Cartagena Lists

[Tom 33]

That's the one. It has gone downhill.

Some apartments are still nice. A friend of mine owns one. They just changed management companies and hope to turn things around.

Frankly there has been a problem with many buildings in Laguito and probably all of the Bocagrande Penninsula(except Castillo Grande). A good number of absentee owners were not paying their monthly association dues. Colombian law does not make it easy to collect. Gradually the deadbeats are selling their apartments. Upon sale all arrears must be paid. And the new owners generally are going to pay their monthly fees.

[Tom 33]

There is a casa by that name in BAQ, and I have never heard of one with that name in CTG. However, casas open and close. If you must do the casa crawl, it's probably best to ask a taxista. Realize, however, that the taxistas are paid commissions by the casas.

I heard that the Pleyboy Club has changed names.

[Tom 33]

"There as a couple of ok apartments in the building." That is quite true. However, as of about 2 months ago the guest policy changed. You can still rent a nicer apt. in el Conquistador, but you cannot have any female company in that nicer apt.

[Tom 33]

I have lived in Cartagena for over 3 years and am here now. WT's list seems to be pretty good. However, I really haven't been to any casas for over 2 years, and I don't much go out late at night.

Exactly what do you think is wrong?

[Bartchamdo]

The idea of lists is a great one, but the one for cartagena seems to be corrupted with wrong info. I keep finding references to places that seem to be in barranquilla. I think I´ll be relying more on first hand reports rather than compilations from readers.

[Bartchamdo]

I agree with what you say, Freedick. El Conquistador is a place to avoid. It didnt bother me that it´s a little run down. I haven´t seen any cockroaches so far.

The biggest problem is that it´s not guest friendly. It definitely should be avoided by anyone hoping to take company back there! And since I paid everything in advance I don´t have any way to cancel and switch hotels.

[Freedick]

hi guys

so that you know what you're getting yourself into, should you rent from cartagenapartments.com, they have apartments in one building called "el conquistador".

the photos on the site do not reflect the reality of the building. it is a run down building from the 60s, paint is chipped/rusted all over, everything in the apartments is filthy, cockroaches galore, you must unlock a heavy grill to enter your apartment, sheets smell like [CodeWord113], and, gravest of all, it is an extremely guest-unfriendly place.

the cherry on the cake is when they don't pick you up at the airport after saying they would...

caveat emptor.

[Tiny 12]

This is about 3 months late, but for posterity's sake, I've stayed at Las Americas, with a girlfriend, and it didn't appear to be a guest friendly place. The guard at the gate gave us some crap late one evening, thinking she wasn't registered, but after we got a little pissed he let us in without checking with the front desk. I think you could get a hooker in if you were sneaky. Make sure she's not dressed like a **** and don't show up at 3:00 AM. There's a second entrance farther from the city, and if you go in there and wind around the property, the only person that you'll have to contend with is a guard.

[Facedono]

I'm in Laquito right now at the connection internet cafe trying to burn an hour before everything starts to get going at LDV. If you don´t have an apartment in Laguito your up a creek for real because you´ll have to take a taxi everywhere. An apartment in Laguito means that LDV is literally 3 to 4 minute walk away. Think about that when you get your prize and your trying to make it to the room. plus your adding to the cost not to mention the hassle at that place you stated. Doubt very seriously they´ll let girls in there because when I stop through to check it out not only was the price outrageous but it was crazy families with kids running around. yeah I can just see you bring her to breakfast in the morning and she´s still wearing her ¨work¨ clothes. Avoid the hassles and get an apartment in Laguito. There are mad police around so safety is not an issue but street action is very limited. have fun.

[LocoGringo]

Las Americas is on the beach but also on the "outskirts" of Cartagena. It is an upscale but family oriented hotel on the road to Barranquilla and is not close to Boga Grande or Laguito. Cab rides are available but it is not in the heart of action. Most of those hotels will let you do the walkmof shame and "register" your guest for a fee, call them and check it out. Best bet is an apartment in Laguito if you do not have previous experience there or a "girlfriend".

[Player2]

Hi..


I will be going to Cartagena on the 25 march for 4 days . I will be staying at the Hotel Las Americas on the beach. Does anyone know if this hotel is guest friendly. Alos how far is this hotel from LDV?.
Thanks in advance.
Steve

Put this proper thread.

[SkmSteve]

Hi..


I will be going to Cartagena on the 25 march for 4 days . I will be staying at the Hotel Las Americas on the beach. Does anyone know if this hotel is guest friendly. Alos how far is this hotel from LDV?.
Thanks in advance.
Steve

[Tom 33]

About all I can add is that there is a quite a bit of street action all over Laguito, Bocagrande, and Centro. However, Cartagena primarily caters to Colombian families. Street solicitation is illegal, AND that prohibition is enforced. As a result the street action is not in-your-face. You make eye contact with a chica and smile. She may say, "A donde va?" or "Where are you going?" You can say, "A mi cama contigo. Cuantos por un rato?"

[World Travel 69]

The list originally posted here has been superseded by an updated list posted on 09-02-06.

[Fido Dido]

WorldTravel69 nice work all those lists.

But why creating creating all those new threads? Seems a bit overdone to me: two threads on every city in Colombia.

Isn't it better to put all your lists under the alread existing threads of the cities were they belong to?
Later on you can always make one post in the thread "Reports of Distinction" in which you put the links to all your lists.