We stayed in this hotel for 3 nights and overall the hotel is stunning. We had a room with a balcony, the bed was fantastically comfortable, beautiful vases of white roses, on arriving we had candles lit in our room. It was a very high beamed ceiling with antique and modern furniture so the mix was great. The bathroom was good, two basins, a big rain shower, L'Occitaine bath products, nice bathrobes and slippers. There was an iPod docking station and flat screen TV. It was a very stylish and sophisticated hotel and most beautiful. Downstairs seating area was superb too. Big white sofas, great big storm lamps with candles, fresh flowers, water features. When we arrived at about 6pm it was getting dark and when we walked in the hotel looked spectacular.
The downside though is the service is very slow. Breakfast can take a considerable time and starts from 8am. This is a problem if you have a tour or flight to catch - you won't get your breakfast. When we asked if we could arrange it earlier, we were told yes, but this was not the case. Also, there isn't a bar here so after-dinner drinks are limited to beer and wine which is a shame as there are so many places to sit and relax in the evening and there is no mini bar in the room either.
Hot water was also an issue, though I am not sure if this applies to Cartagena in general. You can have a very quick "hottish" shower but will have to wait for about 15mins before the next person can have a "hottish" shower.
In general I would recommend this hotel, we did have an expensive room (well, in my opinion it was) but was extremely pleased with it and it is a beautiful hotel in a good location, it's just the slow service lets it down a little bit - however, it's definitely worth a visit.
For recommendations to eat, try FM (about a 5 minute walk from hotel, beautiful building and dining room and fantastic food), and als La Perla (opposite hotel), again excellent food.
Enjoy!
- Agua Hotel Cartagena
