Hostal y Restaurante La Vie En Rose

The neighborhood felt safe even at night, with an easy walk to the walled city and quick access to supermarkets and cheap restaurants. The staff were nice and professional. The restaurant was good too: I tried the chuleta and parilla, and both were decent. The meat wasn't the best I've had, but at 20-35 k$ the price was hard to complain about. The hotel was another story. After three days on the coast and islands without reliable running water, I booked La vie en Rose hoping for an upgrade from my usual basic hostels. The shower had just one tap and only lukewarm, cool water. Rooms like this are easy to find for half the price in Cartagena. Insects bit me overnight, and I saw one bedbug on the mattress, though I didn't see others, so it wasn't an infestation as far as I could tell. Rain also came slightly into the room. The shower soap was mostly soapy water with very little soap, making it difficult to use.

I arrived and was asked to pay the remaining balance for all seven days upfront. The room had air conditioning, but it had bunk beds, no small fridge, and no bathroom. They said I'd only share the hallway bathroom with one other room. I didn't stay, and they refused to refund my card, though thankfully I had paid by credit card. Before booking in person, I had specifically asked for air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a small fridge in the room. I was told one would be available for my dates and paid a deposit, even though I couldn't see it because it was occupied. This wasn't a language mix-up: I asked repeatedly, and Bianca said yes. She even told me I could buy cheaper beer and water at the market and keep them in my room refrigerator. I was assured, “Baño en la habitación.” It felt like they knowingly took my money based on a lie, and that left me feeling unsafe. I hate writing a bad review, especially for such a highly rated place, but be aware.

The hostess welcomed me warmly and always smiled at her guests. I stayed just one night, and it felt like a lovely retreat. My room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, with air conditioning, a fan, and plenty of towels and soap in the bathroom. The night was very reasonably priced.

It's a tiny hostel, probably best for one person or a couple. The food was okay, but nobody speaks English here. I paid 70,000 peso for a suite. The owner has changed, so I don't know what the new owner will charge.