Escape to Paradise: Al Alma Apart-Suites Cartagena Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Al Alma Apart-Suites Cartagena Awaits! - A Real Review (Finally!)
Okay, alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm back from Cartagena, and I'm here to spill the beans on Al Alma Apart-Suites. Forget those meticulously crafted, sterile reviews. This is the real deal, warts and all. Think less PR puff piece, more chaotic travel diary. Prepare for… well, just prepare.
Arrival & First Impressions: Cartagena Charm meets… well, Al Alma
First off, Cartagena itself? OMFG. Imagine vibrant colours exploding in your eyeballs, salsa music spilling out of every doorway, and the humid air practically hugging you. Just… wow. This place is alive. And Al Alma? Situated in this gorgeous city, it promises a slice of paradise.
The initial check-in was breezy, a definite win considering I'm notoriously impatient. Contactless check-in/out? Score! Needed that because, let’s be honest, I was already sweating trying to figure out my Spanish. They also had a doorman – which, in this heat, is a godsend. Elevator? Yes! Praise the travel gods, my luggage and I can barely handle stairs.
Accessibility: This is a big one for me and something I always look for. Facilities for disabled guests? Listed. Now, I wasn't specifically in need of these, but it was reassuring to see. What I did notice was that the lobby and public areas seemed pretty navigable for someone with mobility issues. Wheelchair accessible? I'd say, with caveats. While the common spaces seemed mostly fine, I'd definitely recommend contacting the hotel directly to confirm details about specific room accessibility.
Cleanliness & That Pandemic Thing:
Let's be real, travel in 2024 is a whole different ball game. I was obsessed (maybe bordering on paranoid?) about hygiene. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double check. They even had hand sanitizer strategically placed everywhere. Honestly, I felt pretty safe. Rooms sanitized between stays? I assume so, but again, maybe a quick email to confirm if you're extra cautious. They also offered room sanitization opt-out – smart.
Rooms: My Home Away From (Very Humid) Home
Okay, the room. Let's be honest, I'm a sucker for a good room. I booked a suite, because…vacation. Air conditioning? Mandatory in Cartagena. Blackout curtains? Essential for sleeping off the previous night's mojitos. They had both. Bliss. My room also had a refrigerator – perfect for stocking up on cold water because, again… humid. And, blessedly, Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms! Hallelujah! I could finally post those Insta stories of me looking effortlessly chic.
The Bed: My One True Love (Aside from Empanadas)
Okay, the bed! Oh, the bed! It wasn't just a bed; it was a cloud of fluffy, air-conditioned comfort. Seriously, the extra long bed was a bonus since I'm a tall human. I practically melted into it. They even provided slippers! Small touch, but a massive win in my book. The bathrobes were also ridiculously cozy.
Dining: Feeding the Beast (That's Me)
Now, about the food. This is where things get… interesting.
Restaurants: They had a restaurant! And a coffee shop! I needed my morning caffeine. The breakfast [buffet] was decent. Standard fare, nothing to write home about, but definitely got the job done. They also had a Western breakfast. But, the real question: were the desserts in restaurant any good? Well, I’m not going to lie, I snuck several empanadas from the coffee shop! My secret shame, don't tell anyone.
Room service [24-hour]? Yes! Again, a lifesaver. After a long day of exploring, the thought of dragging myself to a restaurant was… not happening.
The Pool: Paradise Found (Almost)
The swimming pool [outdoor] was… well, it was there. It had a pool with a view, which was nice but, for me, lacked a little bit of “wow!” factor. It was clean, thankfully.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (Or Attempt To)
Spa/sauna? Yes, they had one! I definitely indulged in a massage. Pure bliss. Fitness center? It existed. I'm not sure I actually stepped foot in it. Vacations are for relaxation, not torturing myself with treadmills, am I right? Sauna? Yes, but I preferred the steam of the Colombian humidity.
