Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavillion

Location: City Center (Old Town Cartagena) is 15 min- 25 min away depending on traffic. If you don't care about seeing old town, then this may be ok. The hotel is located at La Boquilla next to a bad neighborhood, so be aware of people harassing you at the beach at all times, and keep an eye on your belongings. When you leave the hotel always walk to the right towards the city, don't go left or you may find yourself in a very bad location really fast. This is a special note to women traveling to Colombia. Hotel: Clean, food is ok not great, staff was friendly except for the people at the front desk. They seemed to be always busy, and behind their daily duties, so they will rush you, and not give you proper attention, they need at least another person at the front desk at peak hours. Pool is ok, service at the pool was good. They will ask you to provide a pass to get a towel, so don't loose the pass or the towel, you may get charged for it. (Not a fancy systems) Reminds me of hotels in Colombia back in the 80's when towels were a luxury. Beach: Biggest disappointment of the trip, water is dark, and the sand is gray/brown. You cannot see your feet with a foot of water on them. Note that as soon as you come out of the hotel towards the Beach there is a security guard from the Hotel at the door, part of his job is to advised you to watch your belongings, and not to buy anything from beach vendors. This gives you an idea of this beach. Forget about bringing your own umbrella or beach chair, there are vendors that have taken possession of the beach by renting umbrellas and chairs, if you don't rent from them, you will be left out to use a small portion of the beach very close to the water. My advised is to pay the $5 dollars and rent from them. Beach vendor will harass you all day long. Avoid buying food and always ask prices up front before ordering drinks or anything else. There are horror stories of people paying $25 for a Coke. I don't recommend this place for families, or for single women visiting the city, much better options in Bocagrande or Old town. The place is ok for single guys or business. Hope this helps,