Casa de Alba Hotel Boutique♡

Worst experience in Cartagena

4.0

⭐️⭐️☆☆☆ (2/5) Our experience at Casa de Alba, Cartagena, was very disappointing and, unfortunately, it is a hotel that we would not return to or recommend. From the beginning there were irregularities. The owner, Thomas, cancelled our original reservation on Booking claiming that our card had no funds, something that should never have happened and that we found completely arbitrary and inappropriate. Later, they changed our hotel without our consent. The biggest problem was the air conditioning. Inside the room it practically didn’t work and the temperature was unbearable, especially in the upper part where my companion was very hot. In the second hotel to which we were transferred, the air conditioning seemed to be externally controlled: during the night they put it in hot mode and it never cooled properly. Sleeping was extremely uncomfortable. In addition, they charged us 272,000 COP for two bottles of water and two bags of toast that were in the room, a completely disproportionate price. The situation got worse at the time of check-out, when they tried to charge us USD $1,100 when our original reservation was USD $800. When we refused, an unnecessary discussion and a very unpleasant situation were generated. The only thing truly rescueable about our stay was the magnificent service of Leyla, Mary and the cleaning team, who were friendly, professional and always willing to help. We must also recognise that the breakfast was delicious. Cartagena is a wonderful city and is full of spectacular hotels. Unfortunately, Casa de Alba was not up to par and, definitely, we will not stay here again.

Very pretty but wouldn’t Return. It’s not worth the price

7.0

The staff was wonderful, the location id you don’t mind loud neighborhood, the house is beautiful, definitely not for kids

− The noise in the Street, the price is not worth it

Great hotel, 100% recommended

10.0

Great hotel, good service, perfect location and very well atmosphere with great looks…!

Beautiful hotel!

10.0

It’s a beautiful hotel. Breakfast was delicious. My room was outstanding. Location was perfect if you are interested in the old city. Most of the staff was well trained and helpful.

− Check in was a little rocky, they use those gizmos that you have to scan to get information. My phone would not pick up the code which meant several trips to reception to ask about the safe, hot water, hours for breakfast and mini bar prices. But luckily my room was very close to reception.

Lujo, historia y ubicación inmejorable

10.0

Una experiencia verdaderamente única en Casa de Alba. El hotel combina a la perfección el lujo con una ubicación privilegiada frente a la Catedral, en pleno corazón de la Ciudad Amurallada. Además, su historia lo hace aún más especial, ya que en este lugar vivió el pirata Francis Drake. Sin duda, un sitio lleno de encanto, elegancia y carácter. ¡Altamente recomendado!

The best location to explore the city but too tired and in need of updating.

4.0

The location is 10/10 - the perfect spot to explore the old city. The breakfast was superb. The beds were comfortable. We were in the worst room at the back of the building but moved mid-stay and the new room was fantastic apart from the cold shower.

− We stayed in a most awful room at the back of the building. The shower was mouldy and never hot. The bathroom sink only supplied cold water and the toilet continually smelt like a urinal. The whole place is tired and although it is an old building, it needs updating throughout. We stayed for a week so wanted to relax by a pool in the afternoons - this just isn’t possible here - there is no sun on the downstairs dip pool and the roof top is just a jacuzzi, which has a windy steep access and a few beds to sunbathe. It is not a place to relax in communal areas - the ‘bar’ is not convivial and the ‘spa’ is just a bed in a room no bigger than a cupboard. I would say it is more like a B&B than a hotel. The staff were friendly. If you want to come and explore the city for a couple of days and just use the hotel as a base to sleep, then it is fine. But don’t expect a hot shower!