Condo with magnificent views and steps to pool and best beaches in Cartagena

We had a great time on our trip to Cartagena and enjoyed Gonzalo’s condo (and hospitality) very much. Our group consisted of 4 adults and a 6-year old. There was plenty of space and the property was exactly as advertised. Ledis kept things immaculate and cooked great food too (arepas con juevos, pescado frita, and cazuela de pescado). Having the pool right outside the door - and the beach across the street - was very convenient...especially with a young kid. Other recommendations: Food - Chef Julian (Spanish restaurant with great paella, sangria, and tapas), Mistura (in the old city...good everything...try a drink called Machica). Tours - I highly recommend Jose with JV Travel. He had nice vehicles for transport, is bilingual for mixed groups, and really knows the Aviary on Baru very well. After the Aviary, the seafood lunch at Reyato’s was excellent! We also hired captains to take us on Gonzalo’s boat for the day. The aquarium was interesting but very packed on the weekend (maybe a weekday would be better). We had lunch at Aqua Azul because the normal public beach (Cholon) was packed. Aqua Azul is a private resort...beautiful beach, good food, and a pool as well, but a bit pricey (still recommend). For the gringos (Americans) coming to Colombia for the first time: - Go with the flow and enjoy the beautiful country and people! - People will always try to sell you things. A simple “No, gracias” with a smile is usually enough to fend them off. If not, walk away or ignore them. Just keep in mind these are people trying to make a living for their families like the rest of us! - Try new things...especially the food! - Yes, it’s hot in Cartagena. Try to avoid mid-day activities outdoors (unless the beach or the pool). Wear a hat and sunscreen. A/C isn’t always available at establishments; locals are accustomed to this. You’ll be ok, too! - Walk. Taking a taxi during the heat of the day might make sense, but otherwise, download a map and walk to the grocery (Carulla). There’s also a small neighborhood store around the corner (Robert). Gonzalo has a small roll-around Carulla bag to make the return trip easier. - Learn some basic Spanish words for communication. - This condo isn’t in some private, gated community. Locals from all over Cartagena come to enjoy their beaches. Sometimes things get busy on the weekend, including music and lots of car/motorcycle traffic. Just be careful and you’ll be fine.

Cartagena has many beautiful high rise apartments, but we were looking for something different. This amazing condo in edificio La Marqueza was perfect for the experience we sought. Located in the beautiful Castillo Grande sector we had a clean, spacious, wonderfully appointed apartment in an amazing Art Deco building. The pictures in the listing are accurate, but do not fully reflect how awesome this property is. 2 large private outdoor spaces with fountains to compliment a great 3 bedroom condo with lots of room and architectural interest. A massive master bedroom and steps to the pool (which may as well have been private since we were the only people who used it for 10 days). The property fronts the beach with only a two lane road between us and the Caribbean Sea. Convenient to everything in Boca Grande (short, pleasant walk, or $2.00 cab ride) as well as the Old City ($3.00 cab ride). The building has a concierge 24x7 and the condo comes with a delightful housekeeper who will provide breakfast, lunch and the best empanadas in Cartagena any or all days of your stay. I love contemporary design, and have high standards, but the decor, and layout of this condo was perfect for the environment and added a touch of authenticity missing from the surrounding high rises. The owners were awesome to deal with, very responsive, helpful and accommodating without being in any way obtrusive. I have used HomeAway/VRBO for many trips and can honestly report that this was one of the two best experiences I have had on all fronts. You never really know how the photos and descriptions will match the property on arrival, but in this case everything exceeded even my fondest expectations. It is Columbia, so the showers aren’t hot and the environment isn’t sterile, but it was very clean and comfortable and if I could give six or seven stars I would. We will be going back, and I only hope this review doesn’t make it difficult for us to book because this place should be full all the time.

The apartment was beautiful with a gorgeous beach right across the street. It was very spacious and comfortable. It was extremely close to everything either by a quick walk or a taxi. Everyone in the complex was very helpful and accommodating as well. It was a very clean and well maintained apartment. The patio leading out to the pool was awesome as well. Every morning I sat on the patio next to the pool overlooking the ocean. It was a great way to start my day!

Everything was excellent. Upon arrival we were met by our personal cook/maid and the person who would take care of any physcial problems encountered. The drive belt in the dryer broke one day and it was rapidly repaired. The location is excellent .