Cartagena's Hidden Gem: NH Royal Urban's Luxury Awaits
Cartagena's Hidden Gem: NH Royal Urban - A Review from a Slightly Disorganized Traveler (But a Happy One!)
Okay, so Cartagena. Holy moly, what a city! Cobblestone streets, vibrant colors, the heat… it's sensory overload in the best possible way. And after battling the throngs of tourists (and the relentless sun), finding a haven like the NH Royal Urban felt like discovering a life raft in a tropical storm. This isn't just a hotel review; it's a love letter, a slightly messy, occasionally rambling love letter, but a love letter nonetheless.
Let's get this out of the way first: Accessibility rocks. I’m talking proper ramps, elevators that actually work, and, bless their hearts, facilities for disabled guests. This is a huge win for anyone who appreciates a little ease in their travels. I'm not personally in that boat, but seeing it makes me respect the hotel even more. This ain't just ticking boxes; it feels genuinely considered.
My Room: My Sanity's Fortress (and Sometimes My Cat's Playground, Sort Of)
The room itself? Oh, the room. Let's skip the "Available in all rooms" list and cherry-pick a few highlights that truly delivered.
- Air conditioning in the room: Listen, I'm a sweater. A heavy sweater. The Cartagena heat is NOT a joke. To have a room that could become an arctic oasis at a moment's notice was… a life saver. Seriously, I think I could have survived another day in the sun because I knew that icy blast awaited me.
- Blackout curtains: These were my best friends. Needed sleep after all the walking.
- Free Wi-Fi: Yes! Free Wifi AND free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the internet gods. I'm also a digital nomad and without it I would've been lost.
- Bathtub: Now, call me old-fashioned, but a good soak after a day of sightseeing is pure bliss. The separate shower was a bonus (I'm a shower person, but nice to have choices!), and the slippers and bathrobes made me feel like a queen (okay, maybe a slightly rumpled queen, but a queen nonetheless).
- Reading light: So I could read my book as I winded down for the night. I was never more at-peace.
- Laptop workspace: Essential to all travelers.
Okay, the not-so-perfect… the scale. Why is there a scale? I don't need to know how many pounds I've gained from all the delicious food! But hey, it's there, a constant reminder, so I'll just ignore it.
Cleanliness & Safety: Fortress Mode Activated (and Actually Works!)
This is where the NH Royal Urban truly shone. I was already pretty cautious, but their commitment to safety made me feel like I could breathe.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Double-check!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Triple-check!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: You could tell, everyone was super careful.
- Safe dining setup: Eating was worry-free.
- Cashless payment service: Super convenient.
This wasn't the hotel version of "pretend we care." It was genuinely evident, and that peace of mind? Priceless.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: My Taste Buds' Paradise (and My Waistline's Nemesis)
Oh. My. God. The food.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Forget breakfast, this was a feast. An Asian breakfast? Count me in! And the Western Breakfast wasn't too bad either.
- A la carte in restaurant: The regular menu was great too.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Good coffee is a must. I am a coffee addict, and this fulfilled my cravings.
- Poolside bar: Because cocktails by the pool are mandatory.
- Restaurants: I found some amazing local stuff, loved the vibe.
I’d rate the food at the NH Royal Urban a solid 8.5 out of 10.
Ways to Relax: Spa Days, Sauna Nights, and All-Around Awesome
I am a sucker for a good spa. After a long day of sightseeing, you have to relax.
- Fitness center: Yep, the gym! It's got all the things you'd expect, perfect for burning off all those empanadas.
- Massage: I had a massage, and it was heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven. They really knew how to work out those travel knots.
- Sauna: Okay, this was glorious. Stepping out of the humidity and into a sauna and steamroom was great.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool with a view was incredible. Just sitting there gazing out at the city was pure bliss.
Services and Conveniences: Above and Beyond (and Hugely Helpful)
- Concierge: Super helpful with recommendations and booking tours.
- Doorman: Always a friendly face and ready to lend a hand.
- Daily housekeeping: Cleanliness is next to godliness, I always say.
- Laundry service: Because packing light is for chumps.
- Luggage storage: Essential for pre-flight shopping sprees… (don't judge me).
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes, even at 3 AM when you're battling jet lag and craving a club sandwich (hypothetically speaking, of course).
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls (and the Amazing Roof)
Okay, the hotel is grand and all, but you came to Cartagena for Cartagena. The NH Royal Urban, thank god, set a good foundation to explore the city.
- Terrace: I can't state just how amazing the top floor view was.
- Airport transfer: Easy and convenient, especially after a long flight.
- Taxi service: No need to haggle with the locals.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Perfect to rent out if you're a businessperson.
A Few Minor Gripes (Because I’m Honest, Dammit!)
- The lighting in some rooms was a bit dim. Perfect for sleeping, but not so much for reading if you're not a fan of the black-out curtains.
