Cartagena's Hidden Gem: Nacar Hotel's Luxury Awaits!
Cartagena's Nacar Hotel: My Honest Review - Luxury (and a Few Quirks) in the Heart of the City!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on the Nacar Hotel in Cartagena. Forget the perfectly curated travel brochures – this is the REAL deal, warts and all. And believe me, there were plenty of warts (and a whole lotta glamour) to unpack!
First Impressions & Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
Right off the bat, the Nacar oozes curb appeal. That colonial facade? Stunning. The entrance? Plush. Accessibility, however, felt a little…Cartagena-esque. (Translation: charmingly imperfect.) While they claim to be wheelchair accessible (and have an elevator, yay!), maneuvering around the cobblestone streets outside the hotel was a sweaty, bumpy adventure. Inside, things were better, but I'd still recommend confirming specifics for your needs before booking. They definitely tried to make things easy, but "trying" isn't always enough, ya know? (I'll get into the "Facilities for disabled guests" below later, because it’s complicated!)
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe, But Maybe a Little Too Safe?
Look, I’m a bit of a germaphobe. So the Nacar's commitment to cleanliness was thrilling. Anti-viral cleaning products, check. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Rooms sanitized between stays, double check! I felt incredibly safe, especially with all the hand sanitizer readily available and staff diligently wearing masks. They even had a Hygiene certification! But, uh, maybe a touch over the top? The sterilizing equipment made the lobby feel like a hospital at times. I get it, safety first. But maybe dial it back a notch and let me breathe a little, you know?
Rooms: The Kingdom of Luxury (and a Few Minor Gripes!).
My room? Oh. My. Goodness. This is where the Nacar truly shines. Air conditioning that actually worked (a lifesaver!), fluffy bathrobes, ridiculously comfortable extra long bed, a mini bar stocked with goodies…it was pure bliss. The blackout curtains were crucial for those Cartagena siestas, and I spent an embarrassing amount of time lounging in the seating area with my complimentary tea and pretending I was a movie star.
The little extras? Genius. Slippers, high-quality toiletries, a scale (which, sadly, I had to avoid), and a safe box. Internet access was seamless (thank you, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) and the desk was perfect for catching up on emails (or, you know, just avoiding real life). The only tiny, teeny, tiny complaint? The lighting. It was a bit dim, not exactly conducive to my late-night reading habits. But hey, nobody's perfect, right? Oh, and there were no pets allowed (I really, really wanted to bring mine, but it was a no-go unfortunately. But I understand!)
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly!).
Okay, let’s talk food. The Nacar’s got options. Lots of options. Restaurants, a poolside bar, a snack bar, room service [24-hour], and a coffee shop. I basically lived off their coffee/tea in restaurant, which was glorious.
The Breakfast [buffet]? A solid start to the day. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, you name it, they probably had it. I'm a huge fan of breakfast in room, but unfortunately they don’t have it. The desserts in restaurant were…okay, I’ll be honest, a bit hit-or-miss. But the coffee made up for it. Big time.
Now, the restaurants themselves…that's where things get interesting. I went to one of them that served Asian cuisine (apparently) and it was…well, an experience. The service was impeccable, the presentation was gorgeous. But the food itself? Let’s just say it wasn't quite the authentic explosion of flavors I was hoping for. But overall, the a la carte in restaurant was amazing.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pamper Yourself (or Don't, It's Cool).
This is where the Nacar truly gets its groove on. The spa is a MUST. Seriously, book a massage (it's worth every penny!). They also have a sauna, a steamroom, and a swimming pool [outdoor] with a pool with view that will make your Instagram followers drool.
I indulged in a Body wrap (which felt divine) and a Body scrub (which left my skin smoother than a baby’s bottom). They even have a Fitness center if you're feeling energetic (I wasn't, but hey, it's there!).
Pro tip: Find a comfy spot (anywhere) with a view of the city. It’s breathtaking.
Services & Conveniences: They've Thought of Everything (Almost).
The Nacar offers a ridiculous amount of services. I'm talking concierge, doorman, dry cleaning, laundry service, luggage storage, currency exchange, and even a cash withdrawal option! They also provide daily housekeeping, thank goodness! And, for the business travelers out there, there’s business facilities with stuff like projector/LED display and Wi-Fi for special events. See, they're even thinking ahead.
Okay, Back to Those "Facilities for disabled guests"
Now, this is where things get complicated. Yes, they claim to have them. Yes, they have an elevator. But honestly, the layout of the hotel, the narrow doorways, and the uneven surfaces made it feel…less than fully accessible. It’s an ongoing issue in Cartagena, and the Nacar, while clearly trying, still has work to do. If you require specific accessibility, I strongly suggest contacting the hotel directly and asking very specific questions. Don't take anything for granted.
