The hype
Guests love the modern rooms and attentive staff but are consistently disappointed by the beach and the distance from Cartagena's action.
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resor
$197-318/ noche
Reserva esto si You want a self-contained, family-friendly Caribbean escape with a great golf course, and you don't mind being a 30-minute shuttle ride from the historic city center.
Por qué a la gente le encanta
- The 'Preferred Club' upgrade actually delivers value with a better pool and lounge
- Portofino (Italian restaurant) is surprisingly excellent for an all-inclusive
- It's significantly quieter and more relaxing than the chaotic Bocagrande hotels
Resumen rápido: A solid, modern resort that suffers from a mediocre beach and a location that makes spontaneous city trips impossible.
Reseñado por @Ewm5007: I needed a break from the Cartagena heat, and this place delivered. My room was a total sanctuary—huge soaking tub and a balcony where I spent hours just watching the golfers and the ocean. It’s a bit far from the city, but the peace and quiet are 100% worth the drive.
Lo que dijeron los huéspedes que se hospedaron aquí
Reality check
The 'ocean view' is stunning from the balcony, but once you get down to the water, the gray sand and vendors can be a letdown.
- You are a golfer (Karibana course is top-tier)
- You want a modern, clean room with working AC and strong showers
- You prefer a quiet pool day over a loud party scene
Limpieza y Mantenimiento
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Staff is responsive to requests.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. Modern grout and glass, very little wear.
- Maintenance: Generally excellent, though some hallways show signs of humidity wear.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and crisp, though pool towels can run out by late afternoon.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh (signature scent), but hallway carpets can smell musty/mildewy.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENCIOSO
0-4RUIDOSO
4-7.5MODERADO
7.5-10SILENCIOSO
- Lobby bar music (evenings)
- Hallway noise on lower floors
Antes de reservar
Es bueno saberlo
- The free shuttle to the Walled City runs 3 times daily but requires reservation with the concierge 24 hours in advance.
- Room service is included 24/7, which is a lifesaver given the buffet quality.
- The 'Preferred Club' upgrade is worth it solely for access to the quieter pool and the lounge with premium liquor.
Qué llevar
- Water shoes (the beach can be rocky)
- Bug spray (mosquitoes are active at dusk near the mangroves)
- A light jacket (the lobby and restaurants are kept very cold)
Genio de Habitaciones
Mejores opciones
- Preferred Club Master Suite Ocean View (separate living area, best views)
- Upper floor rooms (5th floor+) for less noise and better sunsets
Habitaciones a evitar
- Ground floor swim-out suites (lack privacy, right on the walking path)
- Rooms near the lobby atrium if you sleep before 11 PM
Genio de Solicitud de Habitación – copiar y pegar
“I am requesting a room on a high floor (5th or above) facing the ocean, away from the lobby atrium to avoid evening noise. Please avoid ground floor swim-out units as privacy is a priority.”
Preguntas frecuentes y consejos ocultos
Todo lo que realmente quieres saber antes de reservar.
Is the beach nice?
Honestly, no. It's black/gray volcanic sand, the water is murky, and there's a rock barrier. It's fine for a walk, but not for a tropical swim.
Is it adults-only?
No. It is family-friendly. There is no strict adults-only pool, though the Preferred Club pool is generally calmer.
How far is the Old City?
It's a 30-40 minute drive depending on traffic. The hotel is in Manzanillo del Mar, a completely separate area.
Is the food good?
The buffet is average/mediocre. The Italian restaurant (Portofino) and the Seaside Grill are significantly better.
Are there hidden fees?
Mostly no, but there is a ~$65/night pet fee if you bring a dog, and some bookings mention a $25 resort fee (check your specific rate terms).
Is the pool heated?
No, but the Cartagena heat usually keeps them at a comfortable temperature.
Consejos de Insiders
- ✨
Book the 'Romantic Dinner' on the beach if you want the best food quality—it's an upcharge but the kitchen tries harder.
- ✨
The lobby bar has the best coffee in the morning, better than the buffet machines.
- ✨
Walk 10 minutes north on the beach to find local fishermen selling fresh catch—sometimes they will grill it for you right there.
5 cosas que debes saber antes de ir
💡The hallway carpets can have a faint mildew smell due to the humidity.
💡The 'ocean view' often includes a view of the brown scrubland between the hotel and the beach.
💡You can't really swim in the ocean directly in front of the hotel due to the rock barrier; you have to walk down a bit.
💡The 'nightclub' is often empty; the party vibe is non-existent.
💡Vendors on the beach can be aggressive, though security keeps them off the hotel property line.
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