Cartagena Reports

[You Can]

My favorite place to stay, if I have one guy to travel with is the penhouse in the playa mar building. Juan rents it out so its on his site. It is a great party place with jaquizzi, nice showers, its killer the girls love it. I have stayed there many times with my buddy. Great place. But not cheap at all, unless you compared it to US prices. It actually has 3 bedroom 3. 5 baths, but the third bedroom is not for me. We always stick a newbee in there if we have a third wheel. But I wouldn't want to stay in that third bedroom. I always take the bedroom to the immediate right of the elevator door wants you enter the room, then the 2nd door is the other nice room. The 3rd room is up the spiral steps.

I have the reverse question! Which are the really classy apartments in the area? Torres Del Lago appears to be the newest building but not all apartments are well furnished. It will be very helpful to know what can serve as the best party pad. Classy, well furnished and close to Laguito.

[Helpmann]

Remember, we're all in this together

Damn straight!

BTW, a few days ago, I booked an apartment in Laguito for February through Juan. He was very easy to get a hold of and very professional.

-Helpmann :)

[Vitrea]

I have the reverse question! Which are the really classy apartments in the area? Torres Del Lago appears to be the newest building but not all apartments are well furnished. It will be very helpful to know what can serve as the best party pad. Classy, well furnished and close to Laguito.

My kind of guy. :-)

Blanco Infinito is very nice. It is in Bocagrande.

Try latinretreats. Com

[Charisman]

I have the reverse question! Which are the really classy apartments in the area? Torres Del Lago appears to be the newest building but not all apartments are well furnished. It will be very helpful to know what can serve as the best party pad. Classy, well furnished and close to Laguito.

I have a deal with a lady in the Caribe Real in a one bedroom that faces the street and I pay her 100k a night. And an issue that I don't think people consider is theft. In all my years of staying at the Caribe Real I've never had anyone steal anything form my apartment when I wasn't there. In the laguito at these hooker friendly apartments the porteros are very vigilant to protect your stuff because you're their bread and butter. I know of a guy who stayed in an apartment in crespo and he couldn't leave anything there he was sure it was the portero himself climbing in and robbing him and another guy I know of who had a samilar experience in Manga. With the exception of the strata 5 apartments in CastilloGrande (Very un-hooker friendly) I don't know of any apartments that are as secure as the usual ones in Laguito.

Outside of the Laguito hooker friendly apartments your only other cheaper option is a cheap hotel with good security, but then you have a hassle with the chica-fee.

For Cartagena, A laguito apartment, proximity (no taxi) to the LDV 70$ a night for a one bedroom is a very cheap price.

Remember, we're all in this together

[Tom Power]

I have a deal with a lady in the Caribe Real in a one bedroom that faces the street and I pay her 100k a night. And an issue that I don't think people consider is theft. In all my years of staying at the Caribe Real I've never had anyone steal anything form my apartment when I wasn't there. In the laguito at these hooker friendly apartments the porteros are very vigilant to protect your stuff because you're their bread and butter. I know of a guy who stayed in an apartment in crespo and he couldn't leave anything there he was sure it was the portero himself climbing in and robbing him and another guy I know of who had a samilar experience in Manga. With the exception of the strata 5 apartments in CastilloGrande (Very un-hooker friendly) I don't know of any apartments that are as secure as the usual ones in Laguito.

Outside of the Laguito hooker friendly apartments your only other cheaper option is a cheap hotel with good security, but then you have a hassle with the chica-fee.

For Cartagena, A laguito apartment, proximity (no taxi) to the LDV 70$ a night for a one bedroom is a very cheap price.

Remember, we're all in this together

[Hillbilly69]

The 35 dollar hotels are near the small Olympica inBocagrande. I just stopped at a few, some are even cheaper. Look at the Cartagena map for location.

Another note, get a reliable wingman and get a 2 bedroom apartment cuts your costs also.

[Hillbilly69]

The 35 dollar hotels are near the small Olympica inBocagrande. I just stopped at a few, some are even cheaper. Look at the Cartagena map for location.

