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Hotel Marlin Cartagena

2.0 star property
City centre hostel within walking distance of Clock Tower

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your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
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February 2025

Photo gallery for Hotel Marlin Cartagena

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

Reviews

6.8 out of 10

Good

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Breakfast available
  • Area shuttle
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Computer station
  • Front desk safe
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Laundry service
  • Multilingual staff
  • Concierge services

Feel at home (6)

  • Children stay free
  • Cookware, dishware and utensils
  • Private bathroom
  • Television
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | Free WiFi

Double Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
TV
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room (with fan)

Shower, towels

Double Room (with fan)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
TV
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Rice cooker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Single 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

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
TV
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed
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About the area

Map
Barrio Getsemani, Calle Media Luna 10-35, Cartagena, Bolivar, 130015

What's nearby

  • Cartagena de Indias Convention Center - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Clock Tower - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • San Felipe de Barajas Castle - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Walls of Cartagena - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Bolivar Square - 13 min walk - 1.2 km

Getting around

  • Cartagena (CTG-Rafael Núñez Intl.) - 14 min drive
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪El Cabildo Gastromar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Colombitalia - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Beer Lovers Tap Room - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Celele - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Doña Lola - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Hotel Marlin Cartagena

Hotel Marlin Cartagena puts you within a 15-minute drive of Clock Tower and Bocagrande Beach.

Languages

English, Spanish

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 24 rooms
  • Arranged over 2 floors

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in time starts at 2 PM
  • Minimum check-in age – 18
  • Check-out time is 11 AM
  • Late check-out subject to availability

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions

Special check-in instructions

  • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

Required at check-in

  • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

  • One child (5 years old and younger) stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room using existing bedding
  • Parents must have child's birth certificate and photo ID*
  • No cots (infant beds)

Pets

  • No pets or service animals allowed

Internet

  • Free WiFi and wired internet access in public areas
  • Free WiFi in rooms

Off-site

  • Area shuttle*

Other information

  • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast (surcharge) each morning 7:30 AM–10:30 AM
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared fridge

Travelling with children

  • Children stay for free (see details)

What to do

  • Tennis

Working away

  • Computer station

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Luggage storage
  • Multilingual staff

Facilities

  • 1 building/tower
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Television in common areas
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • 18-inch TV
  • Cable TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower only
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

Food and drink

  • Fridge
  • Microwave
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Stovetop
  • Rice cooker
  • Cookware, dishes and utensils

More

  • Daily housekeeping

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or checkout. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • You may be required to pay VAT (19%) at the property. Non-resident travellers 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).

Optional extras

  • Local area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge
  • Late checkout can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)

Children & extra beds

  • If you are travelling with a child, your property may require you to present the following documents: parents travelling into Colombia with a child under 18 may be required to present the child's birth certificate and photo ID (passport for non-Colombian citizens) at check-in. If a relative or legal guardian is travelling into Colombia with the child, that relative or legal guardian may be required to present a notarised consent of travel signed by both parents and a copy of both parents' ID. If only one parent is travelling into Colombia with the child, that parent may be required to present a notarised consent of travel signed by the other parent. Visitors who plan to travel with children should consult with a Colombian consulate office prior to travel for further guidance.

Policies

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have lifts.
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.

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

Does Hotel Marlin Cartagena offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Hotel Marlin Cartagena does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Hotel Marlin Cartagena?
Sorry, neither pets nor service animals are allowed.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Hotel Marlin Cartagena?
You can check in starting at 2 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability).
Is there an on-site casino at Hotel Marlin Cartagena?
No, this hostel doesn't have a casino, but Rio Cartagena Casino (7-min drive) is nearby.
What is there to do at Hotel Marlin Cartagena and nearby?
Practise your swing on the tennis courts.
What's the area around Hotel Marlin Cartagena like?
Hotel Marlin Cartagena is in Cartagena Walled City, a short 9-minute walk from Clock Tower and 5 minutes' walk from Cartagena de Indias Convention Center.

Hotel Marlin Cartagena Reviews

Reviews

6.8

Good

6.4/10

Cleanliness

7.2/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Poor

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.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

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.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

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
Verified Hotels.com guest review

4/10 Fair

Good location but that's about it
When we got to Hotel Marlin the power was out (not their fault). The staff showed us to our room via a flashlight but then left us to fend for ourselves without offering to provide any type of light source. We were able to use our cell phones for flashlights but they had low batteries and without power we were not able to charge them. Upon request they brought us a candle but we had no way to light it. Eventually the power came back on. The only window in the room opened up to the hallway so if we would have opened the window anyone walking by could look right into our room and it provided no breeze. There is a bar across the street with loud music playing well until the morning (I don't know but I would guess 5am). I brought earplugs but I could still hear the music through them. I eventually fell asleep but was woken up several times throughout the night by the hotel's cat meowing VERY LOUDLY outside our door. I'm guessing it was hungry which bothered me and if I would have had anything to feed him I would have. I was surprised the staff did not notice this and feed the poor little guy. The room we stayed in was incredibly small as was the bathroom (my knees hit the wall in front of me when I sat down and I'm only 5'5. We originally planned to stay at Hotel Marlin for 3 nights but checked out after the first night and relocated to Casa Tatis right around the corner. The rooms were the same price but much larger, no loud music or hungry cats to keep you up all night.
Verified CheapTickets guest review

8/10 Very good

Cartagena 2015
Cartagena is beautiful city. If you like warm weather it is a place to be
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

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.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Verified Hotels.com guest review

4/10 Fair

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.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

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.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

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.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

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.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

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.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

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.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

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.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

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)
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Nice stay
Verified Expedia guest review

2/10 Poor

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 :-(
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

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.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

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.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

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.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

LOVED IT!!! GOOD SERVICE!!!
Verified Hotels.com guest review