Hotel OZ Grand

The staff are the best, and the hotel has a great location, good air conditioning, and a really good breakfast. The rooms are comfortable, though there’s no bathtub and the views aren’t great. I thought I was going to the other hotel because they’d promised an upgrade, and I tried to confirm it 10 days before my trip. They didn’t give me the upgrade, and this hotel has no pool.

The bathroom could use a little more practical storage: a shelf or a hook for a towel would help. With all the toiletries a modern traveller brings, working out where to put a toothbrush, towel, and other things became a small puzzle. That’s a minor hassle, though. For a short visit, Oz Hotel is charming and does the job well. For a longer stay, I’d want a bit more functional thought. I’d recommend it without hesitation to someone watching their budget, but probably not to a remote worker looking for an ergonomic setup. The location puts you right in Cartagena’s lively center, close to cafés, everyday conveniences, laundromats, good affordable food, and sunny beaches. You step straight into the city’s rhythm. Breakfast was a real treat, with plenty of local food and generously thick, juicy fruit. Daymar from the restaurant staff was attentive and so warm that her smile felt like part of the meal. She made breakfast a quietly uplifting start to the day. As a place to stay briefly, enjoy the local flavor, and feel Cartagena instead of just passing through, Oz Hotel succeeds with charm.

I paid for dinner by card, but when the machine apparently didn’t work, they asked me to tap again. My bank showed two charges from the hotel restaurant. I reported it and showed them the evidence and meal receipt, but they refused to refund me or help. Really poor customer service. I wouldn’t come back, and I’d be careful.

The staff were always helpful, the rooms were clean and roomy, and the location worked well. I’d still give the hotel full marks, but breakfast was definitely the weak spot. The selection felt limited and wasn’t the best. Bacon and sausages would be good additions. Everything else was awesome.