[Bologna]

This is my 4th time to Cartagena this year and I want to know does anyone know of anyone that has apartments in Cartagena cheaper than Juan Ventura and Mery Salence? I love the quality and the amenities, but damn, $70-$80 a night is getting kinda steep, especially if I am staying for 2 weeks. I don't necessarily have to be in a tourist area, but internet and chica-friendly is definitely in my list of must-haves. Not downing these two people, just don't really feel their prices, especially in the low season. Any info on this with pics or a link will be greatly appreciated.

I just thought of something that may help you. I remember on one trip I needed an apt. for one night only and for some reason I asked the ladies at the internet cafe punto. Com and they told me they just bought one and are renting it. This was a few years ago.

I forget the name of the building but it's the one with the stairs outside. 2 doors down from the Colombo building where the Penguin Laundry used to be below. I rented it once and it was significantly cheaper and decent enough.

But. I had an issue with the air (older wall unit) not working properly and it was scorching. Otherwise this apt. Would have been just fine. Small but fine. It had a kitchen, living room and a separate bedroom.

So, if your in CTG maybe stop by punto. Com and ask the ladies if they still have it. It's worth a look if you are looking to save a few bucks. Just make sure the air is working before you agree. I believe you could really bargain the price down a bit from what they first quote you too.

[Manizales911]

I agree with the other guyss on this site saying it would be nice if you gave a little feedback from your trips! There has to be something you can contribute from your 3 prior trips. But fuck it I'm not going to dwell on that.

I have been traveling to CTG for about 3 years and go about 4 to 6 times a year but I only usually stay Thursday thru Monday. So paying Juans prices is fine for me. Have you asked Juan if he could give you a better price if you stay for 2 weeks? I would definitely at least try. I know a guy that use to rent in the Playa Mar building by the month and was paying 45per night, but rented for the month. I unfortuanately do not no who he rented from. Also remember it is nice having Juan there for you, one night I had a huge problem (which I now believe was my own doing) involving girls, police, and illegal shit and it took me getting Juan out of bed at 3am in morning and spending approximately 3 hours with me and police in apartment and also at police station and he got me out of everything with no money greasing anyones palms. Not saying that would ever happen to you but its nice to have a guy that will go to bat for you. I will never rent from any one but Juan, just for what he did for me. Not to mention I am always very happy with his apts and his maid service. No problem with stealing and other bullshit.

Good luck, just wanted to give you my thoughts!

I agree 100% on this. Besides what is he going to get for less, a shithole. If you go to Cartagena it is going to cost a few bucks to get somewhere that is habitable. On top of that the service from the girls will suffer because as soon as they see you are staying in a rats nest they are going to be like slam bam thank you goodbye, not my idea of a good time. The difference between a nice place and a shitty place is about twenty bucks a night, which is about 300 bucks over two weeks, not exactly a big deal but we all roll differently I guess.

[You Can]

I agree with the other guyss on this site saying it would be nice if you gave a little feedback from your trips! There has to be something you can contribute from your 3 prior trips. But fuck it I'm not going to dwell on that.

I have been traveling to CTG for about 3 years and go about 4 to 6 times a year but I only usually stay Thursday thru Monday. So paying Juans prices is fine for me. Have you asked Juan if he could give you a better price if you stay for 2 weeks? I would definitely at least try. I know a guy that use to rent in the Playa Mar building by the month and was paying 45per night, but rented for the month. I unfortuanately do not no who he rented from. Also remember it is nice having Juan there for you, one night I had a huge problem (which I now believe was my own doing) involving girls, police, and illegal shit and it took me getting Juan out of bed at 3am in morning and spending approximately 3 hours with me and police in apartment and also at police station and he got me out of everything with no money greasing anyones palms. Not saying that would ever happen to you but its nice to have a guy that will go to bat for you. I will never rent from any one but Juan, just for what he did for me. Not to mention I am always very happy with his apts and his maid service. No problem with stealing and other bullshit.

