and a chic Miami vibe. It was clean and fresh throughout, with no smoky smell, just that pleasant new-car kind of scent. The place was quiet, too. Staff seemed attentive and ready to help. Hotel Dan has a pool at the base of the building with an outdoor bar, plus another bar inside. Room service runs all day and night. The menu has American, Peruvian, and traditional Colombian food, with plenty of choices, though I didn't find it very tasty. You can take the stairs or elevator to your room. Each floor has a half-floor layout, an unusual architectural detail that gives the building some character. As a first-time visitor from the Tree of Panama, I felt a connection to Colombia from the start. The coastal drive from the airport took around 20 to 25 minutes and gave us our first views of the beaches. Cartagena's lively Black culture stood out to me, with Spanish-speaking dark-skinned people who reminded me of Costa Ricans, many of whom also spoke English. Taxis are easy to find, though I felt it was worth being mindful about trustworthiness since they mostly serve as convenient transport. Hotel Dan is centrally placed for the main sights. It brings a modern, luxurious feel together with Cartagena's cultural character, and made a good base for exploring the city.

Service from the whole staff was excellent. Breakfast is included, there's a gym, and the hotel has a very nice view. The pool was consistently clean, though it was disappointing that the jacuzzi water wasn't hot. The location is very convenient. El Muelle is practically around the corner, a good spot for sunset views, though its food prices aren't cheap. Cartagena's beaches are public and can get very crowded.

Right on the beach, with a great pool and really good service. The building could use some updating, but it was very clean overall and worth what we paid.