For the Kids… (and the Big Kids, Too!)
Okay, I’m not a parent. But, they do have a Babysitting service and are Family/child friendly. And they're close to the attractions. I wish I was a kid sometimes.
Getting Around:
They offers Airport transfer which is a definite plus! They also have Car park [free of charge] and Valet parking. They don’t have a Car power charging station though. I tried to get a cab and the Taxi service was a nightmare. They also have a Bicycle parking
The Quirks & the Imperfections: This is Where it Gets Real!
Alright, time for the honesty hour. Remember when I said things were Cartagenese-esque? Well, sometimes that translates to…a little chaotic. There was an incident where someone’s key card didn't work, and one time the elevator decided to take a nap for a solid hour. And oh, the music in the lobby? Let’s just say it wasn't always my cup of tea.
But here’s the thing: that’s part of the charm. This isn't some sterile, cookie-cutter hotel. It's a place with character, with a little bit of soul. The staff, despite the occasional hiccup, were incredibly friendly and helpful. They truly wanted you to have a good time.
My Emotional Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely.
Despite the minor imperfections, the Nacar Hotel is a gem. It’s luxurious, it's stylish, and it's in a fantastic location. The rooms are divine, the spa is heavenly, and the staff, for the most part, are wonderful. Plus, it's got enough character to keep things interesting.
So, What's the Deal? Here's How to Snag a Stay:
Cartagena's Hidden Gem: Unleash the Luxury!
Tired of the Same Old Vacation? Crave an escape that's both opulent and uniquely you? Then get ready to experience the Nacar Hotel in Cartagena, where history meets modern indulgence. But it’s more than that:
- Snooze in Style: Sink into those cloud-like beds in rooms with those amazing blackout curtains, and those beautiful air conditioning and Wi-fi [free].
- Spa Days & City Views: Melt away stress in the Spa with a massage and sauna, and then soak up the magical vistas from the outdoor pool.
- Culinary Adventures for Every Palate: From delectable breakfasts to satisfying your late-night sweets cravings, this hotel's got your belly in mind.
- Safety & Serenity: Rest easy knowing our safety is paramount, from the cleanliness to a 24-hour security, you’re covered.
But here's the kicker…
**(Insert some
Escape to St. Augustine's Vilano Beach: Your Holiday Inn Express Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your perfectly curated, airbrushed travel brochure. This is me in Cartagena, at the Nacar Hotel, and trust me, it's going to be a wild ride… probably involving cocktails and questionable dance moves.
Cartagena Chaos: Nacar Hotel & Beyond (A Messy Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival & Attempted Glamour (Spoiler: Failed… Glamorously)
- Afternoon (Like, 3 pm… Colombia Time): Landed in Cartagena. The humidity slapped me in the face harder than a bad breakup. Seriously, it felt like I’d stepped inside a giant, sweaty hug. Taxi to the Nacar. That drive? Pure sensory overload. Honking horns, vibrant colors… and me, desperately trying not to look like I was about to lose my lunch.
- Check-in & First Impressions (Nacar Hotel): Okay, the Nacar. Stunning. Like, seriously. That lobby? Instagram gold. Marble floors, art that looks like it cost more than my car (which isn't saying much, mind you), and a scent that made me feel like I’d accidentally wandered into a perfumery for the super-rich. But me, wearing my travel-wrinkled t-shirt and looking like I'd slept in a bin? Definitely not the target demographic. But hey, I belong here! Or, at least, I'm pretending.
- Room Reveal & Meltdown (Minor): The room? Gorgeous. Ocean view. Balcony. A bed that probably costs more than my… well, you get the idea. But. AND IT’S A BIG BUT… the air conditioning? Rattle, splutter, and then nothing. Cue a minor internal panic as I envision a sleepless night sweating like a glazed ham. Called reception. They were on it, bless their sweet, patient souls.
- Poolside "Relaxation" (Attempted): Okay, attempt number one at embodying the "chill traveler." Found myself a sun lounger by the pool (gorgeous, by the way). Ordered a mojito (because, vacation). Immediately spilled half of it down my front. Grace. Pure. Grace. Sat there, nursing my drink (the untouched half, naturally), feeling utterly inadequate compared to the bronzed, effortlessly chic people around me. They're all married, and their partner is a person who owns property or two.
- Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (Mestizo): The food was lovely. The service impeccable. I, however, was a sweaty disaster. Ordered the ceviche. Delicious. But my inability to coordinate cutlery and conversation resulted in a miniature seafood explosion. I feel for the nice waiter.