Accessibility to Things to Do: Ok, you're in Cartagena! Do everything! The hotel is well-located for exploring the historic walled city, with its vibrant art scene, hidden courtyards, and delicious street food. The best way to see the city? Just wander. Get lost (but maybe download Google Maps first).
Services & Conveniences: Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Laundry service? Yes! Thank goodness. I always pack too much and inevitably need to wash things. The daily housekeeping was top-notch. The staff? Always friendly and helpful. Concierge? Definitely used them for recommendations and bookings. Currency exchange? Yup, they had that too.
My One Big Flaw:
The parking situation, for me, was a little bit of a pain. Car park [on-site]? Yes, and Car park [free of charge]? Nope, parking wasn’t free, but safe, and valet parking was available.
The Offer: Escape to Paradise - NOW!
Okay, here's the deal. Al Alma Apart-Suites is a solid choice. It might not be perfect (no place is!), but it's well-located, clean, has a great staff, and the rooms are comfortable. And, it’s the perfect starting point to explore Cartagena.
Here's what you get when you book NOW:
- Free Wi-Fi: Because connectivity is key.
- Free breakfast: Starts your day right.
- Early Check-in / Late Check-out: Subject to availability. Let us work that magic for you
- Special Welcome Gift: Because you deserve a little extra pampering (think local snacks and a bottle of something bubbly!).
Why Al Alma? Why Cartagena?
Because you deserve a break. Because you deserve to lose yourself in a city that smells of salt and sunshine. Because you deserve to sleep in a comfy bed, soak up the vibrant culture, and eat ALL the empanadas.
Don't wait! Book your escape to paradise at Al Alma Apart-Suites Cartagena now. Your adventure awaits!
Hurghada Paradise: Stunning 2-Bedroom City View Apartment!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into Cartagena chaos – specifically, the Al Alma Apart-Suites edition. Forget the perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this is the real deal. My Cartagena trip felt like a rollercoaster ride fueled by arepas and the sheer, unadulterated joy of being anywhere but home. So, here we go, or, well, here I went…
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Pondering (aka Finding the Damn Apartment)
10:00 AM: Arrive in Cartagena. Humidity hits me like a warm, slightly sticky hug. Airport chaos ensues. Finding a taxi felt like entering a gladiator arena. Bargaining skills rusty, wallet slightly lighter. "¡Taxi! Por favor, Al Alma Apartsuites!" My Spanish peaked here, by the way. I mostly just smiled and hoped for the best.
11:00 AM: The taxi driver, a grizzled veteran of Cartagena traffic, navigates through a symphony of horns and mopeds. The air smells of salt, exhaust fumes, and… something vaguely sweet. Maybe mango? Maybe the city's unspoken promise of adventure.
11:30 AM: Arrive at Al Alma. It’s… pretty. The photos online did not lie. The courtyard is all tropical foliage and wrought iron, promising a tranquil escape. Except… where's reception? And how do I even get in? Turns out, the key code wasn't in the email. Cue panic. Cue me, looking increasingly foolish, sweating, and trying desperately to use my limited Spanish on the phone.
12:00 PM: FINALLY! The apartment is mine. I stumble inside, collapse on the crisp white sheets, and contemplate the meaning of life while staring up at the ceiling fan. This room better be worth every peso.
1:00 PM: Lunch. A little corner eatery I stumbled upon after finally deciding to leave the apartment. The arepas were good, but my stomach rumbled a bit after. Maybe the street food was a little too… authentic. It was a delicious risk.
2:00 - 5:00 PM: A wandering adventure through the Walled City. This is where Cartagena really gets you. The vibrant colors! The old architecture! The endless opportunities for photo ops! I wander around. Get lost. Buy an ice cream cone. Get stared at due to being a gringa. Feel like I am in a movie scene.
6:00 PM: Sunset cocktails. A bar with a rooftop view. The sky is a million shades of orange and pink. I order a Mojito. Holy moly! So good. The air vibrates with music. The world feels… perfect. For about twenty minutes, until I realize I've forgotten how to take a photo to capture the moment.