- The Wi-Fi occasionally hiccuped. But honestly, it wasn't a deal-breaker.
The Verdict: Book. This. Hotel.
Honestly? The NH Royal Urban is a winner. It's stylish, comfortable, and (crucially) felt safe. It's the perfect springboard for exploring the city, offering a luxurious haven to retreat to after a day of adventures.
Don't Just Take My Word For It! Here's Your Offer:
Escape to Cartagena's Hidden Gem: NH Royal Urban's Luxury Awaits!
Tired of the same old hotels? Craving a truly unforgettable Cartagena experience? Look no further than the NH Royal Urban, where modern luxury meets historic charm.
Here's why you SHOULD choose the NH Royal Urban:
- Safety First, Always: Breathe easy with our unwavering commitment to cleanliness and safety, including anti-viral cleaning products, staff trained in safety protocols, and convenient cashless payment options.
- Unwind in Style: Relax in our luxurious rooms with blackout curtains, free Wi-Fi, and some with bathtubs.
- Flavorful Adventures: Indulge in a culinary journey with our Asian and Western breakfast options, a la carte dining, and refreshing poolside bar.
- Wellness and Views: Recharge your batteries at our fitness center, sauna, massage services, and a pool with a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
- Seamless Convenience: From concierge and doorman services to helpful airport transfers and dry cleaning, we've got your every need covered.
Exclusive Offer for Your Next Trip!
Book NOW and receive:
- Complimentary breakfast for two.
- A welcome cocktail at our stunning rooftop bar.
- 10% Discount on spa treatments.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the best of Cartagena!
Visit our website or call us today to book your stay at the NH Royal Urban!
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Xiamen's BEST Hotel Near the Railway Station: Green Oriental Luxury!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is my Cartagena, and she's got some secrets, some charm, and a whole lot of humidity, and we're going to dive headfirst into it. And yes, it’s all happening at the NH Royal Urban Cartagena. Let’s go!
Cartagena: The Messy, Marvelous, and Maybe Slightly Over-Hyped Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Regret (Kidding!… Mostly)
- Morning (Around 9 AM): Touch down at Rafael Núñez International Airport. Okay, first impression: It's HOT. Like, "I can practically see my skin melting" hot. And the airport is… well, let's just say "rustic." Immediately started regretting not packing that tiny travel fan. Finding a taxi is a chaotic dance of shouting, gesturing, and sweating profusely. Finally, success! Negotiation skills, honed by years of haggling at flea markets, kick in. We're off!
- (10 AM): The cab ride to the NH Royal Urban Cartagena. First impressions? The driver is blasting reggaeton at a volume that may or may not be causing internal organ damage. The streets are a vibrant chaos of mopeds, taxis, and the occasional stray dog looking for a snack. Cartagena… she’s a looker, but she definitely needs a good spritz of deodorant.
- (11 AM): Arrived and checked in. The NH Royal Urban Cartagena is cute, a little less "grand" than the name suggests, but hey, the AC WORKS. Crucial. Small room but clean, that matters after such a journey. Quick unpacking - throw everything on the bed and pretend I’ve organised my life.
- (12 PM): Lunch at the hotel restaurant, because I'm exhausted and can't face getting lost immediately. Ordered a ceviche. Okay, this is a good sign. It’s fresh, tangy, and makes me forget (briefly) about the impending humidity headache.
- Afternoon (1 PM - 5 PM): Wandering the Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada), obviously. This is where the Instagrammers flock. And for good reason. Cobblestone streets, brightly colored buildings, flowers spilling from balconies… it's gorgeous. But also… crowded. And hot. SO. HOT. I swear, I saw a cat try to evaporate. Found a little shady spot and immediately ordered an agua de coco (coconut water), which is basically life-giving liquid in this heat. Spent an hour just people-watching. Some woman was waltzing across the plaza with incredible confidence in a bright yellow dress and HUGE earrings. That’s the Cartagena spirit!
- Evening (6:00 PM): Sunset from the city walls. Okay, the golden hour photos are truly worth the crowds. Magical. A street musician plays a soulful tune on a saxophone. It's the kind of moment that makes you forget about the sweaty clothes and the mosquito bites starting to itch.
- (7:30 PM): Dinner at a recommended restaurant in the Getsemaní neighbourhood (probably La Cevicheria – though I might forget its name, as I’m already suffering from a mild brain-fry). The food is great, the atmosphere vibrant, and the people are even more so. I ended up chatting with a couple from New York who seemed to know every secret spot in the city. Made some new friends. Now, I am a firm believer in the necessity of a second round of drinks, so of course, we did.