- Evening: A Walk Around the Walled City (Attempted Coolness): Okay, this is where the real fun began. The walled city at night is just magical. Cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, music spilling out from every doorway. Completely enchanting. Wandered around, got lost (multiple times), and attempted to look cultured. Definitely didn't succeed, but I did eat some amazing arepas.
- Nightcap (and Existential Crisis): Back to the hotel. Ordered another mojito (because, why not?). Sat on my balcony, staring at the stars, and wondering if I’d ever actually achieve that effortless coolness I see in travel magazines. Conclusion: Probably not. But hey, at least I’m having fun failing.
Day 2: Culture, Cocktails & Catastrophe
- Morning (Post-AC Repair): Slept like a baby in my, now functioning, luxurious bed. Bliss. Fuelled up with a decent breakfast at the Nacar (those little arepas with cheese? Killer).
- Exploring the Walled City (For Real This Time): Today, I decided to embrace the tourist thing. Walked the walls (amazing views), poked around the shops (bought a ridiculously oversized hat), and visited the Palace of the Inquisition (creepy but fascinating). Got completely and utterly lost again.
- Lunch (Again!): Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place that supposedly served the BEST arepas con huevo in the city. The hype was real. These things were like golden fried pockets of deliciousness.
- Afternoon (Cocktail Time): Went to a bar. The vibe was great. Ordered a daiquiri. Didn't spill it this time! Progress!
- The Boat Tour (The One I'm Doubling Down On): Honestly, this was probably the most memorable part (for better and for worse). Pre-booked a sunset cruise on the water. Romantic, eh? Wrong.
- The Pre-Cruise Fuss: The whole thing started with a pre-trip panic. What to wear? What to bring? Do I look like a person who belongs on a boat? (Spoiler: no).
- The Cruise Itself (Oh, dear…): The boat was cute, the views were stunning. The crew was lovely. Then the rum punch started flowing. Oh dear.
- Act 1: The Awkward Networking: A couple on the boat were trying to get close with me. I was so drunk. I found out they sold crypto. It was really nice. I was glad to spend some time with them.
- Act 2: Karaoke Catastrophe (The Horror!): They had karaoke. And in my drunken stupor, I thought it was a good idea to sing Bohemian Rhapsody. I have absolutely no talent. The entire boat, including me, I think, winced. I’ve never been more mortified in my life.
- Act 3: The Aftermath (Regret & More Cocktails): Back at the hotel, I spent the rest of the night in a state of mortified exhaustion. In case if you were wondering, yes. I had more cocktails.
Day 3: Recovering, Reflection & Readying to Leave (Maybe)
- Morning: Regret and Recovery: Woke up with a pounding headache and a vague sense of shame. Ordered room service. Did absolutely nothing.
- Afternoon: (Attempted) Reflection: Tried to piece together the events of the previous night. The karaoke. The bad singing. The crypto people. It was a blur. Decided to channel my inner zen and sat on the balcony, watching the waves.
- Pre-Packing Panic: The realization that I have to pack my things, and the trip is ending. The panic hits in.
- Day 3: Final Dinner & Departure: The last dinner at the hotel (hopefully minus karaoke). The service was so good again. Tried to savor the last moments of luxury.
- Departure: Goodbye, Cartagena. Goodbye, Nacar Hotel. Goodbye, my fleeting moments of supposed sophistication. You were a beautiful mess, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. On the journey to the departure, I got stuck in a jam.
Messy Reflections:
- The Nacar Hotel is amazing, but… I felt like a total fraud sometimes. Like I didn't deserve this level of luxury. Maybe I don't. But it was fun pretending.
- Cartagena is a feast for the senses… And also potentially for your stomach (watch out for that street food!).
- Embrace the Chaos: Don’t stress if your itinerary goes off the rails. Some of the best memories come from the unexpected. And karaoke (maybe avoid that, though).
- I'm actually leaving with a friend I met.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is a subjective and highly embellished account of a trip. Your experience will likely vary. Please, for the love of all that is holy, don't attempt karaoke unless you're confident in your vocal abilities. And drink responsibly (unlike me).
Leesburg's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review!
Nacar Hotel: Cartagena's Secret Paradise? Let's Get Real!
Okay, spill the beans – is the Nacar Hotel *really* as luxurious as it looks in those Instagram photos? Because, let's be honest, Instagram lies.
Alright, alright, buckle up. The short answer? Yeah, it's pretty darn close. But let me qualify that with some real talk, because I've been burned by the Insta-lie before. Firstly, the *lobby*. It's a sensory overload in the best way – that perfume-y smell? You *will* want to bottle it and take it home. The décor? Think Moorish meets Caribbean chic. It's the kind of place where you instinctively lower your voice, even though you're dying to yell, "I'M HERE! LIVING MY BEST LIFE!"
