Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande by IHG
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Summary of reviewsHoliday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande by IHG, consistently earns high praise for its exceptional location in the bustling Bocagrande neighborhood. Nestled among a variety of dining options, convenient stores and pharmacies, the hotel offers both leisure and convenience with its proximity to major attractions such as the historic walled city and the beach, which is only a block away. The area is described as safe and perfect for walking, even at night, adding to the sense of security and convenience for travelers.
Guests often commend the breakfast buffet for its delicious taste and variety, including a substantial selection of fruits, meats and typical breakfast items. The attentive staff and pleasant dining experience are frequently highlighted, though some suggest an improvement in variety and service management to avoid repetitive offerings and long waiting lines.
Dining options beyond breakfast receive positive feedback for their quality and flavor, particularly the food and cocktails at the hotel restaurant. However, critiques about room service cost and specific dishes like pizza suggest areas for improvement.
The rooms are spacious, modern and comfortable, often noted for their cleanliness and well-maintained environment. Comfortable beds contribute to a restful stay. However, reports of occasional maintenance issues, inconsistent soundproofing and air conditioning problems indicate some areas that could be improved.
Cleanliness standards at the hotel are generally impressive with well-maintained rooms and public areas frequently mentioned. Housekeeping receives high praise for efficiency, although some guests report occasional issues such as stained sheets and less frequent cleaning of common areas.
The hotel staff stands out for their friendliness, attentiveness and professional service. The reception staff, in particular, receives numerous compliments for their helpfulness and ability to communicate effectively in English. Some instances of delays during check-in and occasional reports of less favorable interactions hint at minor inconsistencies.
While the free WiFi receives mixed reviews with some guests finding it strong and reliable and others experiencing weak connectivity, particularly in areas like the pool deck, the hotel's customer service and room comfort help offset this variability.
The gym offers functional workout facilities with a pleasant view, but guests note that the equipment is old and could benefit from modernization and better air conditioning.
The pool area receives positive remarks for its nice appearance and scenic rooftop views. However, its small size, cleanliness issues and the need for better maintenance are common points of feedback.
For beach enthusiasts, the hotel's proximity to the beach, only a short walk away, is a significant advantage. Guests appreciate the easy access to beach cafes and readily available towels for beach use, although some caution is advised against possible scams near the beach.
Parking options at the hotel are considered reliable and sufficient with free, safe indoor parking accessed via a car elevator. Though generally convenient, navigating the car elevator can be challenging for some guests.
Overall, the Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande provides a comfortable and convenient stay with its prime location, cleanliness, friendly staff and good dining options making it a recommended choice for travelers. The few areas needing improvement, such as WiFi reliability, facility maintenance and service management, are relatively minor in the context of the overall positive experience offered by the hotel.
Categories
Guests often commend the breakfast buffet for its delicious taste and variety, including a substantial selection of fruits, meats and typical breakfast items. The attentive staff and pleasant dining experience are frequently highlighted, though some suggest an improvement in variety and service management to avoid repetitive offerings and long waiting lines.
Dining options beyond breakfast receive positive feedback for their quality and flavor, particularly the food and cocktails at the hotel restaurant. However, critiques about room service cost and specific dishes like pizza suggest areas for improvement.
The rooms are spacious, modern and comfortable, often noted for their cleanliness and well-maintained environment. Comfortable beds contribute to a restful stay. However, reports of occasional maintenance issues, inconsistent soundproofing and air conditioning problems indicate some areas that could be improved.
Cleanliness standards at the hotel are generally impressive with well-maintained rooms and public areas frequently mentioned. Housekeeping receives high praise for efficiency, although some guests report occasional issues such as stained sheets and less frequent cleaning of common areas.
The hotel staff stands out for their friendliness, attentiveness and professional service. The reception staff, in particular, receives numerous compliments for their helpfulness and ability to communicate effectively in English. Some instances of delays during check-in and occasional reports of less favorable interactions hint at minor inconsistencies.
