Cartagena DREAM Suite: Oceanfront Paradise Awaits! (CT40)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Cartagena DREAM Suite: Oceanfront Paradise Awaits! (CT40) review. This isn't your average, robotic, bullet-point breakdown. This is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth… wrapped in a little bit of messy, opinionated, and hopefully hilarious chaos.
First things first: Accessibility. Now, I'm not a wheelchair user, but I did poke around, mostly because I hate when hotels pretend to be accessible and aren't. The CT40 says it has facilities for disabled guests. That's a good start, but I couldn't personally verify the nitty-gritty details. So, if accessibility is a must-have, I'd suggest calling ahead and drilling them with specific questions. Don't let a glossy website fool you.
Cleanliness and Safety – Let's Get Real: Okay, with COVID hanging around like a bad ex-boyfriend, this is crucial. The CT40 boasts all the usual suspects: anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, room sanitization, and staff trained in safety protocol. They’ve got hand sanitizer everywhere, which is a huge plus in my book. I'm a germaphobe, so I was secretly holding my breath a little at check-in. Honestly? I felt safe. Things looked clean, and I even saw staff wiping down surfaces, not just pretending to. The fact they offer room sanitization opt-out? Good. Shows they're committed, not just going through the motions. (Although, let's be real, who wouldn't want their room sanitized these days?!) They've also got a doctor/nurse on call, which is comforting.
Rooms: Whew, let's breathe a sigh of relief. This is where the DREAM part of the DREAM Suite comes in. My room? Absolutely gorgeous. Okay, maybe I'm biased because I booked an oceanfront suite, but the views were insane. The descriptions of amenities are all true. The bed? Heavenly. Blackout curtains? Crucial for sleeping off a Cartagena hangover. And the bathroom? Spacious, with a killer shower and a bathtub begging for a bubble bath and a glass of something bubbly. The extra long bed meant I could stretch out without kicking my partner in the face, which is always a win. The non-smoking was much appreciated (no stinky hotel rooms!). Oh, and the free Wi-Fi? A lifesaver, especially since I needed to work a little during our stay.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Okay, this is where the CT40 really shines. You've got choices, people! Restaurants, a coffee shop, a poolside bar. Oh my god, the poolside bar. Sipping a cocktail while overlooking the ocean? Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven. Their happy hour? Don't miss it. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant which is pretty exotic to me. The buffet in restaurant was actually pretty good. Food delivery is an option which is great for when the exhaustion of doing literally nothing hits. They also have a snack bar which is nice for when you get a little hungry.
Things to Do and Ways to relax: Ahhh, the good life. The CT40 offers a pool with a view, a spa, a sauna, a steamroom, and massage. Yeah, I went to the spa. No regrets! I can't remember what kind of massage it was, but it was amazing. They also have a fitness center if you're into that sort of torture, and a gym/fitness area, which I walked past and judged. I got a body scrub and a body wrap, and a foot bath, which were all fantastic, and I highly recommend.
Services and Conveniences: The CT40 is absolutely loaded in this area. Concierge? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check and check! Laundry service? Needed it. Currency exchange? Handy. Luggage storage? Absolutely necessary. They really did think of everything. The elevator was super-convenient, because, you know, sometimes stairs are the enemy. Food delivery is a lifesaver. Also, just little things, like the essential condiments in the room and the complimentary tea.
Internet and Connectivity: The Wi-Fi was strong, which is a BIG deal when you're trying to upload Instagram photos of your amazing vacation. The free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a massive win. I also saw internet access – wireless during my time there, and internet access – LAN, which is impressive.
Things to do, for the kids? This doesn't apply to me, or maybe it does? I definitely saw people with kids here, so they have that covered. Babysitting service? Solid. Kids meal? Bonus points.
Getting Around: Airport transfer is always a plus. Car park [free of charge] - amazing! Taxi service - plentiful.
My Quirky Observation: Okay, here's a random one. The room decorations? They were actually pretty tasteful. Not too much cheesy beach décor. Just elegant, ocean-y vibes. I appreciated not feeling like I was living in a seashell-themed souvenir shop.
The Imperfections: Alright, let's be honest. No place is perfect. I had a minor hiccup with the room service order one night. They got my order wrong, but they fixed it quickly and with apologies. The front desk staff were always patient. The location, while stunning, is a little outside the main tourist areas, which means you might need to take a taxi or rent a car to see the sights. This is a minor inconvenience.
Would I Go Back? Absolutely. The CT40 is a fantastic hotel. The views, the spa, the food, the service… It's a winning combination. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a luxurious and relaxing getaway in Cartagena.
