Holiday Inn Express Hotels in Cartagena

So, let's start with the good. Our room was large, comfortable, and clean. Everything else about this hotel is awful. First, the pool is far too small for the size of the hotel. The available chairs are often full and there is no shade. Second, the breakfast experience is miserable. Once again, the room is far too small for the size of the hotel. Everything is cramped. Some days it was hard to find a table. Some days we noticed staff were not replacing the paper placements between guests. Third, service leaves quite a bit to be desired. When we checked in, we confirmed with the clerk that we were being charged in Colombian pesos. However, when we checked our bank account, we realized we were charged in dollars -- which cost more due to their awful exchange rate and service fees. When we spoke to the front desk, we were first told they couldn't do anything about it. Then, we were told their credit card machines don't even allow them to charge in US dollars. Then, we were told that the clerk would speak to management and get back to us -- we never heard back. This is a terribly run IHG property and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Three things lowered the grade for this hotel: location, dining, and poor wifi. Be warned, this Holiday Inn on Manga is not near the main spots. Getsemani is about a 30-minute walk and Bocagrande is a car ride away. The hotel is located in a business district within sight of the port and the cruise ship terminal. While it is quiet and very safe, you'll be walking or taking taxis to go anywhere interesting. The hotel's restaurant only serves breakfast. You are on your own for lunch and dinner. There are a few restaurants about 10 to 20 minutes' walk away. They do have a small store where you can buy snacks and drinks, but nothing substantial. I'm not sure if this is the result of Covid, but it can be a problem unless you eat while you are out. I found the wifi was hit and miss especially on the floors below reception. This hotel's reception is on the 10th floor and the rooms are on floors below. I understand the internet in Colombia is barely 10 mb/s, but it would seem more nests might be the solution to help boost the signal. The Good The staff are very friendly. They are very nice and welcoming. The general manager takes time to chat with guests and introduce himself which is a practice I have rarely seen in hotels. There is a small swimming pool on the 10th floor with views of the city and the flight path to the airport which is on the other side of La Popa. It would not take much for this hotel to be a great hotel. An express lunch or dinner on offer would make things better. It is clear that this hotel caters to a business demographic, but it will do in a pinch for tourists, especially if you won't want to stay in the party zones.