We ended up paying around 300 dollars per night. The pool is nice, usually was filled with families with their children while we were there. Friendly waiters. Good restaurant by the pool. The location is across the street from the beach, which is nice. However, the room is very average, although clean, but without a decent view of the ocean which is right there.

When you walk into the hotel, the colonial architecture and large beautiful grounds set it apart from the others. We loved the shade of the trees, the chirping birds, and ocean breeze that kept us comfortable. You can find many hideaway corners on the property where you can sit quietly and escape the many trinket sellers. The staff are excellent without exception. Location of the hotel is perfect - you can walk in any direction and come across great restaurants and shops. The area was very safe. It is only 6000 pesos (about $3) for a taxi to the old city if you are looking for a day of museums, shops, and vendors.

We were in Cartagena 23 years ago and stayed at a modern highrise hotel. We saw the Caribe and said that if we ever go back, we'll stay there, and we did. If we go back a third time, we'll stay at the Caribe. Nothing else came close.

I've stayed there at least 6 times before and decided to come back to Cartagena and spend a long weekend with my wife (she loves this place). Why? I guess it's because the rooms are really spacious and it's Colonial style architechture, blended with the newer wings, makes it a cousy place to stay in. The service is good, room service also fast (though this time I realized the quality wasn't as good as the previous times), better wireless internet, excellent breakfast and perhaps one of the best in food choices I've found.

Though it's location is quite good, I think none of the Bocagrande or Laguito hotels are good for beach lovers (maybe the exception would be the Hilton's). Cartagena's beaches are not the best, so if you're looking for that, my advice would be to stay at Rosario Island's hotels (45 minute boat ride) or in Barú (a bit closer). The option of Los Morros location (15 minutes away) is also a good posibility...

I personally think the best secrets of cartagena are away from the beach and are immersed within the walls of the Old City, making Caribe Hotel's location a very convenient one; close enough (5 minutes away) and also near the best casino in town and lots of shopping options.

I stayed four days with my girlfriend at Hotel Caribe for business purposes. My girlfriend had to work for two days and I got to enjoy more time the amenities of the hotel. The property had free WIFI everywhere and for me this was a plus. The pool was huge and the cabanas were very comfortable. The ambience of the pool deck area was great with very nice landscaping
The hotel is still under renovation, but this did not disturb the guests at all. The beach is locating right across the street and the hotel has a full service restaurant kiosk with complementary umbrella and chairs at the beach. We ate at the kiosk and the food was delicious.
Also we took the breakfast buffet option and the menu everyday was different and very delicious. Contrary with others reviews we had a pleasant stay and we recommend it to all our friends that want to stay in Cartagena for a relaxing vacation time.

Additional Info:
Taxi from and to the Hotel 16,000 Pesos Aprox.
Taxi to Old City $ 6,000 Pesos Aprox.