Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique, a member of Radisson Individuals

I did extensive research reading travel blogs and hotel reviews and looked into around 20 different hotels in the old city and several Airbnb’s prior to booking Bantu. Bantu seemed too good to be true for the price, but I assure you it exceeded expectations. My stay was 4 nights. Fabian at the front desk went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. We speak very little Spanish and had no issues communicating with everyone at the hotel. The rooms are cozy but stylish. Bed is very comfortable. Air conditioning worked great. Water was hot. Large TV and I was able to stream Netflix to TV. I had no complaints. I had read the lighting was dim in some reviews, and it wasn’t super bright in the rooms, but plenty fine for me to do makeup. The hotel has a beautiful ground floor pool and also a rooftop pool and hot tub. They are small but perfect for a dip after waking around the hot city. The breakfast was exceptional with coffee, fresh fruit juice, pastries, bacon, empanadas, fruit, yogurt parfaits. The hotel also serves lunch and dinner which we did not eat at so cannot speak to that. I felt very safe the whole time. Overall, I am so happy I booked Hotel Bantu! I never write reviews but they deserve so much praise and thanks. So thank you to the staff who made our trip unforgettable.

The location of the hotel is perfect physically right in the Centre with Carrera 7 to the left that runs north-south where there are many good restaurants. And Carrera 9 to the right that takes you up to Plaza San Diego and to the La Serrezuela mall with many other good restaurants along that route. Walking along those route felt very safe with a lot of tourists along those routes which are very well lit at night. Due to its location, it’s just away from the noisy areas so that you can get a good night’s rest. All the hotel staff were very hospitable, friendly and very attentive to any requests. The main entrance gate is locked and reception was always there to “buzz” you in and out. The hotel has its colonial architectural structure but room are air conditioned and fitted with the essential modern amenities- good comfortable bed and pillows, modern bathroom fittings with a rainfall shower. Breakfast included some typical Colombian options like egg arepas, empanadas, tequenos. Eggs how you like it are made on request.

This hotel is a clear example of how you treat your customers, to the front door, to the breakfast, Herman is a example of a great server, Laura is amazing very humble waiter. Is the first time using massage services, was kind of skeptic due previous hotel experiences, was the best massage I ever taken wow. Was celebrating my bday and anniversary. The cook Geneise is very gifted also never eat in restaurant hotels due to same bad experience in low quality lousy attention and poignant attitude on the service. They treat us like kings.

Gorgeous place to relax and retreat from lovely, lively Cartagena. Great central location but also down a fairly quiet side street so perfect. It’s a bit noisey in that other guests can be heard from your room but easily fixed with ear plugs. Two lovely pools and helpful staff. My only improvement suggestion would be to have either someone behind the bar at the pool or someone to come round and take orders. I had to go downstairs to order a drink which isn’t the end of the world but poolside service would be the icing on the cake. Thanks

- The hotel infrastructure was great, there were two pools, one jacuzzi, and a sauna. The place was great for relaxing after a long day of tourism. - Great location, 5 min walking from the tower clock and other main attractions of the city. - Comfortable room. - Friendly and helpful staff - The common area where we had breakfast was super nice. - Delicious breakfast.