While the free WiFi receives mixed reviews with some guests finding it strong and reliable and others experiencing weak connectivity, particularly in areas like the pool deck, the hotel's customer service and room comfort help offset this variability.
The gym offers functional workout facilities with a pleasant view, but guests note that the equipment is old and could benefit from modernization and better air conditioning.
The pool area receives positive remarks for its nice appearance and scenic rooftop views. However, its small size, cleanliness issues and the need for better maintenance are common points of feedback.
For beach enthusiasts, the hotel's proximity to the beach, only a short walk away, is a significant advantage. Guests appreciate the easy access to beach cafes and readily available towels for beach use, although some caution is advised against possible scams near the beach.
Parking options at the hotel are considered reliable and sufficient with free, safe indoor parking accessed via a car elevator. Though generally convenient, navigating the car elevator can be challenging for some guests.
Overall, the Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande provides a comfortable and convenient stay with its prime location, cleanliness, friendly staff and good dining options making it a recommended choice for travelers. The few areas needing improvement, such as WiFi reliability, facility maintenance and service management, are relatively minor in the context of the overall positive experience offered by the hotel.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
This hotel participates in the IHG Green Engage program, which tracks and manages its environmental impact. It is also listed as an Eco-Friendly/Green Hotel, indicating adherence to certain sustainable practices.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel offers a comfortable stay with amenities suitable for families. Its location is convenient for accessing local attractions.
Business Hotel
Holiday Inn Express hotels typically provide essential business amenities such as free Wi-Fi, business centers, and meeting rooms. They are designed for efficient and productive stays.
Hotel with Parking
Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande by IHG includes parking with the stay. The hotel has a pool and offers free breakfast. It is also pet-friendly.
Accessible Hotel
This hotel offers wheelchair access to common and public areas.
4-Star Hotel
Located in Bocagrande, this hotel provides a reliable and comfortable stay with convenient access to the beach and shopping areas. It offers the consistent quality expected from the Holiday Inn Express brand.
Hotel near The Beach
Hotel with Spa
Dog Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Hotel with Gym
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
About Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande by IHG
License: 38110
Guest Reviews
Location
The area is described as safe and perfect for walking, even at night, enhancing the overall sense of security for travelers. Easy transportation options, including ready access to taxis and Ubers, further amplify the hotel's appeal. Many guests emphasize the centrality of the location, noting that it allows for effortless exploration of Cartagena's sites and activities.
The Bocagrande area is characterized as lively and vibrant, providing a dynamic backdrop for a stay in Cartagena. The hotel's location on bustling Avenida San Martín places guests within steps of the beach and numerous restaurants and shops. The convenience extends to families with the neighborhood being described as a beautiful and safe environment.
Overall, the prime location of Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande is frequently highlighted as a key benefit, ensuring a comfortable, enjoyable and convenient stay for all its guests.
Breakfast
However, numerous guests feel that the variety could be improved, pointing out repetitive offerings and lack of options, especially for those who do not consume beef or pork. There are also comments about the breakfast being basic with some items running out frequently and not being replenished promptly. The limited space in the breakfast area is another common gripe, sometimes leading to disorganization and long waiting lines.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, the breakfast generally seems to meet the expectations of guests, offering a decent start to the day with a range of tasty and nutritious options. Overall, the breakfast at this hotel is seen as good to excellent with room for improvement in terms of variety and service management.
Dinner
For other meals, several guests have commended the hotel dining for its good food and the menu is noted to include a wide selection of cocktails. The lunch and dinner options are similarly appreciated with delicious items like pizza receiving particular praise. The food generally stands out for its quality and variety, even though some found it expensive or average.
However, there are areas for improvement. Room service has been critiqued for being too costly and not meeting expectations in terms of food quality. The onsite restaurant on the 14th floor received recommendations for enhancement. Additionally, some diners experienced long wait times at the bar and had mixed feelings about specific dishes like pizza and wings promotions.
