Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel y Centro de Convenciones

This hotel stands out for its impressive Sky 51 bar on the top floor, offering breathtaking city and ocean views, making it a memorable feature for many visitors. Its prime location near the beach and a shopping mall, combined with spacious and clean rooms, positions it as an excellent choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families looking for convenient amenities and comfortable stays, and sightseers eager to explore the city. The hotel's commitment to guest satisfaction is frequently highlighted, with many praising the attentive staff and diverse breakfast options. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a lower floor if sensitive to potential noise from the rooftop bar, and take advantage of the hotel's proximity to local attractions and dining.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel's extensive facilities, particularly the infinity pool on the 12th floor, which offers stunning ocean views and a relaxing atmosphere, complete with jacuzzis and attentive lifeguards. The hotel also features a fitness center, though some guests noted it could benefit from updates. Free Wi-Fi is available and generally reported as fast and reliable. The presence of a Starbucks and deli within the hotel provides convenient options for quick bites and coffee. While the elevators are automated and efficient for many, some guests found them confusing or slow at peak times. The hotel also offers a laundry service, though some wished for in-room drying facilities.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its impeccable cleanliness throughout the property and in the guest rooms. Rooms are described as spacious and comfortable, with many offering exceptional ocean views that enhance the stay. Guests appreciate the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that contribute to a restful sleep. However, some guests reported issues with noise levels, particularly from the Sky 51 bar on higher floors or from adjacent rooms due to thin walls. There were also mixed comments regarding in-room amenities, with some guests noting the absence of coffee makers and complimentary bottled water after the first day, and occasional issues with shower water pressure.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is a major highlight for many guests, consistently described as delicious, varied, and offering a wide array of options to suit all tastes, including local dishes. While the breakfast experience is largely positive, some guests noted that the dining area can become crowded during peak hours. The hotel's various restaurants, including Kuzina (Japanese cuisine) and the Maki bar, generally receive good reviews for their food quality and reasonable pricing. The Sky 51 bar is praised for its spectacular views and quality drinks, though some found the pool bar drinks to be overly sweet or expensive, and service there could be slow.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location in Bocagrande, offering direct beach access and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Its proximity to a shopping mall and various commercial establishments is highly convenient for guests. The historic walled city is easily accessible, typically a 10-15 minute taxi ride or a safe, longer walk, making it ideal for exploring local attractions. The hotel also benefits from being approximately 15 minutes from the airport, with readily available taxi services at the entrance. Guests generally feel safe and secure in the hotel's immediate surroundings, appreciating the ease of getting around.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional service, friendliness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the helpfulness of the reception team, who are praised for their quick check-in process and willingness to assist with inquiries and requests. The pool staff, bellboys, and restaurant personnel are also commended for their professionalism and warm demeanor, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. While the majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of slow service at the pool bar or perceived unresponsiveness to specific room issues.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain hotel policies and unique aspects that impact their stay. Some visitors reported unexpected charges for accidental spills or stains on bedding, even when guests felt the damage was minimal or non-existent. There were also mentions of additional costs for amenities like the sauna and steam room, which some guests expected to be complimentary. Construction noise was occasionally noted by guests, particularly during the day. The hotel provides a thoughtful welcome drink upon arrival, which is a pleasant touch. While the hotel is generally well-maintained, some guests observed cracked glass panels in the pool area and streaked windows that could obscure the otherwise spectacular views.