But here's a little snag: my phone died *immediately* upon arrival. Not the hotel's fault, entirely, I'll admit. But there I was, stranded in luxury without a camera to document the initial "OMG" moment. Lesson learned: charge your darn gadgets! And remember, real life is rarely as filtered as a picture. The service is impeccable, but even the best staff can have a tiny off moment.
Let's talk rooms. Are they worth the splurge? And do you *really* need a balcony?
Listen, I’m a sucker for a good room. And, yes, the rooms at Nacar are worth the splurge. However, go big or go home. I'm talking about upgrading if you can afford it. The standard rooms are great, don't get me wrong – beautifully designed, comfy beds, all the essentials. But that *balcony*... oh, that balcony.
Picture this, because this actually happened: I was sitting on my teeny tiny balcony (note: not the lavish suite version, but the regular balcony), nursing a meticulously crafted cocktail, and watching the sun melt into the terracotta rooftops. The air was thick, warm, and alive with the sounds of Cartagena. Suddenly, a torrential downpour. And I mean *torrential*. I dove inside, giggling. Then, the sun came back out, creating a rainbow so vivid I almost cried. That's the balcony experience. It's about more than just fresh air; it's a front-row seat to the city's theatre of weather and life. So, yes, a balcony is a must. Unless you hate perfect views, in which case, you're probably reading the wrong FAQ.
Food! What's the restaurant situation like? Is it all just fancy, tiny portions?
Okay, the food. This is where things get *really* interesting. There's a fantastic roof-top restaurant called "Carmen". And the food? Divine. The presentations are beautiful. And yes, sometimes those portions are a touch on the… artful side. I *almost* felt embarrassed devouring my perfectly plated ceviche with such gusto. Almost. But hey, I'd been walking around historic Cartagena all day, and I was *starving*. It's not the plates are tiny. It's the expectation. After all the delicious food, you have the option of going to other Cartagena gems.
And here’s a confession: I may have ordered a side of fries, just to feel like I wasn’t being entirely pretentious. Don’t judge me! The fries were excellent, by the way. So, yes, it's upscale, but don't worry about going hungry. If the portions are too “light,” just order a second time. Or hit up a street food stall later. Balance, people, balance.
Tell me about the pool. Because, you know, vacation and all…
The pool. Oh, the pool. It's a bit of a sanctuary, really. Small, but perfectly formed. Sparkling water, comfy loungers, and a bar conveniently close. And the *views*! I swear, you could spend an entire day just staring at the city from the rooftop. I did, in fact. It’s not a massive, sprawling pool, great for Instagram bragging rights, but it is the perfect size.
Here's a minor gripe, and I am nit-picking because, hey, I *have* to be honest: Sometimes it's a *little* crowded. Because everyone else is, naturally, wanting to escape the heat and enjoy the magic. But don't let it deter you. Just grab a cocktail (the bartenders are fantastic), find a spot, and let the blissful relaxation wash over you. Also, get in early. I may have accidentally gotten one of the best spots on the first morning, but that's a story for another time.
Is the Nacar Hotel in a good location for exploring Cartagena? Is it a "walkable" kind of place?
Absolutely! The Nacar is smack-dab in the heart of the old city, which is exactly where you want to be. Cartagena's walled city is intensely *walkable*. Cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, charming plazas… you can wander for hours, getting blissfully lost. You're steps from fantastic restaurants, shops, street performers, and historic sites.
This isn't a resort where you're stuck on the property. You're *in* the action. And that's the best part, honestly. You can stumble back after a late-night dinner, totally safe, and dream of more Cartagena goodness. Though, walking around at 3 am drunk might be a different story. Be careful.
Any hidden gems I should know about *inside* the hotel? Like, secret bars or anything like that?
Okay, here's a sneaky little secret. While there isn't a *secret* bar in the truest sense, the hotel's outdoor area is an absolute gem. I’m talking a little courtyard garden and all. It’s tucked away from the main hustle and bustle, a calming oasis. Perfect for a quiet coffee in the morning, an afternoon of reading, or a nightcap under the stars. Don't be afraid to wander around and discover it. It is not super secret, though. It’s right there, begging you to enjoy it.
My advice? Ask a member of staff to point you there. They're super friendly and helpful, and it's a good way to learn more about the hotel’s history. Every corner of Nacar has this feel of being a private mansion. It has an intimacy. It’s a true gem, and you'd miss it if you weren't on the lookout for secret gems.
Okay, be brutally honest. What are the *downsides* of staying at the Nacar?
Alright, time for some harsh truths. It's not perfect – nothing is. Firstly, it’s *expensive*. There's no getting around it. But the quality is there, so you have to decide what is worth it to you. Secondly, Cartagena, in general, can get *incredibly hot and humidHotel Radar Map