Overall, Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande provides satisfying dining experiences more often than not with ample opportunities for guests to enjoy a good meal without stepping out.
Rooms
Beds
Many reviews underscore the superior comfort of the mattresses and pillows, contributing to a reliable and enjoyable stay. However, there are occasional mentions of the pillow quality not being up to par and some issues with bed size for double occupancy. Most guests, though, find the beds exceptional and often describe their nights as extremely restful. Despite minor issues like the absence of in-room drinking water, the overall sentiment regarding the beds is overwhelmingly positive, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking comfort and a good night's sleep.
Cleanliness
The cleaning service often receives high praise with many visitors noting the promptness and efficiency of the housekeeping staff. The hotel's general cleanliness is often described as impeccable with particular emphasis on the cleanliness of the rooms and the public areas. Many guests appreciated the cleanliness of the bathroom, towels and bed linens, which were typically found to be in good condition.
Despite the many positive comments, some reviews point to areas needing improvement. A few guests reported issues such as stained sheets, poor bathroom maintenance and dirty hallways. Additionally, some noted that the common areas and the pool needed more regular cleaning and a handful of reviews mentioned that the quality of cleanliness can vary from day to day.
Overall, the feedback indicates that while Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande generally maintains a high standard of cleanliness, paying attention to the specific areas of concern could enhance guest satisfaction even further.
Staff
The staff's ability to communicate effectively in English is another commonly noted advantage, providing added convenience for international visitors. The courteous nature of the employees, from the front desk to the cleaning staff, is repeatedly praised, contributing to a welcoming and supportive atmosphere within the hotel.
However, the reviews also indicate some areas for improvement. Some guests have experienced inconsistencies in the cleaning services and have pointed out that the reception staff can sometimes appear overwhelmed, leading to delays during check-in. There are occasional mentions of less favorable interactions with reports of staff members being unfriendly or disconnected in a few instances.
Overall, despite a few setbacks, the staff at Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande is frequently described as excellent with their helpfulness and friendly demeanor playing a significant role in enhancing the overall guest experience. The consistent professionalism and positive interactions with the staff make the hotel a recommended choice for travelers seeking reliable service and a welcoming environment.
Wi-Fi
Gym
Pool
However, some reviews highlighted areas needing improvement. Several guests mentioned the pool's small size, making it unsuitable for handling the hotel's number of guests and not very child-friendly. There were comments about the pool's cleanliness with some noting cloudy or dirty water and deteriorated areas that require maintenance. Availability of pool staff and services like the poolside bar were praised, but there was dissatisfaction with the lack of supervision and an inconvenient scheduling system for pool use.
Overall, while the pool area offers scenic views and certain comforts, it would benefit from better maintenance and management to enhance the guest experience.
Beach
Guests appreciate the proximity to beach cafes, adding to the overall accessibility and making for a delightful beachside experience. The nearby beaches of Bocagrande are particularly noted for their accessibility, allowing guests to relax without being far from the hotel. Towels are readily available for both pool and beach use, ensuring that visitors can fully enjoy their time by the water.
While the hotel does not offer direct access or views of the beach, its location is praised for being a stone's throw from the sea. This proximity is a key highlight, often mentioned positively in reviews. However, some caution is advised as there are reports of scammers near the beach who overcharge for various services.
Despite some minor drawbacks, such as the cleanliness of the pool area, the functional facilities and the ease of access to the shore make this hotel a solid choice for travelers looking to enjoy the vibrant beach scene of Cartagena. Overall, the Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande stands out for its prime location near the beach, offering convenience and comfort for beach enthusiasts.
Parking
However, there are some downsides to consider. The parking area can be challenging to navigate, particularly because of the car elevator, which has been described as uncomfortable by a few guests. The parking spaces are somewhat limited and can be inconvenient during peak hours with reports of long delays and difficulty in finding a spot. Additionally, the parking area has been noted to have leaks from the air conditioning and could benefit from better organization.
