Hostal Casa Lopez Cartagena

I booked a night because the price was cheap, but it turned into a nightmare. The front desk staff acted as though they were paying for the room themselves. The young woman at reception kept talking to me while still on her cellphone discussing personal matters, with no regard for those of us waiting in line. You get a room, a towel, and soap, and that seems to be all your money gets you. The room was tiny, like a trucker's dorm bunk, which might have been manageable if the front desk service and attitude were better. On the first floor, it felt like sleeping in the middle of a market. The wooden windows, rather than glass, let in the front desk staff's personal phone conversations, so you’re forced to hear other people’s private business. I would have paid more to stay somewhere else.

Elsa at reception was lovely. The rooms, though, were old, loud, and not very nice.

The rooftop terrace is a nice extra, and the facilities and rooms were clean and comfortable. The staff were friendly and helpful with everything. The location worked well, close to good restaurants, the park, and the historic center, but far enough from road noise and parties. One downside was how sound carries through the whole building. It was especially bothersome when we were near the patio.

The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating, but Room 101 wasn’t a pleasant stay. It was tiny and had a strange smell that may have been mold. The shower drain was clogged, so water pooled on the floor, and I had to clear the little holes myself to get it flowing. Sound insulation was poor, and I could hear everything outside. One night a group talking on the rooftop made it hard to sleep. Breakfast was quite basic.