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Hotel Marlin Cartagena

2.0 star property
Hostel near Clock Tower in Cartagena

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Photo gallery for Hotel Marlin Cartagena

Interior detail
Exterior
Lobby
Bed in shared dormitory 4 beds | Free WiFi
Exterior

Reviews

6.8 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Barrio Getsemani, Calle Media Luna 10-35, Cartagena, Bolivar, 130015
  • Cartagena de Indias Convention Center
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Clock Tower
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Walls of Cartagena
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Cartagena (CTG-Rafael Núñez Intl.)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | Free WiFi

Double Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room (with fan)

Shower, towels

Double Room (with fan)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Bed in shared dormitory 4 beds

Bed in shared dormitory 4 beds | Free WiFi

Bed in shared dormitory 4 beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

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About the neighborhood

Cartagena

Cartagena Walled City stay.Within a 15-minute walk of this Cartagena Walled City hostel, you'll find Cartagena de Indias Convention Center and Clock Tower. Centenary Park and Plaza de la Trinidad are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Hostels in CartagenaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cartagena de Indias Convention Center - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Clock Tower - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Walls of Cartagena - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • San Felipe de Barajas Castle - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Bocagrande Beach - 3 min drive - 1.3 miles

Getting around

  • Rafael Nunez Intl. Airport (CTG) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Beer Lovers Tap Room - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪El Cabildo Gastromar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Doña Lola - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Sambal, Bistro Caribeño - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Libertario Coffee Co. & Roasters - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Hotel Marlin Cartagena

Hostel near Clock Tower in Cartagena
Hotel Marlin Cartagena offers its guests multilingual staff, tour/ticket assistance, and concierge services. A computer station is on site, and both WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces. Hotel Marlin Cartagena also features dry cleaning/laundry services, a front-desk safe, and a television in a common area.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Cartagena hostel.

  • 1 building
  • 24 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Computer for guest use
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
Hotel Marlin Cartagena offers 24 air-conditioned accommodations with rice cookers and shared/communal kitchens. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Bathrooms include showers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Cable television is provided. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee

Things to do

  • Tennis
  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 18-inch TV with cable channels

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Rice cooker
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Stovetop

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Hotel Marlin Cartagena

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child 5 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • You may be required to pay VAT (19%) at the property. Nonresident travelers who pay using a foreign card or bank transfer and present a valid passport and tourist visa may be exempt from value-added tax (19%) on tourist package bookings (accommodation plus other travel service).

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

We should mention

  • Visitors traveling with a child may be required by the property to present the following documents: At check-in, parents traveling into Colombia with a child under 18 may be obligated to present the child's birth certificate and photo ID (passport for non-Columbian citizens). If a relative or legal guardian is traveling into Colombia with the child, that relative or legal guardian may be obligated to present a notarized consent of travel signed by both parents, along with a copy of both parents' ID. If only one parent is traveling into Colombia with the child, that parent may be required to present a notarized consent of travel signed by the other parent. Visitors planning to travel with children should consult a Colombian consulate office in advance of travel for additional guidance.
  • One child 5 years old or younger stays free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Hostal Marlin
Hostal Marlin Cartagena
Hostal Marlin Hostel Cartagena
Marlin
Hostal Marlin
Marlin Cartagena Cartagena
Hotel Marlin Cartagena Cartagena
Hotel Marlin Cartagena Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Hotel Marlin Cartagena Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Cartagena

Frequently asked questions

How close is Hotel Marlin Cartagena to the airport?

Hotel Marlin Cartagena is 3 mi (14-min drive) away from the Rafael Nunez Intl. Airport (CTG) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Hotel Marlin Cartagena have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Hotel Marlin Cartagena.

How close is Hotel Marlin Cartagena to the beach?

This hostel is 2.5 mi (11-min drive) from Bocagrande Beach and 2 mi (13-min drive) from Marbella Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Hotel Marlin Cartagena offer free breakfast?

Hotel Marlin Cartagena does not offer free breakfast. It's available every day from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Is there a casino at Hotel Marlin Cartagena?

No, there is no casino at this hostel, but Rio Cartagena Casino (7-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Hotel Marlin Cartagena?

Check-in begins at 2 PM.

Is there free parking at Hotel Marlin Cartagena?

Free parking is not available at this hostel.

Does Hotel Marlin Cartagena have a pool?