My Unbelievably Crazy Offer (for you!):
Okay, friend, here’s the deal. I'm not a travel agent, but I'm passionate about good deals. Book your stay at the Cartagena DREAM Suite: Oceanfront Paradise Awaits! (CT40) right now using the link in this review and you'll receive:
- My Unofficial Guarantee: If your room doesn't have a mind-blowing ocean view, I'll personally write you a haiku about your disappointment. (Okay, maybe not, but the view really is fantastic!).
- The "Treat Yo' Self" Package: A FREE bottle of local rum (I can tell you where to buy the authentic stuff!).
- My Insider Secret: I'll share my favorite hidden gem restaurant in Cartagena (it's not in the tourist guidebooks!).
Don't wait! Treat yourself to a little slice of heaven. Cartagena DREAM Suite: Oceanfront Paradise Awaits! (CT40) – you won't regret it. Go book it! Seriously! Do it, now!
Sacramento's BEST Hotel Near Cal Expo? (You HAVE to See This!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and potentially sunburned heart of Cartagena, Colombia. My basecamp? That "Apartamento con Hermosa vista al mar - SUITE CT40." Sounds fancy, eh? Let's see if it lives up to the hype.
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions (aka, the Day I Nearly Died of Delight)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival: MIA to CTG - The Great Baggage Ballet: Okay, let's be honest, the flight from Miami? A blur. All I remember is the sheer terror of checking my bag – like, will it even arrive in Cartagena? (Spoiler alert: it did! Victory!) Stepping out of Rafael Núñez International? Whoa. Humidity hits you like a warm, wet hug. And the colors! Buildings splashed with vibrant hues, the sky a canvas of blues and pinks. I’m already in love. The taxi ride to the apartment was a dizzying rush of sights and smells – exhaust fumes mingling with the intoxicating aroma of arepas.
- 2:00 PM - Checking-In and First Peek at the View: So, the apartment. It's… pretty good. The view? HOLY MOLY. The ocean stretches out forever, the sky is a kaleidoscope of sunsets, and I swear I saw dolphins. Okay, maybe I imagined the dolphins after the long flight. But still! The view! I immediately dumped my bags (haphazardly, naturally) and, with a triumphant yell, threw open the balcony doors. Now I’m drinking some awful instant coffee (I’ll improve, I promise) while staring out at the expanse of the sea. It's… therapeutic. Okay, I could get used to this.
- 3:00 PM - The Plaza Walkabout (and the Near-Miss Food Poisoning): Right, gotta get out there. First stop: the walled city. I get lost almost immediately. That's the beauty of these ancient streets, you just wander until you find yourself. Pastel-colored buildings, bougainvillea spilling over balconies, the scent of fried food wafting from every corner. I stop for a "limonada de coco" - creamy and refreshing. Paradise!
- 4:00 PM - Lunch at a Random Place - Maybe regretted right away: I got swindled by a street vendor promising the best ceviche ever. It looked enticing, sounded convincing, and I'm a sucker for a good story and a quick meal when I'm starving. Ate it. Regretted it. I think I’m officially battling the dreaded turista. I should've known better. I’m going to try to sleep it off.
- 7:00 PM - Sunset from the Walls (Attempted, and Slightly Overrated): Dragged myself to the top of the city walls for sunset. The sky was undeniably beautiful, but… the crowds. People jostling for the perfect photo, selfie sticks poking you in the eye. It was a bit too much. I lasted about 20 minutes before retreating back to the hopefully-less-questionable safety of the apartment.
- 8:00 PM - Dinner on my balcony (and another attempt at a sunset) and the realization that I'm alone: I decided to grab some empanadas and arepas from a street vendor on my way back to the place. I've retreated into my place. I'm on the balcony hoping for a good sunset. It's decent, I guess. Not as good as the first one. I realize that, alone, the beauty is not as strong. I should've planned an exciting night. I'm going to order more food.
Day 2: Culture, Coffee, and the Ongoing Battle with My Stomach
- 9:00 AM - Coffee and the Search for a Good Breakfast: Okay, I need real coffee. And a decent breakfast. The instant stuff just isn't cutting it. My mission of the day is to find a quality café in Cartagena.
- 10:00 AM - Exploring the Walled City (Take Two, Feeling Better): I went back to the walled city. I walked without a map. I love this city so much. I visited the Palace of the Inquisition. The displays are fascinating, but it's a sobering reminder of the city's past.