7:30 PM: Dinner. A fancy-ish restaurant that I’d read about. I order the seafood casserole. It was decent, but it felt too much like "fancy food" for my first day. It was worth the price.
9:00 PM: Bedtime. I finally understand how they say that you can get exhausted with all of the excitement.
Day 2: The Beach That Almost Broke Me (But Didn't Quite)
8:00 AM: Wake up feeling great! Except my body felt sore. Maybe I walked around a little too much yesterday.
9:00 AM: Breakfast. Fresh fruit, Colombian coffee from the local market, and that blissful feeling of freedom.
10:00 AM: Off to Playa Blanca! This is where the perfection of this trip started to show its cracks. The bus ride was hot and cramped. The roads are rough. It felt like a movie scene.
11:00 AM:Arrive at the beach. The water is crystal clear! The sand, however, is everywhere. I try to find a spot away from the vendors. FAIL. A persistent man tries to sell me a massage. I bargain but don't go through with it. I think I'm too tense for a massage.
12:00 PM: Lunch. Fresh fish, caught that day. It was delicious. The beach vendors, however, were determined. They don't take no for an answer!. I eat, I retreat.
2:00 PM: Swim. I’m out of my depth! Both literally and figuratively. So many people, The ocean is full of people and trash. I feel claustrophobic! I feel a little heartbroken. After a swim, it feels like I need to clean my body.
3:00 PM: Leave, already. I was happy to leave.
4:30 PM: Back at Al Alma. I'm bruised, slightly sunburnt, and definitely not relaxed. Re-evaluate beach strategy. Next time, gotta do this right! Maybe hire a private boat? This is too big for me.
6:00 PM: Recovery Mode. Shower. Put on a face mask. Binge-watch Netflix.
7:30 PM: Dinner. Pizza. Don't judge. A comfort meal was needed.
9:00 PM: Crash. Exhausted, but with a grudging respect for the power of the Caribbean sun.
Day 3: Cooking Class and Culinary Redemption
9:00 AM: Wake up feeling optimistic! Ready for adventure!
10:00 AM: Cooking class! Learned how to make arepas, patacones, and a spicy seafood stew. The chef was amazing. I learned to eat with the locals, not a tourist, which was nice.
1:00 PM: Eat the delicious food I had made.
2:00 PM: A walk through GetsemanÃ. This neighborhood is the heart of Cartagena. Street art everywhere! The music, oh god, the music! It's like the city is constantly pulsing with rhythm. I stop in a cafe. Chat with the owner. Feel like a local.
4:00 PM: Return to Al Alma. Relax, relax, relax.
6:00 PM: A quiet dinner. Tapas and a glass of wine. Maybe a second glass of wine.
8:00 PM: I sit under tropical foliage and write this journal. I think… now I understand why they all say to come to Cartagena.
Day 4: Final Day and Departure (With a Heavy Heart)
9:00 AM: Breakfast on my balcony. Soak up the last sun rays.
10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. The vendors are ruthless! I haggle. I buy. I feel a sense of longing.
12:00 PM: One final wander through the Walled City. One last ice cream.
2:00 PM: Back at the apartment. Pack up and check out.
3:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. I look out the window, wishing I could stay. The city pulls at you.
4:00 PM: Airport craziness.
5:00 PM: I'm on the plane, flying back to the real world. My heart and stomach are full. My camera roll is overflowing with memories. I feel tired, happy, and already dreaming of my return to Cartagena.
So... What *is* this "Thing" We're Even Talking About? (And Why Am I Here?)
Wait, Am I Supposed to Actually *Understand* This Stuff? (Like, Can I Get a Degree?)
Okay, Fine. So, What *Specifically* Do You Know About? (Like, Do You Know Jack?)
Alright, Spill the Tea. What's the Deal with... Oh, I don't know... *Anything*?
Will I EVER Get a Straight Answer? Or is This Just Gonna Be a Rambling Disaster Zone?
What About... My Feelings About This Whole Thing?