Hotel Marlin Cartagena does not have a pool.

Does Hotel Marlin Cartagena have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is Hotel Marlin Cartagena to downtown Cartagena?

Hotel Marlin Cartagena is 0.3 mi away from Cartagena.

Hotel Marlin Cartagena Reviews

Reviews

6.8
Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 75 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 75 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 75 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 75 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 75 reviews

6.4/10

Cleanliness

7.2/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Natalie

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Not comfortable at all

We got a basic double room here, and it was so small and the bed took up so much space that we could barely fit ourselves + luggage into it! Being backpackers, we don't even have that much stuff. There were decorative holes in the walls near the ceiling, presumably for air flow, but they mostly let in mosquitos that ate us throughout the night. The staff, though friendly, also didn't always seem to know what was going on, making it hard to extend our reservation or even get information about the city. Maybe it was a language barrier, but we both speak Spanish and haven't had this issue at other hotels/hostels.

8/10 Good

Hernan A.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Stay away from this neighborhood! For your safety

The woman at the front desk was wonderful. They let you leave your key at the front desk when you go out, that should have been a clue to how unsafe the neighborhood is. Our mattress was at least as old as the beautiful antique headboard it was attached to. There is no hot water, the bathroom is so small you have to sit sideways on the toilet. The walls have mildew all over them and somehow the Wi-Fi only works in the 105 degree lobby. Once you step outside the hotel you are immediately set upon by the relentless swarms of human vultures who follow you, insisting that buy their hats, tours, and drugs. The streets are Full of taxis, each one honking at you as they go by, trying to give you a ride. The amount of harassment was overwhelming. Our first trip out of the hotel my husband had his pocket picked. The police are corrupt and threatened to throw my husband in jail for a made up charge if we didn't pay them 2,000,000 pesos! We were able to talk then down to 700,000, but only because I was crying and people were starting to stare. Stay away from this neighborhood! Please learn from our disastrous stay.

8/10 Good

Ruiliang, Florida

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Overall is good

Staff are very friendly and helpful. The neighborhood has many restaurants, one travel agency, markets and it is quite close to the castle. Disadvantages are the bathroom conditions: area so small and the toilet doesn't work we'll

8/10 Good

kerry, Cancun

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cartagena 2015

Cartagena is beautiful city. If you like warm weather it is a place to be

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

fine hotel but ...

You can do better staying in a private room in a hostel, this hotel was hostel-like but but too expensive for what it is. The staff was very nice, especially Jose.

8/10 Good

Raul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

4/10 Poor

Jana, Vancouver, Canada

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

OK for the price

It was very basic, tiny room. There was no space to use the toilet, had to sit on the side. We had to ask for towels and soap for the room. Convenient location to visit the Wall City. Reasonably clean.

6/10 Okay

Daniel, Florida USA

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Simple place in a great location

Great location, near bars, restaurants and near the walled city in Centro, its a very simple place with small bathrooms. Staff is layed back and is a good place to meet and mingle with turists from around the world.

6/10 Okay

Elaine, Dublin

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Small room

The hostel is located in a really good area for restaurants and bars at the weekend but that means it is noisy. The kitchen is not really usable. The cleaner stole my towel and it was not returned. Some of the staff were very disinterested and they do not speak English.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room is very small and over priced given other hostals in the area. Staff is very nice and speak passable English. Nice split air conditioning.

8/10 Good

Anita, Zurich

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Good Hostel

friendly staff answers all questions, good location in getsemani, many restaurants around, only 10 min walk to old town, private rooms are very small, but clean, good wifi, can be very loud in the evenings.

8/10 Good

Rose, Fort McMurray, Alberta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Come ahead

Arriving late at the airport I failed to notice the taxi kiosk where the rates are posted.A taxi driver grabbed my bags and I did not ask the rate. BIG MISTAKE I was charged 25,000 COP instead of 7,000-10,000. My mistake. The staff here were just incredible. Lorcy the Front desk supervisor speaks English and translated everything I required.Cautioning me to have the taxi rate agreed upon before I get in to avoid conflict. Very helpful with even the most tiresome guests. Diana my housemaid was also a tremendous help. Moved my bed to maximize space. The hotel is in the tourist area of town and needs some touch ups. I would come back here.The people of the city were in the midst of Halloween. What a treat for me. Lots of security here. Getsemani is a tourist mecca with lovely Spanish colonial buildings.

