HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

Hotel de Marques de Manga is locked with a high gate for security. I left very early and came back after midnight -- and never waited more than 10 seconds for the staff to buzz me past the gate.

The value is amazing. I paid about 40 USD per day for a spacious modern room, a great support staff, a free gourmet breakfast, free WIFI in room and on property, very clean pool and a location close to the action but quiet enough to sleep.

I will return for sure. 

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

Hotel de Marques de Manga is within 5 minutes walking distance of the best grocery store in the city, several pharmacies and some nice mom and pop restaurants and shops.

Getsemani is a 15 minute walk over a bridge.

The Walled City and its Colonial Architecture and tourist attractions, is a 25 minute maximum.

The typical Uber ride to Getsemani was 3 USD with tip. To the Old City -- about 4 USD with tip.

The hotel also is close enough to walk to the chaotic, vibrant and fantastic Mercado de Bazurto -- where all the top chefs shop early for the freshest seafood, tropical fruit and more.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

Hotel de Marques de Manga is great about closing the pool at 8 p.m. -- so no pool party noises disturb your sleep. 

It might want to think about signs specifying the common areas and gym equipment are closed from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. to let guests sleep.

Crews were rebuilding the room on the floor below mine. 

When I routinely came back from lunch for a pool plunge and nap to avoid the most extreme heat -- it was tough to rest because of the construction noises. 

But I get it, the work has to take place sometime and midday is preferable to overnight or predawn.

Again, I'm a light sleeper and these are very minor suggestions to improve a place that is already very close to 10 out of 10 stars.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

There was a fried food festival at the foot of the nearby San Felipe Fort.

On 3 of my six nights, the festival played very loud music past midnight -- even though the festival was advertised as closing at midnight.

The noise traveled over a small body of water and I could hear it in the room despite a white noise machine and ear plugs.

It's not Hotel de Marques de Manga's fault that Cartagena likes to party hard and until the wee hours. 

But perhaps when it comes time for renovations, soundproofing could be done.

Each pod of room is built over a mini lobby with seating etc. 

Mine had the weights/gym equipment. 

Sound echoed from this common area right up to my sole interior-facing window.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

My room at Hotel de Marques de Manga was quite spacious with good lighting and power outlets near the bed.

In the reception area, they sell water, soda, local beers and convenience items at a very fair price.

The pool is not large, but it is kept sparkling clean and is a fabulous place to take a refreshing plunge when midday heat is 100 degrees.

There's also a lounge chair area with plenty of fresh towels.

The property is in a sleepy neighborhood of homes and apartments -- no nearby clubs or bars to make noise.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

The staff at Hotel de Marques de Manga is outstanding.

They answered several questions before my stay -- suggesting places to eat in Manga and in nearby Getsemani and in the Old Walled City.

There is hot water.

This is a rarity in Cartagena, even at fairly costly properties.

The bed was firm and comfy -- another plus as Colombians are known to favor cement hard beds.

The breakfast was amazing. 

Dozens of fresh foods to choose from -- with an emphasis on local breads, arepas, juices and tropical fruits.