La Passion by Masaya

La Passion by Masaya in Cartagena, Colombia, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise from guests, offering a charming and sophisticated retreat within the historic walled city. This boutique hotel is celebrated for its blend of colonial elegance and modern comforts, coupled with exceptional service and a prime location.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

La Passion by Masaya enjoys an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with many guests rating their experience as "amazing" and giving scores of 9 or 10 out of 10. Reviewers frequently describe the hotel as "gorgeous," "romantic," "beautiful," "luxurious," and a "trendy boutique hotel," highlighting its ability to transport visitors back to a time of beauty and peace.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of La Passion:

• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently lauded as "amazing," "friendly," "accommodating," "warm and hospitable," "professional," "sincere," "helpful," and "caring." Individual staff members, such as Fabio and Yetiva, receive special mentions for their exceptional hospitality and local recommendations.
• Location: Situated "perfectly" and "super centrally" within Cartagena's Historic Center, the hotel is an "ideal starting point" for exploring the city's attractions. Its position allows guests to be close to everything while being "away from the hustle and bustle of other busy streets."
• Design: The hotel, housed in a 17th-century colonial manor, is praised for its "gorgeous," "romantic" design and "amazing style, architecture and decoration." It effectively fuses history with sophistication, featuring lush courtyards and balconies.
• Amenities: The rooftop pool and bar are significant highlights, offering a refreshing escape from the heat and providing panoramic views of the city's iconic domes. Other amenities include a hot tub, free Wi-Fi, and options for massages. The hotel also arranges tailored boat trips and shuttle services for convenience.

3. Room Quality

La Passion by Masaya offers stylish rooms that are soberly decorated with marble floors and modern furniture. Each of the 14 rooms is equipped with air conditioning for comfort, flat-screen TVs with satellite and cable channels for entertainment, and tea/coffee makers. Guests appreciate the clean facilities and the "huge" and "comfortable" beds. Some rooms boast private balconies or garden views, while bathrooms feature a separate toilet and shower, along with complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. Certain guests have also noted unique open-air showers. Soundproof windows contribute to a peaceful stay.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel provides a complimentary made-to-order breakfast daily, which can be a continental or Caribbean spread. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the charming terrace lounge, in their rooms, or at the on-site Desayuno restaurant. While generally described as delicious and good, one guest suggested that more variety could improve the breakfast offering. For other meals, the Almuerzo restaurant serves local and international flavors for lunch and dinner. There is also a poolside terrace bar, providing a pleasant spot for drinks with views.

5. Service & Staff

The service at La Passion by Masaya is a consistent highlight, with staff frequently described as "super friendly," "warm and hospitable," and "always willing to help." They are noted for being professional, accommodating, sincere, and proactive, even reaching out to guests before arrival. The staff's attentiveness and helpfulness in providing local recommendations and organizing transport further enhance the guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

La Passion by Masaya is strategically located in the vibrant heart of Cartagena's Historic Center, providing excellent accessibility to major attractions. It is a mere 5-minute walk from the Walled City and close to landmarks such as the Palace of Museo Historico de Cartagena de Indias, the Naval Museum of the Caribbean, the Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver, and Custom's Square. The Rafael Núñez International Airport is conveniently a short 10-15 minute drive away, and the hotel offers both paid airport shuttle services and can arrange private transfers. Public transport links are also easily accessible.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider La Passion by Masaya to offer good value for money, with an average room rate in a recent month reported around $184.63 USD. While pricing can vary by room type and season, standard rooms may start from approximately $112 USD. Its blend of luxurious amenities, prime location, and exceptional service contributes to guests feeling it's a worthwhile investment for their stay in Cartagena.

8. Common Complaints

While guest feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted. One guest mentioned a desire for more variety in the breakfast. Another review referenced concerns about room door safety and a "bad and intense smell," as well as a noisy toilet cistern, though these appear to be isolated incidents. The Michelin Guide review implied a lack of a full-service restaurant at the time of its assessment, though multiple other reviews and the hotel's descriptions confirm on-site dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, indicating potential updates or a different interpretation of "full-service."

Sources

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