Useful Tricks

Rooftop Sunset: Who wants to be packed into Café del Mar at sunset? Buy yourself a bottle of wine and take it up to the hotel’s own rooftop pool deck. Private, quiet, and those same beautiful views of the church domes changing color in the twilight.

Hydration Strategy. Caribbean humidity is no joke. Take a quick run to the nearby “Éxito” supermarket (in La Serrezuela or San Diego) and buy big bottles of water for your room. Yes, the hotel provides water. You’ll drink more than you think.

“La Serrezuela” hack: If the midday heat becomes unbearable and you want a break from the humidity, walk over to La Serrezuela. It has powerful air conditioning, clean luxury bathrooms, and a gourmet food court (El Tentadero) that is perfect for a cool, relaxed lunch.

Dress code: Cartagena is tropical but chic. Pack linens and light fabrics. The vibe at the hotel and surrounding restaurants is “elegant resort wear.”

Morning Photography: Get those perfect shots of the colorful streets without any tourists by waking up early around 6:30 or 7:00 AM. Soft light, empty streets, bearable temperature. Quick photo walk back in time for breakfast just as they start serving it at the hotel.