Cartagena hotel info??

[berbo]

I will be travelling next month to Cartagena. Looking for a tourist class hotel  40-50 USD per night. Anybody familiar with Hotel Bahia or Da Pietro, both located in Bocagrande??
Also,where is the best place to change money in Cartagena??
Thanks for your insight.
berbo

[chao]

... in response to Cartagena hotel info??, posted by berbo on Apr 28, 2001

I'm not familiar with the Hotel Bahia or Da Pietro.  

If you want to do a search for hotels in Latin America, go to www.paginasamarillas.com.  Click on the link for "hoteles".  Then enter all of you specififications, such as country, city, price, etc.

chao

[berbo]

... in response to How to search for hotels in Latin Americ..., posted by chao on Apr 29, 2001

Very interesting indeed the paginas amarillas. I checked the guia de viajes and found more than 20 hotels below 45.- USD.
Thanks again,
Regards,
Bertrand

[JunFan68]

... in response to thanks Chao, posted by berbo on Apr 29, 2001

As many of us will attest, things in Colombia may not always be what you think they will be.  When you whittle your list down and see if anyone on the board knows or has seen the place.  There is no better information than that that 'on the ground'.....Later-Mike

[berbo]

... in response to Hey Berbo...., posted by JunFan68 on Apr 30, 2001

Hi Mike,
Thanks for that realistic observation.By the way I am European and live in Panama (Central-America) since more than 5 years. Besides the language,I may be a little familiar with the Latino culture and environment.....
About 2 years ago I went to Cali to participate at some 'tour' . For me , it was more of a ripp-off experience.
Estafa, trampa, engaños..... yes, I had plenty of them.
Regards,
Bertrand

[Houndog]

... in response to Cartagena hotel info??, posted by berbo on Apr 28, 2001

I haven't heard of either place. I've stayed at the Capilla del Mar..575-665-5145..em- capillahuesp@ctgred.net.co $60.00pn..Hot Water, A/C ,Cable, Great Resturant Downstairs, right across the street from the beach on Boca Grande. They have a deal I believe with AFA. Then I've stayed 3 times at The Portofino 575-665-5279 em- myrojas@col3.telecom.com.co , Condos that rent for a few days at a time, A/C, Hot Water, Cable, Kitchens,1/2 block from the beach on Boca Grande, the managers name is Albelardo Rojas M. . Both are within walking distance of AFA.

You can change money as soon as you clear check in, or at any bank. Best way is to carry an ATM card and use an ATM machine at the Banco de Colombia..or CC at most ATM's. The best exchage rate. There are banks all up and down Avenda sexta on Boca Grande as well as plenty more in the Old City.

Regards, Houndog

[Houndog]

... in response to Re: Cartagena hotel info??, posted by Houndog on Apr 28, 2001

The Portofino charges $45.00 pd.

HD

[berbo]

... in response to Re: Re: Cartagena hotel info??, posted by Houndog on Apr 28, 2001

n/t

[Houndog]

... in response to Many thanks for the usefull info- Houndo..., posted by berbo on Apr 29, 2001

My Pleasure...although DougY is getting pissed at me....wants to keep our LA Wonderland in the less traveled colum..JaJa..

Really if you are staying for 4-10 days I recomend The Portofino...unless you want to spend more to live in the lap of luxury...it was plenty nice for me.

Alberlardo is a Great Friendly guy...the elavators are a little slow sometimes..but just part of the ambiance to me...Taxi's from BG to the Old City are 8-12000 pesos..4-6 bucks..every thing on BG is within walking distance...it's actually very safe..so we walked every where we went on BG. The Old City is unbelievable...and once there you walk around freely...I highly recommend the aqaurium..Rosario Island Tour..with a lady of course...bring a bathing suit for that one...The Fort tour..awesome...The Inqusition Museum in The Walled City...and for that Romantic touch...The Horse Drawn Carriage rides...definately will get you a kiss....especialy if taken at sunset or later.  There are so many good resturants in the Old City I couldn't begin to list them...just pick one and enjoy...

The Walled City has some really nice clubs for an evening of dancing and romancing also....even if you don't dance I think you will enjoy them.

Last for now....check out the many shops in The Walled City, especially the Emerald Stores....wow.....but don't pay sticker..JaJa..and comparison shop a little if you want a nice Emerald souvenier..but if Tour Ships are in the prices will be higher and firm. But don't worry..still 75% or more off.

Enjoy your trip...I know you will.

Regards, Houndog

[JunFan68]

... in response to Re: Many thanks for the usefull info- ma..., posted by Houndog on Apr 29, 2001

FYI...as some of you may remember I bought 2 emeralds in Cartagena for some people who wanted a real 'Colombian Emerald'  First of all, the jewelers in Cartagena usually get them from the big wholesalers in Bogota. If they are good, they can buy them direct from the mines. Some mines produce higher quality stones than others. I have the names of them at my office.  The stones I bought were about $450 a piece.  I dealt with a man who has been in the business for 27 years and I trust him. Does that mean I paid list? Not by a longshot.

One of my clients had the stone appraised (largely by my request out of curiosity)by two jewelers.  The first said it was worth $1000.  The second, and the one my friend uses the most, said...wow, where did you get this Colombian Emerald?  He told her it was worth $600.  But I guarantee you he would not sell you that stone for $600...that was the bid side.

My point is you are buying great stones maybe just under a wholesalers cost here in the US, but you are not raping the Colombian Emerald trade.

Mike

[berbo]

... in response to Re: Many thanks for the usefull info- ma..., posted by Houndog on Apr 29, 2001

Thanks again Houndog, especially for the excursion advice, I an sure SHE will like it  (She is joining me from Bogota were I met here in March). I already send an e-mail to Portofino.
Regards,
Berbo

[Houndog]

... in response to Re: Re: Many thanks for the usefull info..., posted by berbo on Apr 29, 2001

Tell Alberlardo you are friends with me John Vallandingham & Luz Elena and Eddie & Lianna....might be good for an extra little discount...did I mention the Portofino has a pool on the roof....

Regards, Houndog

[Houndog]

... in response to Re: Re: Many thanks for the usefull info..., posted by berbo on Apr 29, 2001

Oh yeeeeaaaa !!!!!...You and HER will have a GREAT TIME...

Houndog

[Doug Y.]

... in response to Re: Re: Cartagena hotel info??, posted by Houndog on Apr 28, 2001

 Pretty soon the place will be crawlin' with gringos and NO ONE will be able to get a room LOL

Doug