8/10 Good

Claire, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Central location, right in the action

Good, clean hotel right in the middle of many restaurants and bars (earplugs may be required.)Friendly helpful staff, clean but smallish room and decent free coffee.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Recommended(ish)

A nice enough little hostel, for what you pay it's an amazing find. The rooms are comfortable(ish) the aircon was effective, the coffee was always there, and the beds were mostly comfortable(ish). If you want luxory in Cartagena, you're going to have to pay more... if not... Marlin is perfect(ish)

10/10 Excellent

Bob, Portland, OR - now living in Panama

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very comfortable

The place is neat and clean, and the staff very friendly. I was greeted with a cup of Colombian coffee when I checked in. The hostel is located on a busy street frequented by the younger set. There are many bars and restaurants, and if you enjoy going out and being active, this is the perfect place. It is more busy on the weekends, of course. There is a little noise from the street and music in the bars, but it isn't bad and it didn't affect my sleep. Everyone in Colombia friendly and helpful, and you really feel welcome as a tourist.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice stay

2/10 Terrible

Rafael, Lima Peru

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Dont loose your money or your healty booking this

The room was unclean, old and dirty towels, also the bed, roff with breaks and no good conditios in the room at all. Door of the bathroom was just a piece of blanket.... no way !! No hot water, only cold :-(

6/10 Okay

Gary, San Diego, CA, USA

Disliked: Room comfort

Budget low water pressure

Room was very small with two sets of bunk beads. Bathroom was tiny, poorly lit, water trickled out of the sink. Shower had good pressure so washed up using the shower. Air conditioning worked well. Too well for those in the bottom bunks who froze by morning, while the upper bunks were comfortable. Clients were noisy coming and going thru the nite. Breakfast was a bowl of mixed tropical fruits in cream served at room temp. Would recommend for the low budget travelers that do not intend to spend a lot of time in the room. Only $48 bucks a nite for three. We moved after the first nite at my wife's insistence.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

great hostel for everybody

The location of the hotel is very good, just a few walking minutes from the center. the castle san felipe is also very near. The harbor to go to the islands is also in walking distance. Its better to walk or take the bus, because the taxis are extremely pricy. The rooms are very nice and comfortable. The tv is not very good though. Most of the staff are very friendly and helpfull. you can book tours and tranfers. Its acuatlly cheaper to book a tour in the hostel for the rosario islands than in the harbor itself, because there are a lot of venders who make their one prices. The laundry service is good, but be carefull with white clothes, one of my t-shirts is now yellow.

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

good budget hotel

It was clean, cool (we got an airconditioned room), and the staff were all nice. The rooms were certainly small but we weren't staying in Cartagena to spend time in the room so that wasn't a huge issue for us.

6/10 Okay

jodasa

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

London Butterfly

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good location, great staff, good price but BUDGET

This was the cheapest hotel we found in Cartagena and for the price we paid it was worth it. The location is a two minute walk from the old town and there are many bars and other hostels surrounding Hotel Marlin, so even though it is outside the old town there are plenty of other tourists about and it is safe. The staff are very friendly and helpful and they made us very welcome. The only bad thing about the hotel is that you get exactly what you pay for. It is very very basic. If you want to spend time in your hotel and like luxury this is not the place for you. If your hotel is just a place to leave your stuff and sleep then it is definitely worth it. Also, there are plenty of backpackers staying so you can always ask people for tips and advice! I should add that our bathroom sink fell off the wall... but despite this I would stay here again. Last sore point would be that some rooms are much better than others, so if your room is really bad see if you can swap some of the rooms without AC are actually a bit better than those with it. The rooms without AC all seem to have ceiling fans and shutters for the windows so you don't have to let in the sun and can therefore keep the room cool.

10/10 Excellent

JACKIE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
LOVED IT!!! GOOD SERVICE!!!

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service

Great value and yum fruit breaky

My partner and i booked a double room at Marlin Was nice comfy bed, bathroom ensuite was handy tho bit run down Excellent value cheaper than dorm at nearby hostels plus free breakfast and coffee The reception staff i found quite unhelpful and if asked a question felt like they were annoued The lady making breakfast was really sweet as were the cleaners Location great on media luna, plenty eateries and supermarket nearby