I have recently looked through the available hotels and elected to stay at the Charlotte for my first trip. I was influenced by IsalndFlyer over at TSM. He described this as a very nice hotel, hobbyist friendly, curteous staff, and he negotiated a 90,000 CP a night rate. That's about $40. This hotel like many others is on BocaGrande the primary beach area.

The beach area is generally reported as the best place to meet pros, semi-pros, no-pros, and any other type of women you could categorize.

The other 2 most frequently reported hotels are the Almirante, which Bruce (TSM) recently reported as becoming less enthusiast friendly during the day, and Las Velas. Almirante is supposed to be a very nice hotel at 140,000 CP a night again right on BocaGrande. Las Velas has a TSM rate of about $40 a night, but is a little more beat up.

This is meant as a start. I's like to hear from the more experienced visitors.

Hunter,

Gitano the Gypsy, is going to try the Charlotte. I tried to put him onto the Charleston St. Teresa but he is going his own way. Seriously, have been "talking" back and forth with Gitano for a lot of years, back when his Spanish consisted only of, "¡Siga trayendo mas fermentarskis!" (Keep those breweskies coming!) Hope he will give us the straight dope on the Charlotte.

Seriously, anyone out there who would like to try a world-class Five Star Grand Hotel, this is it.

The view from the roof-top pool can't be beat nor can the location in the Old City. Try it while the prices are down.

Hunder, any trouble getting that rate of $75? Also it's good to see another buddie's handle here. Back to Colombia lately?

Reguards,

Gator

Gator,

Good to see your handle again, missed it on TSM.

I spent 3 weeks in Cartagena March/April, I will be going again for 6 months around about 10/10, hopefully I will learn a lot of Spanish in the 6 months that I am there, you never no your bad luck, I may even meet you in person if your around then.
Plan on taking some long weekend trips to Cali and some other Colombian spots.

I think Gitano is only going to the Charlotte to see the night receptionist, apparently she has a rack to die for.

The restaurant on the roof of the Charleston Hotel is open to anybody, so Gitano can check it out if he wants.
Last 2 times had no problem booking the Charleston on the net for $75 a night, used Yahoo search engine, it gives a dozen or so Travel Agents with various hotels in Cartagena/Colombia. The price differance between the Travel Agents was very large $75-$180 for a standard room in the Charleston.

A la orden
Hunter

You guys have me reconsidering making that Charlotte reservation. Initially, I thought it would be better to be by the beach in BocaGrande, but given that I am only there for a few days and my daytimes are booking up I may switch over to the Charleston this time around, especially since I have an actual date while I am there. A rack to die for though, huh. That makes it tougher.

I am already figuring that I am returning in a few months. Gator you have been a tremendous help with planning this. I doubt I could have gotten a first trip together this quickly without your assistance.

Muchisimas gracias y en cualquiera manera que pueda servirte,

Gitano

Gitano,

No problem-always glad to offer assistance, except on TSM.

Thanks for the kind offer of help-been to CR lately? Worth a trip for a change of pace? I may just try Nicaragua.

Gator,

Estuve en CR hace tres semanas y volveré este fin de semana. Supongo que hayas estado aquí antes. No hay mucho de nuevo en San Jose, excepto algunas Colombianas muy bonitas en Blue Marlin. Cuéntame si querrías más informacion.

Thanks, and I AM impressed

Hunter -

I am planning my first trip to Cartagena 10/6 thru 10/10. Sound like it may be close; but maybe we can hook up for a beer before I depart.

BTW- I have not made any decisions regarding hotels yet, just starting to research

Yoosin -

Haven't booked my flight yet, if I get there before 10/10, will arrange to meet you for a beer.

Will post here, when I have booked my flight.

I can personally endorse Hotel Charlotte in Boca Grande, Avenida San Martin, having returned on July 19 from a week. Like Gitano my choice was influenced by IslandFlyer.

Met a "good girl" my 2nd night on the patio of Pizza Piccollo which turned into a week long GFE - and she was very impressed with the decor of Hotel Charlotte.

I'll be trying the Charleston in November since I'm not really a beach person.

Gator: Thanks for the past help and info. Hope to buy you an Aquila some day!

What is the best way to make reservations at the Charlotte? I just bought my tickets for my 4th of July weekend trip!

If you usually stay at places the caliber of Pacifico in Cali why in the world would you consider the Charlotte-unless to save $$$$$$$

Gator, I actually just booked a rom in Hotel Santa Clara-I gues did would be an OK choice. Know anything about it? BTW, I did not think that Pacifico was all that in Cali-it was nice-sure, but still once you have experienced the Waldorf-Astoria in New York-it's tough to impress me anymore. Hopefully, the Santa Clara will live up to its hype for me-anyway I arrive July 3rd at CTG will you be at Sandma's party? I already have 5 different girls I've talking on the phone with and they will even be driving all the way from Barranquilla to attend the party....

Submitted via email by Merlin

http://www.hotelescharlotte.com/cartagena/english/hotel.htm. This is a beautiful, historic hotel with special historical recognition by UNESCO. The hotel is located on the main tourist street Ave. San Martin, and a block from the beach. It has a pool, restaurant, bar and other amenities. Comfortable and clean rooms; they also have a luxury suite. Cost is $65/night for single or double ($100 & $120 high season).