Hotel Casa del Coliseo

Hotel Casa del Coliseo, a Michelin Key Selected property in Cartagena, Colombia, consistently receives high praise for its exceptional service, prime location, and sophisticated design. Guests frequently describe it as a beautiful and tranquil retreat within the vibrant historic walled city.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Casa del Coliseo is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "wonderful," "amazing," and "exceptional." It boasts an impressive guest score of 19.3 out of 20 based on verified stays in the Michelin Guide. Many consider it a top choice in Cartagena, providing a luxurious and memorable experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Hotel Casa del Coliseo:

• Service & Staff: The staff's attentive, friendly, and helpful nature is a recurring highlight, making guests feel well-cared for and at home.
• Location: Its central position within the historic walled city of Cartagena is considered superb and perfect for exploring attractions.
• Design: The elegant 17th-century colonial building, thoughtfully renovated to blend classic charm with contemporary boutique design, is highly appreciated.
• Amenities: The rooftop pool and lounge area offer a welcome respite and are considered a standout feature. Free Wi-Fi and daily breakfast are also highly valued.

3. Room Quality

Hotel Casa del Coliseo features 12 individually decorated guest rooms and suites, designed with a sophisticated yet comfortable aesthetic. Rooms boast modern decor, often with stone floors and dark wood-beam ceilings, and are equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, iPod docks, and electronic safes. Bathrooms are wonderfully modern, featuring textured gray tile, vessel sinks, and glass-enclosed showers. Some rooms offer gorgeous balconies overlooking the vibrant city streets. While praised for their comfort and design, some guests note that standard and even superior rooms can be quite small.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel provides an excellent and often described as "delicious" continental or freshly prepared breakfast, which is typically included in the stay. This is a highlight for many guests. While there is a poolside bar offering drinks and light refreshments, and a coffee shop/cafe, the hotel generally lacks a full on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner. However, the knowledgeable staff are readily available to offer recommendations for Cartagena's diverse dining scene nearby.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hotel Casa del Coliseo is consistently highlighted as a major strength, often described as "outstanding," "amazing," and "exceptional." Staff members like Cristian, Yoner, Edwin, Martin, Juan Camilo, and Vanesa are often singled out for their friendliness, attentiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond to assist guests, making them feel like family or at home. They are helpful with travel arrangements, recommendations, and ensuring guests' comfort.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a "perfectly central" and "superb" location at Calle del Coliseo 35-23, right in the heart of Cartagena's historic walled city. This allows guests to walk to nearly all major points of interest. Key attractions such as the Clock Tower, Bolivar Square, Walls of Cartagena, and the Museum of Modern Art are just a short walk away. Rafael Núñez International Airport is conveniently located about a 15-minute drive from the property.

7. Value & Pricing

With an average price of around $225 per room, Hotel Casa del Coliseo is considered a luxurious boutique option. Despite being on the higher end, it often provides "exceptional value for money" compared to the average hotel price in Cartagena. Guests generally feel that the unforgettable experience, prime location, and high level of service justify the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Accessibility: As a renovated 17th-century mansion, the hotel features numerous stairs and lacks an elevator or ground-floor rooms, which can be a challenge for guests with limited mobility.
• Room Size: Standard and even some superior rooms are occasionally described as being small or cramped.
• Limited On-Site Dining: Beyond breakfast, the hotel does not offer a full-service restaurant for lunch or dinner.
• Rooftop Pool Size: The rooftop pool is sometimes noted as being small and can feel crowded.
• Mini-bar Charges: Items in the mini-fridge and the welcome bottle of wine are not complimentary and incur a charge.

Sources

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7. hotelcasadelcoliseocartagena.com
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11. cartagenacolumbiahotels.com
12. travelocity.com
13. cartagena-hotels-colombia.com
14. cartagenaexplorer.com