The hype
Beautiful public spaces and friendly staff, but the rooms feel 'tired' compared to the lobby.
Ermita Cartagena, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
$130-220/ notte
Prenota se You're a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist who wants ocean views and a pool without the chaos of Bocagrande or the price tag of the Walled City.
Perché piace così tanto
- The only Marriott property in Cartagena proper
- Stunning republican-style mansion lobby that feels like an upscale living room
- Rooftop pool deck with views of the Caribbean and the city walls
In sintesi: A charming historic facade masking a standard modern tower where street noise and windowless rooms can ruin the vibe if you're not careful.
Recensito da @saramontoyam: I was blown away by the rooftop terrace at Ermita—the ocean breeze and views are unforgettable. The whole hotel has this curated, boutique energy that made me feel so chic just walking through the lobby. It's the perfect spot for a stylish getaway in Cartagena.
Cosa hanno detto gli ospiti che hanno soggiornato qui
Reality check
The noise from Avenida Santander is relentless for street-facing rooms, and the 'ocean view' is often obstructed by the balcony wall unless you're standing up.
- You need to burn/earn Marriott points
- You want a pool (rare inside the Walled City)
- You prefer a quieter neighborhood vibe over the late-night party noise of Centro
Pulizia e manutenzione
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and generally thorough, though some guests report missed dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean, but humidity is the enemy here—watch for musty smells in windowless bathrooms.
- Maintenance: The 'new' tower is showing age—scuffed walls and creaky doors are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Standard Marriott quality—crisp and white, but towels can feel a bit thin from overuse.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like signature Marriott white tea; rooms can smell damp if the AC isn't running constantly.
Sleepability™
6MODERATO
0-4RUMOROSO
4-7.5MODERATO
7.5-10SILENZIOSO
- Heavy traffic on Avenida Santander (motorcycles, buses)
- Thin walls between rooms
- Hallway noise echoing on tile floors
Prima di prenotare
Buono a sapersi
- Foreign tourists are exempt from 19% VAT (IVA) but you must show your passport with the entry stamp at check-in.
- The 'ocean view' from the pool is blocked by a high wall when you are seated/swimming; you have to stand up to see the water.
- Uber works well here and is safer/cheaper than hailing street taxis at night.
Cosa portare
- High-quality earplugs or a white noise machine
- Universal travel adapter (Type A/B plugs used in Colombia)
- Bug spray (mosquitoes can be an issue in the open-air lobby)
Genio delle camere
Migliori scelte
- Ocean View rooms on the highest floor possible (minimize street noise)
- Junior Suites (more space, though often just a larger single room)
Camere da evitare
- Ground floor 'Courtyard View' rooms (often windowless/dark)
- Rooms ending in low numbers near the elevator/street
Genio delle richieste camera – copia e incolla
“I am a light sleeper and kindly request a room on the highest possible floor, facing away from Avenida Santander if available. Please ensure I am NOT assigned an internal 'courtyard' room with no windows. A room with a balcony is preferred.”
FAQ e consigli nascosti
Tutto ciò che vuoi davvero sapere prima di prenotare.
Is it safe to walk to the Walled City?
During the day, yes—it's a 10-minute walk. At night, absolutely not. The stretch between the hotel and the walls is dark and can be sketchy. Take a $3 Uber.
Does the hotel have a beach?
It's across the street from Marbella Beach, but it's not a serviced hotel beach. It's public, windy, and often has rough currents. Good for a walk, not for lounging.
Is breakfast included?
Not standard. It costs ~80,000 COP ($20 USD) per person unless you have Platinum+ status or book a specific rate. It's a good buffet but pricey for Colombia.
Are there hidden fees?
Watch for the 'voluntary' 10% service charge added to everything. You can decline it, but it's awkward. There is also a pet fee of ~450,000 COP per stay.
Is the pool heated?
No, but in Cartagena's 90°F heat, you won't want it to be. It's refreshing.
Can I use my Marriott suite night awards here?
You can try, but 'Suites' are often just larger rooms with a sofa, not true 2-room suites. Don't expect a massive upgrade.
Suggerimenti degli Insider
- ✨
The 'Library' bar (La Biblioteca) often has 2-for-1 cocktail specials that aren't advertised; ask the bartender.
- ✨
There is a small supermarket (Exito Express or similar) a few blocks north if you need water/snacks at normal prices.
- ✨
The rooftop bar 'Oasis' has the best sunset view, even if you aren't staying at the hotel—go up for a drink.
5 cose da sapere prima di partire
💡The 'Courtyard View' is a euphemism for 'Staring at a concrete wall 3 feet away'.
💡The walk to the city center involves dodging speeding traffic on a highway with no crosswalks nearby.
💡The 'wild dogs' mentioned in reviews are real—they roam the side streets of El Cabrero at night.
💡The bathroom sink is often in the bedroom area, meaning you wake your partner up if you wash your hands at night.
💡The gym is tiny and often freezing cold, a shock to the system after the humidity outside.
Guida locale
Mappa
Scopri dove si trova Ermita Cartagena, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel e cosa c'è nelle vicinanze.