Good luck, just wanted to give you my thoughts!

This is my 4th time to Cartagena this year and I want to know does anyone know of anyone that has apartments in Cartagena cheaper than Juan Ventura and Mery Salence? I love the quality and the amenities, but damn, $70-$80 a night is getting kinda steep, especially if I am staying for 2 weeks. I don't necessarily have to be in a tourist area, but internet and chica-friendly is definitely in my list of must-haves. Not downing these two people, just don't really feel their prices, especially in the low season. Any info on this with pics or a link will be greatly appreciated.

[NoDramaNoStress]

NoDramaNoStress, I'll say I'm sorry for the crass remarks in my post. Your right, uncalled for. I didn't mean any disrespect though. I should just answer and provide constructive info like Hilltopper did. I guess we all approach things differently when out and about, traveling etc.

Ok give me the contact info of 3 of your best chicas in Cartagena, send me the money via western Union. And 2 margaritas from LDV and we will call it even.

[Bologna]

Okay, I have a very productive life and I have just remembered to get back on this site after a few years, chill with all the little smart remarks, you don't know anything about me, Its not that I'm too selfish to share, its that maybe all the things that I want to add are already on this forum already, keep in mind, I'm not one of these putas that you talk to any-kind-of-way, this is a grown man. On that note, any information that I have I can and will contribute, but not because of your say so.

NoDramaNoStress, I'll say I'm sorry for the crass remarks in my post. Your right, uncalled for. I didn't mean any disrespect though. I should just answer and provide constructive info like Hilltopper did. I guess we all approach things differently when out and about, traveling etc.

[NoDramaNoStress]

Yeah, there are many places, but you'll get what you pay for. There are plenty of hostels, hotel rooms, and apartments you can get for less than $70 to $80, but more times than not you won't be getting working air cond, wifi, a washer / dryer, two private bedrooms and 2 full private bathrooms, etc. Another option would be to consider sharing the expense of a 2 bdrm with a wingman. Also, with you going quite frequently, you can pursue the option of just staying out in the barrios with your local friends, I. E, crashing on their sofa or making a pallet on the floor, catching a bus when you want to go to the old city or la playa, etc.

I can't provide you any photos or links, but you won't have any problem finding many places once you are there on the ground. Just start walking around with your luggage and asking people; tell them you're looking for an apartment or hotel room for around 60 to 80 mil pesos and you'll get to see your options before renting. Or check-in to a hostel first for one night, and then spend your time scouting while knowing you have the hostel to go back to should your search not turn up anything.

Personally, I enjoy the amenities, cleanliness, building security, security safes, etc, that come with an $80 to $100 apartment, but I can remember a time in my life when my budget dictated that I stayed in dorm-like rooms with no air con and slept on a twin bed with a mattress consisting of a piece of 3-4 inch thick foam rubber.

All the best in finding what you are looking for.

HT

Thanks for that input. Checking out a hostal for my first night there is a great idea! Going to try that.

I would really recommend Mery Salence and Juan Venturas apartments. Their numbers are all over this site. But since I'm staying two weeks this time, I need a something a little cheaper. So during my search. I found these sites that might be of help: www.airbnb/rooms/270672 Also www.apartamentosbacanos.com.

Yes. I did the whole LDV thing. I was impressed. But I had some free kitty cat that I had access to. (I had some kitty cat that I treat as a girlfriend) so actually I indirectly still pay. LDV is a must go for first timers I still haven't made it to Electra after all this time.

Another place that I have noticed that doesn't get much publicity on here is Pley Club. That place is the shyt in my opinion. If you like hips and azz, this is the spot. I've never seen asses like this on white women. Damn! Wondering if they were butt implants. If they are who cares.

On the way to Pley Club, all I could think about was this taxi driver is about to kidnap me because we were going through some rough looking neighboords to get there. But once we arrived, it was heaven on earth. I didn't buy anything in there, but I wanted to. I didn't because my night was still young. I recommend Pley Club over LDV. Taking nothing against LDV.

