Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Bocagrande by IHG

Carlos Pérez deserves recognition for the care he brings to breakfast. He’s kind, attentive, professional, and always greets me with a warm smile. With him, my breakfast is pleasant and efficient. The one morning he wasn't there, another staff member took about 30 minutes to bring the eggs I ordered, and I had to ask twice. Carlos never leaves me waiting like that. I hope his dedication and the kindness he shows in his work are valued. Thank you, Carlos.

The room was clean and comfortable, with a nice view, and the staff were friendly and professional. We appreciated their offer of a late checkout. Still, we left feeling the stay cost too much for what we got. Breakfast was crowded in a small dining room, and both the food and presentation felt basic. By the second day, we chose to eat elsewhere. Some gym treadmills were old or partly broken and stopped suddenly during use, which felt unsafe. On our last day, we were told we'd been undercharged at check-in and had to pay more, which was frustrating. We paid about $500, including breakfast, for three nights at the Holiday Inn Express in Cartagena. The hotel felt dated and below what I expected at that price.

We spent three weeks here expecting a relaxing stay, and the experience became stressful and frightening. The rooms were dark, the windows dirty, and the hotel did not feel up to international chain standards. The breakfast staff were the one positive, polite and professional throughout. The trouble began when friends came to visit and we wanted to go into the hotel together for a drink. Reception refused us entry and kept asking for extra fees. Staff gave us conflicting explanations, and we were held there for nearly two hours before being told to pay 330 pesos. At first the amount was described as much lower, and it wasn't clear what currency they meant. We felt humiliated and confused. Afterward, we felt harassed and intimidated. Visitors seemed to mean repeated, high charges. That may be legal, but the amount felt excessive and the way it was handled unacceptable. We also felt the treatment was selective and discriminatory, and that European guests were not respected. Eventually we were allowed to use the rooftop pool without paying again, but staff followed and watched us, and even filmed us. A reception manager came upstairs and stopped us from using the pool canopies despite strong winds, while other guests were allowed to use them. It felt hostile and vindictive. I travel often and rarely write negative reviews, but I found this alarming. We have recordings and evidence of what happened. Our three weeks felt like wasted money and needless stress. I strongly advise caution, since a stay here could easily be ruined.

I was here a little over a year ago for a conference. The area felt pretty safe, with restaurants, shops, coffee places, and grocery stores all within walking distance. The hotel was very clean and the staff were super friendly. Breakfast was pretty good, too. The basic rooms aren't very large, but there was a mini store with lots of cute bags and other things at decent prices.