During a spontaneous last-minute getaway, we had a chance to stay three nights the Hyatt Regency Cartagena. We were switching hotels from the beautiful, but remote Conrad Cartagena as we were itching to be closer to the vibrant walled city. We didn’t regret our decision to switch.
Location
The Hyatt Regency is located in the Bocagrande area among many of the other big name brands. Next door to the property there is the Plaza Bocagrande (shopping mall) filled with shops, chain restaurants, a cinema and a grocery store. The hotel is also seafront and though I don’t recommend swimming in the immediate area in front of the hotel, the views are stunning.
The ride to the airport is no more than 15 minutes and just ten minutes to the walled city. Uber is not sanctioned, but very much in service in Cartagena and the prices are even more affordable than a yellow taxi. If you use Uber, the driver will ask that someone is sitting in the front seat so that it does not look like a hired ride.
Cra. 1 #12-118, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Property
Upon entering the front doors of the hotel you will be greeted by employees wearing fedoras and suspenders, a trendy uniform for this hip, new hotel. The elevators will take you up to the lobby which is located on the 12th floor and is adorned with beautiful artwork including doors and windows that were once in use inside of the historic walled city. There are separate elevators on the 12th floor that are used for guest rooms and the Regency Club. The hotel boasts giant windows in all common spaces that frame the beautiful Caribbean Sea and let in lots of natural lighting. As a Globalist (not me, but my husband, Kyle) we checked in at the club on the 30th floor.
Suite
Kyle spoke with his Hyatt Concierge prior to our arrival and we were able to secure a suite during our stay. The suite was located on the 31st floor and did not disappoint. There was a welcome gift waiting for us that included some fruit, quite similar to passion fruit in texture but sweeter and without the tart taste that I personally love so much. There was also a small plate of these ridiculously delicious chocolate covered wafers that we all enjoyed very much.
Welcome Gift:
As you walk into the suite there is a guest bathroom off to the right with a toilet and sink. Both Kyle and I constantly mention how this is something we both appreciate in a suite for when you have guests up to your room, or even just traveling as a family. It’s always nice to have the extra bathroom.
The living space includes a nice work area with a desk that my husband used during our stay. There is a small dining table, a pullout couch and sitting chairs all with a gorgeous view of the sea.
The bedroom was spacious and the king bed was very comfortable. A chaise lounge chair next to the bed was a great spot for watching the sunsets and reading a book. As you walk into the bedroom, the large walk-in closet is just off to the right. The closet has space for hanging, a chest of drawers, safe, a spot for luggage and a large full-length mirror with a stool.
The en-suite bathroom was huge. There was a beautiful, clean soaking tub, (which I love to indulge in every once in a while) a separate toilet, shower with rain head and a double vanity sink.
Inside the shower was a rain shower head and hand sprayer. The shower space alone was very spacious.
Club Lounge
Every time we entered the lounge we were warmly greeted and asked how everything was going. The staff was polite, attentive and helpful. We asked for directions, recommendations, and reservations. Every time the staff delivered superbly. As for food in the lounge, I would say breakfast was run of the mill. There were selections of pastries, cold cuts, and 1-2 hot items, usually eggs. The evening cocktail hour and canapés were almost enough to call a meal but don’t – you’d miss out on all the great food this city has to offer.
Breakfast:
Pool
There are three pools at this property; The main infinity pool, a kiddie pool, and an adults-only pool. The main pool is large and located on the 12th floor. Outside you will find a towel station, a pool bar and plenty of sun chairs or couches. This area also has four poolside cabanas that are first come, first serve and worth getting to a little earlier in the day if you wish to spend a few hours lounging poolside.
We enjoyed time at the pool both lounging in the sun on the deck chairs and retreating into a cabana from the hot Colombian sun.
The cabana included two lounge chairs, two sitting chairs, and two small tables. The curtains are able to be drawn for more privacy during an afternoon siesta.
This pool has a zero entry at one end and steps with a small wading area in the middle. The water was the perfect temperature for cooling off in the heat, not too cold and not bath water warm. With all of the deck space and plenty of guests in the area, it never felt crowded and finding a spot to sit was never a problem.
The pool bar was always staffed and occasionally one of the bartenders would walk around the pool area and the cabanas to take food and drink orders.
The adults-only pool is located on the 14th floor next to the fitness center. As we were traveling with our daughter, we never used this pool but found that it was not very busy typically.
There is also a “kiddie” pool on floor 12.5, which you can get to by stairs via both other pools. The kiddie pool was a wading pool approximately 2 ft. deep. In addition to the wading pool, there was also this area (below) with lounge chairs immersed in water, facing the sea. A great way to stay cool and soak in the beauty of this area.
From every pool, you could see the gorgeous historic city behind the wall.
Spa
I did get the chance to spend a little time in the spa at the Hyatt Regency Cartagena and unwind in this tranquil space. I even brought Lucy along for a little mini “mommy and me” spa date. I will have a separate post on that coming soon so I won’t go into the details here, but here are a few photos from the lovely spa area.
My family really enjoyed our time at the Hyatt Regency Cartagena and for city stays to beautiful Cartagena, I highly recommend it.
Have you been to Cartagena? Have you tried this property?
Thank you for a very enticing review. Now considering a trip to Cartagena.
What is your family’s status with Hyatt? (For suite upgrades…)
We really enjoy Cartagena and highly recommend adding it to your list. 🙂
As for Hyatt, my husband holds Globalist status.