Despite these issues, the overall sentiment indicates that the hotel provides decent and safe parking facilities, albeit with room for improvement, especially in terms of space and accessibility during busy times.
Family
The location is highly praised for its convenience, being close to the beach and ideal for family outings. Even though the nearest beach is under construction, a family-friendly atmosphere is maintained and additional beach options are a short distance away. There's a strong emphasis on a positive price/value ratio, making it a good choice for families looking for affordable accommodations.
The facilities are noted for being very comfortable and peaceful, contributing to a relaxed vacation environment. Guests traveling with young children have also appreciated the general pleasant atmosphere and the hotel's effort to accommodate their needs. The pool area is a particular highlight for families looking to unwind without leaving the premises.
However, a few guests pointed out specific challenges such as slow reception services and occasional logistical issues during breakfast at peak times. Some reviews also mentioned that child accommodations could be improved, indicating occasional discomfort for families with younger children. Despite this, the overall consensus indicates that the hotel is a popular choice for family vacations, providing a reassuring and child-friendly environment that many guests recommend.
Nightlife
4 Star
Guests have reported a good price-quality ratio, highlighting the hotel as a great value option in Cartagena. The rooms are comfortable, well-equipped and the beds are noted for their comfort. Cleanliness is a consistent strength, contributing to a pleasant overall experience. The location adds to the hotel's appeal, making it a suitable choice for visitors looking for a functional and reliable base in the area.
Service at the hotel is generally reliable with staff receiving positive feedback for their efforts. However, some areas could see improvement, particularly in meeting all the needs that a four-star hotel should typically address, such as providing kits for minor clothing repairs.
While a few guests felt that the hotel did not fully meet the quality standards expected of a four-star establishment, the overall feedback remains favorable with good site, comfort and services often mentioned. The hotel's facilities and staff contribute significantly to its positive reception, affirmed by numerous reviewers who had an overall good experience.
Business
Guests have also mentioned the accessibility features, such as accessible showers, catering to those with reduced mobility conditions. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to restaurants and good coffee options adds convenience for business visitors. The location and services provided, such as luggage storage at no extra cost after checkout, enhance the experience by allowing visitors to enjoy more of the city before their departure.
While some aspects like the breakfast and customer service require improvement, overall, the hotel stands out as an excellent option for business trips. With a comfortable setup for work and close amenities, it's a reliable choice for business travelers visiting Cartagena.
Accessible
The hotel provides reliable accommodations and functional accessibilities, ensuring that wheelchair users can navigate the premises with ease. Additionally, its location enhances the experience as it is close to restaurants and offers a pleasant outdoor area. Despite a minor issue with the lack of a button for suitcases and one instance of difficulty with wheelchair access, the overall feedback emphasizes good accessibility and a comfortable stay for guests requiring accessible features.
Outdoor Pool
However, some guests noted the pool's smaller size and occasional crowding, suggesting it could benefit from being larger. During the pandemic, the pool required reservations, which some reviewers found less convenient. Despite these minor issues, the rooftop ambiance remains a valued aspect of the overall guest experience, making the outdoor pool an attractive facility for those staying at the hotel.
Romantic
The location of the hotel further enhances its romantic charm, placing guests in an ideal spot for a serene getaway. With its rooftop features and nice rooms, the hotel provides all the necessary elements for an unforgettable romantic experience. Despite the occasional mention of a crowded swimming pool, the hotel’s ambiance and romantic features make it a must-visit for couples. The combination of the romantic place, setup and good location positions Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande as a top choice for those looking to indulge in a perfect romantic getaway.
Dog Friendly
Yes, Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande by IHG has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande by IHG.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande by IHG welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande by IHG.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express - Cartagena Bocagrande by IHG has a gym.
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