The hype
Families love the animals and pool, but everyone complains about the humidity and dated rooms in the back towers.
Hotel Caribe By Faranda Grand Radisson Individuals
$100-180/ notte
Prenota se You want a resort-style oasis with history, wildlife, and a massive pool in the middle of chaotic Bocagrande.
Perché piace così tanto
- The mini-zoo vibe: sloths, deer, and toucans roam the grounds freely
- Semi-Olympic pool that feels like a proper resort, not just a city hotel dip
- Colonial architecture that offers a sense of place in a sea of generic high-rises
In sintesi: A fading aristocratic beauty that smells a bit musty but charms you with her gardens and pet sloths.
Recensito da @topchicagoeats: I turned my Cartagena trip into a hotel-hopping adventure and it was the best decision. We went from the massive pool at Caribe to the quiet beach at Estelar, then the historic luxury of Bastión. You get the best of every world this way!
Cosa hanno detto gli ospiti che hanno soggiornato qui
Reality check
You will likely see a sloth, but you might also see peeling paint or feel damp sheets.
- You are traveling with kids who will lose their minds over the roaming deer and monkeys
- You appreciate historic architecture and want a 'Grand Hotel' feeling
- You need a large pool to actually swim laps in
Pulizia e manutenzione
6.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Some days perfect, other days they miss restocking towels.
- Bathroom hygiene: Grout often shows signs of age and mildew due to the humidity.
- Maintenance: Peeling paint and water stains are common in the hallways and older rooms.
- Linens & towels: Clean but can feel permanently damp due to the climate.
- Odors & scents: Strong musty/mildew smell is the #1 complaint in guest reviews.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENZIOSO
0-4RUMOROSO
4-7.5MODERATO
7.5-10SILENZIOSO
- Loud in-room air conditioning units
- Hallway noise in the older towers
- Wedding parties in the gardens on weekends
Prima di prenotare
Buono a sapersi
- Foreigners are exempt from 19% VAT (IVA) if they show a passport and tourist stamp—check your bill carefully.
- The beach vendors in Bocagrande are aggressive; use the hotel's private 'Kala Beach Club' area for a buffer.
- The hotel is technically two blocks from the main beach strip, crossing a busy avenue.
Cosa portare
- DampRid or moisture absorbers for the closet (seriously)
- Mosquito repellent for the lush gardens
- Earplugs if you get a room near the wedding venue spaces
Genio delle camere
Migliori scelte
- Colonial Tower (Renovated): Modern gray decor, glass showers, and less 'old' smell.
- Lagomar Tower (High Floor): The only ones with actual ocean views, though decor is dated.
Camere da evitare
- Laguito Tower: Furthest back, most dated, and often mustiest.
- Ground floor rooms: Higher risk of dampness and bugs.
Genio delle richieste camera – copia e incolla
“I am requesting a renovated room in the Colonial Tower, upper floor. Please ensure the room has been aired out as I am sensitive to humidity/musty smells.”
FAQ e consigli nascosti
Tutto ciò che vuoi davvero sapere prima di prenotare.
Is the hotel actually on the beach?
Not exactly. It's across the street. You have to walk out the front gate and cross a busy road to get to their private beach club.
Are the animals safe?
Yes, the deer, sloths, and birds are docile and used to people, but don't feed them human food.
Is there a resort fee?
No mandatory resort fee, but there is often a small optional 'hotel insurance' fee per person/night that you can decline.
Which tower is the newest?
The Colonial Tower is the oldest building but has the most recently renovated 'modern' interiors. The Lagomar/Laguito towers are newer builds but have older, 90s-style decor.
Is the pool heated?
No, but in Cartagena's 90°F heat, you will want it refreshing. It's large and generally clean.
Can I walk to the Walled City?
No, it's a 10-15 minute taxi or Uber ride. Walking would take 45+ minutes in sweltering heat.
Suggerimenti degli Insider
- ✨
The 'Colonial' tower has antique elevators with manual operators—kids love this.
- ✨
Breakfast can be a zoo; go before 8:30 AM to get fresh arepas de huevo.
- ✨
There is a sushi bar in the lobby that is surprisingly decent if you're tired of fried fish.
5 cose da sapere prima di partire
💡The condensation is so bad in some rooms that the floors get slippery.
💡You might wake up to a peacock screaming outside your window.
💡The gym is functional but looks like it hasn't been updated since 2005.
💡The 'private beach' is just a roped-off area with chairs; vendors can still shout at you from the perimeter.
💡The WiFi struggles in the far corners of the gardens.
Guida locale
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