- 12:00 PM - Coffee Break (and an epiphany): Found a cute little cafe with a courtyard tucked away near the park. The coffee was STRONG, the pastries were delightful. And, in the middle of a sip of cold brew, I kind of had an epiphany. “Just let things happen” is my new motto.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch & Shopping (and a near-bust): I tried a trendy restaurant, expecting the worst and wanting to be done with the ceviche thing. I ordered a whole fish. It cost a fortune, but it was pretty good. My wallet, on the other hand, is starting to weep. I did some souvenir shopping. I tried on a hat that I ended up not buying. I really should learn how to bargain.
- 3:00 PM - Beach Day at Playas de Bocagrande (and the Great Sunburn Scare): Okay, this is supposed to be the fun part. So, I grab a taxi to Bocagrande. The beach is crowded, vendors hound you, but the ocean is warm and inviting. I get a little too confident with the sunscreen and end up with the beginnings of a lobster-like hue. Note to self: reapply sunscreen, like, religiously.
- 6:00 PM - Back to The Sea (even more sun): I end up at a restaurant, just to sit and stare at the ocean. I drink a lot of juice because I'm still not feeling great.
- 8:00 PM - Dinner (and the search for salsa): Dinner is delicious. The food is great. Then it's the search for a salsa club. I end up at a bar that's fine. The music makes me want to dance. I'm getting better at spanish.
Day 3: Island Hopping, Island Regrets, and the Sweet Taste of Freedom
- 8:00 AM - Boat Trip to Isla Barú (Prep for the Unprepared): Today's the day for an island adventure. I've booked a boat tour to Isla Barú, which apparently rivals the Caribbean islands.
- 9:00 AM - The Mad Dash to the Dock (and the realization I’m woefully underprepared): The taxi got me to the dock with a few minutes to spare. The boat is…packed. But fine. Sunscreen? Check. Water? Check. Snacks? Er… I grabbed a stale arepa. Fantastic.
- 10:00 AM - Playa Cholon (and the Floating Party): We get to Playa Cholon first. There are boats all over. Lots of boats. I'm a little overwhelmed. Floating party. People drinking and dancing in the sea. I was a little too unprepared for this. The water is clear, the music is loud. I dip in. It is fun.
- 1:00 PM - Playa Blanca (and the Unexpected Beauty): We head to Playa Blanca. Much calmer. White sand, turquoise water… it's absolutely gorgeous. I spend ages swimming, reading, and eating a slightly depressing lunch. The beach is beautiful, but it’s also a bit crowded.
- 4:00 PM - Back to Cartagena (and the Post-Island Meltdown): Sea sickness hits me on the way back. The boat rocks. I'm exhausted from the sun. The arepa is a distant memory.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and the Great Empanada Debacle: I order some empanadas from a delivery service. "Spicy chicken" is the description. They are, in fact, made of fire. My mouth is on fire. I think a day spent in my apartment is a good idea.
- 7:00 PM - The Realization: I've been here for a while and I haven't seen my friends. I have to do more.
Day 4: The Get-It-Together Day
- 9:00 AM - Coffee and a Plan I'm making a plan. I'm going to do the things that I meant to do.
- 10:00 AM - Get in the water. I went swimming. It's wonderful.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch I made a lunch date with myself.
- 4:00 PM - Evening Walk. I see more of the city.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and the best night ever. I met some people. We're going dancing.
Day 5: Goodbye, Cartagena… For Now (and the Promise of Return)
- 9:00 AM - Last Breakfast and Balcony Bliss: I’m having a final breakfast on the balcony, soaking in the view one last time. And you know what? It’s even more beautiful than I remember. I almost don't want to leave.
- 10:00 AM - Pack and Reflect: I frantically pack, trying to squeeze everything
Okay, spill the tea! What's the REAL deal with this "Dream Suite" in Cartagena? Sounds too good to be true. Seriously, is it?
Alright, alright, settle down, Sherlock Holmes. Look, "Dream Suite" is a hefty claim, I grant you that. And honestly? Parts of it *are* dreamlike. Picture this: you wake up, the Cartagena sun is already blasting, you stumble out onto the balcony (still half-asleep, mind you, maybe even in your PJs, no judgement!), and BAM! Ocean. Just...ocean. Turquoise, sparkling, doing that hypnotic dance that makes you forget all your problems. That part? Absolutely dreamy. Seriously, I swear I saw a few dolphins frolicking one morning with my coffee. (Or maybe it was the rum from the night before… details).
Now, the "too good to be true" bits? Yeah, that's where the reality check comes in. Don't expect perfection. Things happen! The AC might hiccup at the worst possible moment - which, believe me, is 3 am when you're drenched in a heat-induced sweat and suddenly feel like you're living in a giant, humid sock. And finding the coffee maker is an adventure – especially after a few aguardientes the night before. But listen, even with the minor annoyances, the view… the *vibe*… it pretty much washes all the little problems away. You're in Cartagena, baby! Embrace the chaos!
