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Perfect breakfast, more options than expected. Very nice rooftop infinity pool, lounge and bar area. Location is excellent, in the Getsemani neighborhood, which is as fun and interesting as the Walled City part of Cartagena, but still just a short walk to the Clock Tower, the main entry point for the Walled City. An equally short walk takes you to the pier from which most if not all boat tours leave - to the islands for a beach stay, or for the sunset boat rides. There are several very nice bars, restaurants/discos within a few hundred feet of the front door, some of the places highly rated. The hotel has a clean and comfortable look, the breakfast area has excellent seating, the facilities have a pleasant high tech look. The standard rooms are relatively small but well equipped. The same rooms also lack a view; just a brick wall with hanging plants. But why would you want to be inside a room looking out the window when you are in Cartagena! Only disappointment was that very few guests if any made use of the rooftop pool, even on the weekend - it didn't appear to be open to the public, and closes fairly early. It would have been nice to have a fun place in the hotel to hang out for a while before going out for the night. But for every other reason, this is one of if not the best hotel option in the entire city, and a perfect place to stay, especially if this is your first trip to Cartagena, because of its excellent location and staff. PS - we walked up and down Bocagrande, the beach area full of Miami type hotels, on two occasions, ate some good seafood in beachside restaurants, but the area has no charm, and the beach is so-so. In fairness, I live in PR, but if you are visiting Cartagena for the first time, you want to be where the history is, not on a so-so beach. The reason why a hotel near or in the Walled City is your best choice; and this hotel is among the top on that list.
Jens
May 2025
We really enjoyed our stay at this hotel. Firstly, we arrived early and they were able to clean and accommodate our room which was greatly appreciated. From the reviews and pictures we knew that the room type we booked was not huge and had no view, so it was fine for us! That made the room super quiet in the night and also it is not that small, and the big size bed compensated for the space. Comfy bed, clean room, clean bedsheets, lovely hotel merchandise, big bathroom and wardrobe. We really enjoyed the lovely buffet breakfast too and the beautiful small infinity pool on the roof top is super nice touch! And ALL of the staff members were amazing, specially receptionist, door men and cleaning stuff. And special shout out to the rooftop pool guys!!! It was great to chat with them. Location is also great, right in between the 2 major tourist neighborhoods in Cartagena: the hystorical colonial old town and getsemani (which is lovely, specially during the evening). Also a short uber/taxi drive to bocagrande.
Sara
June 2025
Excellent location, near to the start point of most tours, professional staff that also treat you as welcome friends, one of the best breakfast buffet and a la carte menus I've ever experienced, including egg-white only options, a really nice rooftop infinity pool and bar area. Room size is average to small, but even the smallest room is equipped with everything one needs. No need to go to Centro, a 5 minute walk away (clock tower), because there are several top rated clubs and restaurants literally next door, and throughout the Getsemani neighborhood. Two suggestions: keep the rooftop bar and pool open to at least 10pm or later (it now closes at 9pm), and promote the rooftop to the public, and/or make it more inviting to guests. It is a really nice space, but compared to the dozens of rooftop spaces in the area, it is relatively empty of guests (being the only guest was not unusual during my 5 night stay), no music or action to keep you there, Utilizing that space more effectively would be a win win for the hotel and it's guests. Bottom line. When i return to Cartagena, this will be my hotel 👍🏼
Jens
April 2025
This was by far the best hotel I could've stayed at in Cartagena. The location was PERFECT we were only a couple steps from everything we need. Also, a great location for any excursion meet-up points. Now let's get in to the hotel itself. The hotel was super clean! Our room was spacious, and the housekeepers always maintained its cleanliness -- even tidied up some of our personal items. The best part was the rooftop pool. My partner and I were at that pool every day of our stay. It has the best view of the city and the staff at the rooftop bar served up some of the most delicious drinks and had great service. The breakfast buffet was also super good and had some fresh food options. The hotel had an intimate feel which we loved. Staff knew us by name and would quickly familiarize themselves with the guest. Throughout the entire stay, my partner and I had top-of-the-line service from the staff. Special shoutout to Fabian and Aflanso who went above and beyond helping my partner plan a birthday surprise for me and for making every aspect of our stay extra special. Also, a special shoutout to Virginia at concierge for being so lovely and helping us plan out our excursions and always being accessible by text to give me local recommendations. Overall, we had the absolute best time at Arsenal and would 100% return!
Salem
August 2024
Staff, Location, facilities, food, service. Great place to stay and recommend. Walking distance to any place you want to visit. Food for breakfast, lunch and dinner 100% great. Bedroom was clean, perfect size, bed was perfect. Staff has a good understanding of customer service. Christian was great at check in, José was so kind and explained every single detail in the restaurant menu, Harold was awesome every day checking if we are having a good time and offering his assistance at all times, Fabian is a great manager, always willing to assist, sharing tips for every place we mentined and super friendly & professional. The best of all Pomponio at breakfast time, his recommendations, hospitality, service, he is super friendly and eager to help, made our stay feel like home (he deserves a raise and great recognition). Also Oscar, from the concierg helped us to schedule our tours, he was awesome! Even the stores next door for souvenirs. Big thanks to all and each of them.
Marilyn
February 2025
What's good - great bed and pillows, hot water, great breakfast, great location: almost in the center but no noise at night, complimentary water in the room, water jugs in the lobby, friendly English-speaking staff, no problem leaving bags for storage. Absolutely safe. The pool is not very big with a gorgeous view. Especially nice in the evening.
Vlad
February 2025
A beautiful hotel in the most ideal location. A special thanks to the reception staff and Alfonso for their kind welcome. The bed was very comfortable and we found the room a good size. The gym while small had everything we needed. The pool area was great - an ideal place to relax for the last two days of our trip in Cartagena.
Katie
July 2024
The rooftop pool, with an exceptional view on the bay and the modern highrises of Bocagrande, was a very welcome respite from the heat during the afternoons! The hotel is located very close to all the attractions of Getsemani and the old town and easy to walk around while having a home base close by.
Carine
January 2025
Excellent hotel in perfect location with short walk to the old city, Getsemani streets and the port. Everything about our stay was perfect. We stayed twice as such a lovely place. Brilliant breakfast selection, lovely lunch, rooms spotlessly clean and very helpful front desk. The rooftop pool & bar with fabulous views was so relaxing at the end of the day. Everyone we met was so kind and helpful. Sorry I didn’t get the names for all the wonderful staff we met but thank you Fabian, Juan. Christian as well as all those I wish I had got the chance to get their names. Highly recommended
Mary
February 2025
Staff at reception as well as Concierge have been absolutely lovely. Staff at restaurants / pool bar were mostly great or good. Soundproofing towards outside areas is great (thanks to the modern windows / glass-fronts). Rooms are modern, beds are very comfy with different cushions (firm & soft). Breakfast is fantastic (huge variety, good quality) - which you don't see too often in South America. The rooftop areas (incl. pool) are great.
Marius
November 2023
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