- Late Night (10 PM - onwards): Wandered the streets of Getsemaní. Street art, music spilling from bars, and a general sense of joie de vivre that's infectious. Probably got a little lost. Definitely bought a completely unnecessary, but utterly charming, hand-painted fan. Ended up eating arepas (corn cakes) from a street vendor at 2 AM, totally worth the potential stomach upset. Sleep. Hopefully.
Day 2: Dive Headfirst (Literally) and a Whole Lotta Tango
- Morning (8:30 AM): Okay, I’m going to be honest. The humidity has me feeling like a wet dishcloth. Coffee is essential. The hotel breakfast is serviceable, though I'm starting to crave a bit of variety.
- (9 AM): A trip to the Rosario Islands. Boat ride. Beautiful. Turquoise water, white sand beaches. Snorkeling. Saw a rainbow of fish. The coral was… well, let's just say it's seen better days. But hey, still stunning. Actually, I had a minor freak-out about not being able to see where I was going which was hilarious.
- Lunch (1 PM): Lunch at a small, rustic restaurant on the island. Fish, rice, beans, and a cold beer. Simple, perfect. (And the beer, crucial in this heat!) And honestly, a perfect break.
- Afternoon (3 PM): Back to Cartagena. Decided on trying a cooking class. Learning how to make arepas made me feel like a true Cartagenera (well, in my own mind, at least).
- Evening (6 PM): Refreshed from a shower (thank god for the constant hot water) and feeling brave enough to venture out again. I’m going to learn tango. It’s a promise I made to myself. Why? I don't know. But here we are.
- (7:30 PM): The tango class. I'm clumsy, my coordination is awful, and I'm pretty sure I stepped on my instructor's foot at least three times. But it's FUN. Seriously, the music, the movement, the sheer silliness of it all, is liberating. Maybe I'll never be a tango pro, but for a few hours, I felt like I was dancing.
- (9 PM): Dinner and drinks near the Plaza de Bolívar, just taking it all in. People-watching, feeling the buzz of the city. Might have had a few too many cocktails. But, hey, when in Cartagena…
- Late Night: Maybe just a little more exploration, perhaps some more dancing. Or maybe collapsing into bed, utterly defeated. Who knows!
Day 3: Art, Aromas, and Audacity (My Cartagena Farewell)
- Morning (9 AM): Trying to summon the energy for one last hurrah. Headed to the Art Museum, a beautiful colonial building. Admiring some artwork and soaking in the air conditioning, which is basically a religious experience at this point.
- (10 AM): A stroll through small streets, trying to absorb all the smells (street food, perfumes, salt water). Found a tiny, hidden-away coffee shop and spent an hour sipping the delicious coffee, watching the world go by.
- Afternoon (12 PM): A little more shopping. I’m not a souvenir person… until I am. Buying colorful textiles, maybe a cool hat. Maybe a new fan (because I clearly need more).
- Lunch (1 PM): A final lunch, this time, a quick bite at a cafe near the hotel. Thinking about the amazing food I've eaten.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Time to rest, and pack up. And just enjoy the last moment.
- (4 PM): Taxi to the airport.
- (6 PM): Departure from Rafael Núñez International Airport. Feeling a mixture of exhaustion, exhilaration, and a strange kind of sadness to be leaving this chaotic, beautiful city. Cartagena, you’ve been a whirlwind. Even though I probably gained ten pounds, sweated gallons, and maybe lost a bit of my sanity…I'll miss you. Until next time!
Minor Categories (and random thoughts throughout):
- Food: Ceviche. Arepas. Fresh fruit juices. Seriously, I need to find a way to smuggle a mango back home. The food is phenomenal, even the street food!
- Transportation: Taxis, walking (LOTS of walking), the occasional horse-drawn carriage for a cheesy photo opportunity. And a lot of sweat.
- Language: My Spanish is… basic. I’ve mastered phrases like “cerveza, por favor” and “¿Dónde está el baño?”. But, hey, a smile goes a long way.
- People: The locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming. I’ve met some amazing people during this trip.
- Regrets: Not learning more Spanish beforehand. Not bringing enough sunscreen. And maybe, just maybe, I should have packed that tiny travel fan.
- Memorable Moments: Sunset is always a standout. That tango class. The smell of the sea. The sheer chaos and energy of the city.
So here's the deal – Cartagena isn't perfect. It's gritty
Escape to Paradise: Green Tree Inn Nantong Awaits!
Cartagena's Hidden Gem: NH Royal Urban – Let's Get This Mess Sorted!
Okay, so, NH Royal Urban... Is it *really* a hidden gem, or just some brochure fluff? I'm cynical. Lay it on me.