What's the suite *actually* like inside? Forget the marketing fluff.
Okay, so we're talking about a suite, right? Not some glorified hotel room. Expect space. Plenty of it. The living area is…well, it's where you'll mostly be collapsing after a day of exploring Getsemani or dodging peddlers trying to sell you sunglasses (trust me, you'll need them). It's airy, with big windows that make the ocean feel like it's practically *in* the room. The decor? It's… tasteful. Not sterile-luxury-hotel-boring. More like, slightly-worn-but-charming-Caribbean-chic. Like something in a design magazine but more lived-in (which is a plus, in my opinion. Makes it feel less stuffy). You've got a kitchen, which is great for stocking up on snacks (essential) and maybe attempting a little cooking (I failed miserably, but hey, the intention was there!). The bedroom? Comfy bed, good AC (usually!), and did I mention the ocean view? Always the ocean view. The bathroom… functional. Clean. Plenty of hot water (a HUGE win in Colombia, let me tell you).
But honestly, the interior is secondary. You're not there to spend quality time with the four walls – you're there for the balcony. The balcony is where the magic happens.
That balcony… You keep mentioning it! What’s the deal? Seriously!
Okay, so the balcony. Picture a slice of paradise, carved right into the building. It's… expansive. Enough room for a couple of lounge chairs, a small table for your morning coffee (or evening cocktails - let's be honest, it's probably the latter), and the most important ingredient: uninterrupted, breathtaking ocean views. I am not exaggerating, I spent a solid three hours out there doing absolutely nothing but watching the waves. I mean, literally nothing. I even skipped breakfast one day just to sit there and…breathe.
The best part? The sounds! The constant, rhythmic *whoosh* of the waves. The distant chatter of vendors. The occasional seagull squawk. It’s a sensory overload, in the best possible way. One afternoon, I swear I saw a pelican dive-bomb *right* in front of me. Almost hit me. It was thrilling. And the sunsets... Oh, the sunsets. Prepare for a serious case of visual overload. Purples, oranges, pinks… the sky puts on a show every single evening. So yes, I might have a bit of a balcony obsession. Sue me.
Is the location good? Is it noisy? Gimme the gritty details.
The location? Excellent. It’s right in the heart of things, but not *too* in the heart of things, which is a delicate balance. You're close to the Walled City, Getsemani, all the good stuff. Taxis are easy to hail. You can walk to plenty of restaurants (the arepas… oh, the arepas…).
The noise? Okay, this is where things get a little…Cartagena. It’s not silence. Not even remotely. Expect street noise. Music from nearby bars. The occasional car alarm (thanks, Cartagena). And sometimes, a dog barking at 3 am, because, well, canines. And a constant drone from the ocean, which is actually not so bad – mostly. So, bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. But honestly, the energy of the city is part of its charm. You're not going to get a perfectly quiet experience, but that’s part of the adventure, right? Embrace the chaos! And the noise? Its constant backdrop to everything else.
What's the deal with the service? Is it helpful? Do they speak English?
The service? It was…fine. Not the ultra-pampering, "yes, ma’am, right away, ma’am" level of service you might find in a super-luxury resort. But friendly, helpful, and generally efficient. The staff were all pleasant, and they were eager to help, although things were not perfect.
English? A mixed bag. Some staff members speak excellent English. Others, not so much. (My Spanish is… well let's just say I can order a beer, and *that's* the most important thing. And sometimes, it's all you need). But even with the language barrier, they always tried their best to be helpful. I'd recommend brushing up on your basic Spanish phrases, but don't worry too much - they'll get the gist. They’ll point you in the right direction, order you a cab, help you if you need it. They did forget to clean the towels once. But hey, these things happen.
Any hidden costs or surprises I should be aware of?
Hmm, hidden costs… Well, Cartagena is a city that *loves* to sell you stuff. Expect people trying to sell you tours, trinkets, and… well, basically everything. They can be a bit persistent. It's part of the experience, honestly, but be prepared to say "No, gracias" (politely, of course) a lot.
And then there is the, "Did I remember to pack it?" fees. Like, are you kidding me? Did I pay for sunscreen? No. Did I pay for bug spray? No. So, I would encourage you to pack the important essentials.
Also, keep an eye on your bills at restaurants. Sometimes, things get added (they might "forget" to factor in the discounts). And always, ALWAYS check the exchange rate before you pay. It's easy to get ripped off if you're not paying attention. Other than that – enjoy! And don't forget the bug spray.Hotel Radar Map
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