Hotels other things en Barranquilla and Cartagena

[machin67]

I am going to Barranquilla and Cartagena from July 7-31.  I am already signed up with Jamie's agency and Amor de Cartagena (Mark Anthony's).  I think they are the best agencies out there from what I have researched on this site and after looking at their sites.

I would like to know of some nice hotels that are near the agencies, but that are reasonably priced ($50-75 per night).  Some places that are a little different, have the flavor of the coast, but are still relatively safe.

Also how is the condo of Mark Anthony's....Cartagena Condos and of Jamie's place?  Are they recommended?

How much does it cost to go to San Andres?  Do you go by boat or plane?  How long does it take?  From Cartagena?  Is it a lot better or nicer than just going to Santa Marta?

Any other information regarding Cartagena or Barranquilla.  I am seriously looking for wife material on this trip.  I went to Cali last year, had a great time, but was a little too disorganized and was not prepared for meeting so many beautiful, wonderful women and I forgot all about what I was there for.  I didn't have my criteria in place to make a good decision on who to continue corresponding with or how to approach the whole thing.

Thanks,

Machin

[bigstew33]

Hey I am going to be in the same 2 cities from 3 - 31 July.  if you want to email me I can give you a little heads up on Barranquilla.  Been there 2 times.  Maybe we can meet up as well.  Swap some women    Oooops swap some stories.  bigstew33@gmail.com

[valleydude]

I went to both. I stayed at the el Prado en Barranquilla and the Hotel Da Pietro en Cartagena. I liked them both. Compared to a hotel in the US the rooms are a little dated, but not bad. I think that is typical down there. I actually like that feel when I am out of the country. I got great service at both of them and I would stay at both again. If I wanted something more like here, I would stay at the Dann in Barranquilla.

I like Barranquilla, but knowing what I know now, it would seem like Barranquilla would be a waste if a guy didn't have a girl there. Barranquilla isn't bad at all, but Cartagena is more my style. Maybe it's just me, but I saw 100x more options in Cartagena.

I don't know if I would go to San Andres to look for girls. I think San Andres is more for couples and relaxing after you found your girl. A flight from Cartagena or Barranquilla is about an hour and ran $200-300 dollars on Aero Republica. I paid $248 with out much notice. If I was just looking for a vacation (not girls), San Andres would be my number 1 choice.

I haven't heard or know much about Santa Marta. For me, I would just go to check it out because I like Carlos Vives.

VD

[markanthony7]

Machin67 there is one brother from this forum that used my condo recently he would be a good reference Parley Ray, also I am not trying to toot my own horn but anybody will tell you that Cartagena is a nicer area than BQ because it has the tourist attractions and beaches, its more of a city of diversion and experience

[markanthony7]

I could have sworn I posted this before but in case I didn't I recommend markanthony7's place wholeheartedly. Mrs. Parlay and I honeymooned in Cartagena and stayed at his place. We wanted something cozy where she could cook and give us a snapshot of married life as a couple. Very romantic. We went downstairs every morning to the little market at the building's bottom. She indeed is a good cook. 

The condo is clean, secure and tastefully decorated with "art deco" motif. Washer, internet access, a/c. etc. The clincher is the location. It's walking distance from Ciudad Vieja/ El Museo Rafael Nunez and across the street from the Caribbean Sea. 3 minute taxi ride to Boca Grande.

We'd love to go back but will probably end up in Santa Marta/Tayrona this summer. Perhaps next Carnaval would be the ticket. Mark's really personable and helpful. I'm sure it's a popular place so you may want to book in advance.

In short, markanthony's place get the thumbs up from Parlay Rey and Mrs. Parlay. 

Here's a view from the from the balcony looking north toward BAQ, and the pool.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 DSCN0243.JPG (990.04 KB, 2272x1704 - viewed 9 times.)

 DSCN0308.JPG (995.32 KB, 2272x1704 - viewed 7 times.)
 
« Last Edit: May 09, 2007, 05:54:21 PM by Parlay Rey »  Report to moderator    Logged 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I Bought A Whole Bank- for $7
 
 
 
Pages: 1 2 [3] 4 5   Go Up   Reply  |  Notify  |  Add poll  |  Send this topic  |  Print   
 
« previous next »
  Remove Topic  |  Lock topic   

[Looking4Wife]

Machin67:

As you may know, my wife is from Barranquilla (see photos for Mrs. L4W in gallery) and we met thru Jamie's agency.

I recommend the following hotel as economical, and havinng good accomodations.  They only speak spanish, so keep that in mind when calling.

Hotel Dos Mundos
Address:  Calle 72 No. 47-59, Barranquilla, Colombia
Phone (dialing from US):  011-575-858-1322



 

[EbonyPrince]

I went to Cali last year, had a great time, but was a little too disorganized and was not prepared for meeting so many beautiful, wonderful women and I forgot all about what I was there for.  I didn't have my criteria in place to make a good decision on who to continue corresponding with or how to approach the whole thing.

IMO you really need to go to Colombia a few times to digest the women and the culture.  I had the same problem on my first trip.  It was almost like being thrown into a showroom of sorts.  I digested a lot of information and met a lot of people on my first two trips.  I met several women that I felt would have made great wives, but for one reason or another they didn't completely fit the entire picture of what I sought.  A lot of conversations with my translator and soul-searching has helped me really focus on what I want, whether it be in Colombia or somewhere else.

My advice is do not rush or force anything.  Let it come naturally.  I haven't met anyone serious yet, but I also haven't made any mistakes that I regret either.  I suggest guys take at least 2-3 trips to consume everything. 

I enjoyed my time in BAQ, and I will continue to go back.  Cartagena is more my speed.  It definately has more diversity.  With it being a tourist city, I would definatley suggest scrutinizing the women you meet a lot more.  You also may be better off renting a place in Cartagena http://www.venpro.net/fotosapartamentos/english.htm.  All his apartments have hot water and A/C.  Some have washer/dryer and internet.  I feel that Mark's place may also be a good option.  I would have considered staying at Mark's place, but I had already solidified my accomodations prior to scheduling with Mark.