Alright, alright, keep your cynicism tucked away. I get it. "Hidden gem" is thrown around like confetti these days. But, here's the deal: NH Royal Urban *kinda* lives up to the hype. It's not perfect, mind you. Like, the air conditioning in my first room sounded like a jet engine taking off. Seriously! Woke me up every. Single. Night. But then, (and this is where they redeemed themselves) I complained, and BAM! Upgraded to a suite *and* a complimentary bottle of wine. (Which, by the way, paired *perfectly* with the view from my balcony, even if I did slightly overindulge one evening and nearly locked myself out. Don't judge.) So, hidden? Maybe not *totally* hidden. But gem-like? Undeniably. It's the kind of place that, despite the (minor) hiccups, makes you feel like you've stumbled upon something special, and not just another cookie-cutter hotel.
The Location. Tell me about the location, I'm worried it's a tourist trap!
Location is crucial. Yes, the *walled city* itself is teeming with tourists. You can't escape that. Think of it like a beautiful, slightly overwhelming party. NH Royal Urban is *inside* the walled city. This is good and bad. Good: you're right in the thick of it. You can stumble out and immediately get lost (in a good way) in the cobbled streets, the vibrant colors, the music. Bad: You're right in the thick of it. Constant noise (but honestly, part of the charm), and you'll get approached by *a lot* of street vendors. My advice? Learn to say "No, gracias" with a smile. And if you feel like a refreshing drink, stop by a little stand. I once got talked into buying an "authentic" hand-painted miniature donkey. I think I overpaid. Ah well!
Alright, the rooms? Are they actually *luxury*? I need to know I'm getting my money's worth. I'm a diva.
Luxury is subjective, darling. But, yes, the rooms are pretty damn good. My suite? Stunning! Huge bed, proper rainfall shower (that was a lifesaver after a day sweltering in the Cartagena sun), and a balcony overlooking...something beautiful. The details matter. The soft sheets, the fluffy towels, the little chocolates on the pillow at night…these are all things that make a difference. Now, while I was there, some of the other rooms seemed a bit…older, and in need of a refresh. Which is what led to my upgrade. If you ARE a diva, then *speak up*. Don't suffer in silence. They'll likely fix whatever issue you have. Seriously, complain. Your comfort is their business, yeah? I think the views will change your perspective about your room. It's nice, and it gives you that feeling of being pampered. Okay, okay, it's not the Ritz, but it's definitely luxurious by local standards. And the AC? Make sure it works! (I can't stress that enough.)
The food. Is it any good? I'm a food snob.
Okay, foodies, listen up. The hotel's restaurant, "Las Indias", is good. Really good. The breakfast buffet, *chefs kiss*. Fresh fruit you've never seen (try the maracuya!), arepas (duh), and a chef making eggs to order. It's heaven. But, and this is a HUGE but, don't limit yourself to the hotel food. Cartagena is a feast for the senses! Venture out. Explore. Find the little hole-in-the-wall places. Ask the locals. I had the best ceviche of my life at some random shack around the corner, and I STILL dream about it. The hotel food is convenient, especially after a long day of sightseeing, but you'll miss out on a whole world of flavor if you don't explore!
What about the service? I expect to be treated like royalty. Do they speak English?
The service? Generally, it's pretty good. They're friendly, helpful, and genuinely try to make your stay pleasant, but sometimes their English is a little rough, which can lead to some amusing (or mildly frustrating, depending on your mood) miscommunications. I once asked for a "late check-out" and ended up with a plate of…I still don't know what it was. But it tasted *interesting*. So be patient. Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. It'll go a long way! Expect them to go above and beyond when they can. Tip them well.
Is there a pool? Because I need to relax. And Instagram.
Yes, there's a pool. It's a rooftop pool, with a view. And yes, it's Instagrammable. (I may or may not have taken approximately 73 photos of myself there. Don't judge.) However, it's not huge. It can get crowded. So try to go early, or during off-peak hours. The cocktails they serve poolside are pricey, but hey, you're on vacation. I think I spent more time in the pool than out of it during those few days. That view is worth the cost, or maybe not, but you're there. And the sun? Be prepared! Don't forget the sunscreen!
Okay, okay, I'm sold (maybe). But are there any major downsides? Any dealbreakers?
Alright, reality check time. There are a few things to consider: * **Noise:** As mentioned, the walled city is noisy. Expect street vendors, music, and general hustle and bustle. It's part of the charm, but not great if you're a light sleeper. * **The Price:** It's not the cheapest option in Cartagena. Especially at peak season. But you get what you pay for, generally. * **It's *Inside* the Walled City:** This is both a pro and a con. See above. Also, you'll likely have to navigate the packed streets to get anywhere. Getting a taxi can be an adventure! * **The Internet:** The Wi-Fi... well, it wasn't always the most reliable. Be prepared for buffering and occasional outages. That's true of many hotels in the area.
So... Would you go back? Honestly?
Honestly? Yes. Despite the little hiccups and the general chaos of Cartagena, I'd go back. The NH Royal Urban is a good base. The location is perfect for exploring the city. The hotel itself has charm (even if it has a few quirks). And let’Findelicious Hotels