These are the things I recommend rookies or (vets) do. Go to your local liquor and buy some powdered margaritta mix because I don't think its even sold in Colombia. If so its hell to find. The chicas love this. Plus you can put the powdered margaritta nix in your carry on and its light and cheap ($6) and get a Colombian friend to buy a bottle of Tequilla for you to avoid being overcharged. Its actually cheaper in the city than in duty-free in the airport.

I would also recommend frequent travelers to go to spirit air website and study the luggage size and requirements. And invest in the hardshell luggage because you can pack it full and it still won't go over the size limits to avoid getting screwed.

I know we all are here mongering. And you can't trust everyone. But I recommend everyone get one trust-worthy, non-puta chica to always go to incase of emergency. Just my opinion.

I used to think grocery shopping versus cooking would be more economical. Wronggggggg! I eat at the bakery across from Torre Centaro apartments for breakfast lunch and dinner. Average about $3 per meal.

Big recommendation for non-english speaking rookies. Listennnnnnn: I recommend you get an iphone or Android phone. I'm a droid man. Download an app called Jibbigo for $4. Its a Helluva translator that doesn't require an internet connection. Also download voice ip and google voice. (this is a voip similar to Skype but without the video) and it gives you an American number and when you connect your phone to internet via wifi. You can call back to America unlimited and free. Great quality (solves problem of calling girlfriend or wife in America from a nonAmerican number). Also highly recommended is to get a global phone like the Droid 2 or Droid 3 get it unlocked so you can do all of this without buying a Colombian phone. But with all of this said. Do not show this phone off. And please keep it low profile in public. They will rob you and take your shyt.

[MiamiHeatLuver]

Oh yeah, I forgot of mentioning yet another option. You could bring a hammock or tent and sleep right there on the beach behind Playa Mar building in Laguito.

I'm not a big fan of chiggers or No see them's. Well, there go my future plans. Good Lookin out!

[Hilltopper]

Yeah, there are many places, but you'll get what you pay for. There are plenty of hostels, hotel rooms, and apartments you can get for less than $70 to $80, but more times than not you won't be getting working air cond, wifi, a washer / dryer, two private bedrooms and 2 full private bathrooms, etc. Another option would be to consider sharing the expense of a 2 bdrm with a wingman. Also, with you going quite frequently, you can pursue the option of just staying out in the barrios with your local friends, I. E, crashing on their sofa or making a pallet on the floor, catching a bus when you want to go to the old city or la playa, etc.

I can't provide you any photos or links, but you won't have any problem finding many places once you are there on the ground. Just start walking around with your luggage and asking people; tell them you're looking for an apartment or hotel room for around 60 to 80 mil pesos and you'll get to see your options before renting. Or check-in to a hostel first for one night, and then spend your time scouting while knowing you have the hostel to go back to should your search not turn up anything.

Personally, I enjoy the amenities, cleanliness, building security, security safes, etc, that come with an $80 to $100 apartment, but I can remember a time in my life when my budget dictated that I stayed in dorm-like rooms with no air con and slept on a twin bed with a mattress consisting of a piece of 3-4 inch thick foam rubber.

All the best in finding what you are looking for.

HT

Oh yeah, I forgot of mentioning yet another option. You could bring a hammock or tent and sleep right there on the beach behind Playa Mar building in Laguito. For daytime sessions or if you're a little shy to showoff in public even after dark, you can take your girl to a love motel right there in Bocagrande. For GFE and TLN, bring a 2nd hammock or a double-wide tent. Fred will come along after awhile mid morning or so. Internet access can be had for cheap at several different cafe internet places, so you're covered there. If you forget to bring your own toiletries, you can purchase whatever you need right there at the pharmacy two or three buildings down from Playa Mar and just wash yourself off right there in the sea. Heck, the sea water will be warmer than the cold showers you'll get at most $30 to $50 hotel rooms and apartments.

Nothing like sleeping under the stars. But do bring some ointment or repellent for those sand fleas / bugs. Those little boogers will have a feast on you if you aren't prepared for them!